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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,249 comments Add your comment
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
4:00 pm
Lew, Get a picture of him and do a painting of you talking down to him! You could incorporate some sort of blog type back ground with words coming out of your mouth in Blog form. That may help him with the irks!
StanleyPalmer
July 14th, 2010
4:00 pm
@RJR6969, I feel you on BJordan. He’s always held a special place in my heart!!! RFLMAO!!!
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
Wait til Yunel gets his 1st check from the Jays and it’s LESS because of those Canadian taxes!
Then we will see some real sulking!
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
RHR,
What??? Reality is the DOB, Bobby Cox, Frank Wren, all of his teammates, whoever, see this guy on a personal level everyday. You and I and everyone on this blog just see what he does at the plate and when he takes his position. This guy is obviously talented but his mere presence had to be a distraction so great that Mgmt thought they couldn’t wait till after the season. People close to the situation seem to agree consistently on how bad a attitude and distraction he has become.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
That article about the farm systems was crock. Most ranking I have seen have the Braves back in the top 5. They lack position players in the high minors, that’s about it. To suggest they have minor league issues, which that guy did, pretty stupid, especially when he acts like the Phils or Mets are in a better position to acquire a bat.
NorCal
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
The story about Johan Gonzalez is so sad; you have to admire Alex doing so well under the circumstances (as others have noted).
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
So let me get this right, just so I’m crystal clear on this.
The Braves have a 4 game lead at the all-star break, and have done this with a SS that’s batted below .250 with 0 HR and 19 RBI, and we just added a guy with 17 HR to replace him?
Where’s the problem? Seriously? Wren gave up a guy that’s been being discussed as trade bait for over a year (yet NOBODY aparently offered anything better than Gonzalez for him), and who was likely NOT in the long-term plans of this club due to his own idiocy and laziness (despite being a GREAT defensive player and the possibility of being a great offensive player), for a guy who has a reasonable contract, decent pop and is solid/consistant on defense.
This is NOT the Tex trade. We didn’t give up 5 future players/trading chips for 1 year of a superstar bat.
We gave up a couple more years of a guy who likely was going to get traded at some point anyhow, and a pitcher NOBODY wanted to see pitch in Atlanta again for a solid bat and glove (and club-house guy by all accounts), a young prospect SS and a pretty decent LH relief pitching prospect, and like it or not, if Escobar didn’t turn it around and a hurry, SIGNIFICANTLY improved the chances of fending off the Mets and Phillies RIGHT NOW.
Best move for the future? Maybe not. But it didn’t cripple the future either and made us better today.
Nice trade. Nothing spectacular. But the team is better tomorrow than they were on Sunday.
Period.
Mets Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
What a stupid trade. Now we can’t count on a double play every time Escobar comes up to the plate. Also looks like the homeruns will increase during the second half of the season. Frank Wren, you are officially ruining my life.
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
Gone Viral – read that NY Daily News article about the deal – you can hear the writer yawning about the trade as he wrote it. So, it’s an OK move – a slight improvement – but nothing that gets the rest of the division upset! LOL
Lew
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
CT-Hardly worth the effort considering how much time I put into painting those pictures.
Y’all – Just Look at the comments today on this blog and seriously tell me that Yunel is not polarizing.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
RHR,
Just for the record, I wasnt a huge Andruw fan, and yes he was pulled from at least one game for dogging it. But this was a trend with Escobar. He’s been doing this for TWO seasons, not just this one.
Ever since the Braves trade Bryan Pena, who was Escobar’s best friend, Escobar has had several issues at times
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
Even if Gonzalez doesnt play well, not having to deal with Yunel and the headaches he caused on occassions makes this a good deal.
Man, I’m sorry, but that is just total homer bull-bleep. If Gonzalez doesn’t play well, the trade becomes a very big loss. He has to be at least league-average in his performance over the second half.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
I will say that Frank Wren and company have earned my trust, so I’ll try to hold off being uber-pissed for a while.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
Think we’ll still see you at the parade, Chop Chop?
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
Also, Chipper’s never been removed from a game for a clear lack of effort. He’s has been banned from Hooter’s though.
BraveeeeePack
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
Who cares Heyward’s coming back!
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
We will find out what Gonzaleze can do it seems.
It has been 5 years since he played in as many as 130 games.
It has been 6 years since he had 599 PA’s.
He has 328 PA’s this year, the Braves have 74 games left.
If he plays every day that would give him around 296 PA’s for 628 on the year.
If he gets 296 PA’s his history says he makes 211 outs.
He hits a homerun in about every 39 PA’s, That would be 7 or 8.
Who knows, I hope he plays lights out, because I want the Braves to win.
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
Frank knows what he is doing….trust me.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
He’s been doing this for TWO seasons, not just this one.
Every game for two seasons? Or just, you know, maybe 4 games out of 324.
Ever since the Braves trade Bryan Pena, who was Escobar’s best friend, Escobar has had several issues at times
Please stop.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
The best defensive shortstop in the game who just so happens to also get on base at above a league average rate even when he’s slumping real bad with the stick should never ever be traded away. This is especially true when he’ll still be cheap and under club control for the next three and half seasons. Sell high, buy low, not the other way around. Braves Way! LOL.
OU812
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
The A Bomb: But when Yunel sees how much better their school system is and how much better the quality of life is, he’ll understand that’s not always about not paying one red cent more.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
ncscoots,
It’s not always about talent. Chemistry in the clubhouse is a huge thing, and no team in the Braves current position would trade their starting SS unless they have had enough of him.
Some people brighten a room by entering it, Escobar did the same by leaving
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
RHR,
I’ll be the guy at the parade elbowing KC and Frankie Wren out of the way so I can be the first to prostrate myself at Wren and Bobby’s feet.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
For those worried about the “future” SS after Gonzalez is long gone? Why bother?
Sure, there isn’t a clear cut guy out there. Salcedo is allegedly the 3B of the future when Chipper leaves.
But what the Braves DO have is a ton of pitching prospects coming along. They have Tim Hudson signed. Jair Jurrjens. Mike Minor. Tommy Hanson and then the young trio of Delgado, Vizcaino and Teheran coming up.
When the Braves feel that not having an adequate SS in their system is going to cause them to lose games, and if nobody is out there to sign short term in free agency (like a veteran Walt Weiss was in 1998) to bridge the gap?
They’ll simply trade a pitcher for one.
Sopheeeeap
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
I’m still sad. I’m going to go cry in the corner now.
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
Unbelievable!
Some of you are throwing Alex under the bus before he’s even put his “Yuni” on.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
In case anyone failed to notice, we ain’t exactly stacked with strikeout artists in that rotation.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
Oh well, Mixxo, of the “ballgame!” in the 2nd inning Mixxos, says we should trust him.
Hot diggity damn! I don’t know why I ever raised an eyebrow. World series champs in 4 games. Yunel will be a shoe salesman this time next year.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
By the way, thanks for all those uplifting comments about my value. Remind me to comment likewise on your work performance.——Jo-Jo Reyes
I’ll do it for you!!! I haven’t gotten anything done all day! If my boss saw my productivity today she would be pissed. I’ve been a real crappy worker today but, who cares because I’m a Dam good Braves fan!!!
Lpad
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
RHR I agree with your 3:51 and I definitely wish Yunel the best. I would like to add two things about the braves way. 1) Bobby Cox isn’t a saint either. So the people saying if you can’t play for Bobby, you can’t play for anyone need to go look up why the police came to his house. 2) The Orioles talk about the “Oriole Way” a lot. Look at where they are.
This trade leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This wasn’t a good trade for us no matter how it is spun. Yunel is not a distraction. No off the field problems unlike Chipper, Andruw, Cox, Furcal or Rocker. DOB says he has attitude problems, but has Yunel ever confronted DOB in the locker room like Hudson did?
We didn’t get good prospects back (Collins projects as a middle reliever and Pastornicky as a speedy shortstop, which btw we have drafted plenty of in the last two years), Gonalzez is aging and has had injury problems and is playing over his head. Strikeouts too much and doesn’t get on base. Maybe, just maybe we can catch lighting in a bottle.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
But he won’t sell any shoes because who wants to buy shoes from someone who is all frowny faced all the time. Hope he doesn’t wind up homeless.
Ol Paul
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
I always thought that Yunel was really, really hot.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
Enough with the facts for you Yunel supporters.
Like I said, if you are a Yunel fan, and there are several here, nothing anyone says will get thru to you, and that’s fine.
Because we can debate here all we want, but at the end of the day,Escobar has left the building. Deal with it.
BBFCFM
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
So let me get this right, just so I’m crystal clear on this.
The Braves have a 4 game lead at the all-star break, and have done this with a SS that’s batted below .250 with 0 HR and 19 RBI, and we just added a guy with 17 HR to replace him?
Where’s the problem? Seriously? Wren gave up a guy that’s been being discussed as trade bait for over a year (yet NOBODY aparently offered anything better than Gonzalez for him), and who was likely NOT in the long-term plans of this club due to his own idiocy and laziness (despite being a GREAT defensive player and the possibility of being a great offensive player), for a guy who has a reasonable contract, decent pop and is solid/consistant on defense.
This is NOT the Tex trade. We didn’t give up 5 future players/trading chips for 1 year of a superstar bat.
We gave up a couple more years of a guy who likely was going to get traded at some point anyhow, and a pitcher NOBODY wanted to see pitch in Atlanta again for a solid bat and glove (and club-house guy by all accounts), a young prospect SS and a pretty decent LH relief pitching prospect, and like it or not, if Escobar didn’t turn it around and a hurry, SIGNIFICANTLY improved the chances of fending off the Mets and Phillies RIGHT NOW.
Best move for the future? Maybe not. But it didn’t cripple the future either and made us better today.
Nice trade. Nothing spectacular. But the team is better tomorrow than they were on Sunday.
Period.”
I think thats exactly right.
“Chip Caray’s Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
That article about the farm systems was crock. Most ranking I have seen have the Braves back in the top 5. They lack position players in the high minors, that’s about it. To suggest they have minor league issues, which that guy did, pretty stupid, especially when he acts like the Phils or Mets are in a better position to acquire a bat.”
but we have a surplus of excellent pitching. Both in the minors (especially) and even in the major leagues as well. I would think have quality young pitching as your trade chip is as good as having gold- if not better. I don’t know how many other teams can boast a pitching surplus such as ours.
bobby's cox
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
I’m gonna miss the “Blonde” Highlight Reel with a Cuban Feel.
Melky Way
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
RHR come no one said anyhing about race,I am a black Man my self,I am the last person to do the racist thing,I can not say for sure that he is a cancer in the club house only the players know that,but all i am saying is the Team has to have unity at this time.I do hope it plays out in positive way.I really was hoping that Yunel would turn things around and hit .300 again. the trade is done now.so GO BRAVES! t
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Sopheeeeap –
awwww……come and sit on Uncle Mixxo’s lap and lets talk about it.
I’ll miss him too Soph, there’s a lot I liked about him. Killer D.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Too bad there’s not a game tonight.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Scoots: [no support for him from Bobby or the clubhouse]…is the only element that makes the trade even remotely reasonable, in my opinion….And that’s why I’m pretty snarky about the whole deal. Not so much that he was traded, but that the value was just tossed.
“The value was just tossed.” That’s an assumption I would think. And based on prior performance, I’ll say I don’t think it is far off base. But, here’s the thing, if in fact Yunel’s struggles and “head case, attitude” were a conjoined death spiral, his value would only get worse if he were to remain in Atlanta. If his attitude impacted his support from the team and his performance on the field, it is reasonable to conclude it would be highlighted more in the second half and the post-season (should the Braves make the post-season). And it would be reasonable to assess his “value” at the end of the season would be less or more to the point, lower than the assumed “value [that] was just tossed”.
Additionally, this seems to assume less value is returned from the MLB player and the MiLB players acquired in the deal. Perhaps because of the minor league pitchers stature? But, he is a lefty with a hella curve dominating AA at a young age.
And lastly, scoots, this trade relieved the franchise of Jo Jo Reyes. I mean, c’mon… that’s gold.
I’m not thrilled to see Yunel go… but I am interigued by the minor leaguers, OK with Alex, and thrilled Jo Jo is gone. Just thrilled. No more Jo-Jo.
Let’s talk about minor league pitching depth folks… “What if we lose some starter to injury?” Well, I can tell you right now, without a doubt in my mind, Jo Jo Reyes has zero chance of filling in. Zero.
aaaahhhhhhh. It just feels good to say that.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
I hope Chipper gives Esco a list of all those “Hot Spots” in Toronto he enjoyed so much back during the WBC! {:
NorCal
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
I think I remember last year someone on the blog saw Yunel at a mall buying sunglasses and said “hi” to him and Yunel was friendly back. Gotta be a good guy
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
Some of us couldn’t care less about Yunel being traded. It’s about packaging some of our talent – Yunel and… – for something that delivers more impact!
Efrim
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
To suggest they have minor league issues, which that guy did, pretty stupid, especially when he acts like the Phils or Mets are in a better position to acquire a bat.
I think he meant that they Braves didn’t have any position player prospects to deal since Freddie Freeman will most likely man first base next year. I can’t disagree with him in that regard, but Goldstein failed to mention Mike Minor, J.J. Hoover or Craig Kimbrel who most certainly would be attractive pieces to other teams(not that they’d trade them). He’s going under the assumption that the Braves would make their top 4 prospects off limits in trade discussions, not that the Braves overall system is weak….because it’s clearly not.
Chuck
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
The Texeira trace still haunts us. When we see him in the WS we need to put one in his ear. We gave up Elvis Andrus and Saltalamacchiasteinski for that nothing – then he starts hitting once the season is out of reach and Chipper stops batting .460 in front of him. And I think it’s a great trade. Escobar has great talent, but it’s not worth much when pacaged with that attitude. He did a copule of things last weekend that were eye-rollers – I guess that was the straw. Good pitcher and another shortstop for extra. Plus, this guy is a winner, is mature, having a career year, and is the same price next year as Esco would be with arbitration. Esco hasn’t hit a HR yet, and this guy has 17! Remember how long they stuck with Andruw Jones and Franceour when they were head cases and everyone railed against Wren and Bobby? This is a good trade!
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
.591,
Agree with you, but Yunel ha several fans here. They don’t care what anyone has to say(unless you are supporting Yunel)
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
“He has to be at least league-average in his performance over the second half.” scoots
Nope. The way I see it all Gonzalez has to do is have more than 62 hits, more than 0 HR, and more than 19 RBI, while being a strong prescence in the clubhouse to exceed what Escobar brought to the table this year.
Too many people living in the past (I often like to live in the future -hate trading away future pieces of the puzzle for the “now”). But the reality is that Escobar did NOTHING to help this team in the first half. Similar to Jeffy last year, eliminating him for a league average guy will be a HUGE upgrade, imo.
James
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
The Hawks need to learn from the braves and start making some trades the hawks current roster doesn’t look good.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
When the Red Sox were trying to win the World Series in 2004, they traded the superstar shortstop for one who can field. We’re pretending to be contenders for the World Series, and we traded away the best defensive shortstop for a guy, who even in his career year, has an OBP just about the same as the lifetime batting average of the best defensive shortstop in the game. Believe!
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
TIM COLLINS appears to be the player most likely to be worth a trade. Solid results in AA so far. Undrafted free agent in 2006. Great lefty strike-out reliefer. 43 IP – 27 H; 16 BB – 73 SO; 2.51 ERA, 1.00 WHIP. Makes MEDS look like TOMMY HANSON, 5′7″ 155.
Off his performance since he was drafted (5th round) in 2008, I don’t think TYLER PASTORNICKY will amount to much. Patience at the plate (102 BB – 127 SO) appears to be his long suit. AB’s 923 – hits 244.
GONZALEZ has a club option for 2.5 million in 2011. I assume this transfers, so the BRAVES have him under control for 1 1/2 years unless veteran rules negate the 2011 option in the contract.
ESCOBAR was done in ATLANTA. I expect to see him do exceptionally well in TORONTO.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:12 pm
Escobar has left the building. Deal with it.
Just stop! You’re right, there’s nothing anyone can say right now that’s going to make it ok. We’re shocked and disappointed that Yunel is gone, and that’s not something that’s going to just go away because we’re told to “deal with it.”
And just because he’s gone doesn’t mean that we should put up with people bashing him as if he were the worst player to ever strap on the spikes. Ain’t gonna happen. Deal with it.
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:12 pm
RHR –
Boy oh boy, sarcasm doesn’t get by you does it?
You really think I’m giving up after 2 innings? I say that crap to get under “folks like your” skin.
Works too!
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
I will say that Frank Wren and company have earned my trust, so I’ll try to hold off being uber-pissed for a while.
It’s funny, because the casual fan saw “Melky for Vazquez” as the worst trade ever that made absolutely 0 sense. Frank Wren should have been fired on the spot for even considering that trade. But a lot of us saw that the Braves had 6 starters, and they traded one for a stud minor league pitcher.
This one’s the other way around….the casual fan is like “Escobar’s a whiner, and I don’t care if he hits a million homeruns, I just want someone who smiles and jumps up and down when we win. Wren deserves GM of the year for finding anybody to take all that baggage!” But I see it as we gave up on a slumping potential All Star who is less than a year away from hitting .299 and being the team’s MVP.
Gary
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
@OU812 …Quality of life?!!…Life as a popsicle in the frozen Canadian wilderness is not quality.
StanleyPalmer
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
@Ol Paul, I completely agree about Yuni being hot as well!!! It’s a shame we’re losing that glorious bod, but we’ll just have to make due with AGon’s 17 long dongs!!! Wait…that didn’t sound right!!! LMAO!!!!
Piedmont Blues
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
TennesseePaul,
You found the silver lining … JoJo is gone. No chance he’ll be called up to fill a roster spot due to injury, or that he’ll have to make the 25-man because he’s run out of options.
He can surrender those moon shots north of the border for awhile.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:14 pm
Where’s the problem? Seriously?
Different league, older, those pesky career numbers, the last player who was “good” that we got from a cellar dweller, the whole 1st place even with a SS with 0 HR thing….
Hey, I hope he’s the next Hanley (but without that pesky ATTITUDE). I’m chill. Time will tell who got the better end of the deal. Go Braves! Go Alex! And you better run your ever loving ass off down that first base line and look hap hap happier than Bing Crosby tap dancing with Danny fluffin Kaye while you’re doing it!
Prime Time
July 14th, 2010
4:14 pm
Let him be someone elses problem.
Next Year Gonzalez is a free agent with a $2.5MM club option
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
Enough with the facts for you Yunel supporters. Like I said, if you are a Yunel fan, and there are several here, nothing anyone says will get thru to you, and that’s fine.
The “facts”? I haven’t seen any from his detractors. Seen alot of goober b.s. though
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
And the fact that for his career he’s getting on base at .294 doesn’t exactly want to make me jump up and down.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
They could’ve and should’ve cut JoJo at any time.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
Gotta be a good guy
I would always see him signing autographs after the games out in the player lot. And if you got his attention, he would wave…
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Enough with the facts for you Yunel supporters.
Yes, why would we use facts to support our arguments?
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Reality Check, I’m with ya, re your 3:59. Tomorrow’s a new day, got a game to play.
But, in fact, it won’t matter to me what Escobar does in Toronto. Dude’s gone. He’s not a member of the Braves, anymore, and has no bearing on how the team fares over the next 10 weeks. You got folks here who still obsess over trades from three years ago (heck, thirty years ago, LOL), but I count myself not among ‘em. So, regardless of what happens, I doubt I’ll be evaluating the trade after today.
And congrats on the coming addition. Priorities in place, my man.
Nate in Maine
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Good trade but dont forget we have a good prospect that we signed in the winter….. for get his name maybe edward scolo something like that but he is suppose to be good… by the way defense wins championships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Braves!!!!!!!
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Wait…did I say anything about race? I don’t remember saying anything about race?
Piedmont Blues
July 14th, 2010
4:17 pm
Yunel may absolutely light it up in the AL, what with the smaller parks and Cito’s emphasis on swinging as hard as you can on every pitch in case you make contact.
Of course, because Yunel has always been a patient hitter, this new approach could mess with his mind.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:17 pm
I’d also feel better if that lefty wasn’t five foot seven inches
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
This seems like a decent trade for both teams. This trade alone will not win the World Series for the Braves but it should improve their chances a bit.
For the Blue Jays, they aren’t getting a future Hall of Famer but Yunel Escobar does have good upside and it doesn’t seem like they gave up too much to take a chance on someone who can be a solid player for them for quite a few years if he can ever get his stuff together. I really think that he can, now that he has a fresh start in Canada.
Ol Paul
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
@Ol Paul, and what about those blonde highlights? Those glorious blonde tips? I always loved Yunel’s tips. You know what I mean.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
Roman Girl,
Do you need a tissue for this issue?? I’m glad he got traded, I’m not bashing a very TALENTED SS in Escobar, but to not call him out on his play at times over the last two years is something that I cant do.
Just about every so called expert says the Braves made out in this deal, so we’ll see.
And yes I’m dealing with the Braves moving on without Escboar, a VERY TALENTED but at times troubled SS.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
Forget Yunel.
Is Willy Wally really Braveheart?
raleighbravefan
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
WOW! I haven’t seen this much excitement/anguish with Braves Nation in a long time. Things are getting ugly. Everyone is taking sides. scoots & Lew, who I like both, at each other’s throats.
I see good and bad.
Yunel – Great talent and upside, but a headcase and lousy first half.
AG – Solid defense, more pop, more mature and levelheaded but little upside. 2 pretty good prospects tip the scales as a plus.
Wren was interviewed on XM radio shortly after trade announced – Bobby has pushed this trade for some time. They also like the prospects. Unsaid- they were tired of Yunel’s antics, and recent play broke the camel’s back. Time will tell!
I’m no fan of TP as hitting coach, but don’t put all of the blame on him for players who are stubborn and won’t listen (Andruw and Frenchy for example). I don’t know if Yunel fits that category. TP has been working with McLouth during stent on DL. It will be interesting what happens. If he comes back strong, I will no longer criticize TP.
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
I don’t want to say I told you so, but I told you so. ESCOBAR was done in ATLANTA, and it was obvious. All those SS moves last month couldn’t have been just to get talented infielders.
J T at Capital
July 14th, 2010
4:19 pm
the more I think about trade that was a bad deal at this time I think we should have wait a couple weeks just like we are doing with Nate when A Jones he had the same problem like Yunel I believe we gave up on him to quick
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:19 pm
And lastly, scoots, this trade relieved the franchise of Jo Jo Reyes. I mean, c’mon… that’s gold.
Ain’t nothing ever ALL bad, bubba.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:20 pm
Ncscoots,
Couldnt have said it better myself than your 4:16 post
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:20 pm
I’ve smelled this stench before. 1999. It smells like Jose Hernandez.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:20 pm
jeffrey d-
It’s funny that you mention the Vazquez trade. I wasn’t exactly happy about that trade either, but I recognized that either Lowe or Vazquez was getting traded, and we at least got Vizcaino who was rated up there with Teheran.
I guess the reason I don’t really care about Collins is because we already have some guys in Gwinnett who are throwing the ball really, really well. Dunn, Marek and Kimbrell are all having great seasons in the bullpen.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:21 pm
“But I see it as we gave up on a slumping potential All Star who is less than a year away from hitting .299 and being the team’s MVP.” jeffrescobar d
I look at it this way. It’s really a simple case of reading between the lines and putting 2 and 2 together.
The general consensus is that Bobby Cox is the ULTIMATE players manager. All he asks is that you play hard, play smart and don’t embarrass yourself and more importantly your team and organization. You literally have to be a real POS to lose Bobby’s trust and respect.
So if there is a guy that doesn’t want to play hard for Bobby Cox, much less Bobby Cox in his last year (when the team is winning many more than they are losing)???
Why on earth would you as a GM even remotely think that that particular individual is EVER going to turn the corner and be a good teammate that gives his all at all times?
The answer is clearly pointed out by him being traded less than a year removed from batting .299 and being the team’s MVP.
Whether you or I as fans are bummed, happy or mad about him being trade isn’t important. SOMEBODY, somewhere within the Braves organization thought he would not only NOT help this team this year, but he had little chance of helping in the future with his attitude.
Like I said. Not really that complicated to sift through all of the other BS and details to get to the common sense reason behind why Yunel is now a Blue Jay. Whether you or I like it or not, I honestly believe that it was a pretty simple decision for Wren.
Jonny Oh!
July 14th, 2010
4:21 pm
Gary – It has colder weather, but it also has a lot more culture and is much more cosmopolitan, not to mention a more sophisticated population.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
4:21 pm
Well I think he meant that Escobar will probably be an All Star someday (I agree). But it’s still 2…Andrus and Renteria
Andrus…Yes, Yunel will make the All-Star team in about 3 years as a back-up player thus proving that the trade was terrible.
As to Renteria, the Braves got Jurrjens. As bad as the blog can get sometimes, I think everyone has come around on that trade.
Alex Gonzalez hitting 35 dingers this year.
Ha! That’s about his pace but no way he does that. And if he does… his trade value sky rockets. Wren would have to pick up the option and flip him at that point.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
Roman Gal,
You are right on the mark about Gwinnett’s bullpen, allot of good arms there, but you can never have enough pitching
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
Is Willy Wally really Braveheart?
Hon, tell me you’re not 5 years behind everyone else.
raleighbravefan
July 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:23 pm
Do you need a tissue for this issue??
Clever. I wasn’t specifically referring to you as a Yunel-basher. But you can’t argue that there aren’t plenty of them here. That sort of thing doesn’t sit well with me or some others.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
4:24 pm
Where did Gonzalez bat in Toronto’s order? Where will he bat with the Braves?
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:24 pm
I gotta side with the infamous PL on this issue…I don’t care about attitude that much as long as you’re talented. I know Escobar sucked it up the first half, but he’s got talent that we all know is there.
Wild
July 14th, 2010
4:25 pm
we just added a SS that is having a career year with power but seldom gets on base and is the Jeff Francoeur of SS
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
4:25 pm
COLLINS was undrafted in 2007 sorry for the typo. Some estimates have him at 5′5″. WOW!
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
4:25 pm
Scoots – I gotta agree with your 4:16 – win or lose, good or bad, Esco’s gone. For the record, I too find it pretty useless to reach back in time and lament past trades. We’re in 1st place on July 14, 2010 – that’s all that matters in my book – well, that, and that they stay there!
Thanks for the well-wishes on the baby! Much appreciated!
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
4:26 pm
I’m aware of UZR and UZR/150. Braveheart mentioned Dewan’s, also at FanGraphs. He, and scoots, seem to think Esco’s better, and that it ain’t all that close. I respect the hell out of all three of you, and wanted to hear your argument. (And, I still do.)
Bay Area Steve, thanks.
Joe Pawlikowski at FanGraphs says the following about Gonzalez’s defense: “He still plays an excellent shortstop, a 3.1 UZR to this point, and he’s likely to continue providing the Braves with quality defense.”
Seems the Braves think they can afford to take a hit in the on-base department in order to try to increase their slugging without downgrading too much on defense, if they downgraded at all.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they use Tim Collins to improve their slugging elsewhere. I suspect they want to go all out to try to win this year, especially considering this move. Could they flip Tim Collins, one of their three great pitching prospects and maybe another second-tier prospect for a player like Adam Dunn? I doubt they would give up Julio Teheran or Freddie Freeman to win this season, especially if it means trading within their division, but I would imagine they’ll go all in on everyone else in their system.
Alaska Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:26 pm
I’m limping on a bum right hand now, so I’ll just say this: Wren again has made a very smart move. He added gas to the tank, and it just may take us all the way. Imagine getting a few RBI’s from the SS! Just as with Francoeur, Escobar may blossom with the Blue Jays, but without a change of scenery, it seemed it just wasn’t going to happen.
Great job, Frank! (As if he needed me to tell him that!)
ABF
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:27 pm
A team full of 25 smiling hustling Brooks Conrads won’t get too far.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
4:27 pm
we just added a SS that is having a career year with power but seldom gets on base and is the Jeff Francoeur of SS
Francoeur isn’t a great power hitter for a corner outfielder. Gonzalez at least has the potential to be an outstanding power hitter for a shortstop. Please, folks, stop comparing players across positions without making positional adjustments.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
I’ll be the guy at the parade elbowing KC and Frankie Wren out of the way so I can be the first to prostrate myself at Wren and Bobby’s feet.
Awesome. You’ll be easy to find. Should I bring Cristal or just get the cheap stuff and spray it around?
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
OU812 – lets talk about quality of life – is quality of life what the government gives you? Then yes, you are probably right. If it is about making the most out of your life with your own initiative, then no, you are wrong. If Yunel makes his off season home there, we’ll see how much he like snow & hockey. I would prefer to live here if I was a major leaguer. Yunel will also miss the playoffs.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
Roman Gal,
I agree with you. I’ve said that Yunel has all of the talent in the world, but he just didnt fit in here with Atlanta, and the Braves wouldnt have traded a very talented SS unless they were completely done with him.
His attitude and indifferent play at time did him in here.
I like your comment about Gwinnett’s bullpen, your absolutlely right, there are some serious arms down there
Moe Berg
July 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
How often do you think Tim Collins will mistakenly be called Tom?
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
baseball is just a game and that, in the grand scheme of things, it rates about as high as pork rinds on the “life-altering meter.”
I think you’re life-altering meter might need to be calibrated. Ha!
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/