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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,249 comments Add your comment
JeanE
July 14th, 2010
4:58 pm
Goodbye Sulky, have fun in Toronto/Purgatory! Take your bad attitude and general lack of hustle and good riddance! Never was a Braves’ type of player and never could take to you, no matter how good you can be when you WANT to. Welcome Alex!
PDOG
July 14th, 2010
4:58 pm
Just finished reading a piece on ESPN Insider. They basically say that the Jays got the better of the deal and can’t understand what Wren was thinking. I have to agree, my money would be that Escobar has better numbers in the second have then Gonzo
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:58 pm
Efrim-
No idea. He probably has some funky delivery. It’s going to be scary to see him make Medlen look tall. Might bring back the Wainwright/Rosenthal memories from last night…
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
4:59 pm
This season is a defining moment in Wren’s career as a general manager. The team has been playing great for months and is in total control of its destiny. Only an idiot could screw this up.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
4:59 pm
Anders,
I think Melky is fitting in quite nicely in Atl. I’m surprised you didn’t see him all pumped up for his teammates in the last series against your team. He was arguably the most animated Brave.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:59 pm
You better hope the Braves didn’t jettison the wrong guy!
If this was Melky for AG, I’d be all over this trade
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:59 pm
Of course – it is the addition by subtraction thought process.
Man, you can think that, I guess. But what I’ve found over time is that subtraction is usually just that: less than before. I mean, if that’s not the case, they could have just plugged Brandon Hicks in there as long as Escobar were gone.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
5:00 pm
The vertically-challenged have value, also, you know.
Scoots: Does this mean there is a subset of the population you value besides the “gritty?”
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
5:00 pm
By the by, Chuck Dowdle honed his chops as a rookie working for Channel 10 in SoFla WAY back in the day. He was awesome as a rookie; I am sure he’s an icon in the ATL.
Efrim
July 14th, 2010
5:00 pm
Way back in the spring I warned you guys about Melky
Oh don’t worry, Anders. Most all of us have known Melky to be a below average outfielder. He’ll be of no concern after he is non tendered this offseason.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:01 pm
my money would be that Escobar has better numbers in the second have then Gonzo
Mine too….with the general logic that AG is playing over his head, while Esco is playing way under
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
5:01 pm
If this was Melky for AG, I’d be all over this trade
Oh man. Me too, even though that trade wouldn’t make much sense.
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
5:02 pm
sportsmandh, you missed my point. There is not much argument that Frenchy was frustrating to watch. This guy we just traded for actually walks LESS than Frenchy, and has a lower career BA and OBP.
I was saying that lots of people are really excited that we traded for a guy who has hit a bunch of home runs in the first three months of this season, after doing nothing but being a fringe player for the last 11 years of his MLB Career.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
5:03 pm
Scoots: Does this mean there is a subset of the population you value besides the “gritty?”
Hey, I didn’t say that I valued the suckers, LOL. Just that they have value to…somebody.
But the little short dude is probably gritty, too, so, you know…
Efrim
July 14th, 2010
5:04 pm
Still sucks to have a guy who gets on base at under a .300 clip in your lineup….no matter how you slice it.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
5:04 pm
Anders,
Again, he’ll fit right in. They’ll be doing plenty of partying this year in Atlanta
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
5:05 pm
Maybe ESCOBAR just was being totally unreasonable in the clubhouse and on the field. Maybe he requested a trade. Maybe BOBBY came to despise him, and didn’t think he was worth keeping long-term. Maybe he was dogging it to force the BRAVES hand. Who knows. The truth will come out eventually, that’s for sure.
Bravesfan4life
July 14th, 2010
5:05 pm
Can someone help me understand how Gonzalez is going to help us in playoff with his postseason stas: 68 AB 0.162 BA 0.186 OBP 0.265 SLG.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
5:05 pm
“That’s the “well, he can’t be any worse” philosophy, when what you need is for the new guy to be significantly better. Significantly.” scoots
Why does he need to be significantly better? I think it’s pretty clear that the main objective was getting him out of town as fast as they could (otherwise Wren would have waited two more weeks for the deadline), and somewow managed to get a guy who can’t possibly be as bad as Yunel was in the first half.
It was like trading Kotchman for LaRoche last year. Granted LaRoches was significantly better than Kotchman, but he didn’t need to be for it to be an improvement. Same with Church over Francoeur.
I just can’t understand why some of you (love him or not), can’t grasp that this trade had NOTHING to to due with A-Gone’s 17 HR. Sure we just added a little more pop to the lineup.
But more importantly, we rid ourselves of somebody who clearly was on the nerves of Bobby and Wren (and his teammates).
I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall and hear behind closed doors what Wren and Bobby (and the coaching staff) had to say about Yunel. Unfortunately, we’ll never know. But I suspect when DOB gets back from vacation, and starts talking to the Braves players, he’s going to be hard pressed to find anybody that is bummed out about it. On or off the record.
Which is really all I need to know.
Lpad
July 14th, 2010
5:05 pm
Shaun – Do we have a lineup 2 – 8 that approaches the Phillies 2 – 8? Seriously, why cite an anomaly and portray it as the norm?
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
5:05 pm
Scoots:
Haven’t sociologists nearly proven a 1 to 1 correllation between “shortness” and “gritty-ness?”
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
5:06 pm
“Can someone help me understand how Gonzalez is going to help us in playoff with his postseason stas: 68 AB 0.162 BA 0.186 OBP 0.265 SLG.”
I don’t think there’s any guarantee that he’ll do anything of significance in the post-season to help us win. But I suspect he’ll do plenty to help us get there, without being a distraction.
What has Escobar done in the playoffs for the Braves?
willie g really hates bill shanks
July 14th, 2010
5:06 pm
BAD MOVE ! CHEMISTRY ON THIS TEAM WAS GOOD NOW YOU HAVE AN OUTSIDER COMING IN HE BETTER STEP IT UP FAST OR OMAR CAN TAKE OVER ,AND BOBBY YOU NEED TO PLAY BROOKS CONRAD MORE.
peter nincompoop
July 14th, 2010
5:07 pm
was just reading half an article on espn insider stateing the the braves dont have the talent in the minor leagues to pull off a trade deadline deal what crap the braves have some of the best arms in the minors which is exactly what everyone is looking for now braves just cant get any respect from the yankee bo sox lovin espn
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
5:08 pm
Maybe Prado, Infante and TP can teach the guy a little plate discipline.
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
5:08 pm
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
4:59 pm
This season is a defining moment in Wren’s career as a general manager. The team has been playing great for months and is in total control of its destiny. Only an idiot could screw this up.
Don’t give up your dream CHOP CHOP. There’s always hope WREN can pull disaster from the jaws of victory.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:09 pm
Holy crap it’s willieg!! I haven’t seen you since you said you were placing all your money on the Reds just before we swept them
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
5:10 pm
Cool, they can be really happy to have gotten rid of a cancer in the clubhouse while they sit at home in October and watch other teams play meaningful games.
Stupid trade.
I would rather see Infante given the chance to play every day than Alex Gonzalez.
Regression to the mean. Yunel will hit some home runs in the second half. Gonzalez will NOT hit 17 home runs in the second half.
Gonzalez will struggle to hit in the Braves system, where he is not allowed to close his eyes and swing for the fences. This just does not make sense. They got an older inferior player in the middle of a playoff race. Hopefully there is more to come and these prospects will actually be moved on to other homes and this will all begin to make more sense.
Braves trade Yunel Escobar to Toronto – Snap Shots - GoUpstate - Spartanburg, SC - Archive
July 14th, 2010
5:10 pm
[...] David O’Brien of the AJC [...]
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
5:10 pm
BOBBY YOU NEED TO PLAY BROOKS CONRAD MORE.
Why?
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
5:11 pm
It’s really hard to see the upside to this trade. Gonzalez has a lower career average, on base, and slugging. Can’t hit lefties. He’s having a career year, but why would anyone who believes in the law of averages think that his career year would continue? Especially with what Turner Field does to guys home run numbers.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:11 pm
Hustle
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
5:11 pm
“Less than 24 hours after their catcher was named the MVP of the All Star Game, the Atlanta Braves made a bold statement with the first substantial trade of July. Atlanta finally gave up on Yunel Escobar, sending the underwhelming shortstop to Toronto with lefty Jo-Jo Reyes in exchange for Alex Gonzalez and two prospects.
Fantasy owners should fight to get their hands on Gonzalez NOW.
In Toronto, with a modest lineup surrounding him, Gonzalez was having a season worth of all star consideration. Gonzalez, 33, is batting .259 with 17 home runs, 50 RBIs and 43 total extra-base hits for the Blue Jays. His 43 extra-base hits are tied for fifth in the AL.
He will now join a lineup with established stars Chipper Jones, Troy Glaus and last night’s hero, Brian McCann, as well as emerging superstar Jason Heyward. Gonzalez should hit in a run-producing area of the lineup (2, 6 or 7), so he should be considered good for 35-45 more RBI and an increase in home runs and doubles in the second half.
Escobar, meanwhile, goes to Toronto where he will likely be asked to be more a central figure in a lineup that lacks much depth. He could be asked to drive in runs behind Vernon Wells, but his track record indicates that he hasn’t performed well under the weight of expecations. Continue to watch Escobar from a distance.”
chilidog75
July 14th, 2010
5:12 pm
Whether you like reading about it or not, Yunel’s attitude HAD to play a factor in this trade. It had to. There’s no other explanation. And I would bet that DOB can give us some scoop on the clubhouse factor now that Yunel is north of the border.
Alex Gonzalez isn’t the final piece of anything. But he’s at least a live bat. Which Yunel hasn’t been – and hasn’t shown any signs of being – all year.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
5:12 pm
I would LOVE to be a fly on the wall and hear behind closed doors what Wren and Bobby (and the coaching staff) had to say about Yunel. Unfortunately, we’ll never know.
I don’t know. I hear Bobby is actually retiring at the end of this year because his 22 volume “tell all” is set to be published in time for Christmas gifts. Apparently all those times he bit his lip and gave a nice quote to the beat, he jotted down what he really wanted to say and saved it for this publication. At the least the books should be “gritty.”
TennBraveFan
July 14th, 2010
5:12 pm
Here is my opinion about this trade, it doesn’t significantly improve the club, but it does improve them. One of the things I always worry about is messing with team chemistry. Trading Escobar does not effect the chemistry. Another note is that Gonzalez has a little more pop than Escobar. Granted his OBP is low and doesnt fit in with the ATL philospohy, but it would be nice to have someboy in the 7 hole that could hit a long ball every once in a while. Last Sat against NY I think the Braves had 13 or 14 hits before they scored a run……..the only weakness I see on this team is a lack of power. Gonzalez provides at least a little more power.
cabravesfan
July 14th, 2010
5:14 pm
jeffrey d-
that’s because there is no internet access under the Bay Bridge…
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
5:14 pm
peter nincompoop
There was another article that somebody posted earlier stating that AFTER those top pitching prospects (because it is assumed that they are all untouchable – along with Freddie Freeman), there isn’t much to trade.
The Braves would have to be willing to trade one of those 4 guys (Teheran, Delgado, Vizcaino and Freeman), and allegedly they aren’t willing to do that.
Make no mistake about it. If the Braves wanted to give up one of those guys (especially the pitchers), they could get some return. But after those 4 guys, the farm is pretty thin on the kind of talent that it would take to get a big bat for the outfield.
Josh
July 14th, 2010
5:14 pm
get off that plane DOB!
Sopheeeeap
July 14th, 2010
5:14 pm
Grit?
Bravesfan4life
July 14th, 2010
5:16 pm
What has Escobar done in the playoffs for the Braves? – Nöcho
Escobar has not played in playoffs doesn’t mean he would suck in playoff. Just look at his situational hitting throughout his career and that will help you answer your question. Even this year with his offense not being same has 0.369 OBP in RISP. So don’t tell me he can’t do anything better than what Gonzalez has done playoffs.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:16 pm
Here’s why I don’t care much for the gritty players – generally, they’re not as naturally talented, so they have to hustle in order to stay average
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
5:17 pm
I’ve actually enjoyed the chemistry between Yunel at SS and Prado at 2nd base. Could be the lack of a language barrier there, that helped them both play well together, but a really nice combo at SS/2B this year.
semiballcoach
July 14th, 2010
5:18 pm
don’t compare numbers between escobar and gonzalez, compare body language
i don’t care if gonzalez hits the same as escobar’s first half, i got tired of looking at escobar sulking and pouting…and that was on camera, who knows what he was doing out of camera range
as far as the prospects, quitting pulling your hair out over them, for every wainwright there was a melvin nieves
Rob from SC
July 14th, 2010
5:18 pm
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:56 pm
Venters is a LH. He has nothing to do with Kimbrel.
What does that have to do with anything? Are you saying left-handers can’t close? Because at this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if Venters has moved ahead of Kimbrel in the future closer department.
My point is that is is great to have a great young RH and LH. I love Jonny V and hope he gets a legit chance to close next season. I really like Kimbrel too.
Chris
July 14th, 2010
5:18 pm
I love the move just because we need more pop in the lineup and those minor league players sound like really good prospects. We also have plenty of talent coming up over the next few years that include a very talented short stop in Salcedos who is a big guy who will end up having a lot of power. Why question Wren now. All of his moves have worked this year so far so have faith
CC
July 14th, 2010
5:19 pm
Bobby is retiring after the season, so I think some are reading a little bit too much into the theory that this move was mostly about getting rid of Escobar. I think it was more about riding the clubhouse of someone who had lost the confidence and suport of his teammates. It’s a lateral move, yes- but one that doesn’t make us any worse. I mean seriously, did anyone else see Tim Hudson’s face when Escobar booted a ball and then made a frowny face instead oh hustling to pick the ball up? Hudson was not happy- and no one, not any of Yunel’s teammates went over to comfort him or support him. Lateral move- nothing more. I, for one, am okay with it.
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
5:20 pm
All this emotion for a blaaah deal that NOBODY else is talking about… YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWNNNNN
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
5:21 pm
“So don’t tell me he can’t do anything better than what Gonzalez has done playoffs.”
Why not? You’re taking a small sample of what Gonzalez has done in the playoffs and damning him for it. I’m taking the 71 game (more recent) sample of what Escobar has done this year, and telling you that it is more likely that THIS YEAR, A-Gone would probably be more valuble to the Braves up to and in October.
Nothing more.
Barry Bonds sucked in the 90, 91 and 92 playoffs too. But I bet you would have liked to get him in a Braves uniform before the 93 season (as JS was trying to do before “settling” on Greg Maddux – LOL).
This move wasn’t about winning IN October. It was about getting a jumpstart on fending off the Phils and the Mets so we can GET TO October baseball.
Clearly Gonzalez and his 17 HR (43 extra basehits), gives us that edge Wren was looking for.
I’ll worry about October when we get there. Today Wren made our chances of getting there significantly better.
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
5:21 pm
OK CHRIS! Let’s all sing KUM-BA-YA!
CC
July 14th, 2010
5:22 pm
In my above post, I should have clarified that Braves wouldn’t get rid of Escobar JUST to appease Bobby. Bobby’s retiring, so no need to please him beyond this season…
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:22 pm
In 12 Major League seasons, Alex Gonzalez has hit more than 17 homeruns only twice. He’s hit under 10 homeruns 8 times. It’s not like we’re getting a big bopper here.
.591
July 14th, 2010
5:22 pm
Has the Ted P.A. guy got any .wav files of Esco’s whistlin’?
That’d be cool.
rays landing
July 14th, 2010
5:25 pm
jeffrescobar, thank you for sharing some common sense. You’re dead on!
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
5:26 pm
Wren is flesh and blood, richbrave. He bleeds just like us. Okay, so maybe his drops of blood can create life out of dust or make the blind to see, but still, the man bleeds just like us.
Roja
July 14th, 2010
5:27 pm
Glad to see Jo Jo go go. Otherwise, Bobby would have found a way to get him in the bullpen or rotation some way some how. That’s just Bobby
Yunel?? Take him or leave him. Were trading 9 errors this year for 11; Escobar’s .291 career ave and .368 career obp for Gonzales’ .248 ave/.294 obp. As for power? Gonzales has hit under 10 HRs a year in 7 of his 12 years in the bigs so odds are that his first half boom will become a second half bust. But we’ve gotten this far this year with no pop at SS.
But this is what they pay Wren the big bucks for and look at the team he put together for 2010. Largest lead in the majors…. Best record in the NL. Assured of home field sdvantage in the World Series thanks to McCann!!!!!!!
Looking good…….. GOOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!!!
VaBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
5:27 pm
I like the trade. Gonzalez will be a more solid and productive player at the SS position, while playing great D. His option for next year is only 2.5 mil so if he plays good for us 2nd half i’m sure its going to be exercised. The 2 prospects are a plus as well. Good all around move to win now.
Jake W.
July 14th, 2010
5:28 pm
Well, what to say about this trade. Definitely was a shock to me. I’ve liked a lot of Frank Wren’s moves but I think he may have jumped the gun on giving up on Escobar to soon. I understand his offensive numbers have not been good the first half but geez we gave Frenchy a whole crappy year and let him come back. The clubhouse thing to me sounds overblown. This team seemed fine and I doubt one little “pouty” guy was bringing them down. If that is the case, them letting one guy bring them down, thats a little sad. Grown men shouldn’t let one person bring them down. Would have love to see how a new manager would have dealt with Escobar. I like the way Gonzalez handled the superstar Ramirez in Miami and if he is indeed the Bobby heir apparent I have a feeling he would have been able to handle Escobar. Not to mention he wouldn’t have had to go through Chino or anybody else to translate. Can just talk to Esco man to man, face to face.
On to the trade itself, I hope it does make us better. This seems more short term than long term. Just hope Gonzalez isn’t 2010’s version of Nate McLouth. The reason you put with McLouth is he is still young and still has upside(not to mention under contract), can’t say that for Gonzalez. I hope it works out, really do. Just have a feeling we may have jumped the gun on trading him. I will be rooting for Gonzalez to do well though and prove Wren right in this trade the way LaRoche did last year in the second half.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
5:28 pm
“All this emotion for a blaaah deal that NOBODY else is talking about…”
Yeah well, nobody was/is talking about the Braves in general. Yet since May 30th, NOBODY has a better record. NOBODY is playing better baseball and NOBODY is going to see us coming.
In 1995 nobody was talking about the Braves adding Louis Polonia and Mike Devereaux either. Worked out OK from my angle.
Make no mistake about it. This is not a bombastic, shoot off the fireworks, interrupt Lebron James’ presser, trade that is going to have the sports world drooling over taking about it.
But the best team in the NL just improved their club and added a guy who instantly becomes their HR leader. Just because nobody IS talking about it, doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t be talking about it.
I bet the Mets, Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers and Padres GM’s all noticed and are probably talking about it with their people. If not? Good for us. They’ll never see us coming (or pulling away from the pack, I guess).
NORRIS
July 14th, 2010
5:29 pm
anybody realize that we still need an outfielder?
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
5:29 pm
jeffrescobar- why you don’t like gritty players,
That is beautiful. One of the best shortstops in the game is Derek Jeter. There are probably more talented, naturally gifted players in the league but this guy gives everything year after year. Oh yeah, he is a Captain of teams that have won World Championships. Attitude not very important as a player in your eyes?
thank god
July 14th, 2010
5:30 pm
Fully agree with you E-Roll
TennBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
5:30 pm
Dont know if this has been mentioned but ESPN says JoJo was optioned to AA New Hampshire.
willie g really hates bill shanks
July 14th, 2010
5:30 pm
WHAT NEXT
mills
July 14th, 2010
5:30 pm
Now if we can get rid of McLouth
.591
July 14th, 2010
5:30 pm
NORRIS – Yes, but I don’t want Corey Hart.
Efrim
July 14th, 2010
5:31 pm
Here’s what Buster Olney said about the trade:
Tremendous trade for the Braves. Gonzalez has very affordable $2.5m option for 2011. Said Frank Wren on phone: “Without that, would not have made the deal.” Also, the smallish lefty the Braves got in the deal is “filthy … like a little Billy Wagner,” says the person who signed him — former Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi. This is an absolutely great trade for Atlanta. The Braves have one of the best clubhouses in baseball, and that Escobar was having problems says a whole lot about him; not many have problems with ATL.
The 2.5 m option for 2011 is a good point. Not a terrible amount of money. In fact, I think Infante’s option is around that for 2011.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
5:31 pm
jeffrescobar d
I like the comments from people that say Gonzalez and his 17 HR and 50 RBI will be big for us the rest of the year. He hit 17HR and 50 RBI in TOR!!!! Right now he has a .000 BA 0 HR and 0 RBI’s
Hopefully he can hit 10+ HR and 30+ RBI’s the rest of the year but his career line tells you he won’t do it.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:31 pm
Frankie – I said “generally.” I’m talking about guys like Conrad or Freel
peter nincompoop
July 14th, 2010
5:31 pm
Nocho
Yeah i can understand that position. I couldnt read the entire article because I refuse to pay for insider to read an article. I guess the headline just kind of stuck in my craw. I wouldnt mind trading one or two of those arms for say a Ryan Braun. I dont know what his contract status is for the future or what the Brewers have in mind for him. Or a Carl Crawford but I dont think we would be able to hold up in a bidding war next year when he becomes a free agent.
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
5:31 pm
Agreed that the Braves still haven’t addressed their major problem….a right handed OF who can hit for power. Realistically they haven’t done anything to upgrade this team. Especially not against left handed pitching.
CC
July 14th, 2010
5:32 pm
jeffrescobar d-
I don’t totally disagree with what you’re saying- but look at his career and you’ll find he only played a full season (150-ish games or more) like three or four times, I believe. In the few years he did play a full season’s worth, he hit in the neighborhood of 15-25 homers. So, if we count this current season as a bit of a fluke or “career year”, then it appears we’re getting a player who will average 15-20 homers a a full season. I don’t think Escobar projected to ever hit more than that, so like I said: lateral move, because A-Gonz is probably not quite the defensive whiz Yunel is. Again, not saying you’re wrong or anything- just saying his career stats can be deceiving because he’s played so few “full seasons.”
Roja
July 14th, 2010
5:32 pm
Left-handers can’t close????? That would be a big shock to Wagner!
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
5:32 pm
Mark Bowman of mlb.com has an article on the trade which suggests the players on the team wanted Esco gone. Also JP Riccardi, former Jays GM, says the Braves got the best of this deal. I’m now so bi-polar about this deal I’m gonna go out and score some lithium.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
5:35 pm
“In 12 Major League seasons, Alex Gonzalez has hit more than 17 homeruns only twice. He’s hit under 10 homeruns 8 times. It’s not like we’re getting a big bopper here.”
Yup. All true. But facts is facts man. In 2010, he has 17 more HR than our current SS had and 31 more XBH than Yunel did.
Imagine how big the lead would be for this team if Yunel had half of Gonzalez’s total?
The Braves as a team had 70 HR in the first half. That ranks them 22nd in all of MLB in the first half of the season. If you “subtract” Yunel’s 0 HR, that still leaves 70 and add in A-Gone’s 17, that gives them 87. Which would bump them up to 13th in MLB.
All spring and early summer people have been talking about the Braves lack of thump. They just added some thump. I don’t really care what he’s done the rest of his career. He’s not a long-term solution. All I know is that in 2010 he’s been more pruductive than our SS.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
5:35 pm
I would imagine we’re gonna platoon Gonzalez with Infante, where Infante would play versus lefties.
bravefanforlife
July 14th, 2010
5:37 pm
this means i have to burn my esco jersy now.. but it might benefit.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
5:37 pm
I would imagine we’re gonna platoon Gonzalez with Infante, where Infante would play versus lefties.
Getting Omar a more regular spot in the line-up could have been part of this as well. Good call BC.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
5:38 pm
He hit 17HR and 50 RBI in TOR!!!!
He actually hit 8 in TOR, and one of those came in Philly which counted as home game. So, I’m assuming he hit 7 in TOR
61 year Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
5:38 pm
I agree with Tennessee Paul about Jo-JO.
sportsmandh
July 14th, 2010
5:38 pm
Roy Hobbs,
True about Gonzalez’s OBP. But, we get two good prospects too. For Franceour we got no prospects (I think that’s true, just Church). This trade is really more like the Vazquez trade talent wise I would say. Let me explain what I mean.
Everyone thought that trade was terrible, that we could’t live w/o Vazquez b/c of what he did last year. And all we got in return was Melky. Well, that trade has turned out fine. In fact more than fine. We have not missed Vazquez at all, and we got good prospects and return. And while I’m not crazy about Melky he has contributed some.
The Yunel supporters think we won’t be able to live without him. They think this trade is going to be very bad for us. However, we get a couple good prospects, and a solid player who will contribute. IMO too, for what that’s worth, we will not miss Escobar the rest of the year either, just like we haven’t missed Vazquez.
And related to other posts, about ‘perceived idea about Yunel’s attitude, lack of hustle, mental lapses, etc.’. Their is NO perceived about it. Misunderstood or not, what shows on the field can not be debated. There are too many examples of plays that have happened on the field to deny that Yunel has a lot of baggage attitude wise. You can argue a guy is misunderstood about his personality, but you can’t argue with what you see play out on the field. Loafing, not having his head in the game, not hustling, making bad decisions. It has been a patern with him and that is why he got dealt.
Anyone should be able to see that. So regardless of how it affected the other player’s opinion of him, what is the management to do? Why say he’s not an ‘Atlanta kind of player’. What team does won’t a player that doesn’t hustle, makes a lot of bone headed plays etc. Can you blame Bobby and whoever else for being upset about it, talent or not? I say absolutely no you can’t blame them. Did anyone blame Gonzalez when he got on Hanley Ramirez for loafing? No, they applauded it. Should the Devil Ray players not get mad at Upton when they thought he wasn’t hustling? I don’t see how anyone can criticize Cox for being upset with Escobar when it has been a pattern of events on the field, it’s not like it was a one time incident.
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
5:38 pm
It looks like the Blue Jays think so highly of Jo Jo Reyes that they sent him straight to Double-A in New Hampshire. If only we didn’t make the Jays take Reyes we probably could have gotten Vernon Wells instead.
Crime Dog
July 14th, 2010
5:39 pm
“It’s easier to put up with some of that stuff when the guy is hitting .300,” one Braves player said on Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Escobar had made a lazy throw that pulled Troy Glaus off first base and in jeopardy of suffering a serious injury during the sixth inning of a 4-0 win over the Mets. -Bowman’s story
That says a lot right there. Whether we think Escobar needs to smile more or clap his hands or do whatever, it doesn’t matter. But when your teammates start saying things like this, there is obviously a problem.
I personally think Yunel is a little misunderstood and gets a slightly bad rap. But the fact remains, his teammates likely won’t miss him too much.
With that said, I think it’s a case similar to Frenchy’s. Esco may go on and have a great career (hope he does), but it didn’t seem like it would happen here any time soon. Good trade.
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
5:40 pm
We just traded one of the most talented young SS’s in the game for a platoon SS who is 33 years old and has career stats that would make Frenchy sad.
Clearly, we sold low on Escobar and bought high on Gonzalez.
Efrim – Olney would love this trade, he predicted it a week ago, so it makes him look great.
peter nincompoop
July 14th, 2010
5:40 pm
I wouldnt mind adding a Josh Willingham to play in right everyday but what would that mean for the half dozen other outfielders we have?
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
5:41 pm
Lets see how it play out, this is one of those trade that you cant pick a side.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
5:42 pm
Yup. All true. But facts is facts man. In 2010, he has 17 more HR than our current SS had and 31 more XBH than Yunel did.
Also true. If Yunel had hit 17 HR, we could be in first place by 10+ games. And if he hits 17 more HR (heck, even if he hits 10 more HR) I’ll be thrilled. But his overall body of work says that he’s well below average offensively.
big o
July 14th, 2010
5:42 pm
I think we will miss the plays this kid made on defense with that range and that arm, Was the deal a now or never situation ? I think we should have waited to see Yunels state of mind after the break. His nat might have come around. There has to be more to it. Come on DOB give us the real inside info
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
5:43 pm
peter
Willingham would play left, our right fielder would be Jason Heyward. If we were to trade for him one of our OF would also be in the deal. Blanco, Melky, Mclouth would be possible trade bates.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
5:43 pm
Kinda weird….even though those home games in Philly counted as a home game, the splits show it as being hit on the road. Doesn’t add up with the game logs. In all, he’s hit 8 at Rogers Centre in TOR, 9 away from there.
brian
July 14th, 2010
5:44 pm
we were not going to keep Escobar long term and likely not want to pay him arbitration. he was going to be dealt anyway.
Escobar, like Frenchy, needs a change of scenery.
Could be worse for Escobar – he could be in KC or Pittsburgh
Jim
July 14th, 2010
5:44 pm
Esco broke Rule 1 – he didn’t hustle; didn’t run out grounders.
Esco broke Rule 2 – how many baserunning gaffs can a major leager make?
Esco broke Rule 3 – he contorted his batting stance so much that he lost all his power; and wouldn’t change.
So, gonzo, for a good servicable replacement who might surprise and who will be a better person in clubhouse.
And while we are about attitude, kudos for Brian McCann for taking care of business last night giving Braves home field advantage in World Series. Brian is a major leaguer; Yunel was not. As the old expression goes, major league talent; minor league brain. You can’t have that on a championship team.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
5:44 pm
Hopefully AG has a 2003 moment with a walkoff in October. Well, maybe a walkoff in Yankee stadium(little easier to go yard than our place)
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
5:45 pm
“They basically say that the Jays got the better of the deal and can’t understand what Wren was thinking.”
By which you mean the article that is summarized with: “My money’s on the Jays. But as Pawlikowski points out elsewhere, the Braves have done this sort of thing before and they’ve usually been right.”
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
5:45 pm
New Headline on Yahoo Sports Page:
“It’s a Brave New World”
sports.yahoo.com
VaBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
5:46 pm
Well the trade will make our clubhouse better. We have a veteran option for SS next year. and we added 2 middle tier prospects. If we would have waited longer, we could have got less for him if he continued to struggle, it was time for a change simple as that.
I think Wren will give McLouth a chance to rebound before deciding to go after a OFer.
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
5:46 pm
Well I am guessing this is the most comments on the blog on an off day!!
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
5:46 pm
Bobbeeee’s Cox, OK he hit the 17 for TOR!!!
Supes
July 14th, 2010
5:47 pm
Roy Hobbs and OTHERS…please tell me you didn’t have the same attitude about Jeff when he got dealt?
Many here lamented that he will turn into an ALL STAR, etc we sold low…etc well fine maybe we did sell low…but what if the GUY played above his head for his first 2 and half years and then just reverted to the player he is…a serviceable 3rd 4th OF (on a good team).
Compare that to YUNEL…who had the 1 very good offensive year (last year), well maybe that’s as HIGH as he’s ever going to be? What if Yunel is nothing more than a serviceable SS at best? By that I mean hit you .265 or there about and has a low slugging %
Just damn…none of you wanna consider that Yunel may NEVER get any better?
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
5:47 pm
“The 2.5 m option for 2011 is a good point. Not a terrible amount of money.”
In fact, it’s less than what Yunel will make in arbitration.