December 4, 2008 The Braves' trade for Javier Vazquez from the White Sox has been finalized, according to the Associated Press. Vazquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan are headed to Atlanta and the Sox acquire catcher Tyler Flowers, infielders Jonathan Gilmore and Brent Lillibridge and left-handed pitcher Santos Rodriguez.
Our View:The Braves landed a hard-working pitcher who should top 200 innings in 2009, and the Sox added depth to their middle infield and an eventual replacement for AJ Pierzynski at catcher with Flowers, who crushed 12 homers in the Arizona Fall League.
December 2, 2008 The Braves have reached an agreement with the White Sox on a trade for Javier Vazquez, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. The White Sox, who will receive as many as three players in return, may also send left-handed reliever Boone Logan to the Braves as part of the deal. Infielder Brent Lillibridge, Class A catcher Tyler Flowers and starter Jo-Jo Reyes.
Our View:This could take the Braves out of the Jake Peavy hunt. We'll let you know when/if the deal is finalized.
December 2, 2008 The Braves are trying to answer their starting pitching questions and it looks like the answer may be Javier Vazquez, according to FOXSports.com. The Sox and Braves are said to be in serious discussions about the trade.
Our View:The White Sox would receive as many three players in return. Left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes and infielder Brent Lillibridge are among the names under discussion.
November 25, 2008 The Braves have inquired about pitcher Javier Vazquez, according to MLB.com.
Our View:The Braves covet an arm for their rotation and one of Chicago's top priorities is to deal Vazquez. Perhaps second baseman Kelly Johnson would be part of a package, which would fill a need for the Sox. Vazquez was previously said to be on the Mets' radar.
November 23, 2008 The NY Daily News states that Javier Vazquez could be an option for the Mets. The White Sox are interested in trading him and the Mets did inquire about him earlier in the month.
Our View:The Mets look to be outbid (by either the Yankees or Red Sox) for free agent hurler Derek Lowe, and Vazquez could be had for a favorable price, as the Sox want to unload the final two years of his contract ($24 million). Vazquez went 12-16 last season, but held a passable 1.32 WHIP.
