Braves might have found a guy in the Rafael Montero trade

When the trade deadline approached, everyone believed the Braves were going to sell off their spare parts. Even Brian Snitker hinted at potentially 5-6 players getting moved. Instead, they ended up buying more than they sold, with the only player they traded being Rafael Montero, who had very little value after a dismal short stint in Atlanta.

The fact that the Braves were able to get anything for Montero, who has been one of the worst relievers in baseball over the last three seasons, is a bit of a miracle. But it goes to show just how desperate competitive teams are for bullpen help at the trade deadline, which is why most expected Atlanta would be aggressive in selling guys like Raisel Iglesias, Pierce Johnson, and others.

The return — utility infielder Jim Jarvis — wasn’t anything to write home about. At least, it didn’t seem like it at the time, but Jarvis has been pretty impressive since joining the Braves organization. He posted a .706 OPS for AA Columbus, earning a promotion to Gwinnett, where he went 3-for-5 with a couple of doubles in his debut for the Stripers last night.