Braves to Reportedly Sign Mariners Legend Felix Hernandez

The Braves needed a fifth starter, and it appears they've found their man, albeit a pitcher most of us won't be used to in their colors.

Felix Hernandez has reportedly signed with Atlanta.

The Venezuelan right-hander had pitched for Seattle since his age-19 season, and after an emotional goodbye to the franchise that raised him in the bigs, Hernandez is ready to try and nail down a consistent rotation spot for a real contender.

That's not a direct shot at the Mariners, but as of now King Felix surely realizes (like most reasonable baseball fans) that the Braves are in a far better spot to compete for a World Series title than the franchise in the Emerald City, despite the fond memories Hernandez has there.

Hernandez has steadily regressed the past three seasons, and ended last year with a 1-8 record and 6.40 ERA.

Those numbers won't cut it in the ATL, but from the Braves' perspective this is a worthwhile flyer on a 33-year-old vet who (just maybe) has an urge to reinvent his pitching style before his career is past the point of no return.