Okay, before we get to the details of this move, Atlanta Braves fans might have to sit down for this one. The Braves traded their former No. 1 prospect Tommy Hanson for Los Angeles Angels' relief pitcher Jordan Walden. 

Hanson was expected to be the face of the Braves' pitching rotation in years to come, but constant injuries landed the young right hander on the DL and he was never able to get things rolling in Atlanta.

He spent four seasons with the Braves and had a breakout year in his first go-around. In 2009, Hanson went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA. He was third in Rookie of the Year voting that season. 

Since then, the 26-year-old went 34-28 in the following three seasons. 

Hanson came up with a weird shorthanded delivery that was likely the cause for shoulder issues that landed hiim on the DL in his four-year career with the Braves. 

In return, though I really do not understand the need for a guy like Walden, the Braves receive a reliever. 

Atlanta's roster is packed with relievers. You name it, middle relievers, setup men and probably one of the best closers in the big leagues. 

Walden went 3-2 in 2012 with a 3.46 ERA, 39 innings pitched, 48 strikeouts and a save. 

Why Hanson?
The Braves might know something about Hanson's history of injuries that caused them to dump him that easily. I can see Walden coming in to help out Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters if they run into trouble late in the game against right handed hitters. 

He could take over Chad Durbin's roll as the clean up guy who came on in the 5th or 6th innings to hold games close.

Another reason why the Braves probably chose to part ways with Hanson is their abundance in young pitchers ready for the Majors. 

Randall Delgado or Julio Teheran can fill in for Hanson. 

Also, as the Braves continue to look for outfield help, more specifically an outfielder who can leadoff, they free up about $4 million as Hanson was up for arbitration. 

There is no doubt that Walden has an arm as his fastball clocks up in the mid to upper 90's. Look for the Braves to find a role for this 25-year-old right hander.