Brewers, Braves work trade

MARYVALE, Ariz., March 20 (UPI) -- With their catching situation in disarray, the Atlanta Braves acquired defensive specialist Henry Blanco from the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday for backstop Paul Bako and righthanded reliever Jose Cabrera.

The 30-year-old Blanco batted .210 with six homers and 31 RBI for the Brewers last season but his strength lies in his defense as owns one of the game's strongest throwing arms. He threw out 42 percent of opposing baserunners attempting to steal last season and was even better in 2000, nailing an astounding 59 percent.

Blanco could split time with veteran starter Javy Lopez, who is having a terrible spring after an injury-plagued 2001 season. Blanco could also serve as a personal catcher for ace Greg Maddux -- a role Bako filled last season.

The 29-year-old Bako hit .212 with two homers and 15 RBI last season but posted the lowest catcher's ERA in the game last year with a 3.40 mark over 397 1/3 innings caught. He also has spent time with Detroit, Houston and Florida and owns a .247 career batting average.

Cabrera, who turns 30 on Sunday, was 7-4 with a 2.88 ERA and two saves in 55 games last season. He has a career record of 13-7 with a 3.81 ERA and could emerge as a valuable member of a muddled Brewers' bullpen.