Atlanta Braves trade 2B Tommy La Stella to Chicago Cubs for RHP Arodys Vizcaino, bonus pool slots
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note:  Does the La Stella’s trade on Sunday open the door for Jose Peraza to make his debut in a Braves uniform?  Well, it doesn’t hurt that plan but it may not be right away.  What I’d expect is Atlanta starts out the year with Phil Gosselin as their starting second basemen and depending on how he does throughout the early part of the season, Peraza gets the call or not. Â
"Vizcaino, 24, was once a top Braves pitching prospect, but was traded to the Cubs in a deadline deal for pitcher Paul Maholm in 2012. He missed the 2012 and 2013 seasons after Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow, but returned to the majors to pitch in five games in September 2014.The Braves also traded one international bonus pool slot for three belonging to the Cubs, netting Atlanta an additional $830,000 in money that can be used to sign amateur players who are not MLB draft-eligible. Only players from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico are subject to the draft; players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Mexico — among other countries — are free to sign with the highest bidder."
Chicago Cubs acquire Tommy La Stella from Braves for Arodys Vizcaino
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note:  The Chicago Cubs seem to have a solid infield in place from 2014 and a TLS acquisition kind of seems strange but it could also mean Theo Epstein has something up his sleeve for more fireworks.  Vizcaino pitched in five games in 2014, only five innings with a 5.40 ERA and 1.600 WHIP.  This still isn’t the splash Braves fans are looking for but obviously the Braves are willing to make some deals.
"Vizcaino was slow to recover from Tommy John surgery since being acquired from Atlanta, but had made strides this season in staying healthy, and consistency in his velocity. The Cubs also get the Braves number four international signing bonus slot.Considering the Cubs are very deep in the middle infield, and appeared to be looking to bolster their pitching, this move will indeed raise some eyebrows, as well as questions. Is it possible this move is a precursor to something on the horizon? Rumors have swirled that teams are interested in Castro. He’s signed to a very team friendly deal, but that deal also makes him an intriguing in trade."
Tigers exercise option on catcher Alex Avila
Tomahawk Take Editor’s Note:  After a struggling 2014 season for Gerald Laird, the Atlanta Braves are looking elsewhere for their backup catcher.  Not real sure if Alex Avila is the right answer for a backup with the injury concerns but the Braves are looking.  I’ve heard rumors that a David Ross return to the Braves is possible.
"The Detroit Tigers have exercised their option one catcher Alex Avila, extending him through the 2015 season. Avila will make $5.4 million during the one-year deal.The Tigers were reportedly listening to trade offers for Avila over the offseason, as the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox were said to be interested in the left-handed bat."