Frank Wren, Atlanta Braves general manager
photo by Tim Evearitt
Braves general manager Frank Wren revealed that by signing Gavin Floyd to a one-year contract, he likely ended his pursuit of a veteran presence for Atlanta's starting rotation.
To the Braves, Floyd stood as the most logical fit as they shopped an unattractive starting pitching market with limited dollars to spend and the desire to find a short-term solution who would not block the path of some of the organization's talented young starters.
"You are looking at who is the best fit for you, who fits your team, who fits your payroll, all of those things," Wren said. "We felt Gavin was a real good fit for us."
There is no doubt the Braves are taking on a risk with Floyd, who is seven months removed from Tommy John surgery. Initially, it appeared Floyd would need 14-19 months of rehab.
But after reading Dr. David Altchek's latest reports and informing their own doctors about how Floyd is already throwing pain-free from a distance of 180 feet, the Braves were willing to take this risk and tab Floyd as the man who could eventually provide the depth and insurance they needed in the rotation.
Wren is confident Floyd will be available to join Atlanta's rotation at some point in May.
On Wednesday, Atlanta acquired Ryan Doumit from the Twins in exchange for left-handed starting pitcher Sean Gilmartin.
Doumit is a capable pinch-hitter who can be utilized as a catcher, first baseman or corner outfielder. The 32-year-old veteran batted .247 with 14 home runs and a .710 OPS while compiling 538 plate appearances with the Twins this year.
With this acquisition, the Braves have gained the power potential they had not previously had on their bench. Doumit has hit at least 10 home runs in five of the past six seasons, and he belted a career-high 18 for the Twins in 2012.
Gilmartin has not lived up to expectations since the Braves took him with the 28th overall selection in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. The 23-year-old has gone 12-20 with a 4.23 ERA in 54 professional appearances. He compiled a 5.74 ERA in the 17 starts he made for Triple-A Gwinnett this year.
------ Source: MLB.com