Javier Vazquez likely is leaving the Chicago White Sox and heading to the Atlanta Braves in a multiplayer trade.
The teams reached a tentative agreement yesterday that would send the 32-year-old pitcher to Atlanta, two people familiar with the deal said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the trade had not been finalized. That could happen today. Vazquez must take a physical for the deal to be completed, one of the people said, and he was likely to be examined today.
It was unclear who the Braves would send to Chicago in exchange for Vazquez. The righthander was 12-16 with a 4.67 ERA in 33 starts for the AL Central champions this season, surpassing 200 innings for the eighth time in nine years. The trade agreement was reported earlier by several news outlets.
With obvious holes in the rotation, Braves general manager Frank Wren has said he hopes to add two starting pitchers this winter.
Atlanta pursued Padres ace Jake Peavy before Wren said last month "we have moved on and shifted our focus" after San Diego didn't agree to what he called "a strong package of players."
Brocail remains Astro
Relief pitcher Doug Brocail is staying with the Houston Astros, agreeing to a one-year, $2.75-million contract that includes a club option for 2010. The 41-year-old righthander was a reliable setup man for Houston closer Jose Valverde this season, going 7-5 with a 3.93 ERA in a career-high 72 appearances. Brocail gets a $2.5-million salary next year and Houston has a $2.85-million option for 2010, with a $250,000 buyout.
