Brewers and Braves swing a deal

[Magus Relmyn]

ANAHEIM, California - The Atlanta Braves have found a closer, paving the way for John Smoltz to return to the rotation.

SportsTicker has learned that the Braves have traded prized pitching prospect Jose Capellan to the Milwaukee Brewers for All-Star reliever Danny Kolb. Sources close to both sides confirmed the deal.

Earlier Saturday, Braves manager Bobby Cox was pointed in his comments that Smoltz was headed back to the rotation, likely aware that the deal was close to being finalized.

Not a bad move at all on the Brewers' part. Capellan throws some heavy smoke, but I wonder who will take over as Milwaukee's closer until Capellan is ready. With the acquisition, I guess this means John Smoltz will blow out his arm earlier than expected.

[yankeesfan26]

they are nuts to get rid of Kolb after the year he had last year. Especially for someone who has not yet proved himself in the majors. This is a very risky deal, but it could prove usefull for both sides in the long run. We will just have to wait and see how this plays out.

[allsportidiot]

they are nuts to get rid of Kolb after the year he had last year. Especially for someone who has not yet proved himself in the majors. This is a very risky deal, but it could prove usefull for both sides in the long run. We will just have to wait and see how this plays out.

Capellan throws some serious heat and could be someone who could break the 25-man roster coming out of spring training. The guy has awesome potential and this really helps a team that was looking to up its starting staff going into winter meetings. Kolb was a very good closer and all, but seriously the guy leaves the ball up and he will have an ERA over 6 without question, and down the road he started doing it. I am guessing Mike Adams will most likely be the Brewers closer next year which I dont mind at all from what I saw from this guy last year. Who knows, maybe Novinsky could break the roster or they could pick up a FA. But for now, all signs point to Adams.

[gsbe44]

I think this deal is amazing... Smoltz is back as the #1 Starter and will Dominate and they managed to get a great Closer in Kolb in the time being.. good move for ATL

[twins15]

I'm very skeptical about Smoltz's arm. But if he can stay healthy, nice move for the Braves.

[Peabody]

Dangit check another closer off the Chicago Cubs wishlist

[Molina00]

I just hope after 3 or 4 years as a reliever Smoltz can successfully transition back to being a starter. I would hate to see something happen to ruin the last few years of his career. the Brewers really didn't need Kolb because they have no chance whatsoever of competing next year, or any coming years, with the Astros, Cards and Cubs in the same division. Kolb has had a couple of good with the Brewers and hopefully he can continue his success with the Braves. I am a bit biased though as Kolb is a former Ranger and I wasn't too happy when they let him go.

[allsportidiot]

I just hope after 3 or 4 years as a reliever Smoltz can successfully transition back to being a starter. I would hate to see something happen to ruin the last few years of his career. the Brewers really didn't need Kolb because they have no chance whatsoever of competing next year, or any coming years, with the Astros, Cards and Cubs in the same division. Kolb has had a couple of good with the Brewers and hopefully he can continue his success with the Braves. I am a bit biased though as Kolb is a former Ranger and I wasn't too happy when they let him go.

I think your missing the point of this deal. Kolb is the coming years is going to be demanding good money. This is a team that basically wants to invest its money into Sheets and possibly getting a good Free Agent or two. Sexson and Clement are names I am hearing could be potential signings. This team, with Posednik's hitting again, could surprise about everyone. Staff is going up, they have solid defensive players around the field, even with the loss of Counsell, my only problem is the lineup. No I dont think Overbay will have another year like last year and I think he could be somewhere around .285 throughout the entire season, Jenkins could finally start getting into it before the final month of the season, and since Posednik will probably be gone I do have faith in Krynzel. I honestly think people underestimate this team and I think they will finish the season near .500. Adams was a very solid reliever last year and I have no problem handing him the reins as a closer.

[wolves025]

Well I hope Smoltz does a good job at a starter just does his arm have the power to go 5-6+ innings still and does he still have starter stuff or not?

[Molina00]

I think your missing the point of this deal. Kolb is the coming years is going to be demanding good money. This is a team that basically wants to invest its money into Sheets and possibly getting a good Free Agent or two. Sexson and Clement are names I am hearing could be potential signings. This team, with Posednik's hitting again, could surprise about everyone. Staff is going up, they have solid defensive players around the field, even with the loss of Counsell, my only problem is the lineup. No I dont think Overbay will have another year like last year and I think he could be somewhere around .285 throughout the entire season, Jenkins could finally start getting into it before the final month of the season, and since Posednik will probably be gone I do have faith in Krynzel. I honestly think people underestimate this team and I think they will finish the season near .500. Adams was a very solid reliever last year and I have no problem handing him the reins as a closer.

While the team may have the potential to be competitive they are still in a very tough division with the Astros, Cardinals, Cubs and maybe even the Pirates next year. Pirates are a stretch though but still, I don't think they will be good enough to compete with the big 3 in that division. Although I expect Sheets to have another huge season, and maybe Doug Davis, I don't see the rest of their rotation doing that much yet. Again, I'm probably a bit biased on Davis being a former Ranger.

[gold8_leader]

Hope Smoltz can return to his old form before his Tommy John surgey as a starter.