Braves acquire Vazquez from ChiSox in bid to bolster rotation

The Braves have reached tentative agreement with the White Sox on a trade that would bring veteran right-handed starter Javier Vazquez to Atlanta, SI.com has confirmed.

But the Braves may not stop there. In an attempt to rebuild its starting rotation, Atlanta has been pursuing several proven pitchers, including top free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. It's possible the Braves may still try to sign Burnett even after adding Vazquez.

In exchange for Vazquez and relief pitcher Boone Logan, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Braves will send four young players to the White Sox: catcher Tyler Flowers, third baseman Jon Gilmore, pitcher Santos Rodriguez and infielder Brent Lillibridge. Lillibridge is a player White Sox GM Ken Williams has been after for awhile.

The Braves have spent most of the winter looking at pitching and inquired about Padres star Jake Peavy, Rangers pitchers Vicente Padilla and Kevin Millwood, and free agents Burnett and Derek Lowe. Some think the Braves might consider a five-year deal for Burnett, which could make them the favorite for him.

Braves right-hander Tim Hudson had elbow ligament replacement surgery on Aug. 7. Aging veterans John Smoltz and Tom Glavine also had season-ending arm operations, and their status for 2009 remains uncertain. Both are free agents. Left-hander Mike Hampton reached a tentative agreement to sign with Houston.

Vazquez lost stature with the White Sox after pitching poorly in a couple of big games late last year. The right-hander 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. Vazquez has a 127-129 career record with Montreal, the New York Yankees, Arizona and the White Sox. The 32-year-old pitcher is scheduled to make $23 million over the next two years.

The White Sox also have been fielding offers for star closer Bobby Jenks and rightfielder Jermaine Dye, but baseball people now believe the team is likely to hold onto those two top players. The Mets inquired about Jenks while the Reds and Rays were among several to show interest in Dye.

Foxsports.com first reported the possibility of a trade of Vazquez to the Braves.