Report says Braves were interested in Adam Jones

Jeff Schultz suggests the Braves were open to trading pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder-infielder Martin Prado for one Adams Jones.

According to the Baltimore Sun, the Braves offered Jurrjens, Prado and a prospect to the Orioles for center fielder Adam Jones, but Baltimore declined the proposal.

AJC: Braves' reportedly offered Jurrjens, Prado, for Orioles' Jones

MLB Winter Meetings and the Braves Pitching Roster

The MLB Winter Meetings are upon us and that may mean some changes in the Braves pitching situation, including the possible trade of Jair Jurrjens.

Despite their epic collapse at the end of last season, the Braves seem bound for an offseason devoid of too much drama. That may not be what fans want to hear, but it is probably the wise strategy. The Braves were an underperforming team in 2011 and are still amazingly young (outside of their starting lineup) with a startling cast of hot rookies and prospects banging on the door, especially on their pitching staff.

Derek Lowe is now gone since the Braves took a $10 million hit to trade him. The other pitching veteran, Tim Hudson, has just had back surgery and the prognosis is for him to be on track by spring training. Even if that happens it is clear that the future of Braves pitching is based on youth.

Here is a look at the Braves pitching situation going into the MLB Winter Meetings:

Yahoo Sports: Braves Pitching Options Headed into MLB Winter Meetings

Tim Hudson has back surgery, Braves hope ace back by spring training

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tim Hudson had back surgery earlier this week, but the team hopes that the veteran 36-year-old will still be ready for the start of spring training.

With the departure by trade of Derek Lowe, the 36-year-old Hudson is now clearly the dean of the Braves starting rotation. In fact he is probably still the ace of the staff even though he is rarely regarded as such by the press and the fans.

Unlike Lowe, Hudson had another strong year in 2011 going 16-11 with a 3.22 ERA. And unlike some other Braves starters, Hudson seems willing to pitch through pain and eat innings despite nagging injuries. The crafty right-handed vet led the Braves in wins, ERA, and innings pitched.

Continue reading here:

Tim Hudson Back Surgery Has Braves Hoping Ace Continues Remarkable Career

Braves refuse Alex Gonzalez arbitration, may look for new shortstop

The Atlanta Braves have declined to offer salary arbitration to free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez, gambling that they can find a one-year replacement for him until their minor league solution is ready. Gonzalez, a veteran infielder, is coming off a stellar defensive year but one in which he hit just .241. He does not figure into the Braves long term plans.

Atlanta was seeking to avoid paying $3 million or more to Gonzalez simply to serve as a one-season bridge to upcoming prospect Tyler Pastornicky. Pastornicky will likely be ready to take over at shortstop for the Braves after next year.

Braves decline arbitration with Alex Gonzalez

Braves Kimbrel NL Rookie of the Year

Despite the epic collapse that was the end of the Atlanta Braves' season, rookie fireballing closer Craig Kimbrel has been named the National League 2011 Rookie of the Year. Like the rest of the Braves, Kimbrel faltered down the stretch but that didn't stop the Baseball Writers' Association of America from recognizing his outstanding rookie season.

Kimbrel finished one spot ahead of another Atlanta Braves teammate, first baseman Freddie Freeman. Kimbrel got 32 first place votes and Freeman 21. The season-long play of Kimbrel and Freeman is one of the reasons Braves' fans are optimistic about the future. 

Braves Kimbrel NL Rookie of the Year

Could Mark Cuban buy the Barves?

If Liberty Media hung a For Sale sign out front of Turner Field next month, would Mark Cuban be permitted to purchase the Braves if he was the highest bidder? Or at this point, given the way baseball has treated him in the past, would he even bother bidding for the Bravos?

Read David O'Brien's column here:

Of Braves potential sale 

Braves trade pitcher Derek Lowe

Braves pitcher Derek Lowe was booed off the mound in his last start of the season, stripped of a guaranteed spot in the rotation shortly thereafter, and ultimately traded to Cleveland, completing a tailspin to close out his tumultuous three-year stint with the Braves.

The Braves traded the 38-year-old Lowe on Monday to the Indians, who have agreed to pay $5 million of the $15 million Lowe is owed in 2012 in the final year of his contract. The Braves, who will cover the remaining $10 million, got minor league pitcher Chris Jones in return.

With the additional $5 million they cleared in this deal, the Braves are believed to have about $10 million to purse additions at shortstop and the corner outfield.

Braves' Lowe traded to Cleveland

Sporting News Names Braves Kimbrel NL Rookie of the Year

The selection of fireball closer Craig Kimbrel as the Sporting News' National League Rookie of the Year gives the Atlanta Braves hope that despite their epic collapse down the stretch in 2011 the future still looks bright.

Kimbrel broke the major league record for saves in his rookie season, ending up tied for the National League lead with 46 saves. The 23-year old had a 4-3 record with a 2.10 ERA and finished the season with a strong lead in strikeouts among relievers with 127 in his 77 innings pitched.

Sporting News Tabs Kimbrel NL Rookie of the Year

Braves bring in Dascenzo to coach speed in the minors

The Atlanta Braves hiring of Texas League manager of the year Doug Dascenzo as their minor league base running and outfielder coordinator is a clear demonstration of their new team emphasis on speed.

Dascenzo played in the major leagues as an outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, Texas and San Diego in parts of seven seasons. He also stole 30 or more bases for five straight years as a minor leaguer. He began his coaching career as a base running and outfielder coordinator in the Padres system in 1999.

The Braves have recently shifted both their major and minor league strategies to concentrate on building speed in the organization, after years of ranking toward the bottom of the league in stolen bases.

Read more:

Yahoo Sports: Braves bring in Dascenzo for organizational speed

Chipper Jones as Braves hitting coach?

The Atlanta Braves will interview Greg Walker, formerly of the White Sox, this week in the effort to fill their vacancy as hitting coach. Walker had done good work in Chicago, although he was criticized for his inability to reach prized prospect Gordon Beckham and the famous flailer Adam Dunn.  (An aside: Dunn was whiffing 190 times a year long before he met Walker.)

Greg Walker? He’d be a good hire. But there’s a guy I keep hearing touted for the job who’s already in-house, and I wanted to address that today. His name: Larry Wayne Jones Jr.

Mark Bradley: Chipper as Braves hitting coach?

Braves might bring Medlen back as lefty specialist in the postseason

The Atlanta Braves would like to bring back pitcher Kris Medlen as a reliever for the postseason, if his rehabilitation from elbow injury allows it. The team knows it may be in need of a left-handed specialist and would love for Medlen to be available.

Braves might bring Medlen back as lefty specialist in the postseason

Injuries to Jurrjens and Hanson could hurt Braves in postseason

Atlanta holds a healthy lead in the wild-case race despite trailing the Phillies in the division. But in a short first playoff series, their vaunted starting rotation is now in doubt.

Injuries to Jurrjens and Hanson could hurt Braves in postseason

Braves rally to avoid sweep from Dodgers

Just as a steady rain started falling at Turner Field, they rallied for three runs off Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, turning an error, a wild pitch and a broken-bat bloop into a tie game. Two innings later, Martin Prado gave the Braves a 4-3 victory with a walk-off RBI single.

Braves rally to avoid sweep from Dodgers

Braves bring in Diaz, Wilson

With the Aug. 31 trade deadline set to expire, the Atlanta Braves made a couple of moves that they hope will help them once they get to the playoffs. The team has filled their biggest hole by acquiring Michael Bourn at the July 31 deadline, so the moves made on Aug. 31 were made to help settle the bench.

Braves add Diaz, Wilson

Braves about to call up major help from the minors

The Atlanta Braves are about to get some major help form the minor leagues.

September call-ups begin Thursday as major league teams expand their rosters for the stretch run. Luckily, for Braves fans, there is a lot of hot young talent (and even some old experienced talent) waiting in the wings to give the starters some days off and showcase what they've got for the future.

Braves about to get major help from minor leagues

Hanson injury reveals Wren's wisdom

As the shoulder injury to Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tommy Hanson continues to look more serious, Braves fans who wanted to trade away some of Atlanta's bountiful pitching should appreciate the wiles of Frank Wren.

Hanson injury reveals Wren's wisdom

Heyward's grand slam could turn around season

It may be reaching to believe one swing of the bat can turn around a whole lackluster season, but if that's possible then Jason Heyward's grand slam Tuesday night against the Cubs is the hit that could do it.

Heyward's grand slam could turn around season

Braves closer Kimbrel ties rookie saves record

Adam Sparks discusses Braves rookie closer Craig Kimbrel and his record season:

Kimbrel Ties Rookie Record for Saves

Wes Helms tries to hit his way back to the Braves

Wes Helms is back in the minor leagues, trying to hit his way back up to the same Atlanta Braves team that drafted out of high school in 1994.

Wes Helms tries to hit his way back to the Braves

Uggla and Braves blow out Arizona

Brandon Beachy is barely less than a month shy of the anniversary of his major league debut with the Braves, still a spring chicken. But next to Wade Miley and the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night, he looked nothing short of chiseled veteran.

Uggla and Braves blow out Arizona

Braves win on Chipper homer, Minor pitching

After Chipper Jones took The Freak deep for a lead, the Braves’ three bullpen horses made sure Mike Minor was rewarded for the finest start of his career.

Braves win on Chipper homer, Minor pitching

Braves fans thrilled about the future with Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino

Braves minor league call-ups Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino provided Braves fans with a heady look at the future in the team's 2-1 extra-inning victory over the San Francisco Giants.

Braves fans thrilled about the future with Randall Delgado and Arodys Vizcaino

Delgado shines, Prado wins it in 11th for Braves

Rookie Randall Delgado allowed no hits through six innings in his second big-league start, and the Atlanta Braves pulled out another last at-bat win on Martin Prado’s two-out single in the 11th Tuesday night.

Delgado shines, Prado wins it in 11th for Braves

Freeman's clutch hit shows why McCann and Jones are so important

Freddie Freeman got the key hit in the Braves 5-4 come from behind win against the Giants, but it was the potential menace of Brian McCain’s bat that set it all up so perfectly. McCann and fellow veteran star Chipper Jones are the best players on the Braves team, but each is often undervalued by fans despite the powerful impact they have on the offense.

Freeman's clutch hit shows why McCann and Jones are so important

Braves fans mourn death of former player and broadcasting great Ernie Johnson Sr.

Millions of fans remember Johnson as the longtime play-by-play announcer and color commentator for the team. As a boy, I grew up listening to Ernie Johnson Sr. on TBS and will never forget the days when the Braves broadcasts were the highlight of the evening, even when the team often lost.

Braves fans mourn death of former player and broadcasting great Ernie Johnson Sr.

Uggla continues hitting streak in Braves loss

Dan Uggla extended his hitting streak to 33 games, but the Braves saw their winning streak snapped at five after Uggla’s two-hit, one-homer night wasn’t enough to power the Braves past the Cubs.

Uggla continues hit streak, Cubs win

Uggla getting no respect despite hitting streak

Despite his record hitting streak, Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is still getting no respect for the press.

Uggla getting no respect despite hitting streak

Braves’ Alex Gonzalez proves defense still matters

If you think a player's ability to hit for a high average or with a lot of power is far more important than their ability to play defense, you should be watching Alex Gonzales play shortstop for the Braves this year.

Braves’ Alex Gonzalez proves defense still matters

Brian McCann's return should boost Braves offense

The return of All-Star catcher Brian McCann to the Atlanta Braves' batting order should send an already improving Atlanta offense soaring. McCann is currently taking batting practice and is scheduled to come off the DL on Friday, and he could play that soon if he and manager Fredi Gonzales agree he is ready.

Brian McCann's return should boost Braves offense

Injury to Jurrjens is huge hit to Braves’ rotation

The Atlanta Braves' starting pitching rotation took a huge hit with the news that Jair Jurrjens is going onto the 15-day disabled list with a right knee sprain. The move sent a ripple of shock through Braves fans as Jurrjens had not been known to be hurt, and Atlanta has already been dealing with some serious injury issues.

Injury to Jurrjens is huge hit to Braves’ rotation

Braves face Mets in key series

The Atlanta Braves gear up for a key series at New York against the Mets, which begins Friday at 7:10 pm Eastern time.

Braves face Mets in key series

Braves fans remember Skip Caray

If it weren't for Skip Caray announcing Atlanta Braves games on TBS, I don't know if I ever would have become a fan of the team. Without his dry sense of humor and funny one-liners, I know I would have never wanted to get into the sports writing business. Often times, his announcing would remind me of Bob Uecker's character, Harry Doyle, in "Major League." It was truly a pleasure to hear it every day.

Braves fans remember Skip Caray

Atlanta Braves fan gift guide

A list originally made for Christmas last year but the items are still good. Great for birthdays of Atlanta Braves fans during the stretch run this year.


Atlanta Braves fan gift guide

Braves Freddie Freeman making convincing case for Rookie of the Year

Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is surging just at the right time to make his case for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Freeman was just named the NL Rookie of the Month. In July, he led all other major league rookies in batting average, hits, and on-base percentage. Freeman hit .362 in July with 38 hits and 18 RBIs.


Braves Freddie Freeman making convincing case for Rookie of the Year

Braves vs Mets Weekend Preview

After losing the first two games in Washington, the Atlanta Braves were finally able to pull out a victory in the nation's capital, 6-4. The Braves ensured that they would not be swept for the first time this season. Next up for the team is a trip to Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y., where they will battle the New York Mets.

Braves vs Mets Weekend Preview

Is Derek Lowe the weak link in the Atlanta Braves rotation?

Derek Lowe got lit up by the Washington National last night in the Atlanta Braves' 9-3 loss. It was the third straight loss for the Braves.

Atlanta fans have been excited by the trade for Michael Bourne, but the losing streak hurts. Most troubling may be the performance of Derek Lowe this season and the thought of having to depend on him as a key piece in the stretch run.

Is Derek Lowe the weak link in the Atlanta Braves rotation?

Michael Bourn trade adds up to huge win for the Braves

Although they waited until just hours before the trading deadline came, the Atlanta Braves made the best possible move they could by trading for center fielder Michael Bourn and not giving up very much in return.

The Braves acquired Bourn from the Houston Astros for center fielder Jordan Schafer (who is currently on the DL with a fractured finger) and three minor league prospects, all pitchers—Brett Oberholtzer, Paul Clemens and Juan Abreu.

Michael Bourn trade is huge win for the Braves

Braves trade Shafer and prospects for Michael Bourn

After putting two center fielders on the disabled list this week, the Braves have acquired one who gives them their first legitimate leadoff hitter since Rafael Furcal left town.

Braves get Bourn

Uggla homers again, as Hudson, Braves beat Marlins

Suddenly the off-season trade for Dan Uggla isn't looking so bad after all. Uggla homered to win a game against the Marlins for the second straight night to help Tim Hudson get the win.

Hudson, Braves beat Marlins on Uggla Homer

Braves best Florida with Uggla's homer

Dan Uggla hit a big homer against his old club and Brandon Beachy did his best pitching yet as the Braves topped the Marlins.

Uggla homer powers Braves to win over Marlins

Braves fall to Pirates

Braves lose to Pirates, seems they can only beat them in wild extra-innings games.

Braves fall to Pirates

Braves best Padres in extra innings again

The Pirates have stayed close to first place in the NL Central by taking advantage of their scoring chances.
For the second straight extra-innings loss to Atlanta, the Pirates failed to deliver the key hit.

Braves best Padres in extra innings again

Braves place Brian McCann and Jordan Schafer on the DL

Here are the details from Yahoo Sports about the Braves injury woes regarding Brian McCann and Jordan Schafer.

Braves place McCann, Scafer on DL

Comparing the Phillies and the Braves rotations

The distance between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in the National East race has been a surprise to many people. I remember Aaron Boone stating on ESPN that he expected the Phillies to run away with the division. A lot of that was due to the Phillies stellar pitching rotation. That being said, the Braves rotation has had as much success, if not more than the Phillies.

How do the two rotations compare?


Comparing the Phillies and the Braves rotations

Chipper Jones' injury setback could mean Braves trade big

Bad news for Atlanta Braves fans as Chipper Jones' rehab from knee surgery has been pushed back. The All-Star third baseman was scheduled to begin play in the minor leagues as a designated hitter this weekend with the Braves Single-A Rome team, but after taking batting practice with the Triple-A Gwinnett squad it became clear he needed more time.

Chipper Jones' injury setback could mean big trade for Braves

Which Braves pitcher would you be willing to trade?

The Atlanta Braves nation is buzzing about the upcoming trade deadline, and that is no surprise considering that while Atlanta has had pretty strong pitching all year and has a number of upcoming young arms, the offense has been inconsistent and sometimes downright nonexistent.

Which Braves pitcher would you trade?

Freeman's hot streak means the Braves might not have to part with Lowe

Although the Atlanta Braves offense may not have been a juggernaut this season, rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman is working hard to change that.

His play may help calm down the rumors that the Braves will soon deal starting pitcher Derek Lowe to bring in more offense before the trading deadline.

Read more here:

Freddie Freeman's hot bat means the Braves might not have to trade Derek Lowe

Will the Braves trade Derek Lowe?

The Atlanta Braves have had great pitching all year, but hitting has been a struggle, and starting pitcher Derek Lowe may be on the trading block.

The Braves are behind the Phillies in the division but well ahead in the wild card race. Still, with Chipper Jones injured and Dan Uggla struggling at the plate, even Lowe knows he might be dealt.

Should the Braves trade Derek Lowe?

Prado's bat could boost Braves offense

The Atlanta Braves' offense has been improving of late and it could get another much-needed boost soon with the return of regular left fielder Martin Prado

Prado has been out of action for a month nursing a staph infection. He has begun a rehab assignment with the Braves' Triple-A Gwinnett club and looks to be in Atlanta's lineup after the All-Star break.

Prado's return after All-Star break could ignite Braves offense

Derek Lowe leads Braves past Rockies as Freeman sizzles

Derek Lowe got the win as Freddie Freeman and Dan Uggla both went long in the Braves 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies Tuesday night. Freeman is sizzling as his third homer in two games gave the Braves an early lead.

Lowe contributed offensively as well, hitting a key three-run double.


Lowe leads Braves past Rockies