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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,249 comments Add your comment
Doug
July 14th, 2010
7:02 pm
Obviously Wren is opening up a spot at SS next year so he can pursue Derek Jeter this offseason. I mean, someone has to lead this club of Chipper and Bobby are gone.
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
7:03 pm
And that’s enough for me.
Enjoy the evening. I have to watch some college theater majors attempt to pull off my first-ever play. Should be wonderful.
(They’re actually doing well with it. I’m pleasantly surprised.)
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:03 pm
Chop Chop:
Crap, am I being traded, or am I English!? (bad body language icon)
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:03 pm
scoots,I thought I was going to have to send you and Lew to timeout today.
Ahh, that was nothing. If two friends (or, at least, friendly acquaintances) can’t have a little jaw, it’s not much of a friendship, is it? I doubt he’ll hold it against me.
#Braves
July 14th, 2010
7:04 pm
Salcedo or Litka will will eventually take over at short for the future. Gonzalez for this year and next then one of the aforementioned will still. Go Bravos!
CB
July 14th, 2010
7:05 pm
Bat,I was wondering what that was in regard to – I thought you were recognizing my abilities. lol
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
7:05 pm
Jeffery d _ The blog will need a new whipping boy. Any guesses as to who that will likely be.
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
7:06 pm
BUSTER OLNEY: “A great trade for the Braves.”
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:06 pm
my first-ever play
Post that sucker on a link sometime. My guess is that it would be worth perusing.
The kids nail it, you go home euphoric, and come to the sad conclusion that you will never write so well again.
Thus, we need the link to see the product of the high point of your life.
Feeanch
July 14th, 2010
7:06 pm
DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD! Glad to get him out of here.
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
7:06 pm
CB_ Two birds with one stone, so to speak.
cabravesfan
July 14th, 2010
7:06 pm
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Reds-Votto-dislikes-Cubs-disses-All-Star-teamm?urn=mlb,256004
Classy, Joey…real classy
CB
July 14th, 2010
7:07 pm
Lew is a good guy – opinionated as heck but a good guy.
jeffrescobar d :|
July 14th, 2010
7:07 pm
Bat – McLouth’s already got a leg up on everybody. I think he’s ready to take that title from Yunel
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 14th, 2010
7:07 pm
Bat M.–
I’m sorry! I didn’t see you’re suggestion! I typed my Q, and then we had to rush outta the house…you know how it is.
(Not to mention pages 1 and 14-15 are the only pages I’ve glanced at from this Blog. 
)
Oh, Exalted One……….
Score…I’m sure he’d love that.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 14th, 2010
7:09 pm
Hmm…I don’t think I like Votto so much anymore…
jeffrescobar d :|
July 14th, 2010
7:11 pm
I didn’t mind Votto’s comments.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:12 pm
cab
What’s the issue with Votto? He doesn’t like dogs either–so he kicks them. And babies–he pinches–because they cry. And cubs–no pats on the back.
Snotboogie
July 14th, 2010
7:12 pm
DOB should be home soon. If he isnt too tired/busy we might get something juicy from him in a little while. Should be fodder for more discussion/debate/in-fighting.
Just Pat
July 14th, 2010
7:13 pm
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
No fair……I’ve been waiting for you ALL day to see what you had to say about our boy’s “win” last night……and now I have to go.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:14 pm
Jeffery d _ The blog will need a new whipping boy. Any guesses as to who that will likely be.
Bat, I’d say Gonzalez, LOL, but too many folks got invested in him today to do any of that. Lots of candidates going forward, though. Any old slump will bring someone strapped to the post.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:14 pm
Any idea what number A-Gon will wear?
Hopefully not 19. I remember when they gave away Andruw Jones’ number right after he left, and it felt like a slap in the face.
Steve McP
July 14th, 2010
7:14 pm
You know that this is a big thing for the Braves when even Mark Bradley’s blog has over 350 hits in 6 hours.
varoadrunner
July 14th, 2010
7:14 pm
MAYBE Gonzalez can catch a pop up. I certainly know he will be a much improved presence in the clubhouse. GREAT MOVE….the shame is that Escobar was so hard-headed and a dunce.
.591
July 14th, 2010
7:15 pm
Votto’s a joke. Screw him!
Long Time Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
7:15 pm
McFann what do you think about the trade?
GoBraves45
July 14th, 2010
7:16 pm
Any idea what number A-Gon will wear?
I read on the Press Release on the Braves website that he is going to wear #2
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
7:16 pm
jeffery d_ Yeah Nate is probably the favorite out of the gate. Let’s hope our new SS does not perform at his usual 2nd half pace though. Because if he does then he’s it.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:16 pm
McFann
An AS MVP sure looks like the way to kick off a strong 2nd half, doesn’t it? And the MVP is definitely better than being a simple “starter.”
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:18 pm
Oh, come on. If a Braves player made a comment like that about a Phillies or Mets player, we’d all be ready to build him a throne.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:18 pm
Alex wears #11 currently.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:18 pm
He wore #2 with the Marlins I believe.
jeffrescobar d :|
July 14th, 2010
7:20 pm
Yeah, RG….I liked the rivalryness there….players are getting too buddy buddy nowadays
Martin Calloway
July 14th, 2010
7:20 pm
Wow. What’s not to like? Thanks, Frank.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:20 pm
KK already had to give up his spot in the rotation. Gonzalez would probably have to pry that number from KK’s cold, dead fingers.
jeffrescobar d :|
July 14th, 2010
7:21 pm
KK….he could also challenge for top whipping boy
Nelson S.
July 14th, 2010
7:22 pm
Hate this deal.
Not for the fact that we traded Yunel, but for who we got for him. A 33yr old SS who has a career .248 Avg and a .294 OBP?? Collin’s has nice numbers but he’s a reliever not a starter, he’s another Kimbrel basically to me.
Both of these prospects weren’t even ranked among Toronto’s top 15 prospects coming into the season. Sure Gonzalez is having a power breakout year but have you checked his numbers from other years? He’s never had an OBP above .325 ever while Escobar has had an average OBP of .366 over the last three years.
I know Escobar got on peoples nerves but there’s no reason to sell so low on him right now, he’s an elite defensive player who has more potential than Gonzalez would ever dream of.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:23 pm
KK….he could also challenge for top whipping boy
I believe you have to actually play a little to qualify for the title.
jeffrescobar d :|
July 14th, 2010
7:24 pm
ouch….
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
7:25 pm
Any old slump will bring someone strapped to the post. scoots
That’s true, and they say variety is the spice of life. However if Gonzalez performs at his norm in the second half pace, I agree he’s it. I appreciate irony, but I would not be happy about it.
jeffrescobar d :|
July 14th, 2010
7:27 pm
If a Braves player made a comment like that about a Phillies or Mets player, we’d all be ready to build him a throne.
Unless it was Escobar.
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:27 pm
After taking some time to think this trade over a bit, I still can’t say I’m too happy about it. The way I see it is this:
We traded away a superb defensive SS to get a SS who is also (allegedly) a pretty good defensive SS. Perhaps not of Yunel’s caliber, but until we see him play every day I think it’s ok to assume the dropoff won’t be that great.
On the other hand, we traded away a very good young shortstop who, admittedly, has had a horrible offensive season. However, despite his career-worst .618 OPS, he still has an OBP around the league average.
The person we traded him for OPSed .635 last year. Has a career .696 OPS. What a catch. Yunel at his worst is almost as good as this guy’s career average. Yunel’s OBP THIS SEASON is 40 points above Gonzalez’s career OBP.
Maybe Gonzalez can keep hitting at the pace he currently is. In any case, he’ll likely provide an upgrade over what Yunel’s been giving us at the plate. After all, it would be pretty hard not to. Doesn’t make him a good player. Doesn’t make this a good trade. This trade might (and probably will) marginally improve our club offensively this season. This trade also might (and probably will) come back to bit us in the arse bigtime next year, two years from now, and three years from now.
But don’t despair! We’ll have Alex Gonzalez.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:27 pm
When you trade a blog whipping boy you have to acquire one, or you have to go all season worrying about having to go to you emergency whipping boy in a crunch, before you can call one up form AAA.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:27 pm
jeffrey-
I know. I miss the days when Chipper was calling out Mets fans…
Who will show the other team up now that Escobar is gone? We’re left with a bunch of goody-goodies!
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:28 pm
I appreciate irony, but I would not be happy about it.
Nor I, good buddy.
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
7:28 pm
KK….he could also challenge for top whipping boy
I think he would have to play to qualify.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:28 pm
Unless it was Escobar.
Ain’t it the truth. LOL
Snotboogie
July 14th, 2010
7:28 pm
If a Braves player made a comment like that about a Phillies or Mets player, we’d all be ready to build him a throne.
Unless it was Escobar.
jeffrey d: He said Brave. Not Blue Jay. Wrong bird mate.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:29 pm
But don’t despair! We’ll have Alex Gonzalez.
Who? Oh, right…he plays for the Braves now.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
7:29 pm
It’s not Kawakami is using that number now anyways…
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:29 pm
Nelson S.: He lollygags a throw to Glaus, almost dismembering the guy.
He lollygags to first base.
He lollygags to the dugout.
He lol-ly-gags to his position.
T FOR TEXAS, WHAT DOES THAT MAKE HIM?????
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:29 pm
In my haste, I neglected to mention the prospects we got. They both sound intriguing, but blue-chippers they ain’t. Relief prospects never get me overly excited and this one is no difference, particularly because he’s not projected as a closer. But hey, we’ve got a lot of ‘em, so there’s currency there. This SS also seems intriguing: good speed, good glove, weak stick. Gotta hit to play, kid. Let’s see if he can get there.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:30 pm
HeShe said Brave.Fixed that for ya, buddy.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:31 pm
A lollygagger?
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:31 pm
When you trade a blog whipping boy you have to acquire one, or you have to go all season worrying about having to go to you emergency whipping boy in a crunch, before you can call one up form AAA.
LOL
Also, this why you never, ever pinch-hit your backup whipping boy in a game. What would you do if your starting whipping boy got injured late?
Snotboogie
July 14th, 2010
7:32 pm
Apologies RG. Didnt track back for the source.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:32 pm
A LOLLYGAGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:33 pm
It’s ok, Snotboogie. Just messin’ with ya.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:34 pm
(thanks, T-Dude, yer alright…)
Rob from SC
July 14th, 2010
7:35 pm
Chipper didn’t like Escobar from the beginning.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:35 pm
Steve-OH-
Agreed about the prospects. I don’t know anything about the shortstop, but the little leftie should have a good amount of trade value if the Braves want to go that route.
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
7:35 pm
Hmm…I don’t think I like Votto so much anymore…
That’s okay, McFann. What else would you expect to hear from a guy with a name that sounds like it comes right out of an episode of the Sopranos? Actually, when I heard his name for the first time I thought he was a gangster from NJ, just going by the name. It’s right up there with Rocco Baldelli (who actually seems like a pretty cool dude).
Joey Votto can definitely hit as well as anyone around but IMO he hasn’t been around long enough to have earned the right to have the hot shot attitude that he has.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:36 pm
I nominate Derek Lowe for second half whipping boy. . .
Then again, at $15 mill-plus & a 4.00-plus ERA, that’s an easy target.
bruce
July 14th, 2010
7:36 pm
McFann –
I think I was as happy for you as I was for Brian last night when I saw the MVP headline, did not get to watch the game… Congrats… do they make a special t-shirt for MVP? I bet you could design a good one… I’ll chip in for you to get one…
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:37 pm
According to what I’ve read, the SS could end up as a speedy leadoff man with a solid BA and a .350-.360ish OBP stealing a lot of bags, RG.
Or, he could neglect to learn how to hit and become Brandon Hicks.
Either or.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:37 pm
Lollygagger. OK, then. I understand it all, now. Had to go.
As I remember, a player absolutely, positively cannot be a lollygagger and be gritty at the same time. Universe would crumble.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
7:37 pm
All this worry about Home Runs. Has anyone noticed that Gonzalez averages 32 doubles a year and has twenty already in 2010?
With all the times we’ve loaded the bases and left them all on base, some of those doubles would be a nice thing – especially if they knock in two or three runs.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:38 pm
What would you do if your starting whipping boy got injured late?
I guess we’d all have to harsh on Omar, isn’t this type of emergency situation the reason why he was signed, and put on the All-Star team?
Frankthered
July 14th, 2010
7:38 pm
I see this as a sideways move. Not jumping up and down. Not crying. Kind of myeh, whatevah.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:38 pm
I gotta say, I was at the North Beach Ale House watching McCann slug that double when an image of a happily dancing McFann popped into my head.
Jake W.
July 14th, 2010
7:38 pm
Chipper didn’t like Escobar from the beginning.
Really? Only thing I ever recall Chipper saying on this is during the offseason when Esco was mentioned in all those trade rumors(Peavy) that he didn’t want to see the guy go. Said he had his problems but they weren’t that bad that the guy had to be traded so where are you getting this from?
I Hate Liberty Media
July 14th, 2010
7:39 pm
Good riddance, Escobar! Excellent move by Wren. I’m convinced that this organization wants to win now. I say wait a couple of weeks to see if Diaz and McLouth produce and continue to look for a big bat before July 31 if those two don’t pan out.
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
7:39 pm
I really don’t get what Braves management saw in this deal? Surely they don’t stop at the 17 hrs vs the 0 hrs this year? I mean career stats, average, on base percentage. Did they look at any of those career numbers?
Just because a guy has a bad attitude doesn’t mean you unload him for cheap. Especially when the only person who seemed to dislike him was our manager in his last year.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
7:39 pm
MiaBch:
Don’t agree with ya, but will deliver a line when I am cued.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:40 pm
gritty lollygagger = jumbo shrimp; it’s an oxymoron.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
7:40 pm
scoots and I aren’t feuding. We’ve both been here for six seasons (at least that much in scoots’ case) and this is twice we’ve ever had words (so to speak). Ain’t no biggie. Not as if we act like Yunel or anything.
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:40 pm
I see this as a sideways move. Not jumping up and down. Not crying. Kind of myeh, whatevah.
How is Esco-for-Gonzalez “sideways?” Maybe this season. Not overall. No way. The prospects are nice, but I could give a damn about two fringe prospects when we’ve just traded a potential all-star SS for Alex farking Gonzalez, who has pretty much been bad Yunel plus a few homers over the course of his career.
Gilty7
July 14th, 2010
7:40 pm
Wonderful trade! Instantly, better defense, more hitting power, much better attitude. A flagrant example was the game last week when Esco pitty-patted that soft throw to Troy that could have easily caused him to be injured. In the same game he called everyone off for that soft fly ball to center and then he “lost” it. Glad he’s gone!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:41 pm
Thanks, bruddah!
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
7:41 pm
Steve-OH-
Maybe it’s just the prospect-hugger in me, but I’m a little more excited about the prospects than I am the major leaguer.
I did read somewhere that the Red Sox considered him an integral part of their play-off push last year, so maybe that means something. I think my dislike of this trade has more to do with giving up Escobar than anything we got back or could have gotten back. It’s irrational, I know.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
7:42 pm
Steve from Ohio,
Nothing about overall general attitude or importance of team chemistry in your evaluation for trades or why trades are made? Kenny Lofton had solid stats year after year but bounced from team to team outside of the Cleveland organization. Not a pleasant guy from what I understood. Not a happy day but universally sounds like something that needed to happen and quickly.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 14th, 2010
7:42 pm
<strong.Just Pat–
Aw! I’m sorry…I typed my fingers off last and this morning!
That sure was a GREAT GAME!! Never thought and ASG could be quite that much FUN!! 
Long Time Braves Fan what do you think about the trade?
Me? Wull…uh…I’m not entirely sure, yet.
Gotta think about this one…
T for Texas An AS MVP sure looks like the way to kick off a strong 2nd half, doesn’t it?
YEAH!! I think it’s a sign of things to come…He’s gonna have a very good second “half”. This time I’m really sure of it!!
And the MVP is definitely better than being a simple “starter.”
THAT’S for sure!!
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
7:42 pm
Alex Gonzalez’s career numbers, check them out, They are quite alarming. If you completely ignore his 1st half this year, he is almost worthless.
J-Hey
July 14th, 2010
7:43 pm
Yuney may not have been one of those “go at it 100% and give it all you got” baseball players but he was still a good player to have. I hope he gets it turned around with the Blue Jays.
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:44 pm
Nothing about overall general attitude or importance of team chemistry in your evaluation for trades or why trades are made?
I could give two sh!ts about touchy-feely clubhouse chemistry bullcrap, Frankie. Sure, it’s nice. You want your guys to like each other. But show me a “professional” baseball player is one that can’t produce when he only likes 23 out of the other 24 guys on the team, then you’ve shown me a guy that’s got just as many head problems as Yunel.
Just win, baby.
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
7:45 pm
Is there anyway that this move allows the Braves to go out and get a legit outfielder with some power to play LF?
flange1
July 14th, 2010
7:46 pm
Hey Steve from OH,
I think your review of the trade at 7:27 is quite accurate. To me, if you forget the prospects and look at the numbers these guys produce day in and day out on the field, Escobar is the better player.
I bet the Braves FO agree.
So there has to be something else that overbalances the scale to make he deal worth while to the Braves FO.
The prospects are mid level. Could help, could not help. Does JoJo have any value at all?
I guess to me the bottom line is that the Braves FO thought the getting rid of the problems with Yunel (whatever they may be) + AG was better for the Braves than Yunel + his problems.
Those problems must have been pretty big……
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
7:46 pm
I think my dislike of this trade has more to do with giving up Escobar than anything we got back or could have gotten back. It’s irrational, I know. Roman Gal
Oh, I don’t know. Trading for an out making machine is a little worrying.
Ghost of Rowland Office
July 14th, 2010
7:46 pm
This wasn’t just a trade of badddd attitude, it was also a potential arbitration salary dump!, wren is fingering the Budget with this as well!, Yunel stood to gain a significant raise in the off-season, and Agon is signed to a palrty 2.5 option!
Now how about a trade of Hurlers, Wonder if the Cubs would take derek Lowe and his turd contract, for Carlos Zambrano?
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
7:46 pm
Let it go, Steve-OH. Blog’s been laced with the fairy tale all day: Alex is the Beauty and Escobar playing the Beast, LOL. I found no one liking the trade who was willing to be persuaded otherwise.
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:47 pm
MFin–I read somewhere (can’t remember offhand) that Wren said another move is possible, but he’s gonna wait and see what’s up with Heyward and Nate first. So probably.
VOR
July 14th, 2010
7:48 pm
Who woulda thunk?
Yunel has an “official website”… http://yunelescobar.net/
Uh, it needs updating…
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:48 pm
I think Al Davis, Otis Sistrunk, and John Matuzak would’ve crapped on Yunel and buried him in the Nevada desert. I think Escobar is a loser with no code, no character.
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:48 pm
flange–granted, I don’t know what goes on in the clubhouse, but unless Yunel is screwing Prado’s wife or something I can’t imagine they’re that horrible that the whole clubhouse hates him (like some writers have suggested). I mean, hate him? Whaddya think he did, anyway?
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 14th, 2010
7:49 pm
TheAntiMe–
Haha! Really…
Bruce I think I was as happy for you as I was for Brian last night when I saw the MVP headline
Thanks!
Sorry you didn’t get to watch the game…it was a heck of a lot of fun once they got to the seventh!
do they make a special t-shirt for MVP?
I don’t know…I’m thinking of buying an All-Star Game t-shirt, anyway. I’ve put in some good hours at work this week…
I’ll chip in for you to get one…
Aw…that’s really nice of you to offer!
I appreciate that a lot.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
July 14th, 2010
7:50 pm
Hmm…McFanned my 7:42…that’s what I get for Blogging on the floor while watching TV…
Kyle
July 14th, 2010
7:50 pm
so basically people are saying we need to get a bat and now that we do, it is a bad trade? Im sick of hearing about yunel’s “potential”. The man is 27. It is time he stops all this junk and becomes the player everyone thought he was. He would have been dealt in the offseason as his style just does not fit with the braves style of baseball. It doesnt make him a bad guy, he just didnt fit. To say that Alex is a bad player is wrong. His defense is rated as good as Escobar’s and his bat has been way better. Sure he doesnt hit for a high avg. but it is better than what we got from Yunel. Granted he is older than Yunel but everyone thought Andrus would be our SS for the future anyway and he is in Texas. Plans change. Don’t worry about the future. Wren will take care of it. It is a great win now move for the Braves and it is not that bad of a trade for the future as well. My guess is that Wren will now try and spin Melky or Nate and a prospect for another OF bat. Do not know who that is, but I trust Wren will do what is right for the future in any deal. You gotta think that if Escobar was the long term answer at SS, they would not have dealt him. GO Braves!!!!!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
7:50 pm
Yunel is living proof of what 51 years of totalitarianism and social mediocrity can do to a human soul.
MFin04
July 14th, 2010
7:50 pm
The problem really is CF. Because I wouldn’t mind a mix of Infante, Diaz, and Hinske in LF.
But LF is the power position on the field, so we are more than likely stuck with McLouth/Melky in CF.
Depends on the player, but what every day player is better than Infante, Diaz, and Hinske in LF? Maybe we could find a player with more power than those 3, but when those 3 are hitting, they are pretty darn good.
Steve from OH
July 14th, 2010
7:51 pm
And I will say that Yunel IS a complete headcase. He pisses me off a lot out there. And it’s completely possible that he’ll continue his slump in Toronto. And I wouldn’t argue with you if you said he would.
But even if that happens, we still have Alex Gonzalez.