Atlanta
Braves

News: Atlanta is trying to trade Lowe this offseason, but isn't finding much of a market due to the three years and $15 million left on his contract, FoxSports.com reports. Atlanta has had discussions with the Brewers about trading Lowe for Corey Hart, the FoxSports.com report adds. However, a later MLB.com report says the Braves are not interested in Hart.
Impact: It sounds like the Braves will shop Lowe as their preferred option to turn a surplus of six starting pitchers into help with the offense at first base or in the outfield. However, the Braves may be forced to trade Javier Vazquez if they want a higher upside bat or trade Kenshin Kawakami to get a lower profile deal. 

News: Cofield was added to Atlanta's 40-man roster.
Impact: The 2005 eighth-round draft pick has serious control problems with a 87:89 K:BB ratio in 140.2 innings at Double-A Mississippi. In addition, his strikeout rates are not great and he'll be a little old for Double-A next season at age 23. He looks like a minor league depth player at this point and may not be on the 40-man roster too long once the Braves make some other offseason moves. 

News: Lyman was added to Atlanta's 40-man roster. He had a 7.07 ERA and 11:6 K:BB ratio in 14 innings in the Arizona Fall League.
Impact: The 2005 second-round pick had a strong season at Double-A with a 3.12 ERA and 76:43 K:BB ratio in 86.2 innings. He'll likely start next season at Triple-A Gwinnett. He'll need to improve his control, but could be in the Atlanta bullpen at some point in 2010. 

News: Venters was added to Atlanta's 40-man roster.
Impact: Venters may not be on the 40-man roster for long as he looks like a pitcher without too much upside. He had a 5.62 ERA and 58:42 K:BB ratio in 91.1 innings after being promoted to Triple-A last season. He doesn't have the outstanding strikeout rates needed to overcome his control problems. He looks more like a depth player at Triple-A since he'll be 25 next season and it's not hard to see him getting bumped off the 40-man roster when the Braves make some moves this winter. 

News: Ortegano was added to Atlanta's 40-man roster.
Impact: Ortegano had a 3.22 ERA and 101:34 K:BB ratio in 117.1 innings combined between High-A and Double-A last season. He's had a low profile as a prospect, but has posted strong strikeout numbers. He's a little old to be a top prospect as he'll turn 23 next season, but he could contend for a big league bullpen job late next year. 

News: Hyde was added to Atlanta's 40-man roster. He had a 3.00 ERA and 13:7 K:BB ratio in 12 innings in the Arizona Fall League.
Impact: Hyde has been a late bloomer after dealing with injuries, but broke out in 2009 by moving up three levels last season with a combined 2.27 ERA and 45:15 K:BB ratio in 35.2 innings. The 2006 fourth-round pick will likely begin 2010 at Double-A Mississippi. 

News: The New York Yankees plan to pursue former Braves relievers Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez this offseason, according to Fox Sports.
Impact: The Yankees' bullpen looked like Mariano Rivera and then a bunch of question marks during the playoffs, so expect them to fortify things big time this offseason. Both Gonzalez and Soriano have checkered injury histories, but don't expect that to be a hindrance to the Yanks overpaying them.  

News: Schafer's recovery from wrist surgery is ahead of schedule as he's getting a cast removed from the wrist a few weeks earlier than expected, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Impact: He won't play winter ball and GM Frank Wren told the paper he's likely to begin the season at Triple-A. He began 2009 as the starting centerfielder and was seen as a future everyday player, but his wrist injury and the acquisition of Nate McLouth means he'll need to prove himself in the minors before being considered for an everyday job in the majors again. 

News: The Boston Herald is reporting that the Red Sox have requested the medical records of Braves' relievers Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano. The Sox have an interest in strengthening their bullpen this offseason.
Impact: Boston would like to solidify their setup role if Billy Wagner leaves, and either one of these guys would be a great addition. Both could be candidates to close elsewhere, so it isn't a sure thing one ends up in Boston. 

News: Carlyle has signed a contract for 2010 with the Nippon Ham Fighters, the Kyodo news service reports.
Impact: Carlyle pitched in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers in 2001 and 2002. He struggled with an 8.86 ERA last season, but had a 1.76 ERA at Triple-A Gwinnett after health problems early in the season were diagnosed as type-1 diabetes. He could have likely made a major league staff as a long reliever, but he now won't be an option in fantasy leagues this season - and he's not worth holding onto as a keeper in case he returns to pitch in the U.S. again. 

News: According to MLBlogs.com, the Nationals are interested in free agent reliever Mike Gonzalez.
Impact: Gonzalez was very effective as the Braves setup man/closer last season and would give a substantial boost to a Nationals pen that was one of the worst in the game. He represents an upgrade over incumbent closer Mike MacDougal, but is faced with the question that all free agents pursued by Washington have to ask themselves: do I really want to ply for the Nationals? If the Nats throw him enough money and a chance to close he'll likely succumb. Stay tuned. 

News: Hudson has agreed to a new three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.
Impact: Hudson could have returned to the Braves under a $12 million mutual option, but the two sides focused on talks for a longer deal after the right-hander showed he had overcome major elbow surgery. They worked out a deal through 2012, with a club option for 2013. Terms of the new contract are not yet available. 

News: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Tim Hudson's three-year extension is officially a done deal.
Impact: Hudson's three-year deal that is reportedly worth $9 million per season kicked in when he passed the physical hinged on an MRI of his surgically repaired elbow. There is an option for a fourth year, and the Braves are expected to hold a press conference announcing the deal later today. 

News: The Braves formally announced their three-year deal with Hudson on Thursday, the team's official website reports.
Impact: Hudson agreed to the terms of the deal a couple weeks ago; but he needed to undergo a physical exam before the contract could be finalized. Doctors did not find any further issues with his arm and thus the contract was made official. 

News: According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jordan Schafer is recovering quickly from season-ending wrist surgery and expects to have his cast removed in a week or two.
Impact: Schafer was expected to have the cast on well into December, but he has made rapid strides in his recovery. He won't make it into into a winter ball league, but should be fine by the start of spring training. Don't expect him to make the club out of the gates this year though. Last season's opening day center fielder was demoted two months later and is expected to start 2010 in the minors to polish his skills. 

News: Texas has had internal discussions about trading for Vazquez, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Impact: Vazquez is set to make $11.5 million in 2010, which could be a stumbling block given the questions surrounding Texas' finances until Tom Hicks sells the team. 

News: Atlanta has been talking to Vazquez about a contract extension, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Impact: There was speculation the Braves may try to trade Vazquez if they re-signed Tim Hudson. With Hudson close to finalizing a contract extension, this report would seem to indicate the Braves may try to trade another starter for a hitter this winter. 

News: Soriano filed for free agency, the Associated Press reports.
Impact: The Braves will be looking for a new closer with Soriano and Mike Gonzalez filing for free agency. After an injury-plagued 2008 season, Soriano had 27 saves and a strong 102:27 K:BB ratio in 75.2 innings last year. He'll likely find a long-term deal as a closer despite his injury history. 

News: Anderson filed for free agency, the Braves' official web site reports.
Impact: Anderson's poor defense in the outfield should push him to sign with an AL team so he can play DH next season. 

News: Norton filed for free agency, the Braves' official web site reports.
Impact: Norton hit just .145 last season and hit just .162 as a pinch hitter, so he may need to sign a non-roster deal and fight his way onto a roster in spring training. 

News: Gonzalez filed for free agency, the Braves' official web site reports.
Impact: The Braves will be shopping for a closer this winter with both Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano set to become free agents. Gonzalez had a 2.42 ERA and 93:33 K:BB ratio in 74.3 innings last season, showing he's ready for a full closer role after sharing the job with Soriano. 

News: LaRoche filed for free agency, the Braves' official web site reports.
Impact: The Braves may want to bring LaRoche back on a one-year deal until Freddie Freeman is ready for the majors, but LaRoche may find a long-term deal elsewhere. 

News: Hudson and the Atlanta Braves are nearing agreement on a three-year contract.
Impact: Atlanta holds a $12 million option on the 34-year-old right-hander, who was 2-1 with a 3.61 ERA in seven starts this season after his return from elbow ligament-replacement surgery. 

News: ESPN is reporting that the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal with starting pitcher Tim Hudson. The deal is contingent on Hudson passing an MRI on his elbow.
Impact: The team has had this deal in place with Hudson for a while now, but they had to wait until after the World Series to announce it. His elbow should be fine for now, but his injury history has to be a concern, especially since he got a three-year deal. 

News: Hudson has agreed to a three-year contract extension for about $27 million, but just needs to complete an MRI and exam on his elbow for it to become official, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Impact: Hudson's contract had a $12 million mutual option for 2010, but the two sides replaced that option with the three-year extension. With Hudson signed, the Braves may now trade a starting pitcher this offseason to improve the offense. 

News: The Atlanta Braves have signed pitcher Scott Proctor to a one-year deal, according to TCPalm.com. Proctor was released by the Marlins in October after missing the entire season due to Tommy John surgery.
Impact: No word on the specific financial details of the deal, but it appears to be heavily based on incentives. The Braves were very interested in Proctor as soon as he became available, so expect him to contribute of of the bullpen next season. 

News: The Jays will scout lefty hurler John Halama in the Dominican Republic Thursday, according to MLB reporter John Bastian's twitter page.
Impact: Halama has not pitched in the majors since 2006 (with Atlanta), and Bastian is uncertain how serious the Jays are about him.  

News: According to the MLBlogs.com, Tim Hudson has passed his physical and essentially ensured that his three-year extension is now a done deal. The team will likely make an official announcement after the World Series.
Impact: The deal was hinged on the two parties finding a doctor that would clear Hudson and be approved by the insurance companies. Looks like they hit pay-dirt, especially in Hudson's case as he stands to make around $9 million a year for the next three years. The Braves seem confident that he has fully recovered from Tommy John, so he could be a nice sleeper pick next season. 

News: Proctor has signed a one-year, minor league contract with Atlanta, Treasure Coast Newspapers reports.
Impact: He missed all of 2009 after Tommy John surgery and probably will need to spend the first half of 2010 in the minors getting back to form. 

News: Hyde has a 4.05 ERA and 8:4 K:BB ratio in 6.2 innings at the Arizona Fall League. "He's been pretty dominant," GM Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We've always liked him, if we could keep him healthy."
Impact: The 2006 fourth-round pick moved up three levels last season with a combined 2.27 ERA and 45:15 K:BB ratio in 35.2 innings. He's battled injuries the last few years, but the Braves are still high on his upside. He'll likely start at Double-A again next season, but could move up quickly. 

News: Minor is 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA and 6:5 K:BB ratio in 8.2 innings in four starts in the Arizona Fall League. "He really knows how to pitch," GM Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Outstanding change-up, velocity in low 90s -- your classic left-hander. A lot of people compare him to Cole Hamels. He's not Cole Hamels today, but he has that kind of ability."
Impact: The seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft had a 0.64 ERA with a 17:0 K:BB ratio in 14 innings in four starts at Low-A Rome. He's made a strong impression so far and will likely begin in High-A next season and could move up quickly. 

News: Hicks is hitting .268/.400/.341 through 11 games in the Arizona Fall League and is making a strong impression with his patient approach at the plate. "The last couple months of the Double-A season, he made some adjustments at the plate and had more and more good at-bats," GM Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "and he's continued that in the fall league. He's drawing walks and keeping the ball out of the air. His game is going to be to drive the ball to the gaps, and he's doing more of that."
Impact: Hicks has good power for a middle infielder, but his weakness has been plate discipline, so this is a good sign. The 2007 third-round pick hit just .237/.319/.373 at Double-A, but at least rallied by hitting .280 with a .512 SLG after Aug. 1. Despite a good AFL showing, he'll likely start at Double-A again next season. The Braves do say his defense is above average. 

News: Hudson is expected to sign a three-year contract extension with the Braves by the end of this week, FoxSports.com reports.
Impact: Hudson's contract has a $12 million mutual option for 2010. Hudson has said he wants to remain with the Braves and is willing to take less to stay in Atlanta, but needed a multi-year contract. 

News: Tim Hudson is reportedly nearing a three-year extension with the Braves, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Impact: The deal is expected to get done by the end of the week, and Rosenthal suggests that re-signing Hudson could lead to right-hander Javier Vazquez or right-hander Derek Lowe being dealt for a hitter. The club is confident that Hudson is fully recovered from his Tommy John surgery. 

News: Heyward will miss the rest of the Arizona Fall League due to back inflammation that was radiating to his gluteus muscles, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He'll rest in order to solve the problem.
Impact: The Braves haven't ruled him out from playing in winter ball, but he'll more likely be out the spring. He's expected to be ready for the start of spring training and could contend for a big league job, but watch his progress this winter. 

News: Lyman has struggled so far in Arizona Fall League play with a 11.81 ERA and 3:4 K:BB ratio in 5.1 innings.
Impact: The usual small sample size caveats apply as he's generally impressed scouts this fall. A strong season at Double-A Mississippi (3.12 ERA and 76:43 K:BB ratio in 86.2 innings) has improved his profile in the Atlanta system. He'll likely open the season at Triple-A Gwinnett, but could be in the mix for a spot in the Atlanta bullpen as early as next summer. 

News: Heyward has left the Arizona Fall League to be examined by team doctors in Atlanta for soreness where his hamstring muscle meets his gluteus muscles, the Braves' official web site reports.
Impact: He hasn't been ruled out to return to the AFL, but it sounds like his fall season is over and this injury is a little more worrisome than initially thought. It's still unlikely to impact his 2010 outlook, but we'll track his status closely this offseason. 

News: According to MLB.com, Braves' prospect Jason Heyward is suffering from a strained gluteus muscles that has forced him to miss several Arizona Fall League games this week. The Braves remain hopeful that this injury is minor and that Heyward will be able to return to the field soon.
Impact: Heyward is widely considered the top prospect in the game today, so the Braves have to be concerned with any injury to their future star. It seems like a distinct possibility that Heyward will be in the majors next season, so fantasy players should burn his name into your memory.