Braves Big Offseason Winner

Braves, M's scoring big in offseason

Tony DeMarco, MSNBC

The winter meetings used to be the focal point of baseball’s offseason, the time when many teams made their most-important deals and signings. But these days, the meetings have become more of the midpoint of activity. With free agents dragging out the signing period, and teams paying more importance to the Dec. 20 contract tendering date, roster alterations now stretch into the new year. Still, it’s never too early to look at the winter’s winners and losers as the holidays near:

Atlanta Braves: Only general manager John Schuerholz could find a way to add Tim Hudson and John Smoltz to his rotation in the same offseason that he has to endure another payroll cut down to about $80 million.

The Braves did have to deal away four excellent young talents in pitchers Jose Capellan, Juan Cruz and Dan Meyer, plus outfielder Charles Thomas. But once again, they have put themselves in position to extend their record division-title streak.

Capellan went to Milwaukee for closer Danny Kolb, allowing Smoltz to get his wish and return to the rotation. Can he go back to a 200-inning workload after not pitching more than 80 in any of the last five seasons? If anybody can, it’s Smoltz.

The other three went to Oakland for Hudson, as the Braves capitalized on the A’s financial shortcomings to get an ace for a rotation that also figures to include John Thomson, Mike Hampton and Horacio Ramirez. And they didn’t have to give up All-Star-caliber second baseman Marcus Giles, as they need all the offense they can get in light of J.D. Drew’s departure.

There still are gaps to fill, namely the corner outfield spots. But getting an affordable Hudson (92-39 lifetime and just entering his prime) is the best deal of the winter.

Agreed. As I've noted before, corner outfielders are a dime a dozen.