Nick Swisher Traded to the Braves

[Jaypers]

per Jon Heyman.

Wonder what Chris Olds is thinking right about now....

[Jaypers]

Per Mark Bowman, Chris Johnson headed to CLE.

[Andrew Jones]

Talk about a blockbuster. Will cases of Topps Update be going up now?

[calculusdork]

Talk about a blockbuster. Will cases of Topps Update be going up now?

LOL ... what a trade.

Simply a case of "new environment" for both.

[SportsAutoFreak]

Per Mark Bowman, Chris Johnson headed to CLE.

D2R will be thrilled about that.

[NeedChapmans]

Same money, Johnson attached for one more year.

Allows ATL to add an outfielder to a very thin position; and dump Johnson from an overpopulated position. Yea Atlanta.

[711 Cards]

Fantastic move. Hart has officially moved our bad contracts. Now we can sign some good ones

[Jaypers]

Bourn also headed to ATL.

[cwgross144]

Bourn is included in the deal as well.

[benjamincarm]

Fantastic move. Hart has officially moved our bad contracts. Now we can sign some good ones

On MLB Radio yesterday he said "looking at the market with Cespedes, Upton, Heyward, the dollars we think will be out of where we want to go". So I'm not sure he's planning on spending anything.

Sounds like they got Bourn too in the trade.

[88UDKidGriff]

Bourn, Swisher, and cash for Johnson. Real steal by Hart in this one I think, even if Swisher stinks.

[free2131]

My 2009 self just came.

I wonder how much cash is going back considering that the remaining contracts from Swisher and Bourn are over $30M and Johnson is $16.5M.

[peterose4hof]

Will Bourn be an everyday starter for the Braves?

[chfu3030]

My 2009 self just came.

I wonder how much cash is going back considering that the remaining contracts from Swisher and Bourn are over $30M and Johnson is $16.5M.

Tree fitty would be my guess

[88UDKidGriff]

Will Bourn be an everyday starter for the Braves?

Doubtful. Eury Perez has been effective in his time with the team. Him in left, Maybin ir center and Markakis in right should be the norm.

[JaredThe79]

I'm really sad to see Swish go. He wasn't the greatest player but he was the nicest person. So energetic, fun, and kind. Good luck in Atlanta. Hope you rake.

[phasesout]

Who is Chris Olds?

[SethMurphy]

Indians unloading those contracts is a nice bonus for them

[Jaypers]

Who is Chris Olds?

Billed as the world's biggest Swisher fan. Works over at Beckett.

[ALBASKETBALL]

Bourn, Swisher, and cash for Johnson. Real steal by Hart in this one I think, even if Swisher stinks.

This made me crack up. This deal is a home run for Cleveland for the simple fact they unloaded two huge contracts for guys that should be grazing on grass

[ShadeTree]

Yeah peeps this is much better deal for cleveland shredding two horrible contracts. There due almost 20mil next year . Thanks Braves

[IamRalpho]

3 of the worst contracts in baseball, in one deal.

Gross

[benjamincarm]

Yeah peeps this is much better deal for cleveland shredding two horrible contracts. There due almost 20mil next year . Thanks Braves

They also sent over cash, so that is a key variable in the equation as to who won the trade.

[NeedChapmans]

This made me crack up. This deal is a home run for Cleveland for the simple fact they unloaded two huge contracts for guys that should be grazing on grass

With Bourn added, I don't understand the sense from Atlanta. That's a good amount of money to take on from two very terrible players. ($10M to Atlanta)

Nothing young in return from Cleveland?

[ALBASKETBALL]

With Bourn added, I don't understand the sense from Atlanta. That's a good amount of money to take on from two very terrible players. ($10M to Atlanta)

Nothing young in return from Cleveland?

Pure cash dump. I am sure they would have taken any prospect before the trade deadline for either of them.

[hohlernr]

Thank god. Such a relief getting rid of those bums. Excellent trade Cleveland.

[NeedChapmans]

Pure cash dump. I am sure they would have taken any prospect before the trade deadline for either of them.

Gives Cleveland money to spend in 2016, the Braves in 2017. Very little doing.

[ALBASKETBALL]

Gives Dolan money to keep in 2016, the Braves in 2017. Very little doing.

Fixed it for you:)!

[trixstar]

2015 Braves: Trade for young arms and old bats.

[Wolves4Life]

Anyone know who comes up for Indians? I doubt it will be a good prospect.

[ALBASKETBALL]

It isnt a bad trade for the Braves. Bourn could provide a spark for them. Wouldnt count on the man formerly known as Brohio

[ALBASKETBALL]

Anyone know who comes up for Indians? I doubt it will be a good prospect.

Jesus Aguilar and Kyle Crockett (Tito loves bullpen arms) would be my guess

[88UDKidGriff]

This made me crack up. This deal is a home run for Cleveland for the simple fact they unloaded two huge contracts for guys that should be grazing on grass

Yeah peeps this is much better deal for cleveland shredding two horrible contracts. There due almost 20mil next year . Thanks Braves

Only thing is that the Bourn and Swisher contracts are up after 2016 since their vesting option for 2017 is dependent upon them each having over 550 PAs in 2016 (neither will). Johnson, while receiving less money, is on the books for $20 million in 2017. And the Braves get the difference in cash this season ($10 million). Braves want to compete in 2017 and really don't care much about 2015/16.

[ALBASKETBALL]

Johnson will make $7.5 million in 2016, $9 million in 2017 and $10 club option in 2018.

Tribe owed Swisher and Bourn $29 million for the 2016 season, $15 for Swisher, $14 for Bourn.

[88UDKidGriff]

Johnson will make $7.5 million in 2016, $9 million in 2017 and $10 club option in 2018.

Tribe owed Swisher and Bourn $29 million for the 2016 season, $15 for Swisher, $14 for Bourn.

Oops, my bad. But still, the Braves get money for 2017, instead of having to pay CJ. As a Braves fan watching CJ this season, I would pay double his salary to not have to watch him for 2 more years. Even if that means having Swisher and Bourn do nothing for one year.

[death2redemptions]

I am very happy with this trade. I don't care much for Bourn or Swisher but I hate no one more than I hate Chris Johnson.

[death2redemptions]

D2R will be thrilled about that.

You would be correct.

[auctionjmm]

Wow and here we thought we were stuck with these guys. Guess Atlanta doesn't mind paying 29 million for two bench players next year. Gives Cleveland some cash to actually make a significant move THIS offseason.

[bkovach06]

YAAAAAAAY. Get thee bums out of here. What a waste of money

[Hallco]

Chris Johnson and I went to the same high school! True story. Of course I was there when he was born, and he attended MANY years after!!! :eek: Lol. And what the heck happened to him in 2013....http://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/2014/Topps-Red-Hot-Foil/237/NL-Batting-Average-Leaders-(Michael-Cuddyer-Chris-Johnson-Freddie-Freeman).jpg?id=3a55e245-0052-4c80-8e0a-c68216ebd8d1&size=zoom chased Cuddyer for the batting title and is currently hitting .235!? :confused: Hopefully the new scenes will help all players involved.

[ALBASKETBALL]

Oops, my bad. But still, the Braves get money for 2017, instead of having to pay CJ. As a Braves fan watching CJ this season, I would pay double his salary to not have to watch him for 2 more years. Even if that means having Swisher and Bourn do nothing for one year.

Its all good. The money is about the same if you include the 10 million cash going to the Braves. In all reality, trade is a wash. Cleveland is happy Bourn/Swisher are gone and Atlanta is happy Johnson is gone. Lets celebrate together:D

[88UDKidGriff]

Chris Johnson and I went to the same high school! True story. Of course I was there when he was born, and he attended MANY years after!!! :eek: Lol. And what the heck happened to him in 2013....http://img.comc.com/i/Baseball/2014/Topps-Red-Hot-Foil/237/NL-Batting-Average-Leaders-(Michael-Cuddyer-Chris-Johnson-Freddie-Freeman).jpg?id=3a55e245-0052-4c80-8e0a-c68216ebd8d1&size=zoom chased Cuddyer for the batting title and is currently hitting .235!? :confused: Hopefully the new scenes will help all players involved.

Crazy high BABIP is the answer for 2013... .394 for the season.

Its all good. The money is about the same if you include the 10 million cash going to the Braves. In all reality, trade is a wash. Cleveland is happy Bourn/Swisher are gone and Atlanta is happy Johnson is gone. Lets celebrate together:D

Let's party like its 1995!

Sorry, its all we Atl. sports fans have...

But I do agree. This move makes everyone happy it appears!

[PejaD]

Can BrOhio still play in the field? I thought he was strictly a DH now; makes him a bit limited in the NL. Bourn makes a nice late inning defensive replacement or pinch runner.

[ALBASKETBALL]

Can BrOhio still play in the field? I thought he was strictly a DH now; makes him a bit limited in the NL. Bourn makes a nice late inning defensive replacement or pinch runner.

Was playing right field or first base with indians

[columbusbuckeye]

Wow thank god the Indians finally did something right.

I've never liked Bourn and Swisher was tolerable just because he was a nice guy, terrible player but a good person.

Best of luck to you Swisher broing out in the ATL.

[Tarheelsfan2012]

On MLB Radio yesterday he said "looking at the market with Cespedes, Upton, Heyward, the dollars we think will be out of where we want to go". So I'm not sure he's planning on spending anything.

Sounds like they got Bourn too in the trade.

The Braves are far more likely to spend money in the offseason on a veteran pitcher (Price or Greinke) . There is a lot of money that comes off the books. The hitter we are more likely to get through a trade or two since we have a lot of young arms.

[PejaD]

Was playing right field or first base with indians

Ok I guess he must have been injured earlier since he has only played one game as a non-DH this year for the tribe. Looks like they had him taking RF in his rehab starts. Though the Braves are good with hometown Markakis in RF

[JohnRyno]

locked up a ring with that move

[Jaypers]

One less obstacle for Bradley Zimmer once he's ready, IMO.

[jumbogorilla]

are they making room for zimmer?

[NickM]

Too much to hope for a Ramsey callup?

[death2redemptions]

Both teams are happy so looks like a win-win.

[death2redemptions]

Too much to hope for a Ramsey callup?

Ramsay?

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz150/JDfromAZ10/4f0EIIl_zpsw5dx9eh3.gif (http://s822.photobucket.com/user/JDfromAZ10/media/4f0EIIl_zpsw5dx9eh3.gif.html)

I had no idea he played baseball.

[redsraysbball21]

Since the money is pretty much a wash, I don't see how a Braves fan could be mad at this deal. Chris Johnson was useless, it's worth a gamble to see if Bourn or Swisher can pull a Cameron Maybin and play much better with a change of scenery.

I think having Swisher in the clubhouse is a huge deal. Similar to Scott Rolen for the Reds when they traded for him several years ago, having a veteran leader with a ton of young guys can go a long way.

There is a lot of off the field stuff to consider as well when you evaluate trades. From what I've seen and heard of Swisher, he's the type that tends to make those around him a little better of a professional, so I like that aspect as an Atlanta fan. As always, we will see how this one plays out with who outperforms who. Hart is definitely earning his money this year with all these moves.

[Bob Loblaw]

per Jon Heyman.

Wonder what Chris Olds is thinking right about now....

"I'm hungry".

[lambeauleap87]

Purely strategic salary dump from both sides, but the Indians ultimately are saving a significant amount from the Braves. Braves are loading up to spend in 2017, as has been mentioned. Here was the salary changed involved, according to Indians writer Zach Meisel (from the Indians perspective)

2015: Loss of $2.5m
2016: Save $21.5m
2017: Loss of $9m (plus $1m buyout)

So the Indians still save $9 million, which is a big chunk. More importantly, it offers them roster flexibility that was much needed instead of these two being deadweight. Hugely positive trade for the Indians.

And, sorry Braves fans, but anyone who thinks there is any value (be it chemistry or on-field) hasn't followed anything Bourn or Swisher have done the past two and a half years. Completely worthless. Swish has been one of the worst players in baseball according to WAR and he hasn't even played for most of it. Glad to be rid of them.

[base set]

Talk about a blockbuster. Will cases of Topps Update be going up now?

special last minute super short SSP short prints anyone? Cleveland rocks baseball cards!

[death2redemptions]

BIG 2-out 2 run double for Swisher in his debut!!

[death2redemptions]

Have fun with Choke Job. Such a horrifically bad all around player and quite possibly the worst 3rd baseman in baseball. He's also a hot head who ends up getting ejected once a week for running his mouth. The guy had to put tape over his mouth just to shut himself up. Braves fans will remember that.

[mantlefan7]

"I'm hungry".

Can't stop laughing after reading this...:D

[ALBASKETBALL]

BIG 2-out 2 run double for Swisher in his debut!!

Abraham Almonte was 4-5 with a 2-run shot, 2 double tonight in his debut. I would say he won:)!

[vwnut13]

Have fun with Choke Job. Such a horrifically bad all around player and quite possibly the worst 3rd baseman in baseball. He's also a hot head who ends up getting ejected once a week for running his mouth. The guy had to put tape over his mouth just to shut himself up. Braves fans will remember that.

As a Yankees fan, I will always remember Nick Swisher for his clutch playoff performances. (lmao)

[death2redemptions]

As a Yankees fan, I will always remember Nick Swisher for his clutch playoff performances. (lmao)

I don't think the Braves have to worry about choking in the postseason this year or next. They'll be fighting for .500 the entire time.

[lambeauleap87]

For what it's worth, Chris Johnson was 4-4 with a pair of doubles in his Indians debut yesterday. Life is weird, man.

[calculusdork]

For what it's worth, Chris Johnson was 4-4 with a pair of doubles in his Indians debut yesterday. Life is weird, man.

I really do think CJ needed an environment change. If he reproduces 2013 he'll be worth the money, seriously. I have my doubts, but I honestly wish him the best.

[death2redemptions]

I really do think CJ needed an environment change. If he reproduces 2013 he'll be worth the money, seriously. I have my doubts, but I honestly wish him the best.

His extremely high BABIP in 2013 says he won't.

However, I don't think .280-.290 is completely out of the question.

[calculusdork]

His extremely high BABIP in 2013 says he won't.

However, I don't think .280-.290 is completely out of the question.

Normally I would throw a penalty flag here --- can't just look at BABIP, gotta look at other things like LD%, otherwise batting could just be considered pure luck :) --- but man, the LD% was higher in 2014 (29%) than 2013 (28%). And, of course Frank Wren gave him a big contract based purely on luck. :rolleyes:

Ugh.