The Atlanta Braves were able to steal second baseman Brandon Phillips from the Cincinnati Reds a a particular moment of need this Spring.
That John Coppolella was able to do so – for pitchers Andrew McKirahan and Carlos Portundo and only $1 million of his $14 million contract – was seen as a coup for Coppy and the Braves.
Truth is (figuratively speaking)… the Reds all but drove him to the airport to make sure he got on the plane. It wasn’t exactly the first time they’d actively tried to move him.