Javier Vazquez to Atlanta is almost finalized.
Posted by
David (aka David)
Dec 2 '08, 15:18
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The Braves, moving to address their starting pitching needs, are on the verge of acquiring right-hander Javier Vazquez from the White Sox, according to major-league sources.
The White Sox will receive as many three players in return. Infielder Brent Lillibridge is expected to be in the deal, and the White Sox also are targeting a young starting pitcher. Left-hander Jo-Jo Reyes, who was among the pitchers under discussion, is not in the trade, a source said.
The Braves entered the offseason intending to acquire two front-line starting pitchers. When they failed in their attempt to acquire Padres right-hander Jake Peavy, they shifted their attention to free-agent right-hander A.J. Burnett and began pursuing other trades.
Vazquez, 32, went 12-16 with a 4.67 ERA for the White Sox last season. He is not a top-of-the-rotation starter, but his stuff remains above average and he could benefit from a move to the National League. He has pitched 200 or more innings in eight of the last nine seasons, the exception being 2004, when he worked 198.
For the White Sox, the deal would continue the team's quest to get younger and more athletic while reducing payroll. The Sox also are discussing trades involving outfielder Jermaine Dye, and earlier this offseason sent first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher and a minor league pitcher to the Yankees for infielder Wilson Betemit and two minor-league pitchers.
Vazquez is under contract for $11.5 million next season and $11.5 million in 2010. His limited no-trade clause blocks deals only to teams in the NL West and AL West, and he likely would welcome a trade to Atlanta, one of the closest major-league cities to his native Puerto Rico.
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