John Schuerholz defended the Tony Pe?a Jr. against people who believed that he gave away the shortstop. All the Braves got in return was Erik Cordier, a 21-year-old right-hander with a history of injuries who probably won?t throw a pitch this season after reconstructive elbow surgery. But Braves general manager John Schuerholz bristled at the notion that the Braves just dumped Pe?a. ?We weren?t giving up on Tony by any means,? Schuerholz told me by phone. ?In fact, I?ll echo the words of our manager (Bobby Cox) in saying that Tony was the best (defensive) shortstop we had in camp. ?We were in a position where we have Edgar Renteria for two years. He?s our shortstop. And we didn?t really have a spot for Tony off the bench as a bat.? And Pe?a is out of options, meaning the Braves probably were going to have to waive him anyway. Schuerholz also thinks the Braves did get some value in return. ?When (Cordier) is healthy he has thrown well,? Schuerholz said. ?He?s got a good arm. He can throw 95 or 96.?