Dotel to Braves

The Braves have acquired closer Octavio Dotel from the Royals in exchange for young starter Kyle Davies. This seems like another win-win trade for the Braves.

I don't think Dotel can handle the pressure of being a closer but he seems to thrive in a set-up role. I also think that Kyle Davies has better stuff than his 4-8 record and 5.76 ERA would indicate.

Let's be honest - from the moment the Royals signed Dotel to a 1-year $5 million deal (with a player's option in 2008) everyone knew the plan was to trade him at the trade deadline. The Royals got a soon to be 24-year old starting pitcher. The Royals can take a risk on Davies in the rotation next year and if he fails - hey just release him or send him to AAA. If the Royals, on the other hand, can help Davies overcome his early game problems (his ERA in his first 30 pitches is over 10.45 for his career) then they could have a real keeper.

I have to wonder if Liberty Media is behind this buying spree by the Braves or at least is OKing the moves? The Braves as an asset were pretty much lost among all the other Time Warner holdings but as a Liberty Media property they get a much higher corporate profile.