Angels acquire Tommy Hanson from Braves for Jordan Walden

The Los Angeles Angels have acquired Tommy Hanson from the Atlanta Braves. The one time stud prospect has dealt with shoulder problems recently and has seen a decline in his velocity. Should he recover some of that loss velocity, Hanson has the ability to be a top of the line starter for years to come.

Hanson, a 26-year-old right-hander has a 45-32 career record and 3.61 earned-run average in four seasons with the Braves and went 13-10 with a 4.48 ERA, 161 strikeouts and 71 walks in 174 2/3 innings in 2012. He will join C.J. Wilson and Jered Weaver in the Angels rotation. The team is currently deciding on whether or not to tender a contract to Jerome Williams.

In his first year of arbitration, Hanson is expected to be rewarded with a contract worth $4 million. The Braves saw Hanson as an option as the teams fifth starter. Aside from shoulder problems, Hanson also was bothered by a back strain for much of last season.

In exchange for Hanson the Angels traded away Jordan Walden. Walden served as the Angels closer in 2011 but had shoulder concerns himself and was moved to middle relief last season. He finished 2012 with 3.46 ERA while save one game. His ability to reach 98 mph has resulted in a 10.8 strikeouts per nine which should mesh well in the back of the Braves already thick bullpen.

John Boarman
John Boarmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

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