SB Nation Atlanta - Braves Acquire Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm From Cubs; Trade Deadline Tuesday Afternoonhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46601/atlanta-fave.png2012-08-17T14:37:25-04:00http://atlanta.sbnation.com/rss/stream/28855462012-08-17T14:37:25-04:002012-08-17T14:37:25-04:00Paul Maholm Trade Working Out Nicely For Atlanta Braves
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<img alt="August 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Paul Maholm (17) pitches in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Turner field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aFM8gXsMTVYl9Ka2_0dSAKuUSy8=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8472250/20120815_pjc_av3_018.jpg" />
<figcaption>August 15, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Paul Maholm (17) pitches in the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Turner field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Paul Maholm has been as good for the Atlanta Braves as Ryan Dempster has been bad for the Texas Rangers.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> wanted <span>Ryan Dempster</span>. They didn't get him. The backup plan was <span>Paul Maholm</span>. They got him. It's safe to say now that the Braves are glad things worked out the way they did, <a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/2012/8/17/3249826/atlanta-braves-paul-maholm-ryan-dempster" target="_blank">a</a><a href="http://www.talkingchop.com/2012/8/17/3249826/atlanta-braves-paul-maholm-ryan-dempster" target="_blank">s Talking Chop explains</a>.</p>
<p>Maholm has been brilliant since joining Atlanta from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> in a trade that also landed <span>Reed Johnson</span>. Meanwhile, Dempster has been downright awful for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>. Dempster joined Texas after previously not agreeing to a trade to the Braves.</p>
<p>In three starts since the trade deadline, Maholm has posted a 1.97 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 23.0 innings pitched. He's won two of those starts. Dempster, meanwhile, has pitched to the tune of an 8.31 ERA and has given up a whopping 5 homers in 17.1 innings pitched. Dempster's numbers likely would've been better at Turner Field as opposed to hitter-friendly Arlington, but it's tough to see his performance would've better than Maholm's has been.</p>
<p>To boot, Maholm came cheaper, as the Braves didn't have to give up MLB-ready starter <span>Randall Delgado</span> to obtain him.</p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/2012/8/17/3249988/braves-trade-paul-maholm-ryan-dempsterKevin Jeffers2012-07-31T16:36:07-04:002012-07-31T16:36:07-04:00MLB Trade Rumors: Braves Stand Pat On Tuesday, August Trade Possible
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<p>The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Braves</a> saw Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline come and go without announcing any more deals, so it appears they are happy with where the roster stands now. The club added two valuable pieces in <span>Reed Johnson</span> and <span>Paul Maholm</span>, sending <span>Arodys Vizcaino</span> and <span>Jaye Chapman</span> to the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> on Monday night.</p>
<p>Some believed Atlanta could add a right-handed reliever prior to the deadline, but the price just wasn't right. Due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, it's tougher for teams to trade for relief pitchers with no draft pick compensation in return.</p>
<p><span>Ryan Dempster</span>, who the Braves had a deal in place for last week, ended up going to the <a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Texas Rangers</a> for two prospects. <span>Matt Garza</span>, Josh Johnson and <span>James Shields</span> all stayed with their respective teams.</p>
<p>As for what else could be coming, the Braves always have the option of trying to swing a deal in August. Any trade would have to go through waivers, but an expensive or veteran player can usually get by. You will recall <span>Derrek Lee</span> was acquired in mid-August back in 2010 to help with the playoff push.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Braves, check out </i><a href="http://talkingchop.com" target="_blank">Talking Chop</a><i>.</i></p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/31/3207366/braves-trade-rumorsScott Coleman2012-07-31T08:00:46-04:002012-07-31T08:00:46-04:00MLB Trade Rumors: Braves Continue Evaluating Options Before Deadline Hits
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<p>The <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Braves</a> made one substantial trade on Monday night, acquiring outfielder <span>Reed Johnson</span> and left-handed pitcher <span>Paul Maholm</span> in exchange for <span>Arodys Vizcaino</span> and <span>Jaye Chapman</span>. The deal was a very good one for the Braves, especially when you consider it filled their biggest need off the bench and added a capable back-end starter.</p>
<p>Atlanta is happy with their move, but that does not mean they will sit back on Tuesday as the trade deadline nears. With all non-waiver trades required to go through by 4 p.m. EST, expect general manager Frank Wren to keep making phone calls throughout the afternoon.</p>
<p>The Braves could benefit by adding a quality right-handed reliever to the back their bullpen. <span>Craig Kimbrel</span> has been phenomenal this season, but getting the ball to him in the 9th inning hasn't always been easy.</p>
<p><span>Jonny Venters</span> has been inconsistent all year. <span>Chad Durbin</span> seems to be all-or-nothing every time he takes the mound. <span>Luis Avilan</span> isn't a bad pitcher, but he really should only be pitching against left-handed batters due to his splits. The same goes for current Triple-A pitcher <span>Cory Gearrin</span> against righties. <span>Jair Jurrjens</span> isn't a viable option except in mop-up duties.</p>
<p>There are always relievers on the trade market this time of year. The Braves will not overpay for one, but just because they made one deal last night doesn't mean they are necessarily done for good.</p>
<p>Atlanta could also look to acquire a left-handed pinch-hitter for the bench given <span>Eric Hinske's</span> struggles this season.</p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/31/3205814/braves-trade-rumors-reed-johnson-paul-maholmScott Coleman2012-07-31T07:30:05-04:002012-07-31T07:30:05-04:00MLB Trade Rumors: Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm Solid Fits For Braves Playoff Push
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> made a big move on Monday night, acquiring <span>Reed Johnson</span> and <span>Paul Maholm</span> from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> in exchange for right-handed pitchers <span>Arodys Vizcaino</span> and <span>Jaye Chapman</span>. They were known to be in the market for starting pitching and a right-handed bench bat, two needs Johnson and Maholm fill nicely.</p>
<p>Johnson, 35, is an outfielder capable of handling either of the corner outfield positions. He won't draw any comparisons to <span>Michael Bourn</span> or <span>Jason Heyward</span> with his defense, but he's serviceable. The real reason the Braves acquired him is for the bat, where he's hit left-handed pitchers to the tune of .313 with an OPS of .838 throughout his career.</p>
<p>With <span>Matt Diaz</span> likely out for the season with a thumb injury, Atlanta was desperate to add a reliable right-handed hitter to their bench. The addition of Johnson will allow Fredi Gonzalez to both use him in key pinch-hit situations late in games, as well as an occasional starter whenever Bourn, Heyward or <span>Martin Prado</span> need a day off.</p>
<p>Look for Jose Constanza to return to Triple-A to make room for Johnson on the roster.</p>
<p>As for Maholm, he is a 30-year old lefty who spent most of his career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> before coming over to the Cubs in the offseason. Most would refer to him as a crafty southpaw, throwing a fastball in the mid-to-high 80s with a solid changeup and curveball. His career ERA is 4.30, although it's just 3.74 this season after posting a 3.66 mark in 2011. Maholm doesn't strike many batters out (6.06 K/9), but he doesn't walk many (2.54 BB/9), either.</p>
<p>Look for him to become Atlanta's fifth starter. It would appear Maholm would take <span>Kris Medlen's</span> recently-appointed job in the back of the rotation, although the Braves could elect to keep both around and give <span>Tommy Hanson</span> some time to rest his arm. Given the recent drop in velocity from Hanson, it might not be a bad idea for a week or two.</p>
<p>The loss of Arodys Vizcaino, who is currently recovering from Tommy John Surgery, could come back to haunt the Braves, but he is still yet to stay healthy for an entire season. Most project him to be a late-inning reliever. Jaye Chapman, 25, really doesn't project to be anything more than a bullpen pitcher or spot-starter down the road.</p>
<p>I like the trade for the Braves. The roster did not need to be overhauled, just fine-tuned a bit with the addition of a couple players. Frank Wren gave up two prospects for two proven veterans who will fill big needs this year, and he did so without locking the team up financially.</p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/31/3205840/braves-cubs-trade-rumors-reed-johnson-paul-maholm-arodys-vizcaino-jaye-chapmanScott Coleman2012-07-31T00:03:02-04:002012-07-31T00:03:02-04:00MLB Trade Rumors Update: Arodys Vizcaino And Jay Chapman Going To Chicago
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<p>Late on Monday evening it was reported that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> were involved in a trade that would send <span>Reed Johnson</span> and <span>Paul Maholm</span> to Atlanta.</p>
<p>Now, according to Mark Bowman, Braves beat writer for MLB.com, we now know who the Braves sent to Chicago to get Johnson and Maholm:</p>
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<p>As <a href="https://twitter.com/ken_rosenthal"><s>@</s><b>ken_rosenthal</b></a> first reported, <span>Arodys Vizcaino</span> will be going to the Cubs with <span>Jaye Chapman</span></p>
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) <a data-datetime="2012-07-31T03:42:58+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/mlbbowman/status/230146510023688192">July 31, 2012</a>
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<p>Vizcaino is a Braves top relief prospect but has been plagued with constant problems with his arm. During spring training the 21-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery. Jay Chapman is a 25-year-old relief pitcher who played for the Gwinnett Braves, Atlanta's Triple-A affiliate. </p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: none 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the Braves head over to <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: none 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.talkingchop.com/">Talking Chop</a>. For news around the Major Leagues go visit <a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/" target="_blank"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Baseball Nation</b></a>, and visit </i><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px none; outline: none 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"></i><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #002c66; font-weight: bold;" href="http://mlbdailydish.com/" target="_blank">MLB Daily Dish</a> for trade rumors from around Major League Baseball.</i></p>
https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/31/3205661/mlb-trade-rumors-update-arodys-vizcaino-and-jay-chapman-going-to-Chicago-CubsBryan Crawford2012-07-30T22:59:21-04:002012-07-30T22:59:21-04:00MLB Trade Rumors: Braves Acquire Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm From Cubs
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> saw one earlier deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> fall apart, but it appears they have acquired outfielder <span>Reed Johnson</span> and left-handed pitcher <span>Paul Maholm</span>. The Braves had been looking for a bench bat and starting pitcher.</p>
<p>No word on which prospects will be headed to Chicago in exchange for the two. It is believed at this time that none of <span>Julio Teheran</span>, <span>Randall Delgado</span>, <span>Mike Minor</span> and <span>Sean Gilmartin</span> will be included. Delgado was originally set to be traded for <span>Ryan Dempster</span> last week.</p>
<p>Here is FOX Sports with the confirmation.</p>
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<p>Source: Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson dealt to <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23Braves"><s>#</s><b>Braves</b></a>.</p>
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) <a data-datetime="2012-07-31T02:51:45+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/230133621837676544">July 31, 2012</a>
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<p>Johnson will be a great addition to the Braves bench. He is a right-handed outfielder with a career .313 batting average and .838 OPS against lefties, who have given Atlanta problems all season.</p>
<p>Maholm is a solid option at the back of the rotation. He has been on a roll lately, pitching to the tune of a perfect 5-0 record and 1.03 ERA since June 29. He has been prone to home run balls this season, but a move to spacious Turner Field should help greatly.</p>
<p>More to come shortly.</p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/30/3205544/braves-trade-rumors-reed-johnson-paul-maholmScott Coleman2012-07-30T09:50:13-04:002012-07-30T09:50:13-04:002012 MLB Trade Rumors: James Shields Market Cooling
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<p>The trade <a href="http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2012/7/30/3201420/rays-rumors-market-cooling-for-james-shields-no-trade">market for Tampa Bay pitcher James Shields may be cooling</a> as teams are starting to think that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> aren't serious about moving him before Tuesday's trade deadline. The Rays are reportedly <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/jon-heyman/19683117/teams-starting-to-wonder-if-shields-might-stay-in-tampa-bay">asking for a package that is greater than what Milwaukee got</a> from Anaheim for <span>Zack Greinke</span>. </p>
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<p>The Rays are said to be seeking "north of Greinke," referring to the three-prospect package the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> got for star pitcher Zack Greinke, who is a free agent after the season. So if they do trade him, it will obviously be expensive in terms of the prospect return.</p>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> may already be out on Shields and if the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> weren't willing to give up a package of prospects for Greinke then it is highly unlikely that they would do so for Shields. </p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/30/3201620/2012-mlb-trade-rumors-james-shields-bravesKris Willis2012-07-30T09:01:16-04:002012-07-30T09:01:16-04:00MLB Trade Rumors: Josh Beckett Offered To Braves By Red Sox, According To Report
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<p>According to a report by Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> called the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Atlanta Braves</a> to gauge interest in right handed starting pitcher <span>Josh Beckett</span>. </p>
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<p>Sources: Boston called Texas and Atlanta within last 48 hours trying to dump Josh Beckett. No deal is imminent. Red Sox gauging interest.</p>
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) <a data-datetime="2012-07-30T05:14:01+00:00" href="https://twitter.com/JeffPassan/status/229807036177711104">July 30, 2012</a>
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<p>Beckett is currently in the second year of a four-year deal that pays him in excess of $15 million per season. Any deal that the Red Sox are to obtain would likely be contingent on how much of the remaining salary that Boston is willing to cover. Given the way Beckett has struggled this season that may not even be enough to peak interest from a team like Atlanta who is looking for some consistency in its starting rotation. </p>
<p>Boston reportedly contacted the Braves because they thought that Atlanta would be a destination that Beckett might be willing to waive his 10 and 5 rights. </p>
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https://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-braves/2012/7/30/3201497/mlb-trade-rumors-josh-beckett-braves-red-soxKris Willis