Chopping Network: McDonald inks contract with Braves

January 16, 2010

The Atlanta Braves, in a defensive minded move, signed free agent shortstop John McDonald to a one year $660,000 contract for 2010.

McDonald, 35, hit .250 with one home run, 18 RBI and 10 stolen bases for Toronto in 2009. But it's his glove that Braves GM Jobo Foster was most interested in.

"Bobby Cox and I view this as another move to bolster our bullpen. McDonald's role with us will be as a late inning defensive replacement," said Foster. "He strengthens our club according to the old adage to be strong up the middle. His range will cut down on the number of 'seeing-eye' base hits that haunted us so much last year."

McDonald told reporters he will glad to come to Atlanta for Cox's last season as Braves manager. "He's already a legend. I hope we'll be able to add to his legacy with a playoff season and one more title for him."

Braves send Vazquez to Texas for Gonzalez, Main

Monday, June 28th, 2010 - The Texas Rangers traded 32-year-old reliever Mike Gonzalez and 21-year-old minor league starting pitcher Michael Main (pictured above) to the Atlanta Braves, getting 33-year-old starting pitcher Javier Vazquez in return. Braves GM Jobo Foster said the trade was made to bloster the bullpen with the reaquisition of Gonzalez, to make some financial room and to open a spot in the rotation for southpaw Aaron Poreda who, Foster says, has earned a shot with Atlanta. It is rumored that veteran starting pitcher Tim Hudson may be on his way out of the rotation if his performance does not show marked improvement.