a big deal

Three former Mississippi Braves and the club’s projected 2013 shortstop have been sent to Arizona in Atlanta’s blockbuster deal for outfielder Justin Upton, according to multiple reports. Former M-Braves Martin Prado, Randall Delgado and Zeke Spruill are headed to the Diamondbacks, along with Nick Ahmed and Brandon Drury, for Upton and third baseman Chris Johnson. Spruill pitched for the M-Braves in 2012, posting a 9-11 record with a 3.67 ERA. Ahmed, a well-regarded shortstop prospect penciled in for the job in Pearl this year, hit .269 with six homers and 40 stolen bases at Class A Lynchburg. Drury, an infielder, played at low-A Rome in 2012. Braves fans will be sad to see the versatile and productive Prado go, but Upton adds a new dynamic to the Atlanta lineup, which will also include his brother B.J., signed as a free agent.