Apparently, secrets can be kept because everyone seems to be surprised that Tim Hudson underwent surgery today for a herniated disk.  The injury has bothered Hudson for they past couple of seasons, but the 36 year old pitcher had hoped to avoid going under the knife.  The Braves are confident that Hudson will be ready by Spring Training.  Even if he is not, the depth of the pitching staff should be able to withstand a delayed start by Hudson.

“Based on today’s procedure, we are happy that this will help alleviate some of the discomfort that Tim felt,” said Braves general manager Frank Wren. “The prognosis is positive for him to be ready for Spring Training and to be able to pitch during the Spring Training schedule.”

Peter Moylan, Kris Medlin, and Tommy Hanson doing their version of Kimbreling.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things we are grateful for, and perhaps in Atlanta’s case, remind them that even with a colossal collapse,  it could be worse. So let’s get to appreciating what we have (in no particular order).

1.  Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado are still Braves.  Although it was rumored that the duo was being shopped by the organization, no moves have been made, and it appears the rumors stemmed from other teams calling the Braves with interest.

2.  The Braves have enough pitching to consider dealing Jair. » Continue reading “Giving Thanks in Braves Country”

Craig Kimbrel pitched his arm off doing the near impossible, replacing Billy Wagner, yet his Rookie of the Year award brings him more criticism.  Such statements have caused me to write, rewrite, and walk away many times since this afternoon.   So in attempts to keep this positive, this one is going to be short and sweet.

Kimbrel not only earned the Rookie of the Year nod, he did so unanimously.  In more promising news for the Braves, first baseman Freddie Freeman was second in the balloting.  While Kimbrel clearly deserved the honor, it was thought the two young Braves may split the votes, and possibly knock each other out of the top spot.  Kimbrel’s record setting 46 saves and not allowing a run in 38 appearances, sealed the deal for the 23 year old.

The stove is already hot, but the Braves stoked it up by the move fans have been waiting for.  Derek Lowe is no longer an Atlanta Brave.  Lowe has struggled for the past two seasons, but was responsible for Atlanta making it to the post season in 2010.  The deal left the Braves covering an expected $10 million of Lowe’s $15 million contract.  In return, they pick up a minor league lefty Chris Jones.  While Atlanta made the deal to simply unload Lowe’s salary, Cleveland actually stands to gain from picking up the soon to be 39 year old.  Lowe has the veteran knowledge and leadership that most rotations lack, and more than that, he still has the drive to win.  I truly hope that Derek Lowe can find away to pull out a better season than 2011.  His body of work deserves to be remembered for more than just how far he fell. » Continue reading “Throw Another Log on the Fire”