The Twins are in desperate need of pitching and have 2B Todd Walker coming up through the minors. They're willing to deal a perennial All-Star for long-term pitching depth. They are adding Tapani to help offload some of the cost of Avery while adding value. Milwood is the Braves #2 prospect and Chen is mid-level pitching prospect. Lemke is out of a home in Atlanta with the acquisition of Knoblauch so the Twins are taking him and his last two years of a contract.
For the Braves, they solidify their one hole in their lineup and have potentially the most dangerous lineup in baseball. Avery was likely going to be the odd man out after his arbitration is up. So they get Tapani to provide a solid #4 starter at a discount over Avery while their younger pitchers develop.
TWINS TRADE:
BRAVES TRADE:
For the Braves, they solidify their one hole in their lineup and have potentially the most dangerous lineup in baseball. Avery was likely going to be the odd man out after his arbitration is up. So they get Tapani to provide a solid #4 starter at a discount over Avery while their younger pitchers develop.
TWINS TRADE:
BRAVES TRADE:
