Atlanta Braves trade Tommy Hanson – MLB Update
After a long thought process on whether to keep one of their most experienced players, the Atlanta Braves have finally decided to trade pitcher Tommy Hanson to the Los Angeles Angels.
“We wanted to make sure there was an opportunity for our young pitchers to break through in the spring, and the way we were set up there really wasn’t a spot, So we were focused on trying to use some of our excess starting pitching to find a power bullpen arm,” general manager Frank Wren said in the media as he explained about the recent trade.
He added, “I’m not saying it doesn’t give us some more payroll flexibility, but that wasn’t the primary motivator. His arm is healthy, he’s just kind of developed into a liltle different style of pitcher the last few years, And with that new style it’s moved him back in our rotation.”
In exchange, the Braves received Angels’ hard throwing relief pitcher Jordan Walden.
Though Hanson has been a very productive role player for the Braves from his very early days in Major League Baseball, but at the start of the 2012 season his game deteriorated with rapid pace as he could not display any of his aggressive plays.
On the other hand, as soon as the season ended, the Braves started evaluating his entire past performance and at the end; they considered trading him is the best option.
The Braves’ management started looking for teams which will potentially offer them a good deal involving Hanson.
Earlier news came out in the media that Tommy Hanson could be traded to any of the leading American League teams, however later it was revealed that Los Angeles Angels are the front runners to acquire Hanson in exchange for a relief pitcher.
Hanson, with three-years of Major League experience, is a highly talented individual and has progressed enormously since his start.
He last averaged at hitting 4.48 along with 13-10 win-loss 161 strike-outs and 1.45 WHIP. His career hitting average of 3.61 along with 45-32 win-loss, 592 strike-outs and 1.25 WHIP also makes him a good player on the mound.
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