Update: 5/26 - 22:45

While nobody would call the deal a "blockbuster", the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves struck a trade deal that both sides think will help their teams. The players to be swapped are 3B Juan Uribe going from the Dodgers to the Braves for 2B/3B Alberto Callaspo. After originally being reported by numerous sources that the deal would be vetoed by Callaspo, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports tweeted that the infielder had a change of heart and waived his right to veto.

Originally, Callaspo cited a desire to stay with his current Braves teammates as his reason to veto, which was his right under the active Collective Bargaining Agreement between Major League Baseball and the Players' Union. The stipulation is that as a free agent signee this offseason, a player can block any trade until June 15 -- a short 20 days away, but rules are rules. After further contemplation, it appears Callaspo has decided it is best to part ways with the Braves.

The trade makes sense for both sides. The Dodgers have had strong performances at the hot corner from Justin Turner (.289 batting average, 5 HR) and Alex Guerrero (.309, 8 HR). At age 36, Uribe (.247, 1 HR) does not have range to play anywhere else. The Dodgers sought the more versatile Callaspo, who can play 2B and is also a better contact hitter although he is equally struggling at the plate (.206, 1 HR). CBS Eye on Baseball reported that up to four additional players would have been involved in the swap. FOX's Rosenthal later tweeted a major league pitcher would be going to the Dodgers in addition to three others. Full details of the deal will surely be available shortly.

What might have happened was that the Braves informed Callaspo that he would be released anyway rendering his veto moot. This way, he goes to a contender that he knows has interest and can go right away, rather than waiting for waivers and a potential claim by a team lower in the standings (including some who would claim him just to keep the Dodgers from getting his talent).

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About the author
Dave Whitlock
I'm a huge sports fan, particularly liking to focus on the stuff between the lines instead of the off-the-field issues. A big MLB fan (Houston Astros) and college football fan (Texas Longhorns), I also love the diversity of all sports (like Tour De France, Horse Racing, NHL, NFL, you name it). I particularly love the interactions with other sports fans on Twitter. I try to live by the mantra "a bad day at the ballpark is better than a good day anywhere else."