July 2012 - Atlanta Braves Wiretap
As 2012 draws to a close, Michael Bourn remains the top available free agent on the open market.
The market for Bourn appears to have dried up a bit after a number of other center field options came off the board.
Some of the other top players left are Rafael Soriano, Adam LaRoche and Kyle Lohse.
Billy Bullock, a minor league pitcher in Atlanta's organization, has been suspended 50 games after a second violation of a drug of abuse.
He is 11-11 with 50 saves and a 4.33 ERA in four minor league seasons.
The Braves are among the teams interested in Scott Hairston.
Atlanta is in need of a left fielder, but he could prove to be too expensive.
Hairston hit 20 homers and posted a .263/.299/.504 batting line for the Mets this past season.
The Braves are keeping tabs on Mark Trumbo, who could be moved by the Angels.
Los Angeles added Josh Hamilton this week, which has given them almost an embarrassment of riches in terms of hitters.
The Braves aren't interested in acquiring Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs.
It has been reported that Chicago would pay $26 million of the $36 million remaining on Soriano's contract as long as they receive a legitimate prospect in return.
The Braves are still active in trade talks as the offseason progresses.
They have been linked to Dexter Fowler and Emilio Bonifacio.
The Dodgers have fielded calls about Dee Gordon from four teams -- the Braves, Indians, Mariners and Phillies.
Seattle would keep Gordon in the infield, but Atlanta, Cleveland and Seattle would all apparently move him to the outfield.
Major League Baseball's average salary increased 3.8 percent this year to a record $3.2 million.
According to final figures released Friday by the Major League Baseball Players Association, the rise was the steepest since 2007.
The boost was helped by an increase in the minimum salary from $414,000 to $480,000.
Reed Johnson rejoined the Braves on Thursday with a one-year contract that includes a club option for 2014, according to an ESPN.com report.
Atlanta acquired Johnson from the Cubs on July 30.
The Braves have exercised their 2014 option on the contract of manager Fredi Gonzalez, according to an Associated Press report.
Since taking over when Bobby Cox retired, Gonzalez has managed the Braves to a 183-141 record.
