Atlanta Braves

We all know what Dan Uggla can bring to the table—a lead pipe for a bat and a lead glove to match it.  With the rumors swirling of a possible trade that would land the All-Star second baseman in Atlanta, many concerns have arose, mainly about his defense, or lack thereof.

Is Uggla's defense as bad as it is perceived to be?  The simple answer is no. 

Although he has never been or will never be a Gold Glove caliber defender, he is far from having the "lead" glove eluded to earlier.  The fans misconception of Uggla started back in 2008. 

About a month ago, I would have completely dismissed any type of Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves rumors as just that, rumors.

But, with the Braves still having a hole in left field (a position that many say Uggla could play) and the Marlins seemingly eager to trade their arbitration-eligible second baseman, you have to at least think about it.

Let's first examine what Uggla brings to the table.

For his career, the soon-to-be 30-year-old is a .257 hitter and has slugged at least 27 home runs in each of his first four big league seasons.

By Caesar Cliffius

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The Atlanta Braves and third baseman Troy Glaus are close to signing a contract. ESPN reported that the only object in the way of signing Glaus is a physical exam. MLB.com is already showing Glaus in a Braves cap on his profile page.

It looks like the Braves have found their right-handed power hitter.

Despite playing only six games in his career at first base, the Braves signed Troy Glaus to a one-year/$2 million contract yesterday:

Free agent corner infielder Troy Glaus and the Atlanta Braves have reached a tentative agreement on a contract, a baseball source told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

In the offseason, much is made of the comings and goings of established major league players in free agency.

But many often overlook the same thing happening in the minor leagues.

In the "Recapping Minor League Free Agent Losses" series, I'll be looking at what, if anything, each team is losing at the minor league levels.

I'm not going to bother covering every player, because not all of them are very important and I have little to say about many of them. I'll just be touching on those who I think could be of value to another team in free agency.

I'll admit it, I initially freaked out about sending Vazquez and Logan to New York for Cabrera, Dunn, and Vizcaino.  However, after I thought it over in a calm manner, I came to the realization that it was actually a very thoughtful and rational move by Frank Wren. 

In analyzing Javier Vazquez, it's a wonder he was able to pitch so well last year.  In his 12 full seasons in the bigs, he's only posted an ERA under four a head scratching five times.  On top of that, last year was his only season ever under three. 

Yesterday, a number of Braves fans gathered up their torches and pitch forks and started to load up a wagon bound for the Mexican beach on which Frank Wren is vacationing.

"Why did we trade our ACE for a fourth outfielder?!?!

"We need power!!!  Not a s%*##y Yankee scrub!!!"

Well, today I hope that at least a few have jumped off of that wagon, as the Braves acquired their big right-handed bat that all of us Braves fans have for so long sought.

Sort of.

There's something cooking in New York and no, it's not the Mets.

Following the Javier Vazquez for Melky Cabrera trade, the Braves' fanbase has gone berserk.

"What? Our best pitcher for a crappy fourth outfielder?" and blah, blah, blah.

Well, while it is tough to see Vazquez go, we should all just chill out and accept the trade. And there are a couple of reasons why.

First of all, Frank Wren found only a couple of teams willing to take Derek Lowe, and all of the teams wanted the Braves paying about half of the salary left on Lowe's contract.

Now think about this: How mad would all of you have been if the Braves did this: