LOS ANGELES -- If Cameron Maybin extends his recent success and Matt Wisler proves why he is such a highly regarded prospect, the Braves will likely spend the next few years continuing to feel thankful that the Padres were willing to pay the remainder of Melvin Upton Jr.s contract ($46.3 million) in exchange for Craig Kimbrel.
But as this season's first two months have unfolded, the Braves have had to deal with the remains of a bullpen that was thinned by the April 5 Kimbrel trade, Shae Simmons' season-ending elbow injury and the performance-enhancing suspensions levied on two of their bullpen prospects (Arodys Vizcaino and Andrew McKirahan).