Braves Trade Hanson to Angels for Walden

[Francoeurstein]

http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/31168/hanson-cashed-in-by-cash-minded-braves

Thoughts?

[SamtheBravesFan]

It's a bit of a salary dump. Hanson's shoulder injuries have derailed his career a slight bit, and Walden is a cheap, high-strikeout reliever and Wren likes those guys very much.

[Francoeurstein]

It's a bit of a salary dump. Hanson's shoulder injuries have derailed his career a slight bit, and Walden is a cheap, high-strikeout reliever and Wren likes those guys very much.

Agreed. Tommy doesn't seem like he has much of a ceiling anymore with all of his shoulder injuries... And with our surplus of starting pitching, we didn't even need him.

I think Walden completes our bullpen and makes us the best bullpen in the major leagues. Think about it: Kimbrel, EOF, Venters, Moylan,

[SamtheBravesFan]

Agreed. Tommy doesn't seem like he has much of a ceiling anymore with all of his shoulder injuries... And with our surplus of starting pitching, we didn't even need him.

I think Walden completes our bullpen and makes us the best bullpen in the major leagues. Think about it: Kimbrel, EOF, Venters, Moylan,

If Moylan comes back and is any good. I would think they'll give him a minor league deal.

[Bigfoot 88]

I think Walden fits a role on the team better than Hanson would. After the Jurrjens situation, the Braves didn't want to make the same mistake twice. Hanson seems to be in serious trouble and while Walden had some injuries his future is much brighter.

Also, about 4 million in salary was shedded and it appears the Braves want to go after a premier left fielder.

[Zito75]

I think Walden fits a role on the team better than Hanson would. After the Jurrjens situation, the Braves didn't want to make the same mistake twice. Hanson seems to be in serious trouble and while Walden had some injuries his future is much brighter.

Also, about 4 million in salary was shedded and it appears the Braves want to go after a premier left fielder.

Pretty fair assessment... Hanson had regressed a bit even before he hit the shelf. Good move for the Braves. They'll look solid with Medlen anchoring the rotation in '13. Also like the Upton move.

[Rich the Giants fan]

Potential win/win situation. The Braves have the depth to deal Hanson and add another power arm for the pen, while the Angels get a potentially very good number 3, although I don't think much of their bullpen right now.