Late moves, better batting can make Braves a contender

Some late roster additions and emerging bats have the Atlanta Braves looking like a contender again this year, though most experts are picking them third or fourth in the NL East race. Despite the lack of huge offseason moves, GM Frank Wren has quietly assembled a strong all-around squad with player health again likely to be the only obstacle between the Braves and the playoffs.

Late Moves, Energized Bats Have Braves Looking Like a Contender Again

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 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 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

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

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

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