Braves get their centerfielder

The Braves completed a trade yesterday for CF Mark Kotsay, formerly of the Oakland A's. While not necessarily an upgrade over Andruw Jones, Kotsay comes at a much smaller price tag, especially with the A's picking up more than $5 million of his $7.325 million contract. If he stays healthy, Kotsay will provide a solid option for the Braves in the outfield.

I don't know much about him, but after reading up on him a bit, he looks like a solid bat in the line-up and has played a gold-glove worthy centerfield. Last season, he suffered from a back injury that required surgery and limited him to 56 games. The Braves medical staff performed a physical on Kotsay and if he stays healthy, he will man centerfield for at least next season.

The Braves parted ways with relief pitcher Joey Devine, their first round pick in 2005, and minor league pitcher Jamie Richmond. I liked Devine, but he probably was put in the majors too quickly. He is infamous for giving up the 18th inning HR against Houston in the 2005 playoffs.