View Full Version : Brewers trade Kolb to Atlanta
<b>Deal with Braves nets top pitching prospect</b>
Anaheim, Calif. - With an eye beyond the 2005 season, the Milwaukee Brewers traded all-star closer Dan Kolb to Atlanta on Saturday for Jose Capellan, the Braves’ top pitching prospect, and a minor-leaguer to be named later.
Several teams showed interest in Kolb at baseball’s winter meetings, including the Chicago Cubs, but the Brewers would only trade him for a young, hard-throwing pitcher they could plug in their rotation as early as next year. The Braves came forward with that commodity when they agreed to deal the 23-year-old Capellan.
“We didn’t think he would be available,” said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. “We were looking at multiple players when (Atlanta general manager) John (Schuerholz) said, ‘What about a top-of-the-line guy?’”
Capellan roared through Atlanta’s system last season with a fastball clocked as high as 101 mph. He began the year at Class A Myrtle Beach and finished with the Braves, pitching at four different levels.
The Dominican Republic native was 5-1 with a 1.94 ERA in eight games at Myrtle Beach, 5-1 with a 2.50 ERA in nine games at Class AAA Greenville and 4-2 with a 2.50 ERA in seven games with Class AAA Richmond. In 139 62/37 innings in the minor leagues, Capellan recorded 152 strikeouts and compiled a 2.32 ERA.
He pitched for the World team in the All-Star Futures Game, a midseason showcase of top minor-league talent. Capellan struck out two of the three hitters he faced, including Brewers prospect Prince Fielder.
Beyond his blazing fastball, Capellan also throws a sharp-breaking curve and is working on improving his changeup. Melvin said he would be given a chance to make the starting rotation but also had the stuff to be a bullpen closer should that be a better fit down the road.
“He’s got electric stuff,” said Melvin. “When you see the cost of starting pitching in the free agent market, it’s important to develop our own starting pitchers.
“We had a couple of key injuries to starters in our system this year. Now, we can put him with a Ben Hendrickson and run two good, young pitchers out there. We feel hit fits in for us in both the short term and the long term.”
To acquire Capellan, the Brewers surrendered the most successful single-season closer in franchise history. Kolb, 29, set the franchise record with 39 saves in 44 appearances in 2004, compiled a 2.98 earned run average in 64 appearances and earned a berth on the National League all-star team.
The Brewers signed Kolb to a minor-league contract after he was released by the Texas Rangers at the end of spring training in 2003. Finally getting past a series of arm problems that derailed his career in Texas, Kolb was called up at midseason and quickly emerged as the closer, saving 21 games in 23 chances with a 1.96 ERA in 37 games.
“Danny did a great job for us,” said Melvin. “He’s a fine individual and we loved having him. But we felt this was the right thing to do. It’s one of those deals that I think works out for both clubs.”
After making $1.5 million last season, Kolb is due a healthy raise through salary arbitration. But this deal was not about money. It was about securing a young, talented starting pitcher for years to come.
On hand to watch the deal go through was new owner Mark Attanasio, who expects to be approved by Major League Baseball sometime before Christmas. Attanasio brought son Michael down from their home in Los Angeles and walked right into the machinations of a significant deal.
“What we’re trying to do is build the team with an eye to the future,” said Attanasio. “We’re not saying we don’t want to win next year. But we want to build a winner and keep winning. And we’re not afraid to take risks.
“This has got nothing to do with (saving money). This is about getting a guy who can throw 100 mph. We can see in this free agent market the premium that is being put on starting pitchers.”
While acknowledging Kolb’s success at saving games, the Brewers believe they can protect late leads with a combination of relievers, including Mike Adams and Jose Vizcaino, until a new closer emerges.
The acquisition of Kolb allows the Braves to return veteran closer John Smoltz to their starting rotation. Atlanta lost starting pitchers Jaret Wright and Russ Ortiz to free agency this winter and was looking for a way to fill that void.
“John is very excited about going back in the rotation,” said Schuerholz. “We lost some of our starting pitching and we think this is the best way to strengthen our staff.”
<b><font size=4>Brewers deal Kolb for top prospect</font>
Closer sent to Braves for right-hander Capellan</b>
ANAHEIM -- It did not take long for Brewers general manager Doug Melvin to pique the interest of the club's presumptive new owner.
"On my way down here, Doug said he wanted to talk to me about a guy who could throw 100 mph," said Mark Attanasio, who visited with club officials at the Winter Meetings while his bid to buy the Brewers remains in the approval process. "That even caught [my son's] eye."
With a nod to the future, the Brewers traded their All-Star closer to the Atlanta Braves for one of baseball's top pitching prospects. Dan Kolb is on his way to Atlanta for right-handed starter Jose Capellan and a player to be named later.
The Brewers got another young arm who will compete for a spot in the starting rotation, while the Braves ensured that they will still have a top-flight closer. Their incumbent at that position, John Smoltz, will return to a starting rotation depleted by the losses of free agents Russ Ortiz and Jaret Wright.
"We had asked about some other people because I never really thought that [Capellan] would be available," said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. "We were looking at multiple players as opposed to the one. [Braves GM John Schuerholz] said, 'Well, instead of doing multiple players, why don't we give you the top of the line?'"
It did not take long for the Brewers to accept. They arrived in Anaheim this weekend looking to bolster their starting pitching corps, and Melvin indicated a preference for young power arms. Capellan, who will turn 24 on Jan. 13, seems to fit on both counts.
Featuring a fastball that has been clocked as high as 100 mph, he posted a 2.32 ERA while pitching at three different levels in the Braves' minor league system last year, recording 139 strikeouts in 152 2/3 innings.
"We're going to keep him as a starter," Melvin said. "One thing that was attractive, too, was that if he doesn't pan out to be a starter over the long haul, he has a good enough live arm that we could put him into the bullpen. ... But our focus is starting pitching."
Kolb's departure leaves the closer's job up for grabs, likely for Mike Adams, who was surprisingly good as a rookie in 2004, or Luis Vizcaino.
Capellan blew out his elbow at Rookie-level Danville in 2001 and missed the entire 2002 season recovering from Tommy John surgery. But he appeared at full strength last season when he shined in the midseason All-Star Futures Game at Minute Maid Park, though he struggled in a call-up to Atlanta. In three September appearances, including two starts, he posted an 11.25 ERA and saw opponents hit .400 against him. There was some thought of giving Capellan a shot to fill one of the spots in the Braves' rotation this spring, but Atlanta instead chose to acquire a relatively economical closer instead.
Brewers manager Ned Yost did not mention specifics, but he intimated earlier Saturday that the club was closing on a deal with long-term benefits.
"We came in with the intent of trying to improve our club," Yost said. "Does that mean you make tough decisions? Yeah. But we're trying to get a team on the field that's going to be a consistent competitor."
Attanasio added, "We're not saying we don't want to win [in 2005]. We're saying that once we become a winner, we're going to keep winning. We also want to say that we are willing to take risks."
Kolb, a first-time All-Star in 2004 who will turn 30 before Opening Day, is entering his second year of salary arbitration. He emerged from several years of arm injuries as a force at the back of the Brewers' bullpen during the second half of 2003 and earned a one-year, $1.5 million contract for 2004.
Kolb did not disappoint. He converted his first 26 save opportunities and carried a 1.62 ERA into the All-Star break, good enough to earn a place alongside Sheets on the National League All-Star team. After working almost exclusively with a 96-98 mph fastball in 2003, Kolb transformed into a sinkerballer in 2004, getting most of his outs on ground balls early in the count. He finished the season with 39 saves in 44 chances and a 2.98 ERA.
Attanasio acknowledged that some would view the trade as another salary dump. Kolb will likely more than double his salary in 2005 if the matter goes to arbitration, while Capellan is years away from salary arbitration.
"That was raised to me. Obviously, this has nothing to do with that," Attanasio said. "This is about getting a guy who can throw 100 mph. And, by the way, we can see in this free agent market the premium that is being put on starting pitchers is just enormous."
A number of starters have signed in recent days, albeit much more experienced ones than Capellan. Russ Ortiz agreed on a four-year, $33 million contract with the suddenly active Diamondbacks on Friday, and on Saturday, David Wells signed a two-year deal with Boston that will pay between $8 and $18 million depending on performance incentives. In recent days, Al Leiter signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Marlins and Woody Williams signed a two-year contract with San Diego that could pay about $14 million if he hits certain incentives.
The Brewers believe that Capellan has the potential to be a No. 1 or No. 2 starter.
"This is someone who can help you over a limited period of time greatly -- Dan Kolb is an All-Star -- versus someone who can maybe be a dominant pitcher in the National League for many, many years," Attanasio said. "Insofar as we can develop quality pitchers as a small or mid-market team -- that is essential."
<b><font size=4>Brewers trade Kolb to Braves for Capellan</font></b>
ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) - The Atlanta Braves have found a closer, paving the way for John Smoltz to return to the rotation.
The Braves on Saturday traded prized pitching prospect Jose Capellan and a player to be named to the Milwaukee Brewers for All-Star reliever Danny Kolb.
Earlier Saturday, Braves manager Bobby Cox was pointed in his comments that Smoltz was headed back to the rotation, likely aware that the deal was close to being finalized.
The Braves were in the market for a starting pitcher after losing Russ Ortiz, and possibly Paul Byrd and Jaret Wright, to free agency. Adding to Atlanta's concerns is the fact that Smoltz stood to be a free agent after the season and could have bolted had the Braves limit his future to the bullpen.
The 1996 National League Cy Young Award winner as a starter, Smoltz has not been a full-time member of the rotation since 1999. He has not made more than 30 starts since 1997, but Atlanta is confident he can return to form - physically and mentally.
"John Smoltz will return to the rotation," Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz said. "Our medical people believe this role will be less taxing on his arm than closer. ... We need him in our rotation now more than ever."
In Capellan the Brewers receive a 23-year-old righthander with one of the best fastballs in the sport. He was 14-4 with a 2.32 ERA in 24 games at three different levels of the minor leagues in 2004, striking out 152 batters in 139 2/3 innings.
He was 0-1 in three September starts for the Braves, who trusted him in their chase for home-field advantage.
"Jose is one of the most highly regarded pitching prospects in the minor leagues," Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said. "We would not have made this deal had we not received a player in return of Jose's caliber. He has a power arm and we feel that he can be a strong member of our pitching staff for years to come."
The move marks the second time in as many seasons that Atlanta has traded away a top prospect to fill a need. Last year, the Braves shipped Adam Wainwright and Jason Marquis to St. Louis for J.D. Drew.
The 29-year-old Kolb enjoyed a breakout season in 2004, going 0-4 with a 2.98 ERA in a career-high 64 appearances. In making his first All-Star team, Kolb converted 39 of 44 save opportunities.
Kolb is eligible for arbitration and is expected to earn up to $3 million.
"We are delighted to acquire the stature of Dan Kolb," Schuerholz said. "He is a top of the line arm to end the game."
"Dan was a solid member of our club over the past two years," Melvin said. "We wish he and his family the best of luck as they move on to Atlanta."
<b><font size=4>Braves acquire Kolb from Milwaukee; will move Smoltz into rotation</font></b>
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Atlanta acquired All-Star closer Dan Kolb from the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday for prized pitching prospect Jose Capellan and a player to be named, allowing the Braves to move John Smoltz back into the starting rotation.
``We felt this was the strongest way for us to rebuild our pitching staff,'' Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz said.
The Braves declined to offer salary arbitration to free-agent starter Russ Ortiz, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. Jaret Wright, who also won 15 games for Atlanta last season, has a preliminary agreement with the Yankees.
Regardless, the Braves, who have won a record 13 straight division titles, knew they needed help for their rotation. They found it on their own roster in Smoltz, who won 24 games and the NL Cy Young Award as a starter in 1996 before moving to the bullpen full-time in 2002.
He set an NL record that year with 55 saves, joining Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley as the only pitchers with seasons of 55 saves and 20 wins.
Smoltz volunteered to fill whichever role the Braves wanted next season, but his preference was to start. Schuerholz called Smoltz as a courtesy Saturday afternoon to let him know they were taking him up on the offer.
``I didn't want him to hear it from y'all,'' Schuerholz said. ``He was delighted. He was very happy.
``It's nice when one of your leaders is willing to do whatever is needed. We need him to start,'' the GM said.
Kolb, who will be 30 next season, set a franchise record with 39 saves for the Brewers this year, going 0-4 with a 2.98 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 64 appearances. He also made the NL All-Star team.
After signing with Milwaukee as a minor league free agent in April 2003, Kolb had a breakout season, saving 21 games with a 1.96 ERA. He made $1,575,000 this year and is eligible for salary arbitration. The right-hander can become a free agent after next season.
The 23-year-old Capellan is said to have one of the best young arms in all of baseball. He went 14-4 with a 2.32 ERA at three levels of Atlanta's minor league system last season. The right-hander struck out 152 batters, an impressive average of 9.8 per nine innings.
``There's still some things he needs to do with his changeup, maybe improve his breaking ball,'' Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. ``We both had to give up something that we liked. We're trying to win games, too, but we also have to keep in mind what our plan is with our young players.''
Capellan made his major league debut in September, going 0-1 in three starts for the Braves.
Smoltz's contract specifies he gets a $100,000 bonus for each start.
``John's full of challenges for himself, and I think he has to have something out there,'' Braves manager Bobby Cox said before the trade for Kolb was announced. ``I think he'd like to start and win 20. I'm sure that would be his goal, and he likes those types of challenges.''
Last season, the 37-year-old Smoltz was sidelined for 28 days because of tendinitis in his right elbow and didn't return from the disabled list until the next-to-last weekend of the regular season.
``Our medical people now believe that this role will be less taxing on his arm than closing,'' Schuerholz said.
Schuerholz said Smoltz had been frustrated that, as a closer, he had to stand by for eight innings and hope he could help the team win.
``Now he no longer has to worry about it,'' Schuerholz said. ``He can impact games from the beginning.''
<b><font size=4>Starting over</font>
Braves trade Capallen to Brewers for Kolb; Smoltz returns to rotation</b>
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Atlanta acquired All-Star closer Dan Kolb from the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday for prized pitching prospect Jose Capellan and a player to be named, allowing the Braves to move John Smoltz back into the starting rotation.
"We felt this was the strongest way for us to rebuild our pitching staff," Atlanta general manager John Schuerholz said.
The Braves declined to offer salary arbitration to free-agent starter Russ Ortiz, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. Jaret Wright, who also won 15 games for Atlanta last season, has a preliminary agreement with the Yankees.
Regardless, the Braves, who have won 13 consecutive division titles, knew they needed help for their rotation. They found it on their own roster in Smoltz, who won 24 games and the NL Cy Young Award as a starter in 1996 before moving to the bullpen full-time in 2002.
He set an NL record that year with 55 saves, joining Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley as the only pitchers with seasons of 55 saves and 20 wins.
Smoltz volunteered to fill whichever role the Braves wanted next season, but his preference was to start. Schuerholz called Smoltz as a courtesy Saturday afternoon to let him know they were taking him up on the offer.
"I didn't want him to hear it from y'all," Schuerholz said. "He was delighted. He was very happy.
"It's nice when one of your leaders is willing to do whatever is needed. We need him to start," the GM said.
Kolb, who will be 30 next season, set a franchise record with 39 saves for the Brewers this year, going 0-4 with a 2.98 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 64 appearances. He also made the NL All-Star team.
After signing with Milwaukee as a minor league free agent in April 2003, Kolb had a breakout season, saving 21 games with a 1.96 ERA. He made $1,575,000 this year and is eligible for salary arbitration. The right-hander can become a free agent after next season.
The 23-year-old Capellan is said to have one of the best young arms in all of baseball. He went 14-4 with a 2.32 ERA at three levels of Atlanta's minor league system last season. The right-hander struck out 152 batters, an impressive average of 9.8 per nine innings.
"There's still some things he needs to do with his changeup, maybe improve his breaking ball," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "We both had to give up something that we liked. We're trying to win games, too, but we also have to keep in mind what our plan is with our young players."
Capellan made his major league debut in September, going 0-1 in three starts for the Braves.
Smoltz's contract specifies he gets a $100,000 bonus for each start.
"John's full of challenges for himself, and I think he has to have something out there," Braves manager Bobby Cox said before the trade for Kolb was announced. "I think he'd like to start and win 20. I'm sure that would be his goal, and he likes those types of challenges."
Last season, the 37-year-old Smoltz was sidelined for 28 days because of tendinitis in his right elbow and didn't return from the disabled list until the next-to-last weekend of the regular season.
"Our medical people now believe that this role will be less taxing on his arm than closing," Schuerholz said.
Schuerholz said Smoltz had been frustrated that, as a closer, he had to stand by for eight innings and hope he could help the team win.
"Now he no longer has to worry about it," Schuerholz said. "He can impact games from the beginning."
yagsy
12-12-2004, 12:54 PM
Unbelievable! I'm glad for the Brewers, I think this kid will be a great addition to the staff and with Ben Sheets, this staff will be intriguing for quite a few years. But what I am wondering about, now who's gonna close?
Toy Cannon
12-12-2004, 01:04 PM
I'd guess Luis Vivciano would be first in line for the closer job.
Vizcaino is a possable but Mike Adams is another possablty.
<b><font size=4>Brewers acquire pitcher Jose Capellan and a player to be named later from Atlanta in exchange for pitcher Dan Kolb</font>
Fireballing right-hander was jewel of Braves farm system</b>
ANAHEIM, CA -- The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired righthanded pitcher Jose Capellan (Cap-eh-lon) and a player to be named later from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for pitcher Dan Kolb, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager, Doug Melvin.
Capellan, 23, was 14-4 with a 2.32 ERA in 24 games, 23 starts, at three different levels of the Braves minor league system in 2004. He also made his Major League debut posting an 0-1 record in three starts for the Braves in September.
Capellan struck out 152 batters at the minor league level and averaged 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
He was a member of the World team at the 2004 All-Star Futures Game and posted an impressive scoreless inning of work that featured strikeouts of top prospects Prince Fielder of the Brewers and Dallas McPherson of the Angels.
Since signing with the Braves in 1998 as a non-drafted free agent, Capellan has posted a 21-18 record with a 3.00 ERA in 74 games, 67 starts.
"Jose is one the most highly regarded pitching prospects in the minor leagues," said Melvin. "We would not have made this deal had we not received a player in return of Jose's caliber. He has a power arm and we feel that he can be strong member of our pitching staff for years to come."
Kolb, 29, was 0-4 with a 2.98 ERA and a franchise record 39 saves for Milwaukee in 2004. He was named to the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career and threw a scoreless inning in the midsummer classic.
Kolb made a career-high 64 appearances and became the first pitcher since 1969, when saves were first recognized as an official statistic, to record 30 or more saves and strikeout 30 or fewer batters in a season.
Kolb was originally acquired by the Brewers as a minor league free agent on April 3, 2003.
"Dan was a solid member of our club over the past two years," said Melvin. "We wish him and his family the best of luck as they move on to Atlanta."
<b><font size=4>Kolb traded to Braves for top pitching prospect</font></b>
The Milwaukee Brewers have traded All-Star closer Dan Kolb to the Braves for Jose Capellan, the team's top pitching prospect.
The move indicates that John Smoltz will make the switch from the bullpen to the starting rotation. Smoltz debuted as a closer for the Braves in 2001. Smoltz recorded 44 saves in 2004, and had a career-high 55 saves in 2002. Smoltz's contract specifies he would get a $100,000 bonus for each start.
The Braves had a vacancy in their starting rotation after having lost Russ Ortiz to the Diamondbacks on Friday. Ortiz inked a four-year, $33 million deal with Arizona.
Kolb made the NL All-Star team last season, compiling a 2.98 earned run average in 64 appearances and setting the Brewers' franchise record with 39 saves. Kolb was eligible for salary arbitration after making $1.5 million in 2004.
Capellan, a 6-foot-3, 170-pound right hander, appeared in three games for the Braves in 2004, going 0-1 with 11.25 ERA in eight innings pitched. At three different minor league levels, Capellan went 14-4 with 2.32 ERA and 152 strikeouts over 139 2/3 innings.
<b><font size=4>Caught off-guard</font></b>
It wasn’t the news that he had been traded that caught Kolb by surprise. It was the new work address.
Kolb heard so many trade rumors that had him headed to the Chicago Cubs that he was somewhat stunned when Melvin informed him he’d be playing for Atlanta next season.
“When he said I was going to Atlanta, it was a surprise,” Kolb said during a conference call with reporters. “But it was a pleasant surprise.” Kolb recently purchased a house near Milwaukee but said he had no hard feelings over the trade, despite setting a franchise record of 39 saves in 2004. He thanked Melvin for resurrecting his career after being released by Texas and also passed kudos to pitching coach Mike Maddux for his evolution as a premier closer.
“Doug has a team to run,” Kolb said. “There’s no bitterness. They gave me a job and the opportunity to go to the All-Star Game. They helped me get past my injuries and I got confidence and kept it going.”
Kolb said he thought veteran Luis Vizcaino was more prepared to inherit the closer’s role than Mike Adams, who pitched well last season as a rookie.
“(Adams) might need more time,” Kolb said. “Last year was his first year in the big leagues and he got a little tired at the end.”
<b><font size=4>Near completion</font></b>
The Kolb-Capellan trade will be completed today when the minor-leaguer to be named later from Atlanta is revealed. The teams have to wait until after the Rule 5 draft of players not protected on 40-man rosters.
The Brewers have a list of three minor-leaguers from which to choose after the draft, assuming none is selected by another club. One of the players is right-hander Buddy Hernandez, 25, who was 7-2 with a 2.42 earned run average in 47 relief appearances at Class AAA Richmond last season.
The Brewers, who selected Bennett in the Rule 5 draft last year, are not planning to participate this time despite having an opening on their 40-man roster.
<b><font size=4>Brewers acquire Zumwalt from Atlanta</font>
Acquisition completes Dan Kolb trade</b>
ANAHEIM, CA -- The Milwaukee Brewers have acquired righthanded pitcher Alex Zumwalt from the Atlanta Braves as the player to be named later to complete the Dan Kolb trade, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager, Doug Melvin.
Zumwalt, 23, was 3-7 with a 5.09 ERA in 46 games, all in relief, at Double A Greenville in 2004. He had been selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the Rule 5 Draft in 2003 but was returned to Atlanta at the end of spring training.
Zumwalt, 6-2 and 205 pounds, has been strictly a reliever in the Braves system since being selected in the 4th round of the 1999 June Free Agent Draft. He has made 132 relief appearances in his minor league career posting an 11-14 record with eight saves.
This completes the Brewers deal with Atlanta of December 11 when Milwaukee sent reliever Dan Kolb to the Braves in exchange for righthanded fireballer Jose Capellan (Cap-E-on) and a player to be named later (Zumwalt).
Zumwalt has been assigned to the Brewers Triple A roster.
<b><font size=4>Brewers complete Kolb trade</font>
Braves send minor leaguer Zumwalt to Milwaukee</b>
ANAHEIM -- Two days after the primaries changed places, the Brewers completed their trade with the Atlanta Braves by selecting right-handed pitcher Alex Zumwalt and assigning him to their Triple-A roster.
Zumwalt is the player to be named from Saturday's trade that sent closer Dan Kolb to the Braves for right-handed pitching prospect Jose Capellan, a hard thrower expected to compete for Milwaukee's starting rotation in 2005.
The 23-year-old Zumwalt was 3-7 with a 5.09 ERA in 46 relief appearances at Double-A Greenville in 2004. He had been selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the Rule 5 Draft in 2003, but was returned to Atlanta at the end of Spring Training.
Zumwalt, 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, has been strictly a reliever in the Braves system since being selected in the fourth round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft. He has made 132 relief appearances in his minor league career, posting an 11-14 record with eight saves.
Kolb, meanwhile, was adjusting to the idea of pitching in Atlanta. In a conference call with reporters, he said he knew a trade was possible, but figured the deal would send him to the Chicago Cubs, a club that reportedly has shown interest in recent weeks.
The trade allowed the Brewers to add a young power arm to their starting or bullpen corps while the Braves added a veteran closer to replace John Smoltz, who will move to the starting rotation. Kolb was a first-time All-Star in 2004 and set a Milwaukee franchise record by converting 39 saves.
Kolb, who also spoke this weekend with Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux, said he understood the impetus for the deal.
"There's no bitterness," Kolb said. "They gave me a job and the opportunity to go to the All-Star Game. They helped me get past my injuries, and I got confidence and kept it going."
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=343144#post343144 target=_blank>Brewers acquire Carlos Lee and Jose Capellan</a>
<b><font size=4>Brewers obtain prospect as Kolb deal is completed</font></b>
Anaheim, Calif. - The Milwaukee Brewers acquired minor-league right-hander Alec Zumwalt from Atlanta on Monday as the player to be named in the Dan Kolb-Jose Capellan trade, completed two days earlier.
Zumwalt, 23, was 3-7 with a 5.09 earned run average in 46 games last season at Class AA Greensville. He was not on the Braves’ 40-man roster, so the teams had to wait until after the Rule 5 draft of unprotected players to assure he’d be available.
A former outfielder with a strong arm who was converted to a pitcher after being selected in the fourth round of the 1999 draft, Zumwalt is 11-14 with eight saves in 132 minor league appearances.
“He has a good arm,” assistant general manager Gord Ash said. “We’ve assigned him to our Triple-A roster. We’ll see what he can do.”
<b><font size=4>Win-win situation for Kolb, Smoltz</font></b>
Anaheim, Calif. -- When Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin called closer Dan Kolb and said he'd been traded to Atlanta, Kolb hardly believed what he was hearing.
"There had been rumors I might be traded, but it was the Cubs I kept hearing," he said. "Atlanta was a pleasant surprise. It was a little shocking when he said Atlanta."
Twenty-four hours later, the shock had worn off, replaced by excitement.
"Now, I'm ready to go," Kolb said Sunday from his home in Wisconsin. "There's still two months [until spring training], but I'm ready to get going."
Kolb, 29, who recorded a franchise-record 39 saves for a team that won only 67 games, will be asked to fill John Smoltz's considerable shoes, taking over closer duties for a team that's won 13 consecutive division titles.
"The pitching staffs they've had over the last 13 years, it's hard not to sit back and admire them," said Kolb, who toiled parts of four unimpressive seasons with the Texas Rangers before his career took off with Milwaukee in 2003.
Smoltz, who had a National League-record 55 saves in 2002 and 144 in the past three seasons, is returning to the starting role he desired. He goes back to the top of the rotation after not being a full-time starter since 1999, two elbow surgeries ago.
It would be an understatement to say the 37-year-old stalwart is excited.
"I was fine either way," said Smoltz, who told the Braves he'd play whichever role they thought best for the team, but hadn't been shy about divulging his preference.
"It's nice to know I can concentrate on [getting ready to be a starter]," Smoltz said. "I was training for it already. I'm excited. It's an incredible challenge.
"I always believe in challenges and overcoming obstacles. I don't have any doubts about my elbow."
He's had four elbow surgeries -- two "Tommy John" ligament transfers, one arthroscopy and an October 2003 procedure to remove scar tissue from nerves.
After the 2003 operation, Smoltz said he'd retire rather than undergo a fifth surgery.
The second ligament transfer surgery caused him to miss the 2000 season and led to his move to closer.
Braves general manager John Schuerholz has said doctors advised the team that Smoltz's elbow would be more susceptible to further injury with him starting.
But Schuerholz said the doctors now believe the routine of starting will be easier on the elbow at this stage of Smoltz's career. He said the change came from Smoltz getting past the healing and strengthening stages following the last major surgery.
The former 24-game and Cy Young Award winner is back in the rotation, and the Braves also are working on a two-year extension that could carry him through 2007 while reducing the Braves' commitment to him next season, which is currently $12 million plus $100,000 per start.
Kolb goes about the closer job a bit differently than Smoltz. In 101 appearances over two seasons, Kolb converted 60 of 67 saves and posted a 2.55 ERA and .228 opponents' average, using a 92-mph sinker and splitter to induce tons of ground balls.
He struck out only 60 in 98 2/3 innings, and only 21 last season when he became the first to record 30 saves with fewer than 30 strikeouts. This from a pitcher who used to throw high-90s heat and still can if need be.
"Doesn't matter to me how I get the job done, as long as I get it done," said Kolb, who has been healthy for two seasons since learning from Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux how to rely on location.
The Braves can control Kolb for two seasons before free agency. He's eligible for arbitration and likely will command about $3 million in 2005.
<a href=http://www.addictsports.com/baseball/showthread.php?p=349170#post349170 target=_blank>The "Other" Trades</a>
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