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Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:09 pm
Kapoonka,
I agree with you that Yunel ever commits himself to being the the best on an EVERY DAY basis he has the talent to do so. The problem has been that Yunel cant do this.
I’ve gotten killed on this blog by the Yunel supporters, and was told that I had no idea what I was talking about and I was called names, in short what you would expect from uneducated fans.
The Braves have a certain way they expect their players to play, the Braves call it The Braves Way.
What does the Braves way mean?? It means show up on time, play hard every day, be a good team mate, and basically don’t take games off.
Bottom line is this, if you are a Yunell supporter, you’re not going to like this trade. If you look at the Braves OBJECTIVELY, as I try to do, then you see the value of this trade and how the Braves just upgraded themselves.
Gonzalez is a much better option this year offensively than Yunel, and it’s about winning now. But the Braves also got a stud young lefty, and a solid looking SS prospect.
Gonzalez is under a team option for next year as well, so we have our S already for next season, and if Gonzalez struggles, we still have Infante for SS. In short, we are fine at SS.
And for those who go on about Escobar’s defense, well here are the fielding stats for both Gonzalez and Escobar
Gonzalez – .972 fielding % this year, and .971 lifetime %
Escobar – .975 fielding % this year, and .974 lifetime %
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:09 pm
Kapoonka,
I agree with you that Yunel ever commits himself to being the the best on an EVERY DAY basis he has the talent to do so. The problem has been that Yunel cant do this.
I’ve gotten killed on this blog by the Yunel supporters, and was told that I had no idea what I was talking about and I was called names, in short what you would expect from uneducated fans.
The Braves have a certain way they expect their players to play, the Braves call it The Braves Way.
What does the Braves way mean?? It means show up on time, play hard every day, be a good team mate, and basically don’t take games off.
Bottom line is this, if you are a Yunell supporter, you’re not going to like this trade. If you look at the Braves OBJECTIVELY, as I try to do, then you see the value of this trade and how the Braves just upgraded themselves.
Gonzalez is a much better option this year offensively than Yunel, and it’s about winning now. But the Braves also got a stud young lefty, and a solid looking SS prospect.
Gonzalez is under a team option for next year as well, so we have our S already for next season, and if Gonzalez struggles, we still have Infante for SS. In short, we are fine at SS.
And for those who go on about Escobar’s defense, well here are the fielding stats for both Gonzalez and Escobar
Gonzalez – .972 fielding % this year, and .971 lifetime %
Escobar – .975 fielding % this year, and .974 lifetime %
flangeeeeeee1
July 14th, 2010
3:09 pm
some random thoughts:
1. I thought Escobar would be worth more than what we received from the Jays.
2. I agree with ’scoots that Escobar could have been the biggest part of a larger trade for a long term solution somewhere. Maybe I over valued Yunel.
3. Thee must be some serious problems in the clubhouse with Yunel that have only been hinted at so far.
4. Gonzalez will not hurt the team. He will hit 7 or 8 and be like a cross between R Belliard and Jeff Blauser. He will make all the plays at SS except the spectacular ones.
5. JP RIccardi likes both of the prospects the Braves received saying that Collins should be a set up guy in the bigs and that Tyler P. should be a starting 2B or SS for a ML team.
6. I think another trade is on the way.
Interesting reading the comments of folks on the blog. It is interesting seeing the folks that don’t like the trade. Those guys are the guys that I read the most. They are usually right……
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:10 pm
“does anybody realize we just traded our best defensive infielder? Especially with Chipper’s limited range, I think we’re underestimating the impact of Esco’s glove. ”
My counterpoint to this would be that it’s been clear for a while now that Chipper and Escobar had absolutely no defensive chemistry. There have been any number of groundballs that they both thought the other would take/both tried to take for themselves. Whenever these miscommunications occur, both players shake their heads as if to say “Ugh, why am I stuck with him?” Yunel is a dynamic defensive player, but a consistent defensive player who has better chemistry with Chipper should equalize his performance at a minimum.
This will be one aspect of the deal that we can easily track over the rest of the season.
Nova Scotia Steve - Enter Sandman
July 14th, 2010
3:10 pm
Sports scene in Atlanta has blown up today on this – Black Wednesday. Well things are hoping in Atlanta.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
3:11 pm
Brian – The Mets are getting Beltran back and Santana looked to be finding his standard 2nd half groove so I’m ok with the Mets possibly having a better 2nd half than they did in the 1st half. Will it be enough to catch the Braves? Beats me. That’s what makes it fun to watch.
The Braves sure are relying on a lot of older guys this year heading into the 2nd half and they just got considerably older at a key position today.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
3:11 pm
from everything I have heard, [Pastornicky] is a good one.
A show of hands from everyone who had heard the names of these kids before today, LOL. All-Stars or scrubs, I doubt anyone here has any idea, so I’d save that bit of spin for a little later.
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
3:12 pm
Coach, I would love to see Marlon Byrd in Atlanta. I am not the least bit excited about Alex Gonzalez.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
3:12 pm
Now if Wren is serious, he will deal McClouth and prospect(s) for a power hitting outfielder
Or how about just a typical leadoff type CF that can swipe some bases now that we got some power at SS?
Jon
July 14th, 2010
3:13 pm
To phoney skip carey – get a life and go to your own team’s web site.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
3:13 pm
Nick
No problem, i remember you saying Alex Gonzalez is going to be a brave
njbraves
July 14th, 2010
3:13 pm
Anders…You are counting on some pitchers who could very easily regress in the second half. Pelfrey has already come back to earth a bit and you think Dickey will keep pitching this well?? Doubt it.
TommyJack
July 14th, 2010
3:14 pm
Yunel can blame his own hot-doggin, bat twirling, blame the umps, blame the scorers, non-hittin azz for this.
Clint
July 14th, 2010
3:14 pm
I don’t know about yall, but I’m really glad Jo-Jo is gone.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
3:14 pm
Yunel has nearly as many walks in his CAREER as Gonzalez has in his. Gonzalez has never hit for power before this year. He strikes out about 4 times for every walk he takes.
Gonzalez’s 162 game average for homeruns is 16. He has a 23-homer season, an 18-homer season, a 17-homer season (so far this year), a 16-homer season and a 14-homer season. His power has been sporadic over the course of his career but he is capable of continuing to hit homers.
I agree that there is some serious concern about Gonzalez’s offense. But he has in fact hit for power in previous seasons.
Escobar has clearly taken a big step back so far this season, so why not take a chance on a guy who is at least as good or better defensively (according to the advanced defensive metrics) and who should improve the slugging? It’s not like Escobar was an outstanding hitter, it’s not like he’s all that young and it’s not like he’s going to remain fairly cheap. The Braves were the best team in the NL with Escobar performing poorly at the plate, so it’s not likely to get much worse, even if Gonzalez doesn’t hit for much power.
And the minor leaguers the Braves got are quite good. Pastornicky looks like he could be a legit major league shortstop prospect. He’s at .264/.340/.355 with 102 walks and 127 strikeouts in 1,042 PA in Rookie, Low-A and A-ball at ages 18-20. He’s also stolen 108 bases while being caught 30 times. He has 36 doubles and 12 triples, which could translate into homerun power as he gets older.
Tim Collins is a 20-year-old who has already worked his way up to Double-A. In 194.2 minor league innings here are some relevant rates: 13.6 K/9, 3.9 BB/9, 0.5 HR/9.
Braves set themselves up for the future and/or for another trade this season and they didn’t hurt themselves in the present.
kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
3:14 pm
Why are people talking about Gonzalez’s playoff experience?
According to ESPN,Gonzalez’s playoff average is .162 with exactly 1 HR and 17 strikeouts in 68 AB’s.
Those are supposed to be the stats of a guy that is going to help the Braves in the playoffs?
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
3:15 pm
You all realize we just traded for a guy who walks LESS than Frenchy, and strikes out more?
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
This will be two all star SS that we have traded in the last 5 years.
What year was it again that Yunel Escobar was on the NL All-Star roster? I guess I totally missed that one.
Well I think he meant that Escobar will probably be an All Star someday (I agree). But it’s still 2…Andrus and Renteria
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
Sam,
the trade wasnt done because of Yunel’s hair or lack of speaking English. It was done because of his at times lazy attitude.
I’ve been blasted my others on here because I thought the Braves should do what they did today.
Bottom line, if you’re a Yunel supporter, then you’re not going to be happy, but the Braves just got ALLOT better, and they arent done yet.
A power OF bat will come to town before the trading deadline.
flangeeeeeee1
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
kirkinga,
remember that HR won a World Series game
Interesting Read
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
“Interesting reading the comments of folks on the blog. It is interesting seeing the folks that don’t like the trade. Those guys are the guys that I read the most. They are usually right……”
Glad you’re going to the learned source to value this trade. Virtually all of the REAL baseball talking heads that are paid to opine seem to like what the Braves were doing here.
bravesgrl4lifeeeeeeeee
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
Wow, about that story about Gonzalez and his son. So sad. Seems like the guy is a gamer who plays through adversity, which could be a huge benefit. He’s not going to pout and sulk when a call goes against him – that’s just part of baseball sometimes. This guy has the ability to see what is important in life, I would say.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
“Surely we could have got something better than Alex Gonzalez for Cabrera and McLouth.” Mitchell
The irony in this statement makes me smile. The rest of the post was you ranting about how they are both holes in the lineup and that we cannot win a playoff series with them on the roster. THEN you presume to assume that you think we could have gotten more than Gonzalez in a trade of them?
You do see the lunacy in that two-way logic, don’t you Mitchell?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:16 pm
nscoots, Whats the over/under on HR hit by Alex the rest of th year?
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
CraZyTRaDeMaN
I can agree with that! I just feel like he could have been the key piece in a trade for a big time outfielder BUT they may have had to give up more minor leaguers to do it AND maybe Wren felt that he could do this trade and STILL use some of those coveted minor leaguers to get an outfield bat
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
W.W.S.D. — What would Steinbrenner do?
Rick in FL
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
Great trade . Better to has Gonzalez in clubhouse that Escobar . But JOJO is the one piece piece in this that the Blue Jays wanted , great stuff but always has that bad inning . With Collins your cannot have too many lefties .
Madison.
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
i don’t like it. i don’t like it one bit.
The_Superhoo
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
To everyone preaching the freaking racism card, GIVE IT REST! No one cares if escobar frosts his hair.
We care when he lollygags on “boring” plays. Good riddance, and well wishes elsewhere.
This was an awesome trade.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
And folks, Yunel has had effort issues at times over THE LAST TWO YEARS. He wasn’t traded because he’s slumping right now.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
Apparently the lefty we got is nothing to overlook.
He won’t be overlooked….you just have to look down a little
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
3:17 pm
ncscoots – All ribbing and bickering aside, I can see why you might have called Escobar a bargaining chip LAST year, but he’s been a different player this year, and what guarantee did we have that he would ever revert back to 2009 form? It’s not just that he was brain-dead at key moments, it’s that his offense disappeared! Zero home runs and little gap-power are very telling stats – they indicate that something pretty serious is going on. We are obviously in it to win it this year – and Escobar’s mental lapses, together with his offensive numbers, made him a distraction and a liability. I think Wren saw it as a chance to improve both our SS situation and our power situation in one fell swoop. Additionally, the 2 minor-league players we received in the trade have great…wait for it…potential! I think it’s hard to argue that we are worse team now than before the trade. Isn’t it the GM’s job to put his team in the best position to win it all? I think Wren has done that with this trade.
Good luck, Scoots.
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
3:18 pm
The Mets need another impact starter to stay in contention. I don’t see one out there for them. Pelfrey, Dickey, Niese, and Takahashi? I don’t see that group combining for an ERA under 4.30 or so.
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
3:18 pm
Got a feeling some of the vets — Chipper, Glaus — went to Cox/Wren and said, “Do something about this guy.” That inning in New York might have been the final straw.
No way this happens without Cox’s stamp of approval.
Now, go get a bat…. Melky, Marek, Delgado for Marlon Byrd.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
3:18 pm
nscoots, Whats the over/under on HR hit by Alex the rest of th year?
I make it 6.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:18 pm
Coach Smith,
I called for this trade, and had a good feeling it would come down. The Braves will still get their power OF bat
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:18 pm
“All-Stars or scrubs, I doubt anyone here has any idea”
You don’t need to be Paul Snyder to see that a kid with 294 strikeouts in 194 innings in the minors is a good prospect. I honestly do not understand how a team out of contention like the Blue Jays could give up a prospect like that.
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
3:19 pm
no power bat is coming this is the new braves idea of a power bat…this is mr wrens idea of a fred mcgriff deal. cant wait for the second half to begin to see this slugger gonzalez.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:19 pm
nscoots, I’ll take the under!
Pearl
July 14th, 2010
3:20 pm
The Braves continue to make dumb moves, but it doesn’t really matter anyway because they will be sitting on their couches watching the Playoffs, just like they have for the past several years. They are going nowhere. Everybody knows that the only reason they’re in 1st place right now is because the Phillies and Mets are not having normal years. Let one of those teams get their problems fixed the 2nd half of this year, and the Braves are back in 4th or 5th place — once again.
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
3:20 pm
i say 10 hr for gonzo
Notoso Fast
July 14th, 2010
3:20 pm
Like most of the Braves 2nd half trades, if we win this year, then it was a good deal, if not then bad deal.
Short term good. Long term maybe. Cox did get rid of Esco and he is happy.
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
3:20 pm
nscoots under for sure.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:20 pm
WREN
now just bring us MARLON BYRD and this will be a “TEAM” that is strong at every postion and in every way….Hard palying ball-players!!
say it with me….MARLON BYRD!!!!!!!
flangeeeeeee1
July 14th, 2010
3:20 pm
Interesting read,
I have been reading this blog for a good while. We have some folks on here that have a good bit of baseball knowledge and they tend to go see minor league games.
I have read their comments for years and they have said something and a few years later what they said is proven correct.
You can read and believe whomever you like. For things Braves, some of the longtimers on this blog know a bit more than the talking heads.
My opinion anyway….
bravesfanbob
July 14th, 2010
3:21 pm
Let’s see…. We got Alex Gonzalez, a .259 hitter with 17 homers and 50 RBI, and Tim Collins, a Double A Pitcher with 73 K’s in 43 Innings for Escobar, someone who has 0 homers and 19 RBI, 5 of which came on opening day, and JoJo Reyes, a pitcher who has been given every opportunity to make this club, but failed miserably. There are actually people who don’t like this move!?!? This is an excellent trade, because if Gonzalez does work out like we think, he has a club option for next year, and we wouldn’t have to offer Escobar arbitration. You know he would have gotten a worse attitude when we offered him about $2.5 million, especially when he didn’t deserve it. Way to go Frank Wren!
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
3:21 pm
but now we will have chip screaming “its an A-bomb for A-gone!” or “A-gone fists an A-bomb!”
O.J.
July 14th, 2010
3:21 pm
This Collins dude is ripped!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ccKZH7jwEw&feature=related
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
3:21 pm
kirkinga – alex gonzalez won game 4 of the 2003 series with a walk-off homer. change your mind any?
escobar’s playoff stats are .000 avg., 0 hrs., 0 rbis, 0 ABs
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:21 pm
Escobar didnt play the”Braves Way” and that’s why he’s in Toronto now. A very talented SS who just doesnt fit the way the Braves do things.
It says allot about what Bobby and Frank trades their starting SS when you have the best record in the NL, and are competing to win the division this year.
Escobar never got what Bobby and the Braves wanted from him.
David Justice fan for life!
July 14th, 2010
3:21 pm
Salcedo will be a star in this league. We have a prospect in the minors who should be ready in 2 years, 2 and a half if you count the rest of this season. We will be ok without Esco. And who the hell was that that said he was one of the top SS in the NL, LMAO!!!! That was funny. And who was that that said he was a .320 hitter? I don’t quite remember that. And for informational purposes, Gonzalez is just as good on DEF as Esco if not better. Do your research before making ignorant comments. Geez!
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
I a league and division that ALEX is familiar with, I say Gonzales hits 10-12 homers!
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
Watch it shmoe
Phil W Sarnia Canada
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
Keep in mind Collins is only 5′ 7″ so while that doesn’t mean he won’t make the bigs it’s not a conventional height for pitchers. Love the trade for both teams. For Atlanta they get a class act in Gonzalez for at least two years. Jays hopefully get a player who will rebound to his form of past seasons. More importantly if he is a team player and leader he’ll help tudor the 21-year-old Cuban SS the Jays signed in the off season for $10m for 4 years – Adeiny Hechavarria who is at least 2 years and probably 3 away from the majors. Anything Canada can do to help Bobby Cox we’re glad to do it especially when both teams seem to win in this trade. Phil W. Canada
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
Shaun, I appreciate your points, and agree about the prospects. I think you are twisting the power numbers a little bit though. While he has had 5 seasons with double digit home runs, he has also had 7 seasons with single digit home runs, and only one season with more than 20.
He has a career OBP of .294. I dont see how this guy helps. This team is not built to give away at bats. I just dont see where this guy fits in.
Mikeyc588
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
I was listening to Chuck and Chernoff earlier. (Atlanta sports legend) Chuck Dowdle was on the show and offered this up, which I really enjoyed: “I’ve been around the man (Cox) for twenty-five years, and if you can’t play under [him] then you have some serious issues. The fact that he couldn’t make it under Cox does not bode well for [Escobar's] future.”
I also liked what Bradley had to say on the subject and I agree that it seems, in part, to be “addition by subtraction”. I think that lollipop throw that almost broke Glaus’ wrist was the last straw for the kid. Nobody denies his talent. But the production (certainly THIS year’s production) simply wasn’t worth the headache and distraction anymore, especially on a contending team with such great chemistry.
Does Gonzalez have the ceiling of Escobar? Of course not. But Escobar has been given chance after chance to get it together and learn to be a professional and he hasn’t done it. Rarely do 27 year-old men suddenly grow up. It’s a shame, but I don’t see Yunel ever living up to his potential, in Atlanta, Toronto or anywhere else.
And on top of that, I like what I’m hearing about the two prospects we got back. Both top-20 guys in the Jays system who will head straight to AA Mississippi. All in all, I think it’s a terrific trade.
Interesting Read
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
“kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
3:14 pm
Why are people talking about Gonzalez’s playoff experience?
According to ESPN,Gonzalez’s playoff average is .162 with exactly 1 HR and 17 strikeouts in 68 AB’s.
Those are supposed to be the stats of a guy that is going to help the Braves in the playoffs?”
Yeah, that ONE HR won a World Series game! You can have all the stat padding players who come through to get their numbers up when they are up by 5 runs or down by 5 runs. I would rather have the guy who hits .260 but seems to get that big hit when you need it. The guy can’t drink and drive too well but the name Jim Leyritz comes to mind.
Grumble, rumble, cry, moan, scream “I told you so” from the top of the CNN Center but the bottom line is that Yunel is gone! If you are going to miss him that bad, buy a Blue Jays hat and a cable package and watch him the rest of the year! Either that or shut up and pull for Gonzo to help the Braves win.
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
I’m having a hard time picking over/under on 6 HR for Gonzalez, so I guess that makes it a good over/under.
I’d be willing to bet that Escobar has a higher OPS than Gonzalez the rest of this season.
kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
A show of hands from everyone who had heard the names of these kids before today, LOL. All-Stars or scrubs, I doubt anyone here has any idea, so I’d save that bit of spin for a little later.
Exactly!
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
Shaun, @ 3:14PM, you hit the nail on the head in every respect.
Bay Area Steve
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
Shaun,
Would you please respond to the folks who think your “Gonzalez is better than Esco defensively” is ludicrous? I’d like to see your argument.
O.J.
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
Why dont you people listen, Wren said he wants to see what Nate does before making another trade. So he isnt acquiring anyone anytime soon
chris
July 14th, 2010
3:22 pm
only time will tell the valueof this but on the surface Wren had to make this trade. When a player’s on field attitude is becoming a distraction – see ya dude. A change of scenery may be what this kid needs we’ll see. As far as Gonzalez you won’t get a better short stop for the price for this year. I don’t think Wren is finished. Something else is in the works to get us a bat in the OF..McClouth is sucking air- send him packing too for a bat and thin out the outfield to 4 who can actually hit
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:23 pm
no power bat is coming this is the new braves idea of a power bat…this is mr wrens idea of a fred mcgriff deal. cant wait for the second half to begin to see this slugger gonzalez.— TERRY P.
I hope you are being sarcastic about Alex. Slugger????
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
3:23 pm
what guarantee did we have that he would ever revert back to 2009 form?
The same one every player has, I guess, which is “none”. But I rate the possibility of the kid returning to form just a little higher than I do that of Alex Gonzalez hitting 35 dingers this year.
And plenty of folks here seem to think that’s gonna happen, no?
Doug
July 14th, 2010
3:23 pm
If nothing else, Escobar’s Braves obituary should read: “His mere presence allowed the team to trade for Jair Jurrjens”
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
3:24 pm
Anti me-I had a ten minute conversation with Prado this spring and I don’t speak Spanish or any variation, thereof. Prado is multilingual and is easily understood speaking English.
That’s great, Lew, I think that you kind of missed the point of my comments, which was that the Braves have now and have in the past during Bobby Cox’s tenure had players who don’t speak English and that never caused any of those players to be traded.
Not that it has anything to do with the points that I made in my previous comments but I got the impression that Prado did not speak English because during one of the Braves telecasts of a game in which Prado drove in the winning run, either Joe Simpson or Chip Carey said that the reason that they couldn’t get Martin Prado for the post game interview was because he did not have someone handy to translate.
I guess you can’t believe everything you hear on TV.
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
3:24 pm
Roy Hobbs,
What you say is so limited in its scope it is appalling. Yunel gave away at bats ALL SEASON with no power or run production!! Get it yet?
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:24 pm
He is just like Corey Hart, Jose Bautista playing out of there mind this year so far there is no way the power will continue. I HOPE IM WRONG!
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
3:24 pm
Terry P’s post was dripping with sarcasm
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:25 pm
“Mets are not having normal years”
My favorite part of this (hopefully satirical) post is that it implies that the Mets have been anything other than a laughing stock over the past 20 years. Alexander Pope would be so proud.
Pearl
July 14th, 2010
3:25 pm
Escobar is SO MUCH better than Chipper. He’ll be a star on his new team.
The Braves give Chipper Jones special treatment, and it’s not justified. There’s something very wrong with that. That’s why they’ve only won 1 World Series, and will never win another.
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
3:25 pm
ummmm yes i am being slighty sarcastic
Travis
July 14th, 2010
3:26 pm
Terry P…I guess it was his over dramatics on pitches inside, staring at the jumbotron after he made a play, double clutching to show off his arm, getting upset about an error called on him during a game, lack of participation on the head slapping in the dugout and getting no love from Chipper at the rail. When you have played team sports in your life you always run into guys that just don’t fit. Keeping it real like Mac did last night and just being humble even when you want to jump out of your pants with excitement sits well with other players.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:26 pm
Brian, I agree I would bet ESCO has a great 2nd half. Mostly because he becomes one of the better players in TOR. Big boost to his ego.
Sopheeeeap
July 14th, 2010
3:26 pm
yawn
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
3:27 pm
I struggle to see a scenario where it’s anything but great.
How about…giving up Escobar?
BlueEagle
July 14th, 2010
3:28 pm
Wasn’t our fondness for Escobar the reason we let Elvis Andrus go to Texas? And now we have neither? Short term it’s an ok move but I’m not liking it for 2011 and beyond.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:28 pm
“If nothing else, Escobar’s Braves obituary should read: “His mere presence allowed the team to trade for Jair Jurrjens”
Great post, Doug.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
3:28 pm
If you watch baseball, you know one or two players make a big impact on a game. The Mets lost Perez & promoted Ike Davis. That is the key difference. Most of you must be worried about how good the Mets will be come August once Beltran gets his legs under him. If they play Pagan at 2b, they have a really good line up (if Reyes stays healthy). The Braves really need one more bat in the OF, or if Heyward hits 270 with less strikeouts the rest of the year, and they bench McLouth – the Braves, amazingly, should win the division. BUT, the Phillies play their best ball in July & August. Although, I do NOT expect the Braves to choke ala the Mets the last two years. Go Braves!
Beeeeeff Pocoroba
July 14th, 2010
3:28 pm
>>>And for those who go on about Escobar’s defense, well here are the fielding stats for both Gonzalez and Escobar
Gonzalez – .972 fielding % this year, and .971 lifetime %
Escobar – .975 fielding % this year, and .974 lifetime %>>>>
anybody still using fielding percentage as the measure of a fielder’s worth is living in the stone age. you can’t get an error on a ball you can’t get to.
Gil Garrido
July 14th, 2010
3:28 pm
I miss Esco already.
Hope this works out. Gonzalez is a gamer.
Chief KnockAHoma
July 14th, 2010
3:28 pm
This trade give us an instant offensive boost. Right now, it’s all about 1) Pitching and 2) Run production
Some of your are evidently caught up in the man-love for Escobar for whatever the reason. The reality is that he was not a good locker-room presence and he’s just not giving us the run production from the plate. The guy has serious attitude issues and the rest of the team just kinda stays away from him which is obvious to even the most casual observer. That’s a cancer on any team ….
This move says “We’re serious about our chances this year and we are hungry” ..
I LIKE IT … ALOT!
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
3:29 pm
JoJo is gone….YEASIRE
Jon Tee
July 14th, 2010
3:29 pm
It’s hard to imagine that someone with a bigger bat couldn’t be had for little more than Yunel… I am just not sure that this accomplishes much at all….
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
3:29 pm
I guess my point is – if you’re in it to win it all, then how long do you wait for someone “with a lot of potential” to start living up to it? How long do you wait for him to get his head out of his ^&% and start acting like a major leaguer? What if that nonchalant lollipop of a throw a few games back had caused us to lose Glaus for the season? We’d need a lot more than a SS with potential and bargaining power. We need a conscientious player who plays hard and does the little things right. That was not Escobar.
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
3:29 pm
Travis
i could also give exaples of when the opposite of all that has happened as well but its pointless now.
andy
July 14th, 2010
3:31 pm
it’s a trade so you have to give away something of value
if yunel turns it around, that doesn’t mean he would have in atlanta
senoiadawgs
July 14th, 2010
3:31 pm
I absolutely loved Yunel. Thought he had more potential than any Brave in a long time just on the god given talent/athlete level. Only problem is either he is a complete nutcase and lazy or he was on the juice. His rather steep decline this yr I lean toward the latter. Glad he is gone he was a cancer to Cox and the clubhouse. Also believe others may have seen both and that is why we couldn’t get more via trade.
Hopefully Gonzalez will come through.
Braves trade Escobar for Hello Kitty notebook and 5 packs of nacho cheese sunflower seeds
July 14th, 2010
3:31 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Braves have dealt Escobar and minor-league pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes to the Blue Jays in exchange for Gonzalez, minor-league pitcher Tim Collins and minor-league shortstop Tyler [...]
Pat Walrath
July 14th, 2010
3:31 pm
I believe this is a smart move by the Braves. Escobar has plenty of talent, but seems to lose his focus at times. I question his passion for the game as he has made some bone-head plays. Besides the Braves have plenty of shortstop talent in the minors. I.m glad to se JOJO depart from the Braves.
Marc in FL
July 14th, 2010
3:32 pm
Good move! Now we have more trading chips for Corey Hart, who we’ll get after this series with the Brew Crew. Go Bravos!
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:32 pm
“How about…giving up Escobar?”
What the Braves did over the All-Star break was look just down the road to their future. We are coming up on the end of Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones’ Hall of Fame careers. And nobody wants them to end with Sports Center announcers saying, “What was Yunel Escobar thinking on this play?” I get why some people here don’t like this deal as once a player has a couple of great seasons here, Braves fans show loyalty, which is commendable. The reality is that Yunel Escobar is homesick and he has allowed it to affect his play. If we want to put ourselves in the best position to win this year, he had to go. Even Escobar’s most ardent supporters realize there is the ring of truth to this.
killerj
July 14th, 2010
3:32 pm
Naysayers shut up,thats a great trade! At least he,s worth his money! Proven Vet with a WS ring! Go Braves!
sportsmandh
July 14th, 2010
3:32 pm
Roy Hobbs,
We’re talking about shortstops here, not Franceour. In effect, we traded Franceour for Heyward. End of discussion, why even bring it up?
Franceour turned into Mr. no offense. That’s what’s happening with Escobar. Franceour got more time and more benefit of the doubt to try and work out his offensive struggles b/c he wasn’t lazy and he didn’t make as many obvious blunders as Escobar. Escobar has worn out his welcome faster b/c of those other issues in addition to not hitting.
ed U
July 14th, 2010
3:32 pm
I expected to trade Escobar but I had Tulowitzky in mind…….Yunel is a great fielder bur I think that toss finished him,, Best wishes to him
andy
July 14th, 2010
3:33 pm
enough with corey hart, i’d like prince fielder
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
3:33 pm
Schmoe, you are the one who does not get it. As bad as Yunel has been, he does not go to the plate and close his eyes and swing really hard. That is what we just traded for.
BraveMan
July 14th, 2010
3:33 pm
cannot believe the amount of peole that agree with this trade! completely surprising. alex has surely peaked power wise this season and never gets on base…
he is past his prime while escobar is just getting there. hes had one bad season (or half of a season). we are selling way too low on this kid. he is going to kill it in toronto while alex hits for minimal power a .250 avg and no obp.
LongtimeBravesfan
July 14th, 2010
3:33 pm
I like that Braves have an option on Gonzalez for 2011 at 2.5 million. I like that Yunel and Jo-Jo both get to play with a new team (both needed a change of scenery). I like that the braves have so many good/great young pitchers ready for the bullpen in the near future.
And now with the Braves’ roster at 38, I feel sure another trade(s) is coming this month.