Padres land Kimbrel in six-player trade with Braves

The San Diego Padres loaded with outfielders were looking to trade both Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin. They found a trade partner for both of them on Sunday in the Atlanta Braves. The Braves sent the Padres All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and outfielder Melvin Upton, Jr. for outfielders Cameron Maybin, and Carlos Quentin along with prospects outfielder Jordan Paroubeck, starting pitcher Matt Wisler, and the 41st pick overall in the 2015 MLB draft.

The Atlanta Braves are currently in rebuild mode, after trading lots of their roster in the offseason. Including Jason Heyward, Jordan Walden, Evan Gattis, and Justin Upton (Justin is currently with the Padres, and the younger brother of Melvin Upton Jr). At times to rebuild and get a team to take on a bad contract you need to trade a good player to do that, which to me is what the Braves did to get rid of Melvin Upton Jr's contract. He didn't workout well for the Braves after signing a big contract as a free agent with them. So pretty much the Braves had to get rid of his contract somehow, and they found a way, even if that meant trading the best closer in the MLB in Craig Kimbrel.

For the Braves they add talent to their minor league system, which is something they need. Wisler becomes the Braves top prospect, and a good outfield prospect in Paroubeck.

Kimbrel, 26, looks to make the Padres a contender for the NL West. They've added lots of players to their roster in the offseason with the likes of Derek Norris, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and James Shields. The Padres are trying to make the playoffs for their first time since 2006, right now it looks like they could be a playoff team. Time will tell if that's true. They needed a closer, which they got in Kimbrel. He improves their bullpen a lot, which they already have a good bullpen. I think their next upgrade if they do make another move at some point should be at first base.

Kimbrel is entering his sixth MLB season, so far he's been a four time All-Star (2011-2014), NL saves leader (2011-2014), and rookie of the year in 2011. Also while as closer in 2011, he had 46 saves, that's the most for a closer as a rookie.

His career stats are: 15 wins, 10 losses, 1.43 era, 186 saves, 289 innings, 476 strikeouts, 294 games, and a whip of 0.90. The last four seasons he's had 46 saves, 42 saves, 50 saves, and last season 47 saves.

If the Padres fail to make the playoffs in 2015, their current manager Bud Black could be on the hot seat after the season. He was manager of the year for the NL in 2010, when he lead the Padres to a record of 90-72, only to finish in second place in the NL West. Black always seems to have the Padres do better than people say they will be. A lot of that is due to the fact he's never had much talent to work with, because the Padres have had ownership problems under him. He's only had two winning seasons with the Padres as their manager, 2007 and 2010.

As for myself I like the trade for both teams, it should help the Padres now, and the Braves in the future.

Indians Extend Kluber

The Cleveland Indians have gotten one of their top players starting pitcher Corey Kluber to a long-term contract. Kluber, 28, gets a five-year contract, that's worth $38.5 million. The deal also includes two team options, one for 2020 and the other for 2021. In the up coming seasons starting in 2015 he'll make $1 million, 2016 season $4.5 million, 017 $7.5 million, 018 $10.5 million, and in 019 $13 million. In the fifth year can go from $13 million to $17 million. The first option in 2020, is worth $13.5 million and can go to $17.5 million. His option in 2021, can go is $14 million and can go up to $18 million. His second option can be bought out for $1 million.

If the Indians decide to trade Kluber, then his new club will have to decide on both options within three days after the 2019 World Series. If that club were to decline the option, Kluber then must be given a $1 million buyout. Kluber also will receive a $1 million bonus if he's traded and his 2021 club option will convert into a vesting option if he were to be traded in 2020. The vesting option would call for him to pitch 160 innings and not finish the year on the disabled list (DL).

Kluber was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2007 MLB draft. The Padres would then deal him to the Cleveland Indians in 2010, in a three-way trade that involved the St. Louis Cardinals. The Indians would send pitcher Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals, the Padres sent Kluber to the Indians and pitcher Nick Greenwood to the Cardinals. The Cardinals ended up sending outfielder Ryan Ludwick to the Padres.

Last season, he had a breakout season. Leading the American League (AL) in wins with 18, along with pitchers Jered Weaver and Max Scherzer . He struckout 269 batters, which was good for second-best in the MLB, only behind David Price who had 271 strikeouts. He finished the 2014 season 18-9 with an era of 2.44. His era ended up being third best in the league. Those stats helped him win the 2014 AL Cy Young Award.

Kluber is entering the fifth MLB season, so far in his career his stats are: 31 wins, 19 losses, 3.34 era, 450.1 innings, 464 strikeouts, 75 games, 70 starts, and a whip of 1.21. He also has three complete games, and 1 shutout.

It's a good move by the Indians, getting one of their core players signed to a long-term contract. He should be able to improve for the Indians.