There may be a parade in Cumberland. After a painful season of watching Jim Johnson close games, new general manager Alex Anthopolous has successfully gotten the liability off the books.
Johnson has been packaged alongside $1.21 million of international pool money to the Los Angeles Angels for minor leaguer Justin Kelly. This deal essentially just gets Johnson off the books.
This move is definitely addition by subtraction, as Johnson was simply terrible last season. The numbers do not even do it justice. This opens up more money to spend elsewhere for Atlanta and opens up a bullpen spot as well. The Braves should use this money to go get an established veteran reliever.
The Braves may be weeding out some more spare parts tomorrow, as they will likely non-tender Jace Peterson and Danny Santana. Matt Adams could be a possibility as well, though the Braves will certainly attempt to trade him within the next 48 hours. They are looking to trade a corner outfielder, as well, with Nick Markakis’ name coming up in trade rumors.
Anthopolous is yet to make a splash as Braves GM, but this move will definitely put him in favor with many fans.