Braves Get Greg Norton from Seattle - Woo

I didn't think it was really worth writing up the Greg Norton trade when I saw it "break" this afternoon. After all, if you're a Braves fan and you heard the team made a trade, your immediate thoughts were "Ooooo, I wonder what mid-level starter we grabbed to eat innings" or "Dang! An extra middle infielder to back up Kelly Johnson and Yunel Escobar? I was hoping we could jerk Lillibridge back and forth a little more."

Your thought was probably not "YES! GREG _____ING NORTON! You've done it again, Wren, you sly dog! (/fist pump)" Reports actually have the swap for a PTBNL, but whatever, this team has bigger needs right now.

Smoltz is headed to the bullpen, and the starters are either dirt old, injured or young as mess, and that presents a problem. KJ hasn't been healthy all season and Yunel (who could play second as well) hasn't been a modicum of perfect health either.

So, the big question is, when is the signature Frank Wren trade coming? The guy is a protege of Schuerholz, so shouldn't he be wheeling/dealing/etc and landing the Braves some players that relate to serious roster needs? Answers: Good question, and yes, he should.

Obviously, this early in the year it's tough to pull of a starter; most teams haven't given up on their seasons yet and pitchers will be more expensive. But the Braves probably won't be the only NL East team shopping for pitching, so it doesn't hurt to get a head start.