Since not everyone was paying attention to all the goings-on of the NL East this winter, this week we are going to do a quick recap of what each team did during the offseason, beginning with the Braves.

In: Dan Uggla, Scott Linebrink, George Sherrill, Rodrigo Lopez, Fredi Gonzalez

Out: Billy Wagner, Takashi Saito, Matt Diaz, Omar Infante, Troy Glaus, Derrek Lee, Rick Ankiel, Melky Cabrera, Bobby Cox

The biggest change in the Braves is

Add Baltimore lefthander George Sherrill to the list of “available” closers, according to Nick Cafardo of Boston.com / The Boston Globe.

Sherrill will be 32 years old when the 2009 season begins, and is coming off a 31-save year — his first as a full-time closer. However, his ERA was an unsightly 4.73 and his WHIP zoomed to 1.50 (it had been 0.98 in 2007, when he was used as a LOOGY). Sherrill’s ERA and WHIP are a good indicator of what will happen if someone decides to use Joe Beimel in an expanded role next year.

Sherrill’s 58 strikeouts in 53 innings were impressive, but his walk total — 33 — was not. Again I bring up good ol’ Braden Looper — though Looper didn’t walk nearly as many batters. There’s a good chance Sherrill will benefit from leaving the AL (B)East.

Also of note in that article: Phillies manager Charlie Manuel would love to reunite with Manny Ramirez. Great, so if the Phils don’t get Matt Holliday, Manny could be an option. Perish the thought.

Finally, Cafardo had a quick interview with Shea Hillenbrand, who is attempting a comeback. Hmm … righthanded hitter who can play all the corners. Maybe if he changes his first name to “Citi”.