A Brave Shakeup

The Braves were very active today, and they've made some moves to try to shake up a team that is hovering around .500, with a 26-25 record heading into today's play. That's only 4 1/2 games out of first place, though, so there's clearly still time for Atlanta to get things going. I've speculated all year that Bobby Cox wants to win now, and today's moves are a clear indication of that.

The first Braves news of the day was that the team was releasing Tom Glavine, in what was considered a major shock. Glavine had actually tossed two straight rehab outings in which he did not give up a run, but the team felt he didn't have enough velocity to succeed in the big leagues. In releasing the 305-game winner before he was called up to the active roster, the Braves saved having to pay the lefty a $1 million roster bonus. Not only that, but Glavine was due for another $1.25 million bonus after 30 days on the active roster and another $1.25 million after 90 days. Those who actually own Glavine in deep NL-only leagues can hope he latches on with another club, but really, there's just very little reason to own Glavine at all in any format.

Next, the Braves made a move that I absolutely love, trading for a player that gives them immediate help, Nate McLouth. (And it comes on the heels of the team demoting Jordan Schafer back to the minors.) The Atlanta outfield has been as pathetic as humanly possible this season, and getting McLouth in there to play center field is an enormous upgrade. From a fantasy perspective, this really doesn't change McLouth's outlook much. He may get an uptick in runs scored since he's going to a better team, and he should continue to steal bases at his normal pace. The Braves play in a park that isn't a home-run yard, but neither was PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Also, McLouth will likely hit either in front of or behind Chipper Jones, and that's always good news. The best prospect the Braves gave up in this deal was Charlie Morton, so they did well to get McLouth without giving up Kris Medlen or, obviously, Tommy Hanson.

Speaking of Hanson, I was only about a week off from my prediction during the spring that he would get called up before June 1 by the Braves, it would appear. Following today's moves, it's being reported in today's edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Hanson will be called up to start Saturday's game against the Brewers. Hanson has been lights-out in the minors, with
a 1.50 ERA in 66 1/3 innings and a whopping 90 strikeouts. Hanson, for me, is a must-own in all fantasy leagues immediately, and yes, that means mixed leagues too. There could certainly be some inconsistency, but his upside is simply too high for him to not be owned. Trust me on this one, folks. If he's available in your league, find a spot for him and get him on your roster.