| 30 March 2010
As expected, there's roster shufflin' aplenty going on around the league, and the Braves aren't about to be left out. The Braves' transactions page chronicles all the goings-on, with some additional breaking news from David O'Brien. Following are the things Frank Wren has checked off his to-do list in the last few days (in order of relevance):
Lose Manny Acosta on waivers to the Mets: The Braves tried to remove Acosta from the 40-man roster in order to open up a third free spot, but their division rivals took a chance on Acosta's live arm. It's not a move I'm particularly broken up about, as Acosta's got plenty of stuff but no results to back it up. I liken it to the Jeff Francoeur trade: there's something to be gotten out of Acosta (and Francoeur), but if the Braves haven't gotten it by now, they probably never will, and maybe someone else can.
Outright Todd Redmond to Triple-A: This happened immediately after Jason Heyward was notified that he'd be on the team Opening Day, and it creates a 40-man roster spot for Heyward. It's no surprise that Redmond cleared waivers. He's a mediocre innings-eater at Triple-A, which makes him far worse than that at the big-league level. Move on, nothing to see here.
Outright Juan Abreu to High-A: When so many teams have full 40-man rosters, it's high time to try to pass a guy like Abreu through waivers. He's full of upside with a fastball that touches triple digits on the gun, but he's not ready to help out in the big leagues just yet. The Braves got their roster down to 38 with the move (then to 37 once Acosta got claimed).
Option Gregor Blanco to Triple-A: This was pretty much a formality, with the Braves having no need for any more outfielders on the team. Blanco's future in the organization is blurry, and I'm not sure anyone cares anymore. He's fallen a long way since he posted a .366 OBP in the majors in 2008.
Option Luis Valdez to Triple-A: This move isn't unexpected in itself, but it does give me a chance to note the significance of who didn't get outrighted off the 40-man roster. Valdez has yet to report to spring training due to visa issues. Stephen Marek had a horrific year at Triple-A last year and really hasn't shown anything since he was acquired from the Angels in 2008. Since the Braves were clearly looking to trim the fat off the roster, it's interesting that they still have faith in Valdez and Marek, choosing to instead take their chances passing Abreu and Acosta through waivers. Unless of course Frank Wren was just going in alphabetical order, in which case Jesse Chavez ought to keep his bags packed.
Sign Vladimir Nunez: Hey, look, our old buddy Vladimir! It's nothing to be that excited about of course, but you can do far worse for a guy that's willing to pitch at Triple-A until needed as an injury replacement twelfth pitcher. Glad to know he's back, and my money says he sees the majors again in 2010, even if just for a week or so.
O'Brien also gives us a little insight into who will get those newfound 40-man roster spots. Obviously Heyward gets one. O'Brien says Scott Proctor will spend a few weeks getting loose at Gwinnett before joining the big club, but Wren could easily opt to just leave that roster spot open until Proctor is ready. The third could go to Joe Thurston, who seems more and more likely to make the team. As of now, I'll take Thurston over Conrad for the final bench spot. And with Frank Wren saying yesterday that Craig Kimbrel would head to Triple-A to start the year, that probably puts Jo-Jo Reyes and unfortunately Jesse Chavez in the bullpen.
