ESPN - While other NL contenders beefed up for the playoffs, the Atlanta Braves seemed to keep missing out on players who could've boosted their hopes.
Turns out, they landed the guy they wanted all along.
Atlanta acquired speedy outfielder Michael Bourn from the Houston Astros on Sunday in a five-player deal, giving the Braves their first true leadoff hitter in at least six years.
The Astros received outfielder Jordan Schafer and three minor league pitchers, but the Braves didn't give up any of their top pitching prospects.
"We haven't had that kind of threat in the top of our lineup in a long time," said third baseman Chipper Jones, one of the numerous Braves slowed by injuries.
Bourn
is hitting .303 and leads the majors with 39 stolen bases. He goes from
the last-place Astros to a playoff-contending team that has one of
baseball's best pitching staffs but was downright desperate for
offensive help because of various ailments and lackluster performances.
Finally the Braves make a trade deadline move to put them in World Series contention. Being a huge Braves fan I was hype as hell to see this deal get done. Not only did we keep our top prospects, we signed a quick lead-off hitter that hits for average and steals bases. Can't remember our last legit lead-off hitter. I just hope he's not a total bust like Mclouth has been. Watch the fuck out Phillies we are coming for you.
