Braves interested in Cody Ross?

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Atlanta Braves have some interest in Ross but "would want the price to keep coming down." The word from the AJC is that Ross "wants something in the neighborhood of the two-year, $10 million deal that Dave DeJesus got" from the Chicago Cubs. But it's hard to see that happening.

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