Braves send Escobar to Blue Jays for Gonzalez in 5-player deal
The Braves have traded shortstop Yunel Escobar and minor-league pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes to the Toronto Blue Jays in a five-player deal that nets shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
Loading ...Gonzalez, 33, is in the midst of one of his finest offensive seasons.
The Braves also got left-handed minor-league pitcher Tim Collins and minor-league shortstop Tyler Pastornicky.
Gonzalez entered the All-Star break with a .259 batting average, 17 home runs, 25 doubles and 50 RBI. Gonzalez currently ranks tied for fifth in the American League with 43 extra-base hits.
“This trade improves our club for the second half of the season,” general manager Frank Wren said. “We have been looking at ways to strengthen our club offensively and Alex Gonzalez is a proven veteran player who gives us added power. He is a winner and a solid offensive presence in the lineup as well as a quality defensive shortstop.”
Gonzalez began his career with Florida in 1998 and was a National League All-Star in 1999. He was part of the Marlins’ World Series Championship team in 2003. In addition to the Blue Jays, he has also played for Boston (2006 and 2009) and Cincinnati (2007-2009). He missed the entire 2008 season due to a compression fracture in his left knee.
In 1,314 career games over his 12-year major league career, Gonzalez has collected 1,172 hits with 131 home runs and 571 RBIs. He is signed through the 2010 season, with a Club option for 2011.
Collins, 20, has appeared in 35 games for Double-A New Hampshire this season, with a 2.51 ERA, a .174 opponents’ batting average and 73 strikeouts with just 16 walks in 43.0 innings pitched.
Pastornicky, 20, has batted .258 with six home runs, 35 RBIs at 24 stolen bases in 77 games for Class-A Dunedin this season. He was the Blue Jays’ fifth-round selection in the 2008 Draft.
Escobar, 27, batted .238 with no home runs and 19 RBIs in 75 games for the Braves this season. Reyes, 25, appeared in one game for the Braves in 2010 and owns a 5-15 career record with a 6.40 ERA in 41 games (37 starts).
Reyes appeared in just one game for the Braves this season. He worked 3 1/3 innings, allowing nine earned runs (24.30 ERA), in an April game against San Diego. He was placed on the disabled list with a knee injury. He was sent to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he was 1-5 with a 5.70 ERA in 47.1 innings. The Blue Jays sent him to Double-A after acquiring him today.
2,249 comments Add your comment
E-Roll
July 14th, 2010
12:17 pm
WOW!!!!
E-Roll
July 14th, 2010
12:19 pm
We asked for more power and Wren has delivered right after the All Star break. I will miss you talent Yunel but not all of the other things that came with it.
BRAVOS!!!!
Brian
July 14th, 2010
12:19 pm
Bye Bye Esco. I think he was too much of a headache on the field and in the clubhouse.
WHAT???
July 14th, 2010
12:19 pm
stupid stupid stupid
fred
July 14th, 2010
12:20 pm
George Takei voice: “oh my.”
Tony Cloniger
July 14th, 2010
12:21 pm
WOW WOW WOW!!!!
Midstate Jacket Fan
July 14th, 2010
12:21 pm
Second
Joel
July 14th, 2010
12:21 pm
We have a new HR leader on our team!
bvillebaron
July 14th, 2010
12:21 pm
This is one of the things that I don’t like about Cox. When someone gets in his doghouse as Escobar obviously has, then he is gone. I for one don’t like this trad one little bit. The worse part is Cox is retiring after this year. I think the Braves will regret this trade. They also still have other more immediate needs to address such as a right handed power hitter, unless Wren (mistakenly) thinks he got that in Gonzalez. This is from someone who has supported most of Wren’s moves during his tenure.
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
12:21 pm
I hope we have a plan for next year…..
good trade...
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
…I think. I know his teammates like him, even if he was a bit childish. Hopefully, this doesnt hurt the clubhouse.
pj
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
Long term this isn’t the best move – but for this season? You bet your butt it is. Sending Cox out with a bang and winning a title should be the goal – and this gets us closer to it!
Uncle Tom
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
Wren has impressed me. Big John gave away the farm a couple of times, but this deal sounds great. Jo Jo will never make it here and Escobar has turned into a head case. The two minor leaguers from Toronto sound wonderful. Good job Frank!
tizzle
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
i can’t believe the jays gave up that much. Looks like a great trade for the mighty Bravos! Now will somebody tell Bobby that Chipper should not bat 3rd?!
Hey
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
WHAT??? – is stupid stupid stupid
bboyd3301
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
i agree with every other comment! WOW!!
bilbo
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
love this move
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
I still hope we make a trade for a cody ross or someone like that…I would trade Schafer, McLough and a couple of spare parts…
uhoh
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
I think that lollipop throw he made the other night that almost got Troy hurt was the last straw….
KAS
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
I’m both glad and sad this happened. Escobar definitely has a high ceiling, but we needed more production NOW with our playoff chances being what they are. This may hurt a few years down the line, but for this year it’s great.
Halberstram
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
Better win it all or this trade was worthless
Steve
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
Where are those people who said Escobar would not be traded? Told ya so! Not stupid, Escobar has a bad attitude that is not needed in that clubhouse. Alex will be a good fit!
bob didier caught here
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
Escobar must have done or said something to have precipatated this! I just cannot imagine that the braves would give up on him this quickly! There is WAY MORE to this trade. Any news if AG is in the last year of his contract with the Blue Jays? I would hate to relive the Mark Texiera debacle again!
BRAN
July 14th, 2010
12:23 pm
My feelings are hurt lol.
Yunel was a great player and he will be missed. I think they are grimy for waiting a day after the All Stars game though. Show some tact next time please. This Alex guy had better be the business. World Series Bound!!!!
D Money
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
It’s good to see the Braves and Falcons making moves meant to improve the team. Now if the Hawks could follow suit. Go Braves!! Go Falcons!!
Hey
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
@ bvillebaron – seriously, get a clue. Escobar isn’t living up to expectations and Gonzalez is much better. We may have other needs, but when you have an opportunity to upgrade anywhere, you have to do it.
Moultrie Brave
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
Nice!
SD Dawg
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
Looks like we aren’t standing pat. Glad to see we’re active. Like the power this kid brings.
joseph killeen
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
im stunned
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
It seems like we took up more time trying to manage one player when that time can be better utilized.
Rotagilla
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
Excellent trade. Gonzalez now leads the Braves in home runs and is 2nd in RBIs.
escoBEAST
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
Jair Jurrjens is having a bad year too…. lets trade him for a 33 year old having a career year!! stupid frank wren!
Pat
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
A contract year performance so far for Gonzalez. Hopefully he keeps it up in the 2nd half. We gave up a good bit to ditch Escobar’s BS…
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
i like the move for power, but wren probably still wants another outfielder like Hart as well
Wooderson
July 14th, 2010
12:24 pm
WOW… I think this could turn out to be the right move… but escobar is so freakin good defensively
Tman
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
This is a nice trade. Escobar was a head case, not the type of player Bobby likes. It makes perfect sense. Give Wren some credit. He’s given up an unstable player for a proven veteran having a fine year. Seventeen HR at the break? We need that. Just wish we hadn’t traded Elvis Andrus to the Rangers a couple of years back. Now THAT was stupid!
Mike in Marietta
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
I dont see how anyone could think this is a bad move. We gave up next to nothing. All of our success this season has come from everyone other than Yunel and Reyes. We dont need them.
Hey
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
@ bob didier caught here – READ THE ARTICLE, DUH!!! The article mentions that there’s a club option for 2011 for Alex. Duh.
cadilac
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
how long is alex under contract?
boots
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
Awesome. Now, what about an outfielder? Glad to see us pushing for the World Series. The Phillies and Mets should be worried.
nola braves fan
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
good trade.. play for the now… doesn’t have to carry offense on this team.
VP
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
How long is Gonzalez under contract? That’s an important factor.
Long time Brave
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
Excellent move by the Braves!
BravesFan
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
great deal, Yunel was a terrible clubhouse presence…… Just upgraded one of our only holes in the lineup this year…
Mike in Marietta
July 14th, 2010
12:25 pm
Tman said it right.
steve
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Looks like a good upgrade at SS. Glad to see Jo-Jo finally gone.
Baseball Ken
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Dave,
I don’t know about this trade, seems like we gave up on Esco to soon. Now we are sacrificing our defense unity up the middle and Gonzalez is older. Plus Andrus is an all-star for the Rangers, so Wren is admitting he sent wrong shortstop away…this will come back to haunt us.
BillS
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Geez, surprise! Swapping shortstops, looks like we picked up the guy with a little more pop this year. Let’s hope it’s the right move — sounds pretty good to me.
VP
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
I thought we wouldn’t even get a sack of ball for Jo-Jo.
Tim Tebow's Tears
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
As much as I hoped Esco would break out of his funk and attitude it was time to move on….. POWER MOVE
Blaze
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
We will definitely miss Escobar’s defense. This Colins kid looks impressive (see stats)! I think we are trying to win now which I agree. Will Rogers once said that you have to go out on a limb to pick the fruit sometimes. Well …… we did!
BravoFan
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Escobar was probably become a liability with his behavior and I think his agent would have demanded more than what the braves could have paid him when his current contract is up. Plus Wren is trying to win it all this year and with Infante and Prado, I think we will be ok for next year.
nique
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
I know nothing about the minor league guys, but, wow, I don’t like that move. He basically traded Yunel at his lowest value to get a 33 year old shortstop at his peak value. Can’t imagine Alex has the range or arm of Yunel. Looks like he’s got much more pop, but did that move really improve us for this year? And what about beyond this year?
BRAVESFAN5114
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Guess Yunel can take those crappy facial expressions to Canada. had no respect for anyone. Glad he is gone.
NathanH
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Is anyone else not absolutely ecstatic that JoJo Reyes is finally out of the system? Painful memories come up when his name is said to me. Wren pulled off a nice deal with the Jays on this one! Go Braves!!!
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
Wow, I havent heard too many Frank Wren haters as of late?? crickets…crickets.
Great move, good job Frank.
Philip
July 14th, 2010
12:26 pm
FRANK WREN JUST MADE MY DAY! THANK YOU. SO GLAD TO SEE HIM GO.
JS
July 14th, 2010
12:27 pm
Agree Brian! As good as he was defensively his arrogance sucked. I watched Chipper try to talk to him one night after he had made a mistake and he wanted no part of it, thought he was bigger than the team… Bye Bye!
Hey
July 14th, 2010
12:27 pm
cadilac and VP – READ THE ARTICLE BEFORE YOU BLOG – DUH!
VP
July 14th, 2010
12:27 pm
>>>>>>Plus Andrus is an all-star for the Rangers, so Wren is admitting he sent wrong shortstop away…this will come back to haunt us.
Frank Wren didn’t make that deal. Big John did.
Tom
July 14th, 2010
12:27 pm
SS was looking like a BIG hole for the second half run………this is a power pick-up with solid defense. A+
Queballs
July 14th, 2010
12:27 pm
If I’m not mistaken the club option on Gonzalez is for $2.5 million next season.
59bulldawg
July 14th, 2010
12:27 pm
I think we probably gave up on Yunel a little too soon but this is a solid trade. You have to applaud Wren for making the move.
REALNESS
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
YES, I was tired of that clowns attitude and his frosted tips.
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
lineup
Prado
Gonzalez
Chip
Glaus
Mac
Hey
Infante
Mclouth
Taylor
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
Can you give us some info on the two minor leaguers?
James
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
I fear we are selling low and buying high.
BravesFan79
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
Man… we just lost one of the top shortstops in the NL! I had a feeling Yunel was going to turn it on and hit .350 in the second half with his usual clutch hitting and great defense.
Rich
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
It seems to me last years rumormill with escobar going to SD I think with Reyes for Adrian Gonzalez would have been better. I hope, like most trades in the past, that this doesnt come back to bite the Braves long term. Hmmm the Braves had a shortstop at one time that was at the All Star Game last night and he was sent to the Rangers in one of the worst deals I can remember
die hard Braves fan
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
abt time yall got some balls to pulled off a big trade – We’re going to the WS!!!! ? is can we beat the Yankees?!?!
E-Roll
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
Now that I really look at this trade what was Toronto thinking?
They give up not only a SHORTSTOP that has 17 homers and 50 rbi’s at the break but they also give up a young shortstop and a young pitcher for a malcontent albeit talented shortstop and a young pitcher that has not shown too much potential against major league hitters.
Score one for Wren.
Harry
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
Got some idiots blasting this move saying we’re trying to win it now – OBVIOUSLY WE’RE TRYING TO WIN IT NOW!!! You never know what tomorrow brings.
If you can win now, YOU DO IT!!!
BRAVEFANINPA
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
Awesome move to position to make a run- I love the ability of Escobar but he just has never matured in my opinion- to babyish. This is a huge move on the Braves part- wish now the still had Elvis. We will see how this plays out- I like our chances to make this run if everyone stays healthy. Go Braves!!!!
chin music
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
someone took jo-jo reyes! someone took jo-jo reyes!
this is going to be a net win for the braves. escobar’s getting past the age where you can expect major offensive strides; even though the braves didn’t deal him at his peak value, they got a pretty decent return for him. tim collins is a lilliputian (5′7″, 155#) with a live arm and a bright future in relief if he can stay healthy. pastornicky sounds like more farm-system depth on the infield. bottom line: this makes the braves more formidable in 2010, without having to give up too much to do so.
Mudcat
July 14th, 2010
12:28 pm
We desperately needed more offensive punch and Wren has delivered. I am impressed! The cost was for two underperforming players. Wish Escobar well, but we came out extremely well in this trade.
Jonathan
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
This will benefit the Braves at least for THIS season. When clubs are in the position the Braves are in they can not always look for long term attraction. While it hurts to let Escobar go he is simply not performing this season. Escobar’s ceiling is higher than Gonzalez’s, but Gonzalez is the better performer up to this point of the season. I’m going to miss Escobar’s fielding though. He can make some pretty tough plays.
TXbravesfan
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
Escobar = Andres Thomas
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
This move will hurt us in the Long Run, “Bank on it!”
Esco will turn the corner in the AL and become another Hanley Ramirez minus the speed…
Wooderson
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
I WONDER HOW MUCH MONEY WE PAID THE JAYS TO TAKE REYES
J-Deez
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
Those of you doubting this, do your research on who we have coming up in the minors. The Braves will be just fine..Edward Salcedo is just one of the names. Love that Wren is trying to win now. No need to doubt or criticize that. Escobar was not a huge impact game changer..stats don’t lie. If anything, his attitude was a liability. Good, solid trade that upgrades SS and puts the Braves in an even better position to win the NL East and advance in the postseason.
Gene
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
I take back all the bad things I said about FrankWren. Frank, I love ya, man.
RusDawg
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
Ugh. I hate this trade. Escobar gets on base and knows how to work a count. That is so important with the type of offense the Braves are running. A-Gone is a career sub-.300 OBP player and he has never hit this many homers in all his years….can someone say possibly juiced?
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
now its time for wren to use those players he got in that package for Corey Hart.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
12:29 pm
HUGE! Can’t believe I am reading this!
Paul Johnson's Johnson
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
Esco…..Your bad attitude just landed you out of this country…..Don’t let the door hitcha’ where the good Lord splitcha’!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! See ya
PTown Brave
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
For Alex Gonzalez?
WOW…I’m pretty speechless here folks as we were led to believe that Yunel could/would bring a great haul…this trade proves that either Frank settled for the first offer OR we were lied to as this couldn’t be further from the truth…
What happened to addressing CF with some RH pop?
Cody Ross I expected…possibly even Corey Hart I wouldn’t have been surprised by, but Alex Gonzalez?!
17 HR yes, BUT he’s hitting .259 and has been below average in the field this year…
I just really am not seeing the upside here..
IF we are “going for it”, then we need much more than this!
mike
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
So we’re going to stick with Nate McClousy, who had one decent year 2 years ago, but get rid of Yunel before he can turn it around? I like his spark. And for some reason, he was one of my 5 year old’s favorite players….
Go Escobar! hope you turn it around in Tororonto.
Now let’s see what we can trade Nate for!
NathanH
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
BaseballKen-
Wren did not make that trade, John Scheurholz did. Historically, a bad move, but we believed that we were just one player away from legitimate success back in 2007 so he did what he needed to do.
ry
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
They bought high and sold low, but if it gets us to the world series, I am all for it. Gonzalez and 33 and this is a career 1st half for him, hope he can keep it up in the 2nd half. I would still like to see them get a power hitting outfielder.
RRR
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
Wow!
This is quite a shock to be honest. Yunel has plenty of potential, and this may come back to hurt us. Frankly, I’m a bit disappointed, but then again, I’m disappointed in Yunel for almost forcing this.
10 to 1 that the soft toss to Glaus on that chopper last week that got Glaus hurt was the final straw. I suppose I’m not surprised when you come down to it. Getting rid of Jo Jo is a bonus though.
Bill S
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
This is a great move. Alex G is great defensively and he will add needed offense. Let’s not worry about three years down the road when we can win it all this year. McCann’s HR to give NL home field advantage is an omen for a great second half. This deal seals it.
Jon
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
To all the Yunel bashers: What are you basing your idiotic comments on how he was a bad clunhouse guy? How do you know this? His biggest prblem was on the field with his mental lapses. How does that make him a bad clubhouse guy? Stop making up crap!
Greg
July 14th, 2010
12:30 pm
Well, we all know Esco has the potential to make this trade look like a stupid one for the Braves, especially long-term. But he’s such a fragile, psychological mess right now, I don’t think many of us would bet that he’s going to raise his average much above .250 this year. And he has not quite gotten over his tendency to let his mind wander on the field, especially on the base-paths. Not really a Bobby Cox kinda guy, which has been clear for a long time. Will Alex Gonzalez be able to sustain his current hitting? That is the million dollar question. Don’t know anything about Tim Collins. Don’t mind so much that Jo Jo is going, though.
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
Not to mention Gonzalez plays in a division with 3 of the most hitter friendly parks in the majors…His production will decline playing in the NL…
Anyone wanna guess where does he hit…?
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
AND JOJO is NO LONGER A BRAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!
So stinking happy about that. Never have to worry about him showing up in a game for the Braves again!
BraveFan
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
Don’t let the door hit you in the arse Yunel “the Tool” Escobar, and take your “attitude” with you…..
Matt
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
Perfect example of “buy high, sell low”. “Stupid, you’re so stupid!!” (extra dap for the person who can name the movie that’s from)
Doves
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
DOB, how many years is Gonzalez under our control now? And do we have any talent on the farm ready to take over SS in the next couple years? Maybe Gonzalez is an interim fix for 3rd base when Chip hangs it up? What are the long term prognostications for SS and 3rd?
Robert08
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
Good riddance to Reyes … unsure over trading Escobar. However, Wren deserves the benefit of the doubt because of Melky and Troy Glaus.
I Run Bases Like Yunel
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
For all those who think this is bad you don’t know crap about baseball. Get rid of your man crush on Escobar. He was a head case, was prone to lapses when he was on the field, and had ZERO HRs.
Not Bad
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
Braves don’t really lose much on this one. Escobar gave management fits and he doesn’t seem to be progressing. Even if Gonzalez comes back down to reality and only hits a few more HRs this year, it is still an upgrade. I wonder if LHP Collins is the real prize here?
Bye Bye Esco
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
For whoever commented about missing Esco’s D……WTF? He has been awful and Gonzo might be the best defensive SS in baseball
Gonzo is a FA after this year, looks like a nice trade. Even is Esco figures it out he isnt anything special like Andrus. Braves traded the wrong SS the 1st time and now they are attempting to fix it
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
Wren is not done, this was just like a batting stance….a starting point. another deal to come.
It's a shame what he did to that dog
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
“And do we have any talent on the farm ready to take over SS in the next couple years?”
The Braves picked up a 19 year old Cuban who’s supposed to be a bad @ss.
Fed Up With Wren (Again)
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
I really hate to admit it, but I love this move. Esky was rapidly becoming a liability. No good having control of him for a few years if he wasn’t going to produce. I may have to change my screen name…
Rob
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
UNBELIEVABLE!! What a great deal. The Braves definitely got the better end of this one.
Howard
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
I think this was brilliant. Here’s why. Escobar has great talent but hasn’t always played smart and is having a bad year. gonzalez for this year and next is an improvement. I think after that had we kept Escobar he would be reaching free agency and we probably would not think the investment worth it, particularly since they have the young shortstop they are so high on. By then he might be ready.
I do not like this deal
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
[...] UPDATE THE SECOND: Links… Braves PR, DOB blog entry. [...]
Gary
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
Ken, Wren didn’t trade Andrus…..that was JS
Delmar
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
The important thing here is Jo Jo Reyes will not come running out of that dugout ever again. Even if the dude hits .260, it’s better than Escobar is hitting, plus he can actually hit home runs.
Ted Turner
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
Wow. To give up a 27-year old shortstop with Escobar’s talents for a journeyman like Alex Gonzalez. I mean wow. He must be an enormous pain off the field.
bravofan
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
wow I dont know what to say but please dont let this back fire on us!!!!!!!!!
Pete*
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
Seems like a good trade to me. Wren proving to be a very good GM, in spite of all the naysayers who think just the opposite on this blog.
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
BravesFan79
“Man… we just lost one of the top shortstops in the NL! I had a feeling Yunel was going to turn it on and hit .350 in the second half with his usual clutch hitting and great defense.”
Co-sign!
BravesFan79
July 14th, 2010
12:32 pm
Im not sorry to see JoJo go, but Escobar will be missed. A guy hits .259 and thats his “best year”?? I sure hope DOB is talking about homeruns and not batting average! We traded a great defensive young All Star caliber SS that usually hits around .320 for a guy that hits .259? He sure as hell better hit a big homerun in the playoffs to make this trade worth it!
GovClintonTyreeeee
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
Wow!
Braves are taking a risk dealing by dealing Escobar | Jeff Schultz
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
[...] just opened the second-half of the season with a stunning five-player trade with Toronto. The principles of the deal are both shortstops: Escobar goes to the Blue Jays, Alex Gonzalez comes [...]
Bobby's Belly
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
BAD TRADE. Short sighted. Fredi coming next yr. would have been good for Esco. Young Latin / old red neck was oil and water. Funny how BC can put up w/ a guy who drinks himself out of the lineup once a week and ducks #1 pitchers on a regular basis, but can’t co-exist w/ Yunel. Too bad.
Cale
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
I cannot believe that “bvillebaron and What???” think this is a bad trade. We get a guy with 17 HR’s and is a winner in the deal and you guys rather have a .234 hitter with 0 HR’s. Give me a break. Another good move by Wren. By the way, where are all the writers that said Wren was stupid at the beginning of the season when Glaus got off to a slow start and Wagner wasn’t look spectacur yet?
No one wants Schafer by the way…he has 1 homerun, crappy batting average and strikes out every 4th at bat in AAA. Good job Wren…love this move!
Nachmann
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
Crap, a young All-Star caliber talent for an old guy!?! Geez.
The Big Cat
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
Wake me up when football season starts.
fredi is next
July 14th, 2010
12:33 pm
Good move for this season… but beyond that???? Now we have 2 oldies on the that side of the infield. Who’s gonna replace them? No one in the minors….
Dee
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
OMG!! I can’t believe it! What news to sign onto the blog to find!
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
Boy the blog is blowing up…you could have typed “first” and not even been in the top 50.
The other 2 guys
Collins, 20, has appeared in 35 games for Double-A New Hampshire this season, with a 2.51 ERA, a .174 opponents’ batting average and 73 strikeouts with just 16 walks in 43.0 innings pitched. He was named to a Florida State League Mid-Season All-Star in 2009 and was named by Baseball America as a High Class-A All-Star in 2008.
Pastornicky, 20, has batted .258 with six home runs, 35 RBIs at 24 stolen bases in 77 games for Class-A Dunedin this season. He was the Blue Jays’ fifth-round selection in the 2008 Draft.
chuck the barber
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
Wren has been brilliant. An obviously better trader than Sheurholz, proof’s in what he can do without the funds. He gets help this year and maybe next giving the SS prospects time to develop. One on the outside can’t be sure what goes in the clubhouse, but it’s a good guess is Yunel was very unhappy. Prediction is Yunie will go on a tear in Toronto, and I hope he does. Just a good move to change here. He gave us quality in the past, but Gonzalez rocks for here and now. Definitely fills the missing piece.
Frosty Tipz
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
A-Gon has a club option for next season!!!!!!!
hornblowermg
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
absolutely a great move by Wren. little league players display better fundamental baseball than Escobar on offense and defense; and when they pitch a childish fit you can correct them without an international incident. Gonzales is a steal of a deal. again, great move.
awj
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
Contract status per ESPN:
2010: Signed one-year, $2.75 million contract. 2011: $2.5 million club option.
enz
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
Pretty big bat! Already has 50 RBI’s and 17 homers…While Escobar still often slumps, plays lazy, and lacks a winning attitude…The Braves are building to win THIS YEAR. Let’s make it happen guys!
DB Cooper
July 14th, 2010
12:34 pm
looks like AG has club option for 2 mill or so for 2011
Falcon Josh
July 14th, 2010
12:35 pm
His attitude got him overall. I like the trade. Alex already leads the team in Homeruns Go Braves!!!
Jo-Bu
July 14th, 2010
12:35 pm
To all of those who are booing this deal. Yunel is being traded for a character guy with a right-handed power bat. To have Jo-Jo go with the dealer is a great deal and a good thing as he’s not MLB pitcher.
Yes, Yunel is an awesome defensive shortstop but you cannot coach an attitude like his.
lazydawg
July 14th, 2010
12:35 pm
Long term this is not a good trade but for this season it’s a good move.Wren is better than a bunch of Braves fans believed way to go Frank.
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
12:35 pm
Our Weak OF (excluding RF) Corps needs Nasty improvement…Does anyone think there is another trade “On Deck” since we currently have a logjam of Outfielders?
My Big Boy gut tells me that KK or Nate-Dawg will be next within the next 2 weeks if anyone else leaves…
Stephen
July 14th, 2010
12:35 pm
Good move for the Braves. Escobar had Josh Smith-itis (symptoms- not listening to coaches or playing along with teammates) and unlike the Hawks, the Braves were actually smart enough to cut ties and value the good of the organization over coddling a petulant star.
ryan
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
Now we need go out and get Corey Hart from the Brewers then i think the Braves have great shot a winning the division .
David
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
i can’t get excited by this…
tim from trion
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
airhead escobar is finally gone never to be heard from again
Steve
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
Jon, Bobby has told me himself how much he did not like Escobar. They have been trying to trade him for a month. He has a bad attitude and was not a team player. He also did not hustle.
AdirondackDave
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
I like this trade. JoJo is a 4-A player and Escober is too streaky with the stick, not to mention the occasional goof in the field. Gonzalez will do the job at short for the next year and a half and we add two solid prospect to the inventory. Works for me.
Bluejays Acquire Yunel Escobar « TheUpperCardNetwork.com
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
[...] a run in the postseason, in what will be Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones last season with the team. Braves GM Frank Wren tells AJC’s David O’Brien that the deal improves their team [...]
ChippersLoveChild
July 14th, 2010
12:36 pm
Not a fan.. Yunel has too much potential to just give up on him. Gonzalez has enough of a track record to know he is nothing special, despite the good numbers this year. Don’t like this move at all.
Bryan from Kansas ( Go KU)
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
A+++++++ move by Frank Wren. Even though Gonzalez has a lower average this year he has always been a consistent professional…PROFESSIONAL!!…Something Escobar has not been…Bobby will be so much happier not having to babysit him.
supa
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
You can’t argue with the trade. It’s a classic win now vs. win later trade. Braves are hoping to get 1.5 solid years out of Gonzalez and maybe one of the two prospects develops into a major leaguer or as a trade chip later. I’m sure Escobar will be fine. He’ll be one of the top 5 AL shortstops for 5-8 years. It’s a good trade for both teams.
MZ
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
I am a fan of this trade
Ross
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
It’s clear that the Braves have discovered the Falcons’ new formula – create a team of people with good work ethic and a minimum of self-centered Mickey Mouse behavior. This is a great trade. Gonzales may go on the bench with Infante at short, but one way or another, the Escobar freak show is over here. As much as I admire his talent, his brain was never going to get out of the way. Good luck to him in the AL.
Randy M
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
Great Trade!! Did you not hear Joe Simpson on the radio this morning. He was very blunt about Yunel sulking and having a bad attitude in the clubhouse. I wonder if he didn’t know this was coming when he made those comments. Laid a good foundation for Escobar’s exit…..
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
This is a good trade, BUT DO NOT EXPECT THE HR’s – his HR’s this season were a fluke – but, he will give you great defense and dependable, tough at bats – maybe Wren is better than I thought – although the Frenchy & McLouth trades were awful – if he ships out McLouth for another decent OF bat or another middle reliever, Wren will have done a substantial job rehabbing his resume.
Jacob
July 14th, 2010
12:37 pm
LOVE the move. Only thing is Alex’s DEFENSIVE ability as good as Yunel’s “Ability”?
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
I’m going to miss Yunel. I’m not “happy” to see him go. I’m also not “impressed” with a career .295 OBP of Alex Gonzalez, or that his current .325 OBP is a career high. … But this should help the team in the short term.
Seems like a solid pick up. Never thought the team could pull in a starting short-stop for Yunel. But…
Well this is a blog trade if I’ve ever read one. The Braves traded a struggling infielder and a terrible minor league pitcher for a succeeding major league starting short stop and a what appears to be quality depth in minor leaguers…
And they said it couldn’t be done.
Ted M
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
Rogers Centre (Toronto, Ontario) is a hitter friendly park. But this should help.
What are the Braves long term plans at SS?
Conclusions.....don't jump to them!
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
EXCELLENT TRADE!! Gonzo has good defense and excellent power from the SS position….and the two minor leaguers sound pretty good too!
JoJo’s MLB stint was about up anyways….and Esco has turned into another Frenchy! Glad we won’t see either of them again!
DaveDawg96
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
This is simply a great trade for the Braves — for this season and beyond.
BravesFan79
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
Say what you will about Escobar… but he NEVER pulled a Manny Ramirez and threw his teamates under the bus when the Braves were having a terrible season last year. So much for being able to count on a solid .300 hitter at SS for the next 10 years.
UGA sucks
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
ummmmmm….UGAY SUCKS!
Jeff Blouseher
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
Hey! What about me? It’s like you got rid of a Raffy Belliard and acquired a Jeff Blauser. .259? I can still hit that today. Put me in coach!
WarnerVegasJoe
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
Awesome deal. We gain post-season experience, power and leadership with Alex. Not to mention more pitching and another SS prospect. All we lose is a crybaby and a lefty I’ve already forgotten about. Plus we’re not just renting Alex, we have an affordable option on his contract for next year. Frank, I take back all the bad thoughts I’ve had about your reign as GM. Great move!
ChillyMutt
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
I agree with UhOh … that lolipop throw that almost seriously hurt Glaus was just another in a long list of signature bonehead plays by Escobar. I hope Toronto likes his highlights … hair highlights that is.
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
12:38 pm
@fredi is next
there is a minor leaguer we signed before the season named Edward Salcedo. some say hes the next A-Rod(without roids)
German Shepherd Dawg
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
Great trade! While Escobar was a good player in the past, we’re in first place this year and can’t afford the mental meltdowns at short from him defensively that were getting worse. Recently he twice called for popups and then didn’t catch the ball. He almost got Glaus’ arm torn off by throwing a lollipop. We can’t afford to have him lost for the rest of the year because Escobar losing it in the field. Flashes of brilliance mixed with dopiness, and a goofy grin like it was no big deal.
VP
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
Former Bluejays GM RIccardi loves the prospects the Braves got in the deal.
bvillebaron
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
Hey:
I think you are the one who needs to get a clue. Escobar is much younger and has a much higher upside than Gonzalez. I haven’t watched Gonzalez play enough recently to know how well he plays defensively, but I do KNOW how well Escobar plays with the exception of admittedly stupid lapses. You automatically conclude that this is an upgrade for the rest of the year because Gonzalez has 17 homers at the break, huh? Well I checked out his career stats and after hitting 18 in 2003 and 23 in 2004, Gonzalez’ HR totals since then are 5, 9, 16, 8 and 17 (so far this year). Of other interest is that he missed all of 2008 with a compression fracture in his leg and only averaged 111 games played from 2006 through 2009. Gonzalez will also be switching leagues and seeing different pitchers for the rest of the year. Let’s just see who does better for the rest of this season before you tell me that I don’t have a clue. Besides what is the shortstop plan for 2011 and beyond? Brandon Hicks?
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
hes 18 years old
ClassicBraves
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
GREAT MOVE!! FRANK WREN IS A STELLAR GM!! WE GOT THIS GUY PLAYING SOME OF THE BEST BALL IN HIS CAREER, WHO IS ONLY 33 AND CAN PLAY FOR THE NEXT 3 OR 4 YEARS!! HIS DEFENSE IS SUPERIOR AND HE IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. ESCOBAR HAS CRAZY TALENT, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, HE WAS NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE THIS YEAR… HE NEEDED A CHANGE OF SCENARY, JUST LIKE OUR GOOD PAL FRENCHY! THIS GUY CAN HIT, HIT, HIT!! HE IS AMAZING DEFENSIVELY! WE GOT TO GREAT PROSPECTS ALSO!! WE HAVE SOME EXTRA POWER AND GONZALEZ HAS A CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE!! MAN WHAT A TRADE!! EXCITED!!!! GOOOOOOOOO BRAVES!!
keef
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
If the Braves enter or even win the W.S this year with this talented AND lucky team and $84 million payroll:
LIBERTY MEDIA BETTER ANTE UP TO ADD $30 MILLION (TOTAL 120 MILLION)
or sell the team
Kem
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
Where are you guys getting this bad attitude info from? From the players, Bobby C. or from observations from non-objective sportswriters.
I have not been inside their clubhouse on the regular and I think 99.9% of you have not either. As usual people take a sportswriter opinion and run with it.
That said, I hope the trade works out.
Go Braves!
Crunk Man
July 14th, 2010
12:39 pm
ZERO HR’S!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bye Bye Esco
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
lol Esco a top SS in the NL ?????????
Hanley, Rollins, Reyes, Tulo, Furcal, Drew
What top 10? Thats not saying much in just the NL
Mark
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
DOB,
Your take?
I think Wren got swindled. Gonzo’s value will never be higher and Yunel’s will never be lower. Plus, Yunel’s defense will be greatly missed (he and Prado turned more dps than anyone this year). Not to mention, this is the only extended slump of Yunel’s short career. Also factoring in Yunel is six years younger than AG, AG had a knee surgery two years ago…it sure does look like the Jays got a good deal on this one.
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
Looking at the contract – i like this move more. Gonzalez will be a 1 yr stop gap until our young crop of SS come up. I like Escobar for his talent potential. Going into a pennant drive I want someone who has been there and done it. I don’t want someone who could sulk and go off the deep end at any time. I will miss Escobar, but I like the move..
For the person who said that Escobar worked the count. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen the guy in front of Escobar get on base and Yunel swing at the first pitch and pop it up (more than the number of fingers and toes that I have!)
Sepplliggnng Chcekre, plaseae
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
Why is it that fans always want the team to get better, but when the GM actually makes a move that immediately nets better numbers, everyone gets ticked off about it?
Mark Wohlers
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
Too bad we couldn’t throw in Kawakami on that deal!
supa
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
Also, just looked at the stats. Gonzalez has good power, good slugging %, but also a very high strikeout rate and overall low career BA and OBP. Sounds a lot like our old RF.
chuck the barber
July 14th, 2010
12:40 pm
Nobody will take Nate, KK, Lowe has limited value, unless Braves pay the salary off or swap for another bloated contract i.e.- Jose Guillen-, I think one more deal happens, but we may have to part with a good young arm – ugh -
Yunel's Cartel
July 14th, 2010
12:41 pm
I’ll miss Esco’s solid D. And, up until this first half, his solid O.
Real UT
July 14th, 2010
12:41 pm
The Jays gave up that much because they know how much talent Escobar has.
Jared
July 14th, 2010
12:41 pm
immediate offensive impact plus gonzalez does have an option for 2011.
yunel has an extremely high ceiling but who can tell if he’ll ever reach it. games like friday night when he misplayed that pop up and then almost got glaus killed with a lollipop throw make me furious.
we gave up nothing by shipping jojo. he is a career minor leaguer for us.
Dawg'88
July 14th, 2010
12:41 pm
Gonzalez is under contract through 2010 but the Club (now the Braves of course) has an Option for 2011. So this is probably for a 2 year period at least. Good trade…not great. Will help in the short term of 2010. I keep thinking each night…”if Yunel would get going this offense would be great”. But is just wasn’t happening. 16 days to the trade deadline….Wren did the right thing being proactive and not waiting. Would have had trouble dealing him then. Someone would have went after AG if we hadn’t. In the end the club is now stronger and ready to take the division. Bold move Wren!
Masood
July 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. Alex Gonzalez is coming form a team that is at the bottom of the league in batting average and on base percentage, but lead it in homers. They take a free swingers approach that is almost the exact opposite of the Braves patient, gap hitting one. In Gonzalez, we’re talking about a 33 year old who has hit .248 for his career, so he’s not the story.
The real story here is that we cleared the way for our All-Star utility man Omar Infante to be an everyday player, and we got yet another potential closer of the future to go along with Jonny Venters in Tim Collins. Still a solid move, it just doesn’t have to do much with Alex Gonzalez’s slugging prowess.
NC Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
I look at it this way – the Braves must have been very motivated to trade Esco given that they have the best record in the NL right now. Why rock the boat if you’re the Braves, unless you feel that you’re better off without Yunel?
Francouer 2.0
DP
July 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
Doesn’t surprise me. Escobar’s pouting in the field had gotten out of hand. His lackluster lob to first base a week or so again could have resulted in a season ending arm injury to Glaus, who had to reach into the runner to field the throw. I was surprised Cox didn’t yank Escobar out of the game between innings for that, but since the Braves were trying to trade him Cox probably didn’t want to do anything that would diminish his value.
I defended Escobar in the past and figured he needed time to grow up, but enough is enough. You don’t need to depend on a guy who could blow at any minute when you’re in the hunt for the playoffs.
BravesFan79
July 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
Now we just need to trade Lowe while his value is still high! He could easily be replaced in the rotation by Medlen.
Furman Bitcher
July 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
To all you knuckleheads saying Yunel has “too much upside” we are trying to win NOW & go all the way THIS year. If this trade helps us get into the World Series this year, and this new bat is for sure a huge upgrade, then it was worth it. Who cares about the maybe’s or what if’s on Yunels future.
Goodbye Loser
July 14th, 2010
12:42 pm
After seeing his constnat errors and his half hearted throw that almost got Glaus arm taken off…I am estatic. What a waste of talent
VP
July 14th, 2010
12:43 pm
Some of you who are saying we will miss Esco’s D, remember that Gonzalez has always been a defensive stud.
The Bluejays former GM & current talking head JP Riccardi loved this deal for the Braves.
PTown Brave
July 14th, 2010
12:43 pm
Now we need to go get one more…what’s done is done…
We should now not settle for anything less than Marlon Byrd or Corey Hart…
IF like they’re saying we are going for it we should go for it…
Mid Town Joe
July 14th, 2010
12:43 pm
Yunel almost cost us a 1st baseman the other day, and the pop fly missed didn’t help his cause at all. He needed to go. Welcome to the ATL, Alex!
Dawg'88
July 14th, 2010
12:43 pm
Sepplliggnng Chcekre, plasea…Good Post!
Nice trade
July 14th, 2010
12:43 pm
Wayne in Utah can throw a party now. Now whos gonna be the next player for fans to hate out of town?
aburtch
July 14th, 2010
12:43 pm
Long term repercussions be damned! This move is fantastic, it will make the Braves a stronger team this year. Hurray for Wren!
VP
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
>>>>>>>Now we just need to trade Lowe while his value is still high! He could easily be replaced in the rotation by Medlen.
How many people is poor Medlen supposed to replace? He is already doing heck of a job replacing Kenshin.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
i like the trade, makes sense for 2010. we added some offensive and got a SS for the minors w/ decent #s
Jeff
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
This is a terrible trade for the Braves. Wren can try to spin this all he wants, but it was a trade driven by attitude, not talent. Even though Escobar had a terrible first half, he still had a much higher OBP than Gonzalez. Plus, Escobar wasn’t going to struggle all season. Replacing Escobar with a guy whose career BA and OBP are 40 and 70 points below Escobar’s is ridiculous.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
Hopefully the countrymen double play combination clicks. Curious what Martin’s relationship was with the pouty Escobar.
DHD
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
Great deal considering we got 2 good prospects. Bad attitudes don’t cut it here.
Jimmy Dugan
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
told you guys that Yunel would dissapoint the believers and look what he did. Got traded cause his attitude controlled his game. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
Casey Stinkle
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
Let’s see….17 homers vs Zero…hmmm. Don’t look like the Braves gave up too soon to me Ken.
Frank Wren
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
trust me, i know what I’m doing….remember Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francour?? I traded them and they are doing very well now. It’s clearly the players and not the managers that are the problem.
I bet Escobar ends the year with 20 homers.
ByteMe
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
The Gonzalez move is good, but this part is great:
Collins, 20, has appeared in 35 games for Double-A New Hampshire this season, with a 2.51 ERA, a .174 opponents’ batting average and 73 strikeouts with just 16 walks in 43.0 innings pitched
73 strikeouts in 43 innings. Another excellent relief pitcher working his way up to the bigs. Getting rid of Jo-Jo and getting an excellent relief pitcher in return would have been a great trade without Gonzalez.
Jimmy Dugan
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
disappoint.
Alex
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
Another Venezuelan to the Braves. AGonzales will fit in PERFECTLY with Prado, Infante, Blanco and Eddie Perez.
I for one like this trade. Escobar I just cant explain what happened
Jason Williams
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
What do the Braves look like long term in the shortstop position, ie. minor league prospects? I know they signed some really young kid for way down the line, but is there anyone else a couple of years out?
Furman Bitcher
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
There are no long term repercussions if we go to the series. I doubt Yunel is going to turn into Arod.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
I would hate to relive the Mark Texiera debacle again!
What? This couldn’t come close to Teixeira. Everything about this is different in every possible way. Or are you saying you’ll really be bummed when Jo-Jo gets up to the majors for the Jays? I would think every Brave fan on the planet has worn thin on Jo-Jo. Me, I’d have given Jo-Jo away. I see this as Escobar for Gonzalez and two minor leaguers. Jo-Jo is just carrying the bags.
ramblinman
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
those of you worried about a future SS…you need to check out the guy in Rome. Edward Salcedo. Incredible! The Braves will be fine.
Mike from Toronto
July 14th, 2010
12:45 pm
I think Braves fans will be pleased with Gonzo, but this is obviously a calculated risk. Gonzo has arguably been one of the top 2-3 SS offensively in the league this season and has always had a stellar glove. He’s instantly going to improve your offense and, by all accounts, is a good guy in the room.
The trade-off, obviously, is Escobar’s age vs. Gonzo’s and Yunel’s ceiling. Sure, he’s having an off-year, but he’s a proven hitter and just 27-years-old, whereas Alex is 33 and having a career year.
Does this give the Braves a better chance to win now? I would say definitely. This is a clear upgrade right now. Will it hurt them down the line? It very well could, but that remains to be seen.
JacketFan
July 14th, 2010
12:46 pm
After eating crow for blasting Wren and company for acquiring Troy Glaus, I’m going to keep my mouth shut on this deal at least until I see A. Goz play. He sounds like a player with his head in the game, which will fit in nicely with our clubhouse. I liked Yunel, but the important thing is maintaining the good vibes in the clubhouse and producing wins. If you can’t do one or the other or both, then it’s time to go.
Gary
July 14th, 2010
12:46 pm
20 homers…Frank you’re delusional.
ExecutiveStinger
July 14th, 2010
12:46 pm
Bye bye Escobar….too erratic for my liking, and presumably Bobby Cox’s liking also. Welcome to Braves Country Alex Gonzalez!!! McCann got us homefield advantage, now let’s go take it!
Gary O
July 14th, 2010
12:46 pm
So what happens if Frank waited for Escobar to turn it up the second half, and he never does? Some of you same fans would be complaining anyway.
I like Escobar’s defense, and he had a solid second half last year. But the Braves are trying to get in position to win a world series now. And I think Gonzalez helps the club offensively despite a .259 BA.
Wade
July 14th, 2010
12:46 pm
Nice move by Wren. Yunel was just way too immature. I am so glad to see him gone. We needed another home run hitter. Can’t wait to see #2 at SS. Go BRAVES!!!!!!!
GovClintonTyree
July 14th, 2010
12:46 pm
Knew this was coming, hate to give up on Escobar, but his attitude was not improving and you had to put up with one bonehead move per week. Just not a Brave.
Gonzalez is his defensive equal without the bonehead stuff, the attitude, and he has a little power. Good 7-8 hitter.
And while YE had great seasons the last three, he was dismal at the plate this year. Gonzalez has 17 more HRs at the break.
Gonzalez ought to be able to fill that job for this year and next at a reasonable cost until Salcedo gets here. Frank must really like the reports he’s getting on Salcedo.
John Shurholz
July 14th, 2010
12:47 pm
“The Braves also got left-handed minor-league pitcher Tim Collins…” I would trade Kawakami for a Tom Collins right now.
Ron H
July 14th, 2010
12:47 pm
AG will play well this year…and next.
I am liking this move more and more. Let’s see what happens.
Eric in Dallas
July 14th, 2010
12:47 pm
Cannot believe the comments I read above in support of Escobar. The Braves should have rid themselves of him last year. He was our designated out this year coupled with a pi** poor attitude, lacked hustle, was a hot dog and bush leaguer who was never going to amount to a hill of beans. Simply because he could not get rid of the chip on his shoulder, and why did he have such an attitude. He was playing for a wonderful organization, a great manager, fantastic team mates, in first place and all that was asked of him, be a professional, and hustle, but no that was too much to ask of this prima dona. Good bye and good riddance is all I have to say. Welcome to the Braves Alex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GovClintonTyree
July 14th, 2010
12:48 pm
Kind of saw this coming the other night when Bobby went Ric Flair on that chair in the dugout after Esco tried to get Glaus killed…
Jo-Bu
July 14th, 2010
12:48 pm
A-Gon will be good for the clubhouse. He plays the game the right way, the Braves way.
bfred
July 14th, 2010
12:48 pm
Since the Braves inherit the club option on Gonzalez, it’s fair to assume he will be our SS through next season. If it works, re-sign him; if not that’s plenty of time to plan for the future. Not sure when Esco’s contract expired, probably 2012 (that would be five years of service). So we’ve only speeded the clock up by a season.
The WS field is wide open this year. It may be the best chance for a while we have to win it – great move.
Steve Marks
July 14th, 2010
12:48 pm
This is clearly a short term fix and it was a good trade. Escobar needs to grow up on the field and maybe a change of scenery will help him? Another veteren in the clubhouse. The only thing that scares me is that we have no SS in the system ready to come up. We did have one but we traded Elvis to the Rangers. That was one that we should have kept.
chin music
July 14th, 2010
12:48 pm
seems like the consensus of the commenters here is that wren made a terrible trade, which only makes me more confident that it was a good move.
ChippersLoveChild
July 14th, 2010
12:49 pm
I really don’t even get the people that say we traded Escobar for Gonzalez to win “NOW!” Right “NOW” I’d still take Yunel over Alex freaking Gonzalez.. congrats on your career year, A-Go, you’ve been around long enough for me to know that you suck… Bad, bad move.
bravesfan2708
July 14th, 2010
12:49 pm
Wow! I clicked on the Internet with my home page being the AJC, and couldn’t believe my eyes.
Escobar defenitely is talented but he for some reason couldn’t put it together this season.
Good move by Frank Wren. He’s being proactive in making his team better.
If Heyward and Mclouth come back, they don’t need another OF.
Escobar’s career fielding percentage: .974
Gonzalez’s career fielding perecentage: .971
Gonzalez is much better offensively.
What do we know about the two minor leaguers?
jz23
July 14th, 2010
12:49 pm
hate hate hate hate hate this deal.
Tami
July 14th, 2010
12:49 pm
WOW…is right! I first saw this on Facebook. I really, really, really hate to lose Yunee, but I just think the organization lost patience with him. I like that with this trade, the Braves also received a minor-league SS to come with Alex. I THINK I like this trade. But I’m with a lot of folks who would have liked Yunee on the bench and Omar as starting SS. Perhaps that would have lit a fire under him? I don’t know. And, we won’t know now. Welcome to Atlanta — Alex, Tim & Tyler!
Jimmy Dugan
July 14th, 2010
12:49 pm
probably will end with 20 homers frank, in that non-pitching american league.
Furman Bitcher
July 14th, 2010
12:49 pm
When wa the last time the Braves got rid of a player they didnt want at all that went on to do anything
terrrible cox
July 14th, 2010
12:50 pm
why didn’t you trade escobar when he was healthy and his stats were up? he’s been on the hit list for awhile, and it doesn’t make sense to do it now.
PKS
July 14th, 2010
12:50 pm
no no no no no no no no no no
Jim
July 14th, 2010
12:50 pm
This move definitely improves your chances this year. Win now is apparently how the Braves are looking at things and really that’s the only way to look at things, the here and now.
For 13 years they built teams for the long haul and won only one title. Go get it while it’s there to be gotten, next year and year after are too far away.
papadawg
July 14th, 2010
12:50 pm
Frank Wren has cut out a cancer from this team. Thank you for getting rid of a serious attitude problem which was only getting worse
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
12:50 pm
Frank Wren
July 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
I’ll take that bet Frank…name the amount
Blackberry Cobbler
July 14th, 2010
12:50 pm
I like this move. I’ve never been an Escy fan– too much ego and a head case.
What still worries me is Booby Cox liklihood of putting McLouth and Diaz back in the lineup. The team has done very well without them. McLouth especially should never be in the lineup again.
I still think we need more/better starting pitching. Get rid of Lowe and JJ.
ryan
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
COREY HART !!!!!!!!
broncs
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
I’m excited about trade but I hope we don’t bat Gonzales high in the batting order. He is all power free swinger that gets on base less than .300 with a less than .800 ops. This isn’t an all star, its a strike out guy to do some damage in the 7 or 8 hole.
Think Adam Dumb without the walks.
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
Ross at 12:37, you’re spot on. I don’t care what escobar does with the jays, nothing to do with what this Braves team is doing. This is a great move for the Braves. Gonzo is steady if not spectacular, great in teh clubhouse. He won’t hit 10 dongs here, just need consistant everyday solid play. Great move.
Balls
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
An individual with all the talent in the world who, for whatever the reason, doesn’t use it on “EVERY” play, is a liability. Good luck to young Mr. Escobar, hope he can find a resolution to his problems…
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
According to Fan Graphs Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games over the last three calendar years, Gonzalez is slightly ahead of Escobar defensively.
Escobar is the better on-base guy but Gonzalez is a noticeably better slugger.
The Braves will have to deal with outs more often but when Gonzalez does hit, he’ll provide more power. Plus Gonzalez seems to improve their run prevention.
Robert
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
Whew! Thank you Wren, It’s been a long time coming! Escobar, even last year, was nothing but a rally killer. He was good for hitting into at least one double play a game it seems. Maybe the change will be good for him. He is not a class act, like the other Braves are. Truth hurts sometimes. Even if Gonzalez is with us one year, it is worth it.
Pepe
July 14th, 2010
12:51 pm
Matt – “UHF” where’s my extra dab?
Robert
July 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
Since we were throwing away a crummy minor leaguer, couldn’t Wren have thrown in Jordan Schafer?? I liked Escobar, not sure about this trade…….but it seems they’re trying to win it all this year. Wren has disappointed me in some areas, like the Melky debacle, McLouth and Tommy Hanson needs to work on his curveball in a big way(please, don’t hang it EVERY time!) but getting Glaus, moving Prado into the starting lineup and keeping Hudson have been solid moves.
Bobby Dicks (Braves Manager)
July 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
I want to have sex with Karen Handle, Vicki Locke and fromer Mayor Shirley Franklin if my buddy Arthur Blank has finished with her.
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
Ryan, looks like the brewers want only young pitching for hart. What do we have to give up for that??
enz
July 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
ZERO HOMERUNS JEFF…We’ve waited long enough for Yunel to change his attitude and his quality at bats…Plus he has stupid highlights. (his hair)
DaveDawg96
July 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
Yeah, Joe Simpson was very pointed in his criticism of Escobar this morning on 790. He thinks his sulking after making errors is affecting him at the plate as well and that zero home runs is unacceptable. This was really his only concern about the team.
Mike Benzie
July 14th, 2010
12:52 pm
Note from the editor: DOB is on a plane back to ATL now, so he’s not able to respond to some of your questions right away. Mark Bradley’s heading to press conference now.
Cliff M
July 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
Yunel will blossom again. Just like the Francouer trade, Yunel just needs to start fresh again with another team. Unfortunately, the Braves needed a good bat in the line-up this year, not whenever he decides to come out of his funk. Go Braves!
Sepplliggnng Chcekre, plaseae
July 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
I’ve actually heard that the Braves may target Hart.
J-Smoove
July 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
Great move Frank!!! I hate to lose a great, young player like Yunel but the Braves are playing to win a World Series and win one this year… it’s not about years to come and developing young talent. I love this move and Alex Gonzalez dramatically improves our lineup. I love that Frank went out and got a great player that we can resign and it’s not a rent a player for the 2nd half of the season like Tex a few years ago. GO BRAVOS!!!!!!!!!
DIT
July 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
This appears to be a good move to make a run this year. That’s why the move was made. Send Bobby out a winner! Let’s hope that the different style of pitching does not throw AG off too bad and he can continue producing! Should be an exciting 2nd half of baseball
Saint. Dawg>
July 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
MVP/MVP….Go B’MAC”….This trade is good for the Braves,they got the best of this trade..JoJo was not cuttin it folks and the talent we got,well we just got the best of a TEX like trade..!!But lets not stop here F.Wren..We don’t have a center or right fielder folks…We have fill ins thank goodness they are doin OK at best…lets pull the block buster…Let trade for C Hart an R Braun of the brew crew…and sign them long term,now that ensure us the playoffs..!! and for the future do it now F Wren…get’er done” BRAVES…..Thank you B’MAC for giving us home field for WS…..MVP/MVP/MVP
CarrollBrave
July 14th, 2010
12:53 pm
This is a GREAT trade. Why does everybody keep calling Wren stupid? What has he done that is so terrible? Everyone was pissed when we didn’t get Griffey and blamed that on Wren-look at Griffey now. Everyone was mad when we traded the catching prospect to the White Sox for Vasquez and we got a good year out of him. Then everyone was mad when we turned around and traded Vasquez. Look at him now. Wren has put together a pretty good team no matter how you look at it. This team just feels different for some reason with everybody on the same page. Everybody that was, except Escobar. He had a terrible attitude. He would miss signs, not hustle and was very lackadasical. I for one am extremely excited about this trade. Let’s give Gonzalez a chance before we start bashing this trade. The guy has been around a long time and is a proven major leaguer, something Escobar will have to work for. Let’s go Braves!!!
Fifthbusiness
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
I for one will miss Yunel’s game. I think he could be a top SS in the future. Best of luck to both. Maybe a change of location will be good for them.
DIT
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
MARK WHO??? kidding
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
I’d like to see what the players think of this.
Just a little worried that this will come back to bite us w/ an AG injury and Yunel having a great second half.
But we shall see. I do like this trade though. (I think). No, I do. Wait, do I?
Jeff P.
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
I knew this was going to happen when I watched Yunel soft toss the ball to Glaus the other day, nearly causing him to break his wrist when tagging the runner out. Yunel just doesn’t have his head in the game, but he does have a high ceiling. Gonzalez is going to be great for us and we do have that club option for next year. I guess we now need to take the money we’ll get back next year for not signing chipper and rebuild that side of our defense. In reality, we’re going to need a solid 3rd baseman, a good young shortstop to eventually replace the new guy and then you have to keep in mind that Glaus isn’t getting any younger. How can we get a Longoria type? Who is out there? I’m excited about this trade.
JC
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
I get the distinct impression that many posters here don’t actually watch baseball. This is a great trade for the Braves. Gonzalez is a fine defensive SS with a solid bat for the position, and will help hte first-place Braves win this year and next. Collins is an exciting young arm with very high upside (think Braves closer of the future, possibly as soon as next year). Yunel’s “potential” should have been realized already . . . instead, he’s 27 and having the worst season of his career. Potential is great when you’re 24, but at 27 that ship has sailed. Nicely done by the Bravos.
reality
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
Fact is, Escobar was traded because he is self centered player with an extremely lackadaisical and aloof attitude that will guarantee you periodic brain dead plays and efforts. This was move was a necessary inevitability despite Escobar’s potential.
To particular recent plays stand out to me that illustrate this. Obviously, that ridiculous lolly pop throw to Gloss the other day that almost got his wrist broke, and then later in the Mets series, he hit a ground ball back to the pitcher and he stopped running half way down the baseline and went back to the dug out. The unwritten rule in baseball is that you always run out every single play to first, no matter how out you may be. When I saw that, I said woah, he probably won’t be around that much longer.
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
Cliff M, “just like the Francouer trade?”, I believe he’s heading to the bench tomorrow up in NY.
Mike Benzie
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
Also: O’Brien covered Gonzalez when Gonzalez played for the Marlins, so he’ll give some insight later.
J-Smoove
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
I think the best part of this trade was FINALLY getting rid of JO-JO!!!
The Real Brave
July 14th, 2010
12:55 pm
Glad to see we may have him next year as well
Sloff Dizzle
July 14th, 2010
12:55 pm
How can ANYONE say this wasn’t a good trade? Escobar had become a pouty, whiny, no-hustling, bad attitude having, head case liability to the Braves. And I don’t even want to bring up that weak throw to Glaus that caused him to get hurt. Yeah Esco got on Bobby’s bad side BECAUSE HE DIDN’T HUSTLE. And thank God Jo-Jo is gone. Too bad we couldn’t ship Chavez off as well.
Tami
July 14th, 2010
12:55 pm
GovClintonTyree
July 14th, 2010
12:48 pm
Kind of saw this coming the other night when Bobby went Ric Flair on that chair in the dugout after Esco tried to get Glaus killed…
I’m laughing hysterically at that comment right now! Good one!!
Let me put myself on the record as NOT being an Esco-hater, just because I think I like this trade (see some previous comments above). I’ve supported this guy long enough. I think the change in scenery will do him good. The problem is is whenever this happens, these darn guys go on to their new teams and tear the cover off the ball! That’s soooo frustrating! Sighhhh…
pete puma
July 14th, 2010
12:55 pm
why is everyone saying escobar is young? the guy is going to be 28 he just acts like a kid. i think totonto fans are going to be upset they just got the dumbest guy in baseball.
bravesfaninCLT
July 14th, 2010
12:56 pm
Great trade for the Braves.There is no doubt that Escobar has a lot of talent.But at same-time Escobar sometime just did not run hard .Also maybe it was just me but it seem like sometime that Escobar did not care what is going on.And if the braves are wining or losing .Getting a guy like Alex Gonzalez a great guy in the clubhouse as well someone with alt of power.And also getting 2 good prospects a guy SS who was the Jay 5th rd pick in 08.And a good pitcher.Great job Frank
Furman Bitcher
July 14th, 2010
12:56 pm
JO-JO can now Go-GO. Best part. He was never going to be a starter here.
adam
July 14th, 2010
12:56 pm
thank God i do not half to watch that cancer play for the braves ever again! nor jojo reyes! great day. yunell still has an upside but he wore out his welcome with his poor attitude, lack of hustle, and most of all lack of focus.
ClassicBraves
July 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
THE FUTURE AT SS… TWO WORDS… (Edward Salcedo…. He’s Only 18 Years Old)
Casey Stinkle
July 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
And we DO NOT need Corey Hart. Adam Dunn would do though.
BravesFanLostInOhio
July 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
Frankly, Frank, I was sick of Yunel’s attitude. I don’t think this is the long term answer at SS, but it gives us more pop for the playoff run. Great job in dumping Reyes and picking up a quality rising pitcher too!
Now, how about a bat in the OF too?
Peter Gammons
July 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
What a bunch of idiot bloggers!!!!! Anyone who thinks Escobar will be missed is a joke. Who do they think we could of got for him? I think it was a great trade,
Frank Wren
July 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
GTSteve and Gary, you will see…did you think Kelly Johnson would be atop the HR list in the NL???? think about it…
andy
July 14th, 2010
12:57 pm
i think i can put into perspective how most people are feeling
it’s sort of like when francoeur left last year…you hate to see a guy that’s been playing with the braves, come up with them and then leave the team
we feel he had so much potential/talent and it’s almost like we overvalue him because we think he can do so much more
on the other hand, he wasn’t producing and he makes boneheaded plays routinely, so it may be for the best for both parties
the one thing i don’t like is gonzalez is 33, but if he adds pop to the lineup (which we desperately need) i’m sure i’ll be behind him as most of you will too
The Bird and Indian
July 14th, 2010
12:58 pm
I don’t know about this one.
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
12:58 pm
Mark Bradley Giving us some Insight, YAY!
Gonzalez’s power numbers will come down dramatically in the NL, “Bank on it!” He strikes out too much and he hit in 4 hitter friendly parks in the AL East…
Don’t like this move, but at the same Time Wren is trying to come Correct and Go All Out Like A Soldier in Bobby Cox’s last year…
Jesus
July 14th, 2010
12:58 pm
How stupid is Frank Wren??? We just got our answer. Escobar is struggling at the plate yes, but his defenese definitley makes up for that.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
Don’t say that this is a bad move for the future. It’s so difficult to win the World Series that we need to take our chances now to try and win it all. If we can win the Series this year, we Atlanta fans can hold onto that for several years until we win another one. Our lineup is going to change drastically in the next few years with Chip retiring, we probably can’t keep Glaus too much longer, and Jurgens will be gone when he is a free agent thanks to Scott Boras.
Let’s win it this year! We beat the Yankees in six games this year using our home field advantage!
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
JC
July 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
CO-SIGN
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
Anyone know how many errors Gonzalez has this season?
Don!
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
Mike,
Thanks for dropping in. Is there a way to reach you (Twitter?) regarding another sports topic on the AJC boards?
Thanks,
Don!
Breaking News: Braves trade Yunel Escobar for Alex Gonzalez | Tomahawk Take | An Atlanta Braves Blog
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
[...] Per Dave O’Brien here are the trade details [...]
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
I’m Shedding Crocodile Tears For Jo-Jo Reyes (Sarcasm)…
SportsEholic
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
This was GREAT move for the Braves! Escobar was a slacker & Reyes is a loser! So, we have lost little to nothing & gotten a proven power hitter at shortstop!
reality
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
To the comment stated that Escobar just needs a change of scenery to thrive like the Francouer trade, Francouer has hardly blossomed. He is as mediocre as he’s ever been. He’s hitting at .253, with 8 home runs, and 42 RBI’s. That’s hardly blossoming. With Escobar’s self centered prima donna attitude, I don’t think he’ll ever realize his potential.
Tami
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
I’m with Casey. Who WOULDN’T want Adam Dunn?? I’m sure he’d love to be with the Braves — going from worse to first in the NL East!
jd
July 14th, 2010
12:59 pm
They had to throw in Escobar to get someone to take JoJo.
Hot Err
July 14th, 2010
1:00 pm
Even though he was a head case imma miss Esco. If he gets his mind right he could be on of the top 5 shortstops in all of baseball. He was a disaster this year though- maybe a change of scenery will do him good.
Gonzalez has a good glove but his .296 OBP is pretty frightening. Hopefully he’ll keep hitting homers but I doubt he can match his first half numbers.
Josh
July 14th, 2010
1:00 pm
looking forward to DOB’S thoughts. I think this really improves our team
Chip Shot
July 14th, 2010
1:00 pm
package the 2 prospects you got for escobar and throw in schafer and mike dunn and get corey hart
Cracker Jacket
July 14th, 2010
1:00 pm
Great Trade!!!! Glad the head case is gone!!!!!!!!
Teacher
July 14th, 2010
1:01 pm
Coaches refer to a player like Escobar as a “terd”. He is selfish, arrogant, and a pain to coach. He has all of the ability in the world, but I would not want to coach him! He only cares about himself. GOOD JOB FRANK WREN!!!!!!!!!!
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:02 pm
I think a lot of people are overstating the role Escobar’s personality played in the trade. Sure, I’m sure it didn’t help him stick around. But I think the major reasons for the trade are that Gonzalez is slightly better defensively and he has more power (the Braves are 13th in the league in slugging). If Escobar was hitting well above average with the same personality, do you really think the Braves trade him? Personality is only a minor factor but I’m sure we are going to hear a lot about it as if it was the main factor.
jewell rollen
July 14th, 2010
1:02 pm
33 YEARS OLD….NOT A GOOD MOVE EVEN IF HE IS HAVING A GREAT YEAR POWER WISE….ESCO CAN FIELD WITH THE BEST OF EM’
Balls
July 14th, 2010
1:02 pm
@ pete puma I’m 75, believe me, 28 is young !!
cucamondo cracka killas
July 14th, 2010
1:02 pm
Letting go of Furcal= Bad, he was future allstar Elvus Andrus= Bad, once again future allstar. Escobar=???????????
Teacher
July 14th, 2010
1:02 pm
Bye, Yunel Escobar, I am glad I don’t have to watch you play anymore! You jerk!
ABravesFan
July 14th, 2010
1:02 pm
I’m a bit shocked about this deal. I know Yunel is having a down year and all, but he’s as likely to bounce back in the second half this year as Alex Gonzalez keeping up his career year pace, imho.
As a fan, I hope this deal works out. I got to wonder if Yunel’s poor throw to Glaus a couple of games ago caused some further clubhouse conflict or something. This is no Francoeur deal of last year
ry
July 14th, 2010
1:03 pm
It would be great if we could get Hart…maybe send the new kid Collins and Kawakami over to get him.
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
1:03 pm
Ooo yeah… .296 OBP will raise an eyebrow or two
DIT
July 14th, 2010
1:03 pm
Casey
I like the idea of Adam Dunn as well, but it would an awful to bring him here. He is having an Awesome season
Chief KnockAHoma
July 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
Excellent value and instant offensive production for this year’s run.
GREAT MOVE!
Let’s GO BRAVES! …
I feel a new era is upon us ..
Marc Schneider
July 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
Awful trade. Regardless of how Escobar has played this year and the undoubted bonehead things he does, he is still one of the top shortstops in the league. He is having a bad year offensively, but it’s ridiculous to give up on him for a 33 year old having his best year who cannot carry Yunel’s glove. It might work out for this year, but, IMO, this is a terrible trade. The prospects are nothing special. They already traded Andrus–are they planning on making Gonzalez the shortstop of the future? Very shortsighted trade. Obviously, winning in Bobby’s last year is trumping every other consideration.
Michael B
July 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
First thing i saw come across the ticker is Braves aquire A. Gonzalez. I was excited til i figured out that was Alex and not Adrian. I will really miss escobar, but I think this improves the club now and it was a smart short term move. Hopefully Salcedo is ready after next year.
Ross
July 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
In case anyone missed – Gonzales has 50 RBI on a weak offensive team.
VP
July 14th, 2010
1:04 pm
>>>>>It would be great if we could get Hart…maybe send the new kid Collins and Kawakami over to get him.
If you think that’s all it takes to get Corey Hart, i got some nice beachfront property in Nebraska that i would like to sell to you for a good deal.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
MBZ!! Welcome to the blog.
is30303
July 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
W O W . . . . can’t say I’m shocked but I’m shocked – sort of like when they traded Frenchy. You knew they had to do it – but didn’t they would. You just hope they would get more than they did. Alex Gonzales?? Ryan Church??? come on . . .
Escobar’s bat is non-issue, other than Furcal, did we ever have a top offensive shortstop? Defense is the key for the Braves and Escobar was starting to be clown out there on the field almost got Glaus killed was not cool. Glaus is like Mr. Glass . . . he doesn’t need help to break down.
I hope the best for Escobar and Frenchy – I hope they finally tap into the world class talent they both possess and show us what we all know they are capable of . . .
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
jewell rollen, Escobar hasn’t been a better fielder than Gonzalez in recent years.
TBrown
July 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
Who’s ready for the most biased interview in the history of sports– DOB and Chipper Jones discussing the Yunel Escobar trade. You guys are a joke. This trade is awful.
Selling low. Buying high. Getting older, not younger. Adding payroll. Giving up a player under team control. Getting worse defensively. Giving up an immensely talented SS for a one-hit wonder journeyman. Etc, etc, etc
The only positives about this trade are that the minor leaguers seem to be legit, another trade could be in the works, and we finally got rid of JoJo Reyes. Although JoJo Reyes himself bringing a return like Alex Gonzalez would be a disappoint.
Blk. Peter Gammons
July 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
Too premature! I think Yunel would’ve picked it up in the second half. Remember he was .299 hitter last year and one of the top clutch hitters over a two year span on the team. Too good definsively to dump unless you are getting a stud that has some tread on his contract. Jojo, well………
nice
July 14th, 2010
1:06 pm
his hair was lame anyways. blonde hair tips = geigh
Jo-Bu
July 14th, 2010
1:06 pm
Wren on 680 The Fan
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
1:06 pm
Wren is Currently speaking on 680TheFan on the trade matter!
Teacher
July 14th, 2010
1:07 pm
Good post, Eric in Dallas!!!
Matt
July 14th, 2010
1:07 pm
Nice Pepe!
Robert
July 14th, 2010
1:07 pm
J-Deez, you’re right on it. Anyone who follows the Braves minor league teams know that SS is a position we will be fine at in the future. Gonzalez has an option for next season as does Infante so I’m for one that’s not concerned. More concerned if Chipper retires at seasons end. Now if we can land a solid OF for the second half……………
the cox man
July 14th, 2010
1:07 pm
Mycal Jones for 2011 the braves will be all right
sportsmandh
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
I think by the look on Bobby’s face the last straw for Esco was a few games ago when he didn’t go hard after the pop flies in the lights twice verse the Mets, then dang near got Glaus’s arm broke on the lackadasical throw to first. The look on Cox’s face in the dug out after those plays could have burned through led.
is30303
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
I hope nobody forget that Escobar was one of the top shortstops in the NL last year – kid was good. Sort of like Francour was great his first few years too. . . .
bobby
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
If you think the players were happy with Escobar’s attitude, you were not watching the game where he made the toss to Glaus. They showed the dugout several times and the other players were definitely unhappy.
Braves73
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
I can’t believe how anyone can find fault with this deal. Sure, Escobar definitely could reclaim his form and produce numbers like he did last year (.299,14,76) but’s not all about the stats. He has constantly underperformed and tends to let offensive slides disrupt his enormous defensive potential. Plus, his overall antics in the field could not be tolerated anymore (see last weeks defensive lapses against the Mets to name one).
If you look at the trade in it’s entirety, Wren did a great job of improving this club for the immediacy of this year with a big right handed bat, and two prospects (shortstop & pitcher). You also have to consider the experience the Gonzalez has had on two winning ball clubs (Marlins ‘03 & Red Soxs). He has the maturity that Esco lacks, and even if he produces a notch below his current stats, it’s still an improvement.
boog
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
Lost in all of this is that we finally got rid of Jo Jo from the organization… thank goodness! We never have to fear again bringing him back up and watching one of his infamous meltdowns.
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
I dont get the Corey Hart thing. I would much rather have Cody Ross. Corey Hart has NEVER hit. This is his one good year and I don’t know how much longer he is going to sustain it. The Brewers are asking for a ton for him (as they should). I wouldn’t give them what they would want.
idfan
July 14th, 2010
1:08 pm
my favorite part of this trade is we never have to worry about Bo Bo Reyes pitching for the braves again.I cant believe they were stupid enough to take that clown.
Ron H
July 14th, 2010
1:09 pm
Where can I find a “Strength of Schedule” for the second half of 2010 for the NL East?
ClassicBraves
July 14th, 2010
1:09 pm
GREAT MOVE!! CONGRATS B MAC ON MVP!! THIS IS A SPECIAL YEAR FOR THE BRAVO’S!! WE CAN BEAT ANYBODY!!
Anthony
July 14th, 2010
1:09 pm
Based on production alone, this is a great trade. AG .259 ba vs. YE .238. AG 17 hrs vs. YE 0
AG 50 rbi vs YE 19 rbi. Yunel has alot of talent but he hasn’t produced on the field yet. AG is more experience and i think it is a great trade.
Bill
July 14th, 2010
1:09 pm
Scary trade because we hate to give up on Esco’s talent but his horrible attitude justified it. I dont think this will come back to haunt the braves, playing in the AL East with all those stud teams like New York, Boston and Tampa we may never hear much about him again. Just thinking we could have gotten more and I have a feeling this is going to lead to another trade that may have been set up in advanced based on this trade happening. GO BRAVES
Ross
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
The don’t much care for the trade in Toronto:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/baseball/blue-jays-send-gonzalez-to-braves/article1639811/
Matt the Brave
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
Figured that this one was going to happen. How long is Gonzo signed for?
Matt
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
Now go get a power hitting outfielder…
It's out of here.....
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
Great pick up on a multitude of levels. Go BRAVES!
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
Wren Said that Gonzalez is a Dangerous hitter….! I know he wasn’t serious when he said that…? Like teams are going to intentionally walk Gonzalez
is30303
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
Jo Jo will fit in fine over there in Canada
Kane337
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
What do the Blue Jays see in Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes? Salary dump? Sounds like we got the better end of this deal.
theriddler
July 14th, 2010
1:10 pm
Escobar = Loser
JC from DR!
July 14th, 2010
1:11 pm
Alex Gonzalez wont even have warning track power at the Ted.
At least JoJo is gone.
Finally the buncha’ cry babies are gonna shutup and stop whining about Esco’s supposed bad attitud.
Ghost of Francisco Cabrera
July 14th, 2010
1:11 pm
Honestly, Yeah, we are losign Escobars “potential” upside… but we get a better offensive player and get rid off Jojo… Getting rid of Jojo could make almost any trade above average for the braves… Can i get a hallelujah!!
JPHurricane
July 14th, 2010
1:11 pm
.238, ZERO home runs, 19 RBI, mental lapses in the field, and he is going into arbitration at the end of the year. Braves are in the playoff hunt, but no thanks to Yunel. Adios.
The Bird and Indian
July 14th, 2010
1:13 pm
Alex has had 5 double digit home run seasons in 14 years. His career high is 23 with this season already being the second most home runs. His most RBI’s in a year is 77. I just smell a little fluke here in the first half, but hopefully not.
AdirondackDave
July 14th, 2010
1:13 pm
The more I think about this deal the more I like it. Getting the two quality prospects makes it a no-brainer for me and adds to the possibility of FW trading for a big stick in the outfield.
As far as Gonzalez is concerned, it reminds me a little of when we brought in Edgar Renteria although Edgar hit for a higher average and Gonzalez has better range. Both were/will be good for the club on the field and for team solidarity.
SFlaBrave
July 14th, 2010
1:15 pm
Great move! Smartest move made yet by Frank Wren. Alex Gonzalez is the best shortstop we have had in a long time.
T'VILLE DAWG
July 14th, 2010
1:15 pm
I’ve always been a Y unel guy but maybe being in those Canadian winters will shock him to life, by the way did any of you notice how many former Braves minor leaguers were in the all star game last night, Elvis Andrus for crappy Texierra deal and Adam Wainright for crappy J.D Drew.Can’t imagine Gonzales patroling shortstop anywhere close to what Escobar does, if you convinced you need more offense over defense then make the trade, frankly I thought they were better with him ranging all over the place. To many people have gotten locked in to a middle infielder driving in a lot of runs, it’s really not the norm.
Waldo
July 14th, 2010
1:15 pm
One thing I know for sure is that we better win the god damn world series because this is a trade that compromises the future. I swear if we don’t win the world series and yunel is an all star next year, I will be extremely upset.
Jo-Bu
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
Escobar = Loser
I wouldn’t call Esco a loser. He, like Andruw Jones, just has to be shown that you need to respect the game by playing hard every second you are on the field. And maybe just like Andruw, he’ll get his act together — he is an outstanding SS, no doubt about it.
Churchy
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
Not a bad trade. Get some prospects without giving up any that will help us.
We have a 2.5 million option on Gonzalez for next year if want to keep him. Great position for us.
Spoke
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
Don’t like it. His first half notwithstanding, one of Escobar’s great strengths is clutch hitting. If the Braves make it into the playoffs, I’m afraid they will miss his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
DunwoodyHeel
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
Don’t forget he almost got Prado killed. Runner on first, two outs, grounder to short, and he makes a lazy flip to Prado who wasn’t expecting the throw. Prado was playing way off the bag, and had to come tearing in to catch the lazy flip and almost got mowed over by the sliding baserunner. Yunel should have seen Prado was out of position and made the throw to first.
Waldo
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
Bobby cox should be ashamed of himself if he engineered this trade.
Plate Appearance
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
IT’S ANOTHER WREN!
Unbelievable!
This has to go down as one of the worst trades in Braves history!
Wren’s has clearly lost what little mind he has left with this one. I truly believe this GM needs to be replaced!
DVJ
July 14th, 2010
1:16 pm
we just drafted a SS in the first round; we will be fine at SS in the future; good work Frank
39yrBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
1:17 pm
Yeah Baby!!! Good deal!
GO BRAVES!!
STRETCH
July 14th, 2010
1:17 pm
AdirondacDave,
You are probably 80% spot on with that speculation. And im thinking McClouth is the odd man out.
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
this was a bad move and we will pay for it……gonzo is not going to be nearly as good in the sencond half as he was in the first…how many aces has this guy faced? i bet not nearly as many as esco faced in the first half…this will bite us in the a#$
Robert
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
This is reminiscent of the days when we traded scrap metal for Fred McGriff
Yunel Escobar had no future in this organization. Cox had ruined him
Getting something of the caliber of Gonzalez for Yunel and JoJo (another player who had no future in this organization – is a coup
If this wasnt the best roster in the NL before, it certainly is now
Fire the manager, and we’d have a World Series contender
Tomahawkin
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
JC from DR!
“Alex Gonzalez wont even have warning track power at the Ted.
At least JoJo is gone.
Finally the buncha’ cry babies are gonna shutup and stop whining about Esco’s supposed bad attitude”
I’m Co-Signing on all three points.
dpelfrey
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
Yunel certainly has all the talent to become the next great shortstop, but it wasn’t happening this year and when you’re in first place in a crowded NL playoff race, you can’t afford to wait around on players to play up to their potential. I like the move. I’ll always take performance over talent.
I’ll throw in an analogy. Let’s say you’re dating a drop-dead gorgeous girl, but she’s a high-maintenance head case. It’s incredibly hard to leave her for a less attractive, more sensible girl, but it’s almost always the best move.
DJ
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
Plate Appearance: I also believe that the GM of a first-place ballclub should be fired. He’s done nothing to get the Braves back to the top of the division… wait a minute… oh yeah, they’re in first.
Waldo
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
Alex Gonzalez better hit another 17 home runs in the second half.
toby
July 14th, 2010
1:18 pm
Good move got a little more pop in the middle of the lineup and i think Bobby and some braves players have finally had it with Esco’s attitude,plus dont forget we got 2 young prospects also! Good move Wren!
UKUGA
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
My biggest concern is our defense on the left side of the infield.
We will feel this trade there. Our offense, naturally, should be better.
Scoots
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
Sorry to see Escobar go – I always thought he had some good talent, especially at SS. But I think this is overall a pretty good move. And we added to the farm, rather than subtracted from it as we did in the past.
And, we don’t have to worry about another Jo-Jo experiment at starting pitcher. whew!
Wren continues to impress.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
Hope this works out to the Braves advantage… Alex Gonzalez is like the anti-LaRoche. Not much of a career second half player.
And while I’m tentatively pleased, the trades of Soriano, Aybar, and Teixeira make me wonder sometimes if Wren is a little too eager to deal.
DawgDad
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
I’ve been a big fan of Escobar’s play despite his problems on and off the field. We don’t really know what impact he had in the clubhouse, but this sure looks like addition by subtraction designed to cure some of those issues. We also don’t know why Escobar has been struggling so badly this year. Injury? Substance issues? Mental problems? We just don’t know.
We will miss his defense, he has been a big plus defensively. Alex Gonzalez at this stage is not likely to be as good (I haven’t seen him play this year), but overall he may be an upgrade for a pennant drive.
Those who think this team is going to the World Series with Infante as the everyday shortstop are deluded.
If McLouth and Heyward come back strong with Gonzalez added and with Diaz back vs. LHP the Braves will have significantly more pop in the lineup coming back from the break than they had going in. I still wouldn’t be surprised to see Wren pull the switch on a corner outfield or infield bat but he may wait awhile to see how the current roster performs.
I’m very pleased with the focus on stockpiling talent in the minor leagues. There’s pitching depth there and at least 2-3 everyday players in waiting. But I still think he got shortchanged for Vazquez.
spike
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
Dave O’Brien says that Gonzalez is a better shortstop than Escobar. I commented on his blog that I agreed with him. He agreed that I agreed with him. It was freaking logic.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3zuwF15Ios
tm
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
Well, Yunel’s attitude problems were of concern and certainly affecting his performance. The two prospects are young but they’ve been successful in the minors so far. I like Pastornicky’s speed. His glove needs work. Collins has been dominant so far (13 K/9) but he’ll need to polish his command. The 73-16 K-BB ratio looks great, but 16 BBs in 43 IP is a bit high. Still, these guys are young. We added a great, veteran presence at shortstop in Gonzalez. I like the winning attitude we have on the team with his addition. Gonzalez has some pop in his bat but he is by no means a power hitter. He has an inflated HR/FB% (12.9%) this year, but it is similar when compared to his other sporadic double digit homerun seasons. I don’t think losing Yunel will be as bad as some might think.
patrick
July 14th, 2010
1:19 pm
hell yeah i dont care what all yall retards say, this is a great trade!! braves will win the world series this season!!! GO BOBBY COX!!!!
I Hate Liberty Media
July 14th, 2010
1:20 pm
Woohoo! Adios, Yunel!
bulldog bubba
July 14th, 2010
1:20 pm
Finally!!!!!!!!!Thank you Frank Wren.
Bill
July 14th, 2010
1:20 pm
I do believe this opens another spot on our 40 man roster by getting rid of Ho Bo Reyes, i’m absolutely hoping this leads to another deal.
jay dubu
July 14th, 2010
1:20 pm
Several weeks back, Wren was quoted as saying that the trade of Elvis, Salty and the gang to Texas for Tex was a good trade becuase all the parties involved had other players in fromt of them.
Now he trades Escobar, while Elvis was in the all-star game last night. Feliz is tops in saves..
Bye Bye Esco
July 14th, 2010
1:20 pm
Worst trade in Braves history lolllll
There are some seriously dumb people with a computer
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
1:21 pm
to make be PC THIS SUCKS…we are not as good of a baseball team as we were yesterday.
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
1:22 pm
I don’t know about this trade. It’s true that Alex Gonzalez has much better offensive stats this year than Yunel Escobar but, by far, Yunel Escobar has much prettier hair.
SpiritofNokahoma
July 14th, 2010
1:22 pm
G’bye Yunnel. Great glove but bad attitude. All he had to do was “hustle” on the field. Just do it the right way: example: Derek Jeter
spike
July 14th, 2010
1:22 pm
“There are some seriously dumb people with a computer”
So it would seem.
Jameson
July 14th, 2010
1:22 pm
The Collins kid is a quality minor league reliever. 2.40 era, 1.094 whip, good K/BB rates through four years in the minors. He’s a year away probably. He’s all of about five foot five but very athletic. 93 mph fastball and a plus curve. I can’t believe the Jays included him.
As for Escobar, 27 is not “young” in baseball. There’s no more talking about “potential” at that age. He was a good shortstop who made too many mental errors and was having a bad year. He’ll probably bounce back offensively. Gonzalez is a fine defensive shortstop. And yes his OBP is cause for concern, but check out his splits. He was fine on the road and on grass.
Good deal overall.
Jeremiah
July 14th, 2010
1:23 pm
I was just defending Esco on here the other day…Wow, I really did not see this coming, but will reserve judgment….Wow!
cattledawg
July 14th, 2010
1:23 pm
So who do we have in the minors at short? I know some of u guys got the scoop.
Nick
July 14th, 2010
1:24 pm
Where’s Lew? I told him yesterday we would get Alex G. and he and several others said “never happen.” Good job Frank!
JMAYNE
July 14th, 2010
1:24 pm
Steal for Wren. Braves need power. Gonzalez has it. .260 is not the worse avg in the world. Better than Yunel and McOut! Hating on corey hart…ridiculous. Did you see the mini-show he put on in the HR derby. Hes an all-star. Like francouer only he is actually starting to live up to the heigh. I wish Wren could pull that trade off, but this is definitely a steal. A better shortstop and 2 minor leaguers for a guy who can only play defense right now and JO-Jo freakin Reyes. Haha. Those blue jays are idiots. RHP on thursday so you should prolly see: Prado-Heyward-Jones-McCann-Glaus-Hinske-Gonzo-Blanco sounds pretty good to me. maybe against lefties it can be something like Prado-Heyward-Chip-Glaus-McCann-Gonzo-Matty D-Melky
J Tate
July 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
JP Riccardi(former Blue Jays GM)just said on ESPN radio the Braves made out pretty good on the deal. He has inside info on all the players we received.
VP
July 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
According to Buster Olney the Braves had interest in Cody Ross:
Heard this:Braves continue to have interest in Cody Ross,who is one of three players the Marlins have made available;Cantu,Robertson others.
STEELY DAN MAN
July 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
I was hoping this guy would come around. I would watch him exclusively @ the games w/ my binoculars and when players like Chipper or Bmac would mention something to him, he would s mirk & frown up like a kid, and say something smart to a of the other latin players. And remember when McLouth hit a game winning home run and the whole team deserted the dugout and went down to the tunnel, and when McLouth rounded home and ran to the dugout nobody was there. Then he ran to the tunnel where all his team mates exploded in a wild jubilant celebration.It was a real ” kodak ” moment, then off to the side was Yunel just standing there kinda looking on indifferently. You’ve heard about his attitude from time to time, but when I saw that I knew he was a problem.WOW,hate see him go, but I love the Braves more !!!!!!!
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
everyone on here keeps saying that the braves are going to be better and use Mcout as a reason that we are going to be so much better in the second half. thats crazy he has been awfull since we got him from the pirates,we should have sent Mcout packing not esco
ICEMANcometh10
July 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
Bad attitude + Potential (never reached) = get out of town and take that you owe me attitude with you Yunel.
All bogus Braves fans who can’t see the upside to bad attitude need to talk to his teammates. I’ll bet a dollar to a dime doughnut A LOT of them co-signed this one.
More POTENTIAL will come along again. This is how baseball works real fans…………….
bravos fan
July 14th, 2010
1:25 pm
did nobody tell frank that you’re supposed to buy low and sell high… not the opposite way around?
Grandpa Right, formerly of Cochran
July 14th, 2010
1:26 pm
You don’t hustle, you’re not a Brave. I like it.
I Hate Liberty Media
July 14th, 2010
1:26 pm
I’ve been quick to criticize Wren, but I see this as a great deal for the Braves. Getting rid of Yunel is addition by subtraction. Getting a shortstop in the middle of a solid year with the bat and sound defense makes the deal sweeter. Getting legitimate shortstop and pitching prospects is lagniappe.
Careful With That Axe, Eugene!
July 14th, 2010
1:26 pm
I’m laughing at the Yunel appologists slamming this trade. When do you guys think Yunel is going to grow up and be a real major player? How bout NEVER! He’s late 20’s folks, not a teenager. Has he got crazy talent? OF COURSE HE DOES…. but he’s a major liability as well. He was a bomb waiting to go off. Let someone else deal with his pouting and inflated self importance. Gonzo is without question a offensive upgrade. He’s a pretty good defensive guy as well.
Great trade! Didn’t see it coming! Didn’t dream Yunel could be traded and get anything like this in return mid season.
GM
July 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
Oh man, what an embarrassing trade. Wren sold low and bought high.
gcoats84
July 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
J-Deez, that’s right. Everyone forgot the big DR signing earlier this year. They signed Salcedo to a $1.3M contract. Gonzalez gets us thru the next two years while Salcedo and Pastornicky come up to speed and we always have our All-Star Omar Infante!
Taylor Wooten
July 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
Great trade! Kudos to the Braves for pullling the trigger
JMAYNE
July 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
Haha. remember when you could look down the phillies lineup and be scared because everyone can take you deep and do damage. Well…look down the braves. Got some good bats. Dont let wren pull off something for the outfield. This lineup should be able to get it done deep into oct. along with the starters and best bullpen and bench in the league.
Gigga
July 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
Yunel’s defense is awesome and got us out of a lot of situations, that would have cost us many games this season…. so if we get a “GOOD” SS as a replacement and MORE offense.. then I see it as a wash… the more offense will offset the lost in AWESOME defense. so can anyone tell me having the opportunity to do more at the plate out weigh the saving plays in the field? Just curious at to what is more important….
Bravo1
July 14th, 2010
1:28 pm
Adios Escobar. You honestly won’t be missed. Glad I don’t have to see your inebriated, stupid, and embarrassing actions in public anymore. The Braves showed way more patience with you then any bouncer in ATL. Yes, he is that bad off the field.
DawgDad
July 14th, 2010
1:28 pm
Do they really play baseball in New Hampshire?
Supes
July 14th, 2010
1:29 pm
Good trade for this season and who knows what Escobar will turn out to be in the long run? Will he turn into the player everyone hoped he would be…considering how strong last season was for him…everyone expected him to build on it, but he regressed big time…some of it was the injury in the early part of the season…but folks move on.
If you are worried about Braves future at SS don’t be.
We’ve got Salcedo(blue chip prospect everyone wanted), Lipka (first pick in the draft this year) and Mycal Jones (who’s tearing up Myrtle Beach) all at SS in the future.
We also did addition by subtraction just by getting rid of Jo-Jo Reyes who is a career AAAA pitcher.
How Wren managed to get quality prospects in the deal is the real bonus for the Braves. We’ve got a lefty reliever who has a very high K rate per inning…in AA which is as close as you can prove that you can get people out in the bigs. On top we’ve got another SS prospect in return with speed 20 plus SB.
While I appreciated Esco’s talent, he was a bit of a head case (even his supporters can’t deny it) and is way too up and down this season. Also, the lack of power numbers and low slugging is right down disturbing.
If Alex Gonzalez comes in, hits .250, plays good D, and hits 10 HR and 20 Doubles for the rest of the year that’ll be fine by me.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 14th, 2010
1:29 pm
Why dooes so many people like Corey Hart? He has the goofiest swing I have seen in a while. He strikes out a lot because he’s swinging up at the ball trying to hit homeruns. I’d rather have someone with a good swing that has power to drive the gaps and hit a few dingers!
Coach
July 14th, 2010
1:29 pm
Great move, He plays exactly the way I tell my kids not to play. Smirk on the face, pouts, no hussle. I don’t care how much talent the guy has…I’m glad he’s someone else’s problem.
LizDawg
July 14th, 2010
1:29 pm
Great trade! Way to go Frank Wren and will be glad to have the World Series back in ATL!
NO MORE BOBBY
July 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
Once again I predicted something right on here and you guys laughed at me. Told you Escobar was gone around All Star break.
When are you people gonna learn I know what I’m talking about?
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
Yunie’s first half stats -0 HR, .238 BA, .334 OBP, .284 SLG.
Not much need for Gonzalez to improve on that line.
Stuart
July 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
hmmm… so we get an older shortstop who will need to be replaced in the next few years… too bad we gave away elvis andrus (the all star) because yuni was supposed to be our future at that position… (whoops..!)
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:31 pm
No More Bobby-Well, you know what they say about broken clocks?
NORRIS
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
Interesting that everyone said we didnt need another left handed bat and thats what we got.
Nick
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
Lew! I TOLD YOU!
Greg O
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
Nice story that appeared in Baseball America about Tim Collins back in May:
Blue Jays Score Big With Little Lefty Collins
By Kevin Gray
May 19, 2010
MANCHESTER, N.H.—Tim Collins is building a career in the largest city of New Hampshire, but his profession doesn’t involve a hammer and nails.
That was the original plan.
Undersized and undrafted, Collins was set to become a carpenter upon graduation from Worcester (Mass.) Technical High in 2007. He enrolled at Rhode Island CC, but two weeks before classes an American Legion baseball game changed everything.
The 5-foot-7 lefty made a relief appearance on a mound in Worcester, striking out 11 of 12 batters and freezing them with a big league curveball.
Luckily for Collins, then-Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi was attending the game to scout 6-foot-7 lefty Keith Landers, now a sophomore at Louisville.
Within days, the Blue Jays signed Collins, who, despite not having an agent, landed a $10,000 signing bonus and a contract that includes four years of college tuition ($7,500 per semester) down the road.
“I was never on the radar,” said Collins, who went 91-5 and threw a no-hitter in high school. “I was all set to work a construction job for the summer and the rest of my life. That’s what I went to (Worcester Technical High) for. Baseball was kind of a hobby.”
Little Guy, Big Numbers
The skinny southpaw reported to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League at age 17 and created a Disney-like story with every strikeout. In the past three seasons, Collins struck out 221 batters in his first 152 pro innings. Lefties hit a paltry .117 against Collins, primarily a setup man for Double-A New Hampshire this season.
Collins, 20, is one of the youngest players in the league, and, though small in stature, his strikeouts per nine innings (13.6 the past two seasons) stands head and shoulders above most full-time relievers in the minors.
Collins can get ahead with a four-seam fastball, clocked at 90-92 mph and occasionally touching 93, and deceive hitters with his 12-to-6 bending curve. The curve’s unique action makes it difficult to distinguish from a high fastball—until it’s too late.
“If you look at his career numbers, they’re actually pretty sick,” said Blue Jays pitching coordinator Dane Johnson. “They’re better than Hall of Fame numbers, though, obviously, it’s been done in the minor leagues. As long as he keeps counts in his favor and incorporates that curveball into the game plan, it’s going to be a long day for hitters. Down the road, I see him as a guy that’s not only capable of getting lefties out but righties as well.”
Collins mixes in a changeup and is working on a cutter he has yet to use in a game this year. An extremely high leg kick helps him generate velocity from his small frame. Imagine a whip that starts at his feet and ends at his hand, explained Fisher Cats pitching coach Tom Signore.
Collins can’t help but admire Tim Lincecum and Billy Wagner, with whom he shares much in common. And not just a lively fastball.
“Obviously, they are not your average pitchers, being a little shorter, but they are really hard throwers,” Collins said. “I’m the same way as far as trying to get everything I can out of my body.”
Rigorous offseason workouts at Cressey Performance in Hudson, Mass., helped Collins increase his weight to 172 pounds and his vertical leap from 33 to 37 inches.
An outstanding athlete, Collins was also his high school’s quarterback. Only a lack of size kept him off big league draft boards in 2007.
‘A Crazy Story’
If Collins hadn’t pitched that night in Worcester, he’d probably be framing a house this summer. Instead he’s building another career with the Blue Jays.
“It’s a crazy story. I was 17 years old. I’d never been out of the Northeast,” Collins said. “Suddenly I’m down there in the Gulf Coast League trying to find an apartment.
The diminutive southpaw was mistaken for an infielder on his first cab ride in Florida, and Indians minor leaguers reportedly poked fun at Collins—presumably for his lack of size—before an outing in the GCL.
“He’s a smaller guy, but he pitches like he’s 6-foot-5,” Fisher Cats catcher Brian Jeroloman said. “He has a pitcher’s mentality that when he steps on the mound, it’s his game.”
Last season, high Class A Florida State League hitters batted .199 against Collins, who earned a promotion to the Eastern League and at 19 was the youngest player in the Fisher Cats’ seven-year history. Collins in Double-A was knocked around for the first time as a pro, going 2-3, 5.68 in nine appearances last year, but he entered 2010 as Toronto’s No. 19 prospect.
He breezed through his first nine relief innings this season, allowing two hits and no runs. He hopes to reach the majors as a setup man or lefty specialist.
“It would be awesome. I feel like anybody in Double-A is close,” Collins said. “I’m only 20. I have a lot more to work on, but I guess my goal would be to get there within the next couple of years.
Johnson joked that Collins hopefully will stretch another six inches. Such comments are part of clubhouse culture—and nothing Collins hasn’t heard for his entire life.
“That’s always going to be part of the story,” he said. “I can’t say it doesn’t get old sometimes, but I do get a good laugh out of some of the jokes.”
Kevin Gray covers pro baseball for the New Hampshire Union Leader.
dpelfrey
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
Some splits for Gonzalez
.288 avg interleague games
.273 avg on the road (.246 at home)
.319 avg with RISP (1.024 OPS)
.361 avg with RISP & 2 outs (1.106 OPS)
Seems like he’s been pretty clutch this year and has actually done better against NL pitching and away from Skydome. He has been in a cold spell lately, hitting only .215 last 28 days.
SWEET
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
Great move! Lose the dead (cross-eyed) weight. Yunel is horrible and getting worse by the day. If we only got a 5 gallon bucket of balls for him, we win!
Braves Super Fan
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
Yunel just didn’t get it here in Atl….. the game the other day where his careless toss to Glaus and his
missed call for the flyball were reminders that he is not real focused.
Talent not applied is a waste… Gonzalez will bring 3-5 years of great play @ SS and will be a solid addition to the Clubhouse. Solid Move for Mr Wren.
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
NORRIS
July 14th, 2010
1:32 pm
I think he bats right
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
Stuart-You are perhaps aware that the Braves not only go a SS prospect in the tade, but have picked up several left side infielders in the draft and that they picked up Salcedo, a stud left side infield prospect this year?
Gonzalez only has an option for next year at what Yunel would have made in arb. Not like this is a long term deal or anything or that he has much to live up to after Yunie’s first half sleepwalk.
reality
July 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
News flash to those fools referencing Wren and the Teixera deal, Wren was not the GM when that trade was made. That move was executed by the great and infallible John Schuerholz.
Braves
July 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
Pretty funny, the idea that Alex Gonzalez is a good player. What do you Braves fans think the chances are that he repeats his performance in the second half? He’s very likely to regress to his typical offensive performance, which is bad.
Listen Up!
July 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
Hey all you naysayers! Remember when Wren signed Glaus and the negativity well was overflowing? Give it a month and then comment. Sounds like a good deal to me. Escobar sticks out like a sore thumb when you consider the overall team personality.
The Bird and Indian
July 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
Can everyone please stop saying Alex is a huge power bat and a great offensive threat. He is a career 294. OBP guy and has never been a power bat until this explosion this year that is bound to cool off.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
Hate these Black Wednesday’s after the allstar game. Nothing ever seems to happen.
Gonna Miss Bobby, That's For Sure
July 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
Don’t know what happened with Escobar this year. Aside from his weakened production, he seemed like the one guy on the team who wasn’t enjoying himself. Maybe another guy on the team who’s tasted a World Series before will help get us back where we belong. That whole “intangibles” thing.
Arkansas Transplant
July 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
So, is everyone moaning about the escobar trade?
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
Nick – I also refer you to my 1:31 post.
reno
July 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
The situation with Jo Jo Reyes had become much like the long-running angst-filled case with Jeff Francoeur – recurrent disappointment after early promise – only on much smaller scale, of course. I don’t think that anyone in ATL ever wanted to see JJ on the mound again in an ATL Braves uniform.
Yunel is greatly talented, no doubt, but struggles with self-conscious, psychological issues. Watch Prado when he has unsuccessful at-bat or makes mistake/error in field – he handles it like a determined, mature adult/professional. Prado’s passion and fire is evident, yet he doesn’t pout and posture, even as he makes it clear that he takes responsibility for his own success or failure. And he quickly puts the failure behind him, not allowing it to “take his head out of the game.” Yunel, on the other hand, struggled mightily with these very challenges that are surely part and parcel of baseball (and life).
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
Transplant-Of course. Yunie was the best SS the Braves ever had.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:37 pm
Hey, this spring, Yunel claimed he felt like he was at home. WE see what happened with his original domicile. Maybe he was trying to tell us something.
STEAL!!!
July 14th, 2010
1:37 pm
HEY FOOL!! YES IM TALKING TO YOU!! LOOK AT THE PROSPECTS IN THIS DEAL! I PITY THE FOOL WHO THINKS THIS WAS A BAD TRADE! YEAH THAT’S RIGHT! COLLINS WILL PITCH WELL IN THE BIGS SOON AND PASTORNICKY WILL BE OUR SS OF THE FUTURE. A STAR SS PROSPECT, INCREDIBLE INFIELDER. ESCY HAD TO GO. JOJO SHOULD’VE GONE A LONG TIME AGO BUT WHO KNEW WE’D GET THIS MUCH FROM EITHER OF THEM? NOBODY FOOL! I ANSWER MY OWN QUESTION AND PRESENT ANOTHER: WHERE ARE THE WREN-HATERS NOW? DID YOU MOVE TO PHILLY WHERE TURRIBLE FANS LIKE YOU BELONG? I HOPE SO! ALL THE FOOLS SHUTUP AND CLAP YO HANDS FOR THESE BRAVES! TOMAHAWK CHOP !!
johnnyd53221
July 14th, 2010
1:39 pm
Braves, even if he does regress he cant be any worse than what yunel did in the first half of the year. 0 homers and was LAST in the league in slugging. His potential is great but it is was just time to cut the cord
Careful With That Axe, Eugene!
July 14th, 2010
1:39 pm
Something that none of the Yunel appologists ever address…..what is the toll of having to coddle, babysit, scold and encourage Yunel on all the other guys in the clubhouse? These guys are adult. It only takes away from a players ability to take care of his own business if he feels like he has to constantly baby his team mate so his team mate doesnt fold.
Don’t believe this happened? Did you watch any of the games where Hudson, Chipper and some other guys in the dugout would have to come over and have a come to Jesus meeting with Yunel if things went badly during a game for him?
Just having another professional and adult in the clubhouse should be an improvement. Less drama should mean better results.
StingerSplash
July 14th, 2010
1:39 pm
I guess Bobby really wanted to enjoy the last two and a half months, so he had Escobar kicked to the curb.
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
1:39 pm
It’s natural for all of us to dissect this trade, but I think it makes at least a little sense to see how the season pans out before we pass judgment either way. I know this: Escobar rarely gave a 100% effort on the field. Yes, he made some great plays, but he made stupid plays in equal proportion – what if we had lost Glaus for the season on that nonchalant throw the other night? What would all the great plays in the world have mattered then? If you don’t give 100% all the time, it just takes one brain-dead play like that to change everything. And I repeat, he never hustles.
When you go from a player with 0 homers and 20 RBI to a player with 17 homers and 60 RBI, it’s hard to see the negative. Maybe Esco is better defensively, but Gonzalez is adequate. And I’d rather have a guy hitting .220 with 30 homers and 100 RBI any day over a guy hitting .220 with no homers and 30 RBI. The results will tell us whether or not this was a good trade. Let’s just sit back, relax, and enjoy our march to October.
Maurice
July 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
Now can we get another outfielder with power?
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
Bird and Indian-ACtually, Gonzalez’s 162 game averages included 17 HR and 70 RBI in addition to the low OBP. Maybe not a power bat, but certainly more than Yunel has provided HR wise throughout his carer and even ONE HR would have beaten his 1st half output. It’s all relative.
Arkansas Transplant
July 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
2 20 year olds in return, does anyone know anything about either of them? I see one is pitching in double A, that’s pretty good for a 20yr old.
Nick
July 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
Are you guys seriously already complaining about Alex Gonzalez? Anything we get from him is going to be better than what Esco was giving us (nothing). We also got rid of the cancer JoJo and ended up getting two good minor leaguers back. Now, Wren just needs to get us an OF and even I will start believing this team can make a run at the WS.
jay dubu
July 14th, 2010
1:41 pm
What is it with Wren and injured players?
@Casey, None of the 17 HR Gonzo has hit will help the Braves in the 2nd half. Let’s see how he does in the NL, and on the robotic Braves.
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
1:41 pm
Careful With That Axe, Eugene!
July 14th, 2010
1:39 pm
Excellent
Curt
July 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
I never liked Yunel. From the beginning you could tell he had a bad attitude and let that attitude affect his play.
At worst, at the plate this is a wash. The Braves get someone who will fit better in the club house and wont let his attitude affect his defense or hitting.
At best the Braves add power and more consistent hitting, especially with RISP.
Hinske Da Man
July 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
Nice trade indeed. Guys and Gals, this clearly paves the way for Edward Salcedo to be our starting SS in a couple of years.
Gonzalez has a club option for next season which is around the same price of what Esco would have gotten in Arbitration, which is 2.5 million. So bring Gonzalez back and give Salcedo the rest of this season and all of next season in the minors and he will be about 21 or so when he gets to the majors.
Blue
July 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
Yeah, escoBEAST; performance issues from someone who is healthy and playing every day is EXACTLY like the INJURY issues that JJ is dealing with that has the potential to impact every 5th day or so. Nice comparison, braniac.
59bulldawg
July 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
@RRR. I bet you’re right on target with that. It could have been disasterous. I just knew Glaus had broken his wrist. That’s also the same game (I think) where he lost the popup just behind 2nd base. That game was a perfect example of Yunel not having his head in the game. I like the kid but this is a solid trade.
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
reposting for you Arkansas
Collins, 20, has appeared in 35 games for Double-A New Hampshire this season, with a 2.51 ERA, a .174 opponents’ batting average and 73 strikeouts with just 16 walks in 43.0 innings pitched. He was named to a Florida State League Mid-Season All-Star in 2009 and was named by Baseball America as a High Class-A All-Star in 2008.
Pastornicky, 20, has batted .258 with six home runs, 35 RBIs at 24 stolen bases in 77 games for Class-A Dunedin this season. He was the Blue Jays’ fifth-round selection in the 2008 Draft.
TOM
July 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
And Last year they would have gotten Orlando Cabrera and Matt Holliday. Just another Epic Fail from Wren.
http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2009/7/14/949126/matt-holliday-to-the-braves
Joshua
July 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
What an unbelievable trade. I mean WOW all you can say. 17 HRs from the right side, and 2 nice looking prospects (one of those prospects is another SS for all you “what are we gonna do in the future” people), not to mention another solid looking left handed arm. I don’t think Wren is done yet either – we still have a lot of good trade bait. I mean we didn’t even TOUCH what we assumed would be required to go get that right handed bat we needed. This trade is so good I just cannot believe it.
ACE
July 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
Who traded Adam Wainwright?????
ABravesFan
July 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
Even just basing on 1st half stat, Yunel had a better OBP than A-Gon. Sure, Yunel’s SLG is horrible and A-Gon has those 17 HRs and quite a few doubles, but you got to wonder how much of that is due to the ball park.
Arkansas Transplant
July 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
Picking up those 2 propects may allow us more options for a power bat in the outfield. But I have to say, I’m not too keen on Hart yet. Not sure that he’s what I would like to see come to Atlanta.
Will
July 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
This is dumb for two reasons. They are giving up on Escobar too quickly. And they need an outfield bat, no reason they couldnt plug infante in at shortstop everyday if they were tired of escobar.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
Hinske da Man-That’s exactly how I see it, but with the added extra of a good pitching prospect.
Dave Winfield
July 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
I think I’d be pretty P.O.’d if I were a Toronto fan right now. Braves GM’s done hoodwinked somebody again! Nice job Wren.
Chris from the Rock
July 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
Collins has 73 K’s in 43 IP in AA this year. That’s amazing for a guy who is 5′7″. He’ll make Kris Medlen seem like a giant comparatively.
Danno
July 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
After Yunel nearly broke Glaus’s hand by his lazt throw to first the other day Im glad hes gone. He is a loafer and a head case potentialy destructive to the team. Gonzo gives i\us a bat, good fielding and RBI power.
Hinske Da Man
July 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
Not to mention that if Gonzalez were to not hit a single HR the rest of the way, he would still finish way ahead of Esco in that category this year. Gonzo also has a better BA.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
Something that none of the Yunel appologists ever address…..what is the toll of having to coddle, babysit, scold and encourage Yunel on all the other guys in the clubhouse? These guys are adult. It only takes away from a players ability to take care of his own business if he feels like he has to constantly baby his team mate so his team mate doesnt fold.
Lots of speculation, as usual, about Escobar’s attitude and how much of a burden he is. Seems his attitude probably played a roll in the trade but there is absolutely no way to know how much of a roll it played. Can we please stop speculating about this side of things?
How about we talk about Gonzalez’s better UZR/150 and that the Braves gain more power? Again, I guarantee you if Yunel was hitting well above average, he’d still be here, personality issues or not.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
Tim Collins… 20 years old. batters are hitting .174 against him at AA and he’s got a K/9 rate of 15.28 and a WHIP of 1.000
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
Can anyone tell me how often the two teams w/ the best records in the first half of the season actually make it to the WS that year?
Arkansas Transplant
July 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
Here’s a write up I found on one of the guys we got in return.
20) Tim Collins, LHP, Grade C: Continues to put up outstanding statistics, pretty good stuff considering his 5-7 height. Should make a fine LOOGY. Note that other Grade C guys listed below (particularly Ahrens, Dopirak, Liebel, Magnuson, Tolisano, and Pastornicky) could easily slot in here, but I wanted to point Collins out since he’s very interesting.
TennBraveFan
July 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
This is a bittersweet trade in my opinion. The upside for Yunel was tremendous, but he doesn’t have the head to ever reach that potential. Gonzalez is having a career year, but don’t automatically bat him cleanup or anything. Let him be what he is, a 6 or 7 hole hitter that can provide some pop. Lets face it, if he hits 240 with 1 HR and 20 RBIs in the 2nd half he has produced more than Escobar.
GT Fan
July 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
What bothers me is Gonzalez at the plate is basically just like Andruw was when we let him walk. It’s basically a HR or nothing. His average is mediocre, but his OBP is terrible. The only Braves whose OBP isn’t at least 20 points higher are McClouth, Diaz (whose numbers haven’t recovered from his early struggles) and our pitchers. He has 65 Ks to 17 BBs. He’s basically the exact opposite of the offensive strategy the Braves have employed this season.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:47 pm
Not to mention that if Gonzalez were to not hit a single HR the rest of the way, he would still finish way ahead of Esco in that category this year. Gonzo also has a better BA.
Well, if Gonzalez does not his a single HR the rest of the way, that really doesn’t help the Braves too much. All that matters is what these players do from here on out. And I think at worst it’s a wash with the Braves probably having a slight edge given that Gonzalez is slightly better defensively and he has more power.
WTF?
July 14th, 2010
1:47 pm
braves also just traded Brian McCann so they could free up room to sign Deion Sanders and Brian Jordan, so they can try to re-create the same miserable magic of the 90’s
jay dubu
July 14th, 2010
1:47 pm
I like Escobar because he was an original Brave. Some of you have mentioned Frenchy…The Braves got nothing in return for Frenchy and nothing for Tex, and unless the two prospects are super studs, this is a bad trade,.
Besides, who’ll play SS next season?
NO MORE BOBBY
July 14th, 2010
1:47 pm
NO MORE TRADES!!! Or it will funk up the chemistry that has worked so well first half.
basebsports fan
July 14th, 2010
1:47 pm
Now, when do we trade McCLOUTH? I would have made that my first trade.
sports fan
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
Tom-What you don’t seem to realize is that Holliday would have been a two month rental and likely wouldn’t have taken us to the playoffs. All that for ONLY YUnel hitting close to .300. At this point in time we would have nothing from that deal.
This way we have two 20 year old prospects and a SS for next season – kind of like the Glaus addition this year to give Freeman time to develop more. Same with Gonzalez and Salcedo.
The Dude
July 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
Buy High, Sell Low.
How’s that young kid we traded a couple of years ago for a rental…I think his name was Elvis Andrus…Oh yeah, he was in the all star game last night.
OK
July 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
It’s a step in the right direction giving up a little defense for more offense, but I would have liked to see us go for more of a power hitter… if the right deal was out there…
JORDAN
July 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
I DONT LIKE THIS TRADE. ESCOBAR IS HAVING A BAD YEAR BUT IS A GOOD HITTER. I FULLY EXPECTED HIM TO HIT BIG IN THE 2ND HALF. THE RUNS HE SAVES ON DEFENSE IS HUGE. THE BRAVES WILL SEE A DIFFERENCE WHEN HES GONE. I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT JOJO REYES BUT I THINK TRADING ESCOBAR IS A BAD MOVE. GONZALEZ HAS POWER BUT IS A CAREER .248 HITTER.. I BET ESCOBAR WILL ENDING UP HITTING HIGHER THEN THAT THIS SEASON. YEH HE HASNT HIT ANY HOME RUNS BUT I THINK HE WOULDA CAME UP BIG IN THE 2ND HALF. I DONT LIKE HIS LAPSES HE HAS BUT YOU GOT TO TAKE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD. HIS DEFENSE WAS BEST IN LEAGUE. BAD MOVE BRAVES BUT HOPE IT WORLS OUT WELL
supa
July 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
Keeping to recent form (e.g. McGriff, Tex, Frenchy, Schaffer, Heyward), when we get a new player, I predict that Gonzalez will hit a home run on Thursday.
B-ham Dawg
July 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
bvillebaron… You are crazy. Sure yunel was in the dog house with bobby but if he was producing then he wouldn’t have been traded. as for a powering hitting right hander does troy glaus not qualify?
Bailey
July 14th, 2010
1:49 pm
For those of you questioning Gonzalez’s defense, he has only two more errors than Escobar, and that is on the turf in Toronto. He may only be batting .258, but Yunel is hitting .238. As far as the clubhouse, Gonzalez is from Venezuela, the same country as Martin Prado, so I would assume Prado would not have a problem turning two with a fellow countryman. Now, for those wanting to know future plans, the plan is to figure that out in the offseason. IF Chipper retires, we get a lot of money back to spend for next year, and IF Wren can dump Lowe, they get even more to spend. Let’s not worry about trading one starter for another. If we had traded Escobar for unproven prospects only, that would have been stupid, but this was a good trade for us, but I dont think the Braves are done.
Jerry
July 14th, 2010
1:49 pm
Yunel, had a great glove and a better stick than he has shown this year. He had to go, you don’t make that many mental errors and stay on a team, especially one with postseason aspirations. He obviously wasn’t the same after they dfa’d Brayan Pena. His stats may say otherwise but his demeanor didn’t. Got into a lot incidents and benchings not too far after. Don’t be surprised if he ends up with the Royals, and plays better again. Best of luck to you, Yunel.
kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
1:49 pm
Unless this is a precursor to another trade or series of trades, this move alone is not one that makes the Braves demonstrably better offensively. The Braves don’t appear to be better defensively and may have taken a step back.
I hope Yunel will flourish playing for another team/manager.
With Andruw,,Francouer, KJ, and now Yunel gone, who will be the new whipping boy?
Omar
July 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
Hopefully this is not the only move they make, because we are not the much better with this trade alone.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
GT Fan, yes, the Braves are going to have to deal with outs with Gonzalez. But his power helps to make up for that a little. Also, Andruw Jones was an outfielder and Gonzalez is a shortstop. A shortstop that hits like that is not the same as an outfielder who hits like that.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
Shaun-One plus one equals two. No need for a Sabremetric equation to figure it out about Yunie and his attitude.
Pedro
July 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
I don’t know what to think of this deal. I guess it helps for now, but I’d almost rather take my chances with Yunel in the 2nd half. He has good 2nd half numbers in his career. Here are Yunel and Gonzalez’s career numbers:
Yunel Escobar: 27 yr old, .291 AVG / .368 OBP / 12 HR / 80 R / 70 RBI
Alex Gonzalez: 33 yr old, .248 AVG / .294 OBP / 12 HR / 50 R / 55 RBI
Which would you want on your team?
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
Prado has to be happy having a fellow Venezualan playing side by side(along with Omar).
sicttc
July 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
This is the best possible news!!!!! The “defensive-genius-yet-LARGE-pain-in-the-arse” Yunel is gone. He had to go. A lazy lob to our MVP at IB and damn near knocking him out of the season probably gave Bobby a seizure and was the final straw for Esco. Bobby has a strange comment in the AJC after that game, saying “I have never seen him make a throw like that” (translation: “That SOB just pulled another boneheaded, mental-midget play out of his ass, and I’ve seen enough of them from this POS. He is toast”.
Chemistry is King in the Braves clubhouse, and I think this also has to betray the fact that Esco was disrupting chemistry, a lot more than we would ever hear about outside the clubhouse walls.
Good riddance. Like that scout was quoted to say of Esco: “He isn’t as good as he thinks he is.” Ya got that right.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
Omar,
Check the standings lately?
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
1:51 pm
given that Gonzalez is slightly better defensively
Shaun, is it that you think that if you post that tripe often enough that someone will eventually believe it?
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
Jordan-You fully expected Yunel to bounce back? Why didn’t you let the Braves know that?
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
The Braves don’t appear to be better defensively and may have taken a step back.
Absolutely not true. Again, Gonzalez has been better defensively according to advanced defensive metrics that take into account range and plays made; and this is not based on looking at just this season but the past three calendar years. Check out FanGraphs and you’ll see.
supa
July 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
JS made a lot of stellar moves. He was probably right 80% of the time. No GM can touch that. But his worst move will probably go down as the Tex trade. Netfali Perez and Elvis Andrus are young all-stars. Salty still has huge upside potential. And Harrison is a major league caliber pitcher.
Debbie
July 14th, 2010
1:53 pm
Frank, you just have to kill the party don’t you? Oh last night was so fun. Enjoying watching our boys get to enjoy the all-star game and look forward to winning the world series as the family they have become. Now this! This is such stupid timing and a stupid move. I hope and pray for Yunel that he is able to have a team and management that will appreciate him for the tremendous talent that he is. Yunel used to have to swagger and it was great. The Braves obviously don’t want the strong personality that comes with someone who has swagger so they made him into a lifeless drone. That was frustrating to him and them. I hope Alex Gonzalez is a great fit here. I know the Blue Jays are a very lucky team to get our Yunel.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
1:53 pm
Pedro-We would have preferred the YUnel of the past couple years, actually. Why not look up carrer first half stats and find that Yunels’ were nowhere close?
Pameeeeeeeeee
July 14th, 2010
1:53 pm
I said last week when everyone was speaking to what the Braves needed is that Escobar needs to do something. We could not continue to have a hold in his hitting spot. I’ll welcome Gonzalez.
Before I could get on and congratulate McFann for the McCann MVP double I hear this on 680 at lunch.
I know she always want doubles and darned if that is not what he hit.LOL
Mark Johnson
July 14th, 2010
1:53 pm
Move A-Gon to 3rd and Infante to short…at least next season when Chipper is gone….
Bob Horner's Blonde Mullet
July 14th, 2010
1:54 pm
Yunel was clutch at the plate, but his recent errors cost him. He’ll be great in Canada. Braves will be fine –
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
1:54 pm
I love it, yea, wren sucks, I mean, hows this team in first anyways?? LOL, what a bad signing that glaus was and hinske. And jeez, Melky, he had a horrible start…wait a second….Wren knows what he’s doing. Like it or not. He’s on a tight budget and doing very, very well with it. This is why I love atlanta, jump on wren and never get off. And the andrus trade, that was everybodies favorite, JS’s move.
Get it together folks, some of you act like Escobar was the next great thing. Guy is 28 years old and a GIANT headcase. Jeff George syndrome, million dollar athlete, 10 cent head.
Killer81
July 14th, 2010
1:55 pm
He was a head case; but he was also only 24 years old. What have we turned into….Old Players Club, another trade for someone who is a free agent after the season and we don’t have the money to re-sign……
NL East
July 14th, 2010
1:55 pm
Given the times, great trade! I hope the defense is an improvement as well. Escobar can hit, as he proved last year, but the D is questionable from time to time.
Gigga
July 14th, 2010
1:55 pm
From a Toronto blog:
To all those questioning the deal? It’s very simple: Buy low – Sell High. Gonzalez is an old SS who is exceeding his career numbers by a long shot, and Escobar is a young SS who is presently playing below his career numbers. And Gonzalez’ career year isn’t getting the Jays into the playoffs this year, right? Which player with the following career averages would you rather have for the next couple of years?
A) 27 yr old, .291 AVG / .368 OBP / 12 HR / 80 R / 70 RBI
B) 33 yr old, .248 AVG / .294 OBP / 12 HR / 50 R / 55 RBI
The answer is A) Escobar. Smart move, plain and simple
Joshua
July 14th, 2010
1:55 pm
@kirkinga
Ok replacing a guy with 0 home runs with a guy with 17 home runs does not make us demonstrably better? I would love to hear whatever logic led you to that conclusion.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
Gonzalez has a reasonable club option so he will be here next year. I like the deal even though I like Yunel. When you are trying to win, you can’t have your personal feelings wrapped in a player.
MCclouth maybe the next to go, Red Sox maybe?
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
News flash to those fools referencing Wren and the Teixera deal, Wren was not the GM when that trade was made.
Depends on which end of the deal you speak. Wren traded a mega-star switch hitting slugger at first base at the trade deadline for not Justin Smoak caliber player. Correct to point out that Wren was not at the helm when the Braves acquired Teixeira for excess depth of Catcher (keeping All-Star MVP McCann), short-stop (keeping Lillbridge and Yunel), and pitchers (keeping Hanson, et al)
JBoog1285
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
Killer81 – Yunel is actually 27.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
Alex Gonzalez’s Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games: 8
Yunel Escobar’s UZR/150: 4.4
THE OBGYN
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
Bad Trade? Do you watch the games? Esco while he does make some rediculous plays on occasion he goes blank at times. He appears lazy and aloof. A.G. hasn’t ever been accused of that. I see this as trading for a guy having a career year and for a short stop of the future. Jo Jo was more of a trash throw in for us.
It’s a good start for us to be agressive and we didn’t loose any real pieces for the future for a change we gained two.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
“And Last year they would have gotten Orlando Cabrera and Matt Holliday.”
And then watched Holliday sign elsewhere in the offseason and get a .612 OPS out of Cabrera this year…
Did you put -any- thought into that post whatsoever?
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
1:56 pm
Alex Gonzalez’s Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games over the last three calendar years: 8
Yunel Escobar’s UZR/150 over the last three calendar years: 4.4
Spud Webb
July 14th, 2010
1:57 pm
Shaun, more than half the people on here don’t know who Gonzalez is. They see one person write “he’s not good with the glove” and they jump on it. Gonzo is steady with the glove. Not excellent range, but decent for sure. He’s very, very consistant. Thats not a word associated with Yunel (andres thomas) Escobar.
Bailey
July 14th, 2010
1:57 pm
Debbie, I’m sorry, but talent never won anything by itself. You need something between the ears, and that was where Yunel was lacking.
sicttc
July 14th, 2010
1:57 pm
10 cent head? Let’s not be that generous. Penny to a nickel, tops.
Alpha9
July 14th, 2010
1:57 pm
You are gonna lose something Defensively unless Ozzie Smith is transplanted from the early 90’s compared to Escobar..But Gonzales isn’t a slouch at SS..The main objective of this trade was consitency and personality over potential..You Know what Gonzales can do..you think you might know what Yunel is capable of..To the person who said trade JJ because he is having a bad year..If you can’t bring anything other than that to the table..perhaps you shouldn’t read theses thing
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
1:58 pm
A.G. hasn’t ever been accused of that [being lazy and aloof]
Might be better if he had been accused of being “talented”.
RTk
July 14th, 2010
1:58 pm
Escobar is a career .291 hitter. One off year and you trash the guy? Seems a bit shortsighted that many guys in that clubhouse have had some issues including Chipper and they are still around. A very bad trade.
Bailey
July 14th, 2010
1:58 pm
Well said Alpha9
Diecinueve
July 14th, 2010
1:58 pm
Wren needs to do 2 more things!!
1) Get Adam Dunn
2) Tell me where to buy World Series tickets!
TnBob
July 14th, 2010
1:59 pm
Diory is hitting .312 in AAA,,,
Omar
July 14th, 2010
1:59 pm
Frankie Wren,
I’m not saying we are not good now, but I dont think this trade make us better. When you are a first place team mid-season trade should make you better right?
Playoffs!!!!
July 14th, 2010
1:59 pm
I don’t like this trade. Escobar was the best player on this team last year. Yes, he’s slumping offensively, but he’s still a great defensive player and would have bounced back in the second half.
So he didn’t fit the Braves mold? Hmmmmm? If were talking about hustle or lack of — there a quite a few Braves that don’t hustle all time – especially down the firstbase line
Who knows what demons this guy battles in his head.
We are four games in front with Escobar as our shortstop. If he comes even close to his career numbers in the second half he would have really helped the Braves.
I guess you have to be a real Boy Scout to stay on the Braves. I love this team but they have no tolerance for someone is different.
I think ex-Braves shortstop Walt Weiss said it best –”Bobby doesn’t have a very big doghouse, but it does have a BIG lock,”
So long, Yunel, I will miss you!
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
1:59 pm
I’m largely in awe of this deal. We just traded a guy with no homers and a .611 OPS for a guy with 17 homers and a .793 OPS. The latter player will be cheaper next season while the former player is a problem child. And we somehow talked the Blue Jays into giving US prospects back in return.
Wow.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
Yeah, Yunie has a career .297 second half BA. And unfrotuNATE hit .285 in Pittsburgh. Whatever. Haven’t maintained that, have they? Andruw hit 50 HR’s once, too. Doesnt mean it will ever happen again.
Yunel has not had a slump of short duration here folks. It’s gone on for more than half a season and the power outage is getting close to a year now.
Greg Norton
July 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
I’m still available Frank although I know you’re looking for a RH batter.
OK
July 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
Nobody truly knows how old any latin players are… but there is a formula for figuring it out: So called Age + 4 years. That makes Yunel 27 or so.
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
Maybe TP can work with AG to get him to become more patient at the plate like the rest of the Braves have become….boy , I never thought I would type something like that
1135203 'THE FAN'
July 14th, 2010
2:01 pm
Yunel’ll still be pining for Pena — no other Cubans north of the border.
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
2:01 pm
ncscoots – I think enough of us on this blog would be willing to raise the money so you can visit Escobar in Canada. Maybe he needs a bag-boy for his hair product?
Chris from the Rock
July 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
I guess we can’t count out Jose Bautista, not that that’s such a bad thing. But Rosenthal and others have been speculating for weeks that he might be of interest to Wren, and if they didn’t expand this deal to include Bautista, I doubt he’s going to be a Brave. But we don’t want to buy high on two of their guys anyway, right? I still like to see them go out and get another OF with power, trading Melky in the process.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
Shaun, more than half the people on here don’t know who Gonzalez is. They see one person write “he’s not good with the glove” and they jump on it. Gonzo is steady with the glove. Not excellent range, but decent for sure. He’s very, very consistant. Thats not a word associated with Yunel (andres thomas) Escobar.
Exactly. Their views are based on seeing Escobar make some great plays (and make no mistake, he’s made great plays and is a fine defensive shortstop). But you need some sort of basis for comparison to give you an idea of how good he is and you need to look at some sort of evidence.
Bailey
July 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
JP Riccardi (former Blue Jays GM) said on ESPN radio that for the calibur of players the Braves gave up, they made out pretty good in this deal. I think I’d rather take it from an expert than believe what some of the people on here are saying about Yunel’s “potential” and “talent”.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
I think that Wren pulls off another trade, Out pitching just got soo much better in the minors. I think he might give someone up for a bat.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
“Greg Norton
I’m still available Frank although I know you’re looking for a RH batter.”
Actually, you’re not. You’re already managing a AAA team and will be managing in the bigs within the next 3-4 seasons.
Hinske Da Man
July 14th, 2010
2:03 pm
Shaun I was being sarcastic, about Gonzo not hitting another HR this year and still finishing ahead of Esco. I am confident that Gonzo will play very well here, I mean he has to enjoy being back in the NL East, and on the first place Braves right? If that isn’t motivation, I don’t know what is.
Lew I completely agree. I would have actually traded Esco and Reyes for Gonzo alone. Adding those extra minor league players in the deal was just a extra bonus, with a potential huge upside. The SS kid we got is a Floridian so he being closer to his hometown is probably elating him about now. That relief pitcher seems like he is lights out, and if either one is a producer for the Braves in the coming years this trade will look even better. I am not dissing Escobar, but his time here needed to come to an end, and Frank Wren at least got a very solid SS in return for him that will help this team now.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
2:03 pm
How’s that young kid we traded a couple of years ago for a rental…I think his name was Elvis Andrus…Oh yeah, he was in the all star game last night.
That’s right! Totally forgot that Elvis was a massive part of the team in 2007. Now that I think about it, he was at the door knocking ready to bust onto the seen. There wasn’t a single player in the Braves system anywhere standing in his way and yet the Braves traded him. Unbelievable. Just traded away a guy 3 years before he became an All-Star, despite the fact that he was available in the system for the Braves…. behind All-Star short-stop Edgar Renteria, Yunel Escobar and Brent Lillibridge. Fourth in line and 3 years away from making the All-Star team…. Unfathomable that the Braves traded him for the best hitting power hitter available on the market a year and a half before said hitter was a free agent…
Jon
July 14th, 2010
2:03 pm
KEEP TP AWAY – FARRR AWAY FROM AG!
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:04 pm
I hope there is another move coming! We just got 6 years older at SS and it still doesn’t answer the outfeild power questions
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
2:04 pm
It’s funny. I said last week that at the very least that Escobar needs to be moved down to 8th in the batting order. It looks like the Braves did more than my very least.
Obviously, it wasn’t just about his hitting, or lack there of, but the guy has always been a head case. As good as he is defensively, you never know when he is going to have one of his brain freeze moments (such as flipping off the official scorer last season) and I believe that Bobby Cox, as well as more than a couple of the Braves players was tired of dealing with it.
Braves #1
July 14th, 2010
2:04 pm
Sounds like Collins just might be the best future player in this deal…..lets hope so….definitely an upgrade this year…………
JP
July 14th, 2010
2:04 pm
RusDawg – Escobar knows how to get on base and work a count? Are you watching the same team the rest of us are? All those times he swung at the first pitch with RISP on this last road trip probably sealed the deal. Escobar’s welcome in Atlanta has run its course. Let’s just hope Gonzalez ends up being a better pick up than Ryan Church – last year’s “get this guy out of Atlanta” trade.
Murph
July 14th, 2010
2:04 pm
Anyone heard anything about the plans for left field? Is it going to be an Infante/Diaz platoon or are the Braves shopping for another bat?
I like the trade. I’m worried about who is going to man SS next season, but I think the team just got better. The Collins kid looks like a real hurler.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
ncscoots – I think enough of us on this blog would be willing to raise the money so you can visit Escobar in Canada. Maybe he needs a bag-boy for his hair product?
Why, thank you, son. That’s a right smart little comment, there. I look forward to your next blast of creativity.
Bandwagon Brave Fan
July 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
Like it. Gonzalez doesn’t need babysitting like Escobar did. I’ll trade his future talent (questionable at best) for a proven, productive vet like Gonzalez any day!
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
RTk-That Career you speak of was all of a couple years. Not as if we’re dealing with a huge sample size there. However, with Gonzalez, you pretty well know what you;re getting. He’s putting up some better numbers than career norms, but not THAT much better. Dude’s actually very steady. That’s not a word any of us would likely apply to YUnel’s performance.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
“JP Riccardi (former Blue Jays GM) said on ESPN radio that for the calibur of players the Braves gave up, they made out pretty good in this deal.”
While I think the trade is a masterstroke with Atlanta not giving away anything of immediate value, Ricciardi’s opinion on Blue Jays draft picks is questionable in that he was responsible for those picks as GM of the team from 2001-2009. Someone has already pointed that he was the one who discovered one of the prospects we got back in this deal. He has more knowledge of these two than just about anybody else, but he’s also wildly biased about them.
skip carey
July 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
Braves choke,Braves choke,Braves choke
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
Bandwagon-Yeah, bet Chipper and Huddy don’t need to hug him on a regular basis and tll him how nice his hair looks.
The Real Don Steele
July 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
Yunel could make the impossible play but kick the routine play which is maddening. On this last road trip before the break, he watched two balls drop after he called off the outfield and he almost ended Glaus’ season with a dumb soft toss to first. I’m sure it was after these moves that Wren picked up the phone. This is a great move by the Braves. If this causes Yunel to pull his head out of his rear and become the player he is capable of being then more power to him. He was always going to be a disappointment in Atlanta.
monty
July 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
Evidently Wren is trying to catch lightening in a bottle. Why do what he did? One main reason, to win it all this year. Gonzo is a guy who can’t find his way on base because he hasn’t seen a pitch he doesn’t like,(especially from LHP, which he hits not as well as RHP, so much for needing to counter LHP)can anyone say JF? He has never slugged much above .400 and his OBP is abysmal, but he is having a career year. Stats this year are way above avg. especially slugging. Makes you wonder where he found his new found power at 33. Anyway, I do have to wonder if Yunel has psych problems. You would think a refugee from Cuba making money he never dreamed of, playing a game he loves, could find a reason to smile every now and then and look happy.
George
July 14th, 2010
2:07 pm
Man, when are we going to give the man his standing ovation…. Everyone was questioning him on getting Glaus, Hinske and Wagner… How has those moves panned out… Pretty Great… The only thing that stuns me now is that why anyone would disagree with this move… Period… You get rid of a problem in Escobar who is NOT PRODUCING and Jo Jo (Thank the lord he is gone) Reyes… For a guy that will give us another threat in our lineup and has a great glove to boot… I can not believe the braves got this deal done because it seems really loop sided in the the BRAVES FAVOR!!! Frank Wren is a wizard…
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:07 pm
“We just got 6 years older at SS and it still doesn’t answer the outfeild power questions”
We just upgraded our power at another position. These things don’t happen in a vacuum.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:07 pm
Count me as one of the people who thinks the trade was an excellent move. No matter what kind of a player Escobar becomes from here on out, the guy is a basket case who needs a team of shrinks. Getting the steady Gonzalez for Jo-Jo Reyes of all people did not hurt our minors a whit. The move needed to made made NOW, in order to rid the clubhouse of a nasty cancer.
Frank, we can stop right here. This is all we need. As Yunel would say, “no mas!”
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
2:08 pm
A little of subject, but did anyone else notice the Braves players last night seemed more patient at the plate that most of the others…or was that just me
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:08 pm
Lew, have the Braves EVER traded a ballplayer that you didn’t immediately throw under the bus after the announcement? I’m trying to think of one, but it’s giving me a headache.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:08 pm
scoots-Not so sure but that he’s right. Would coach accomodations work? Not so sure Yunel rates first class even for a blog stalwart like yourself.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
scoots-Then freaking quit reading. Your posts are terribly “same’ as well and make less sense than o most of mine.
BravesFanLostInOhio
July 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
Right on the money, TNPaul
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
Good luck, Esco. I really hope you get a clue and do well. However, great move, Frank.
“In the past three seasons, Collins struck out 221 batters in his first 152 pro innings. Lefties hit a paltry .117 against Collins, “
Luv 2 Hate Me
July 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
This was a good trade for now but I don’t know for the future. Yunel just needed to change his approach at the plate. He will develop in Toronto and become a good player. Braves will regret the trade in the log run.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
KEEP TP AWAY – FARRR AWAY FROM AG!
Why? Because the Braves have the 3rd-most runs scored in the NL since Pendleton began his tenure as hitting coach?
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
2:09 pm
His .296 OBP hurts my stomach
Hinske Da Man
July 14th, 2010
2:10 pm
If anything guys, we got rid of Reyes as well. You can’t go wrong there at all. Much like Manny Acosta and Blaine Boyer, he can no longer blow a game for the Braves again.
Paranoid native
July 14th, 2010
2:10 pm
This is an understandable move under the circumstances and it will pay off for this season. Long term, however, I think we just gave away a major talent who is going to get his head on straight one day. Let’s just enjoy the ride for Bobby’s last run: It’s World Series or bust!
Flex Chokewell
July 14th, 2010
2:10 pm
I hope Toronto fans like a guy who flip his bat half way to the dugout when he hits routine flyballs. ‘Cause that’s what they just got. The fact the he has managed to stick around for four seasons while being generally disliked by management shows how inflexible the Braves have been due to injuries. This is the Braves year!!
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
2:10 pm
I wanted Willingham
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
2:10 pm
I’m just happy Jo-Jo is gone. Sad it took trading Yunel to have it happen… but the team is fully out of the dark days of Jo-Jo Reyes… Lance Cormier… Kyle Davies… Anthony Lerew… Charlie Morton… Todd Pratt…
Puma
July 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
Gonzalez is also Venezuelan, which probably gives us the most Venezuelans per capita of any MLB team. If Gonzo (can we call him that yet) plays with half the hustle Martin does, I will be a happy man. Go Bravos!
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
Lew, all I have to do is read the names of the posters who “love” the trade, and the ones who are less, shall we say, euphoric about it. That tells me all I need to know about whether it was a good trade or not. It ain’t the former.
Hinske Da Man
July 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
Not to mention that Esco was traded away, far away and out of the NL all together. Good job Wren.
Fillin' up @ Juniors
July 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
You have to balance now and later. If we were 10 games out of first, you keep yunel and work on him, being 4 games up in first, you trade for now. Teams can be built and rebuilt, and you have to strike when the team is hot… I would like to see a consistent outfielder added, and then lets go to the playoffs…I like the pitcher we got from this thing too…
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:11 pm
And to answer your question, I didn’t throw Rnteria under the bus. What other trades have you got problems with my opinion of? Sorry I can’t be as astute an observer as you are or more positive about crap I can see that obviously you can’t. Need an opthalmalogist, do you?
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:12 pm
“His .296 OBP hurts my stomach”
This is a legitimate concern. The hope would be that the team’s overriding philosophy of patience rubs off on him.
Smoltz is the man!!
July 14th, 2010
2:12 pm
Gotta risk it for the biscuit!!! Great move!!!
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
From the other blog…
Remember how happy everyone was when Francoeur was shipped out? Just keep in mind that Alex Gonzalez’s career SLG, OBP, and OPS are all lower than Frenchy’s
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
scoots-Then freaking quit reading. Your posts are terribly “same’ as well and make less sense than o most of mine.
All I asked was a simple question, my man. A simple answer would have sufficed.
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
I’m sorry, but I don;t see how anybody can have a problem with this trade.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
Gone Viral: we are not going to lay the minors bare on another stupid Teixeira-like gambit; that is what teams are asking for in exchange for iffy slugging. Diaz is healthy and Heyward is healthier than he has been the past several months. If McLouth comes back and gives us something, that’s gravy. These are the horses we are going to hitch our wagon to, I am sure we will get to where we want to go. The power is spread out, and the OF slugging will get there in the guise of doubles and some HR’s.
John Brown
July 14th, 2010
2:13 pm
Alex for the short term is great. Better defensive SS overall(consistently), head is in the game, 17 more HR than Escobar…His team option for next year is only $2.5M. Long term, we have a projected everyday infielder in a few years in one prospect, and a terrific lefty 20 yr old pitcher. The same fans critical of this were the same ones calling for Wren’s head for signing Glaus. Well, he knows something it appears. Have a little faith that maybe people who have been doing this stuff for 30 years know a little more than us fans (at least in the Braves organization). And, get over Teixiera. One bad deal didn’t exactly cripple us (Best record in NL). Go Braves!
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
2:14 pm
Let’s get to the damn Series this year. This will help.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:14 pm
I am not saying this is a bad trade or a good trade it just feels like we gave away alot of potential for a RE-TREAD and it was at a position that was fine and we still haven’t gotten a BIG TIME OUTFEILDER
jimmymack
July 14th, 2010
2:14 pm
who is the system to take over ss in 2 to 3 years
PDOG
July 14th, 2010
2:14 pm
This is the worst trade that the Braves could make. What is next, all the young arms down in the minors for Hart. Mark my words Escobar will be an all star within two years while we search for a SS. Can anybody tell me the last trade that Wren made that he brought back equal if not better talent then he gave away.
Let see, Frenchy for Church, Soriano for Chavez, Javy for Melky, it looks like he is learning well from his boss. This will be two all star SS that we have traded in the last 5 years.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:14 pm
I’m not sure why there’s so much hate for Escobar….is it because he got upset at being charged an error?
BamaBrave
July 14th, 2010
2:15 pm
You could tell Escobar truly needed to go a few weeks back… The Braves had won a game (don’t remember exactly which one) in walkoff style, and the dugout emptied to go celebrate and mob the guy at home plate. Escobar was the last guy to the pile, raised his arm up in a half-hearted effort to join in. His gaze never left the sky. He never smiled. He never uttered a sound. He turned around almost immediately and headed back to the dugout. Horrible attitude. Now I can’t begin to tell you why a guy who escaped Cuba, plays major league ball and gets paid handsomely for it, would ever be unhappy. Something is wrong with him…but now we don’t have to worry about it anymore. Adios, mofo…
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:15 pm
Lew, you can stop puffing up at your chest at me, bro. That won’t get you anywhere good.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:15 pm
“Just keep in mind that Alex Gonzalez’s career SLG, OBP, and OPS are all lower than Frenchy’s”
And that one is a SS while the other is a corner outfielder…
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
Andruw Jones used to be my least favorite Brave. After he left, it was Escobar. Haven’t thought about who it is now. I’m sure it’ll come to me eventually.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
It seems like Escobar and JOJO with another player could have gotten about ANY outfielder we wanted and then fill SS with OMAR INFANTE
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
Well scoots- Too bad i disagree. I’m sure that says something about one of us, anyway, though not sure exactly what that might be. You have a headache from reading my posts? Then quit reading and go take a freaking ibuprophen. I’ll go paint a picture and ponder your hubris.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
“The power is spread out, and the OF slugging will get there in the guise of doubles and some HR’s.”
That was what I said. The quote was from someone else.
Mombo Combo
July 14th, 2010
2:16 pm
Gonzalez isn’t flashy. He gets the job done. He’s had a few big hits in his time. He’s been on a world champion team and actually won a WS game with a homer.
Escobar is flashy. He has talent out the wazoo. He’s shows flashes of brilliance followed by periods of brain fade and melancholy.
Gonzalez is like the less than gorgeous woman who is dependable, cooks a great meal and takes good care of the kids. She’s dependable and you don’t have to worry about surprises.
Escobar is like the prettiest girl on the block. She’s gorgeous, passionate and makes hot love to you which makes you feel like a million bucks! Of course the minute you turn your back, she’s screwin’ the milkman!
I’ll take less flash and more dependability.
TampaGator
July 14th, 2010
2:17 pm
I am and I am not surprised by the trade. I just think Cox, the pitching staff, and Troy Glaus were just sick of Escobar taking time off during a game. And he has not hit a lick all year. The two kids in the deal must have excellent potential or I don’t think the Braves make this trade. Escobar could go one to be an all-star in the AL or he could end up in the shortstop “could-have-been” hall of fame. Maybe this will shake some sense into Escobar’s spaced-out head.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
scoots-Whatever. I’m quaking in my cast. Go contemplate your wonderfulness. It might help your headache.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
Brian from SC
What the heck did ANDRUW JONES do besides win 10 Gold Gloves, Hit Nearly 400 hrs, and be possibly the greatest CF of all time (in all of baseball) for the Braves?
dw7782
July 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
THANK GOD HE IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this is a great move, the braves got the best of this trade no doubt.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
I mean, I know DOB didn’t like Yunel, but to call this one of Frank Wren’s best trades? LOL don’t be foolish.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
2:18 pm
Some folks on here are simply crazy. I get that you see potential in Escobar, but the dude is 27, almost 28. He is not some young guy with a bunch more years to figure it out. I saw the potential last year, and this does kind of sting, but to get a guy with so much better numbers, under club control for another year, and prospects, great work by Wren. You can’t fall in love with these guys and refuse to see facts. Escobar was the MVP last year, but this year he got pull happy, and his ego/attitude started showing when he struggled. This team is too good to have to caudle a guy anyway, much less someone who is not preforming. I wish him the best in Canada, and if he does great up there, how does come back and bite the Braves? It doesn’t. They don’t play the Jays and they got what they wanted, a better offensive option, who want be a distraction, who has been through the playoff wars before.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:19 pm
“it looks like he is learning well from his boss.”
We are in first place, so I guess this is right.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:19 pm
BamaBrave – are you freaking joking me? You’re going to say the Braves need to trade Escobar because he didn’t celebrate enough after a win?
If this is the walkoff you’re talking about, I’m still not sure what you’re talking about
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=9595769&topic_id=8879214&c_id=atl
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
coach smith, calm down. Nowhere did I even approach saying Andruw Jones was not a great player. I think he’s a borderline HOF candidate. I said he was my least favorite Brave in the years he was on the team.
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Bloggers suggesting that Yunel was the best Braves player last year apparently learned nothing last night. The best Braves player last year, and arguably for the last 4-5 years if you count Chipper’s inconsistency, has been Brian McCann. If you must check only 2009 stats, go for it. McCann had a higher OPS.
But baseball is more than statistics and Yunel has consistently shown a lack of mental toughness in key ballgame situations. Imagine if the two defensive gaffs in the recent Mets series had come in a playoff game. Would you support him then Escobar apologists? Arguably that series was like a playoff series – the most important three games the Braves had up ’til that point. He’s made those types of mistakes several times during his major league career. And those types of mistakes will make or break a playoff series for a team.
CO_Braves
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Best part of this trade I know longer have to watch JoJo Reyes pitch again in a Braves uniform. Hopefully Gonzalez can give us some power (HRs and 2Bs) to keep us atop the standings. Hopefully Yunel doesn’t come back to bite us in the …
gojo
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
if we still had elvis andrus, this is a great trade. but seriously? only thing i like is that jo jo is gone.
CB
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
In the words of a famous philosopher “Can”t we just get along”.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Prado threw his bat and hit the wall after a strikeout last week. Maybe we should trade him too
MiaBchBravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
Gonzalez gives us time to develop the Dominican SS into a young ML’r. Yeah, his OBP is not where you want it, but he is a better person, we lose nothing with the glove, and he has stealth pop where Yunel this season had zip,zero,zilch, nyet, nada, none. The lefty is a bonus, as well as another SS to develop b/c we were a little thin in that area. I would’ve given them Jo-Jo Reyes for a potted plant because I do not have five years for him to get his head right and become a solid three.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
PDOG-
yeah he may be a allstar in 2 years. He also may be on the trading block on a team that’s not in contention in their division because of his horrible, selfish attitude. Sorry man, character still amounts to something in team sports.
GTFan
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
I think is the stupidest move possible!
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
“to call this one of Frank Wren’s best trades”
We upgraded at SS in the short term and brought in two prospects to help us down the line. I struggle to see a scenario where it’s anything but great.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
I don’t know who said it earlier that Gonzalez was a lefty because he’s not. He bats and throws righthanded. He hits 30 points better on grass compared to turf. He does hit right handers better than lefties so far this season though
Blair
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
Oh good call on Elvis Andrus. That Tex trade was one of the worst in baseball history. Just an atrocious trade, and JS hurt his legacy with that brain fart.
Wayne in Utah
July 14th, 2010
2:21 pm
I’m sure it will come as no surprise that I like this trade. Never dreamed it would happen in the middle of the season, but that goes to show you just how frustrated the Braves were with Escobar, or else they would have waited.
Gonzalez will help more this season than Escobar. In 2-3 years from now, when Escobar gets his act together, we might have some “Tex trade” rants about how we should have kept him, but I am more of the sort that says don’t look back at what might have been.
Gonzalez helps us get deeper into the playoffs.
Flex Chokewell
July 14th, 2010
2:22 pm
You can like Escobar and still be aware that he has a bad attitude. Even a casual observer can tell other players don’t like him. Why does an adult professional athlete have to be told by his manager not to draw designs in the dirt every time he goes up to bat. I have always liked the guy and worried that some hack pitcher was gonna take his head off out of spite.
Let's Go Bravos!
July 14th, 2010
2:22 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/players/player/splits/2010/18477?tag=pageRow;pageContainer
BravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
Awesome trade! Good job Wren. Now don’t let TP mess with AG’s swing.
@CO_Braves: yes this is great. Jo-jo is gone, we got a good lefty for him.
gadawgs
July 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
Outstanding move by Wren. No doubting Escobar’s talent (when he is not pouting or loafing) but Gonzalez is a marked improvement from several angles (offensively, professionalism and championship experience). Esco may be a slightly better defensive shortstop than Gonzalez but the other intangibles make this a slam dunk. Great job Mr. Wren, cannot wait for the second half to start.
Gil In Mechanicsville
July 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
Consistent adequacy often out performs occasional excellence.
Escobar for Supreme Court
July 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
Great trade for the immediate future of the club. Definite attitude problems in the club house. We are winning and Escobar is being a hotdog. Call me crazy but I think that the pitcher we got who has a lot of potential will be trader in the next coouple of weeks for a nice outfielder.
Farewell Yunel so much potential.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:23 pm
I struggle to see a scenario where it’s anything but great
A .294 career OBP in this lineup for a potential future All Star (and this team’s reigning MVP) is a start
Blair
July 14th, 2010
2:24 pm
If anyone compares this swap to the Tex swap, they need to be hit over the head with a sledge hammer. Just end it already, because there’s no hope. We win a World Series this year, and one’s going to care about this trade!
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
2:24 pm
Even a casual observer can tell other players don’t like him.
Yep. I understand the folks who were and are big Yunel Escobar fans defending him. But this trade is positive proof that he was a problem in the clubhouse, if it wasn’t already clear enough.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
2:24 pm
Some people need to quit looking at Yunel with their love goggles and see him for what he was.
GTFan
July 14th, 2010
2:24 pm
BramaBrave, that’s the stupidest thing ever! I enjoyed Yunnel Escobar because at least he was an awesome infielder, and everytime he made a mistake he kicked himself for it and tried to do better next time. I guess we should trade him too, because he’s Hispanic!!! Come on with this ridiculous post! I hope that Escobar shoves this all in the Braves face!!!
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:24 pm
Now don’t let TP mess with AG’s swing
BALLGAME! I’m done here for now.
Terrell
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
D Money,
Considering the Braves have been a disappointement the past couple of seasons and the Hawks have improved their record every year and made the playoffs the past past 3 years with 53 wins last year I think you’re being a little hard and that’s an understatement
jch
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
This sounds fantastic to me! Gonzalez brings immediate power and we’re not giving up too much on defense.
The Braves just signed a SS phenom – Salcedo I think – who is supposed to be the “real deal”. He’s in Rome now and they needed to find a spot for him either next year, or in 2012. So, Escobar was probably going to be moved anyway. Doing it now brings us MUCH needed offense out of the SS position for the stretch run. Gonzalez is only signed through the end of the year so the Braves can but Salcedo on the fast track to be ready next spring. At the end of the season, if Salcedo doesn’t appear ready, they have the option to re-sign Gonzalez or, they can always slip All-Star Infante in there for a while!
The pitcher we got along with him has one heck of a line!!! Considering what we gave up, how did Wren pull this off???
Looks like we have a new “Gonzo”
Mombo Combo
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
“jeffrescobar d
July 14th, 2010
2:20 pm
Prado threw his bat and hit the wall after a strikeout last week. Maybe we should trade him too”
One difference there. Prado was pizzed at his OWN failure. He was mad at himself for not producing.
With Yunel….. it’s always some else’s fault!
That is the differenc.
Elmer
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
Esco has way more talent than Gonzo ever had.
GTFan
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
Can we trade sorry piece of no good talent, Chipper why were at it?
granerrob
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
Gonzalez is a HUGE upgrade. Escobar was a roller coaster ride each game. He was not hitting well and Alex gives us a power hitter. Great move!
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
“A .294 career OBP in this lineup for a potential future All Star”
You mean the kid with the bad attitude and the .611 OPS? You say start, I say non-starter.
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
jeffrescobar-
Milton Bradley has a ton of potential. Should we make a run after him?
Venice Jim
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
jeffrey d – you are aware that there were other players involved in the trade?
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:25 pm
Some people need to quit looking at Yunel with their love goggles and see him for what he was.
What he was? Like the .299 hitter he was less than a full season ago?
Blair
July 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
GTFan, you account of the Yunel enigma is a wet dream description. Need to get real man. Again, he was fine when going well. But he hurts in more ways than production when he’s going bad.
BravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
@ escobar for the supreme court
yes pair one of the prospects with some of our own for corey hart baby.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
It seems like Escobar and JOJO with another player could have gotten about ANY outfielder we wanted and then fill SS with OMAR INFANTE — Coach Smith
This may be why the Braves don’t pay you to evaluate talent!
jaysfan
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
Braves Fans – You will like Alex Gonzalez. Very solid defense. Good teammate. Good pop.
There is a team option for next year at $ 2.5 mil.
Butchershop
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
Now that Escie’s out from under TP, bet he starts hitting again…..soon we’ll have another data point.
Mitchell
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
So when do we trade TP?
I mean, how the hell do we know this guy won’t go belly up when he comes here like McLouth has?
Another trade for a player with more homeruns than any current Brave player. I’m forced to assume that his overall offensive numbers will drop precipitously before his time with the Braves is through.
Are we ever going to address why exactly the best and most dynamic player on the team just one year ago failed to hit even a single homerun in 2010? I mean, what does Terry Pendleton even do?
I’m not saying this might not be a good trade but we just gave away one of the best defensive short stops in the game for a guy who’s offensive production is sure to drop just like every other player who’s comes to this team in the Pendleton era.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
After this trade, seeing ELVIS ANDRUS and NEFTALI FELIZ in the All-Star game really gives me indigestion
Bobby Hill
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
The more I look at this trade the less thrilled I am. I’m not against trading Yunel. I think he had definitely worn out his welcome. Alex Gonzales plays acceptable defense and he’s having a good year, but ultimately he’s a 33 year old journeyman shortstop. If the Braves were willing to part with Escobar then why not trade him for the outfield bat the team desperately needs and find another way to acquire Alex or another rental shortstop. A package centered around Escobar might have landed Cory Hart or Josh Willingham.
Andrew
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
For those who are wondering, Gonzalez has a team option for next year at about 3 mil. The short stop prospect we got has been dominating AAA this year and should be ready for the majors by the end of Gonzalez’s contract (assuming the Braves pick-up the option). I think the Jays got screwed in this trade. The Braves got a veteran bat (with a huge defensive upside), a fast rising infield prospect, and a great pitching prospect. They got rid of Reyes (a pitcher who has only been in the majors because the braves were pitching poor the past couple of years) and Escobar (a great player, but a little absent minded and lackidaisical). Trades like this are why teams like the Blue Jays can never quite get over the hump.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
Let me guess. Escobar sucks! Always did, always will.
Let the bashing begin.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:27 pm
Gone Viral – I’m going with career norms. I’m thinking 4700 ABs is a large enough sample size to know what AG’s made of.
VJ – yeah, a midget and someone hitting .250 in A-ball (I’m kidding…one or both of them could very well turn out to be a decent major leaguer)
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
ncscoots – You have the right to your opinions. But so do the rest of us, my friend. You don’t like this trade? Fine. You don’t have to. But you seem to come on this blog for the express purpose of making yourself look like you’re the be-all to end-all in intelligence. This is a sports blog, not a PhD convention. We’re just ordinary fans here – we’re not here to match wits.
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
I have no doubt that Escobar is a better player than Gonzalez. I think Wren, if he could be completely honest about it, would agree. But he wouldn’t have made the trade if he didn’t think it would make the team better. That’s different from saying one is a better player than the other.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
What’s kinda weird is that 2 weeks ago I dropped Escobar in my fantasy baseball league….for none other than Alex Gonzalez.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
2:28 pm
Now that Escie’s out from under TP, bet he starts hitting again…..soon we’ll have another data point.
Escobar hit .291 under his tenure with TP!!
Rhino
July 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
I don’t know about this. Gonzalez has never hit homers like this before. We’ll see though. And who plays SS next year? But the Braves needed power and they got it.
http://www.rhinorant.com
papadawg
July 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
Talent means nothing if you’re always whining or pouting. Anyone who’s played any organized sports knows this. Good bye yunel!
Mitchell
July 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
Grammatical errors at the end there. I’m embarrassed.
Ralph
July 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
I like this trade providing Wren has a plan to address center field. If not we would have been better off trading Yune for a center fielder abd using our all star Infante at short.
jaysfan
July 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
Reply to Andrew -
Tyler Pastornicky – the SS the Braves got back is in A ball.
Mitchell
July 14th, 2010
2:30 pm
Rhino. Nobody wants to read your blog.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:30 pm
CraZyTRaDeMaN
your post makes no sense! The reports EVERYWHERE where that tons of teams were inquiring about Escobar so there was obviously lots of serious interest….That means you can get good players for him
and what is the problem with putting an ALL-STAR like Infante at SS?
again I don’t see your point or problem with my post
Mike in Acworth
July 14th, 2010
2:30 pm
Absolutely excellent. Escobar under-performed by a wide margin and has become a head case. Reyes was given every chance to excel, and apparently he can as a 4-A player. Next up: Braves need to add one more right handed outfield bat to go with Matt Diaz. Atlanta can win the National League East without two right-handed outfield bats, but to advance through three playoff rounds they will need more right-handed bats against the better pitching you find in playoff games. McLouth should go away in a package with someone else. And there are some hitters out there. We need to go find one. To those worried about losing Escobar, Braves began to restock their minor league infield candidates this year.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:30 pm
Really? You sound like a first class jackass…lol
Making the ridiculously optimistic assumption that you knew anything about “first class”, you could be right. That, however, has little to do with a discussion of this trade.
jaysfan
July 14th, 2010
2:30 pm
PS .. all Braves Fans
.. the Jays have a Power Hitting Third Baseman ( Edwin Encarnacion) you can have cheap
MichaelATL
July 14th, 2010
2:31 pm
I really don’t get the people saying this is a bad move. I liked Yunel, and really pulled for him to DO something. And by do something, I don’t mean drop a routine pop up like he did not so long ago. This gives us a solid shortstop….maybe not the athletic ability in the field that Yunel had when he was actually using his head, but the bat alone makes this move a winner. The trade up in HR and RBI’s will mean we win more games. Good move Braves, I like it a lot.
monty
July 14th, 2010
2:31 pm
Heyward coming back, Nate coming back, Diaz back to platoon in LF with Hinske,that kind of relegates one of our best hitters back to a fill in role,great to have an all-star back up player but he’s a a guy that obviously this year could hit .300 everyday. I don’t know how you take him out and relegate him to filling in for Chipper and just pinch hitting. Guys a spark plug.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:32 pm
We’re just ordinary fans here – we’re not here to match wits.
Good choice.
GTFan
July 14th, 2010
2:32 pm
papadawg
July 14th, 2010
2:29 pm
Talent means nothing if you’re always whining or pouting. Anyone who’s played any organized sports knows this. Good bye yunel!
Yea, and like he’s the only one who’s done this??
cs95
July 14th, 2010
2:32 pm
everybody who’s asking: alex gonzalez has a 2.5 M option for next season by 2012 diory, salcedo, mycal jones or this tyler kid should be ready.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
GT fan – you all over at GT as dumb as you? Maybe that is why so many of you are getting mugged. How would Escobar shove it in the Braves face? By playing in the post season? Not with Toronto. I predict Toronto will be sick of Escobars half ass play by the end of the year and just release him. The Jays stink, and are holding a fire sale. Personally, I would play infante (i belong a the all star game NOT) in CF the rest of the year. But if some moron comes along and wants McLouth for $500,000 cash, I’d trade him.
warren
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
fantastic deal-this should keep braves in a great position to win the division.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
Escobar was not going to get us anyone better than Alex Gonzalez or that’s what FW would have done. This isn’t a video game its reality! Remember other teams don’t spend there time trying to make the Braves better.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
Yeah, that one makes sense. Yunel has a .297 career batting average with TP as his hitting coach so it must be TP’ fault he’s done so poorly this year. Whatever.
Diecinueve
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
My gut tells me that Wren initially approached Toronto about Jose Bautista..I wonder what Toronto was asking for in return for Bautista? Just curious..
Mombo Combo
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
Anders….. you’ve been here long enough to know that half the posters DO and HAVE BEEN thinking and saying that Escobar sucks. So we don’t need any revisionist history here. Just like the folks here who praise Bobby for recognizing PRADO’s ability and giving him a starting job. It was like Bobby’s brilliance and insight “found” Prado. Too many here forget that MANY bloggers were calling for Prado to start and KJ to sit LONG before Bobby ever pulled that trigger. It took KJ going DL for Prado to get the shot.
May be some dummies on this blog, but there are quite a few folks who know the game to.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
Not sure I like the trade or hate it. I’m happy though to see the Braves go for all the marbles this year. If there was one player Wren could make that wouldn’t disrupt the chemistry on the team, that would be it – or McLouth, i mean as far as i can tell. In that aspect, it’s a good move. Seems like we got a pretty good pitcher too. For the future, we definitely have the pieces in the minors to get another short stop via trade.
Jeff
July 14th, 2010
2:33 pm
So glad we traded off Elvis Andrus now. This is a good trade for today but leaves a big hole for tomorrow.
JohnSmith
July 14th, 2010
2:34 pm
Will the Braves regret this trade in the future? Very probably.
Will Gonzalez help the Braves get to the postseason more than Esco would have? Absolutely.
Overall, this trade isn’t half bad for us, because we also get a base stealing minor-league SS and a low-ERA lefthander in the mix. This trade is also good for the Jays, though, since Esco will undoubtedly improve next season with them at a low cost. (I mean, c’mon, in that ballpark? In the AL? He’s FIND his power stroke, trust me.)
In the end, Wren gave the majority of fans what they wanted, no?
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:34 pm
paddy-GT means Gran Touring. I think you have it mixed up with an institution of higher learning.
John
July 14th, 2010
2:34 pm
Great move. Escobar had become a constant headache. He’s not a team player and needs to be babied. Who cares that’s Cox is leaving at the seasons end, this saves the next manager from dealing with leftover garbage. And the two minor league guys are great and will be in the big leagues sooner rather than later. Brilliant move.
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
2:34 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.
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:32 pm
We’re just ordinary fans here – we’re not here to match wits.
Good choice.
___________________________________
I am so glad I don’t have an ego as amazingly gargantuan as yours. How sad it must be to go through life having to prove how smart you are – even on meaningless sports blogs.
Craig
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
Anyone who does not like this deal has lost their mind. We have something good going here this year and we just improved our team’s power. The guy is 33 but, don’t we have a young SS in the minors that the Brave are saying is the future, I believe he is from Cuba. None the less, great move.
GO BRAVES!
kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
So how will we know if this trade improves the offense? I see lots of claims about an upgrade, but how will we be able to tell from on the field results? If Gonzalez hits 10 HR’s is that alone improvement?
I sure hope those cheerleading this trade now aren’t complaining about too many strikeouts a month from now.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
CraZyTRaDeMaN
The problem is I have articles supporting the WIDE and SERIOUS interest in Escobar and YOU HAVE NOTHING to support your opinion
Atlantarama
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
I am shocked, but I believe Wren knows what he’s doing.
Broncs
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
We just need to make a move for Dunn and let him play left field and this is the best team in baseball. Hell it might be the best team in baseball right now! Projected line-up without Dunn
1. Martin Prado 2B (no brainer)
2. Omar Infante LF (Can’t leave this guy on bench)
3. Chipper Jones 3B (On-Base Machine)
4. Brian McCann (2nd half MVP for Braves?)
5. Troy Glaus (Worried about him 2nd half)
6. Jason Heyward (Prefer power here, Infante 2nd)
7. Alex Gonzalez (low on-base hurts less here, lots of RBI chances)
8. Diaz/McClouth/Cabrera (just bat .250 please!)
Now add in Adam Dunn and let him bat clean-up. Wow! Have .400 or so on-base guys in our first FIVE batting holes. Then you let RBI machines like J-Hey, Gonzalez and Glaus clean-up all those base runners. Best team in baseball and Dunn only cost us $3 million rest of season. No brainer??
Bobby Hill
July 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
There have been rumors circulating about team inquiring about Escobar for weeks now. But this was obviously a trade that Wren initiated.
gill
July 14th, 2010
2:36 pm
Escobar was gone and it has been planed for a while. Why do you think we just drafted 3 or 4 shortstops? He was a problem player on the field and off. Gotta get rid of the bad seeds. This will benefit the Braves now and in the long run.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:36 pm
“Gone Viral – I’m going with career norms. I’m thinking 4700 ABs is a large enough sample size to know what AG’s made of.”
What he’s made of in 2010 is much better stuff than Yunel. I admire the Braves for not sticking with a fading player simply because we drafted him. We got better after we ditched Frenchy and the same should happen here. If a kid is too immature to be here, he doesn’t deserve to wear the jersey. Yunel pouted on four defensive plays in one game last week and that was the final straw. Good riddance to him, his immaturity and his .611 OPS. Hello to a gritty veteran SS who will fit in the clubhouse and particular hello to Tim Collins, and his oh so sweet batting average againsts of .156, .208 and .174 the last three seasons. The Blue Jays made a mistake here. It’s that simple.
Kapoonka
July 14th, 2010
2:37 pm
Hmmm..remnants of losing Furcal…and Francouer. Furcal has thrived and Francouer is what he is…still struggling. Yes…Yunel was immature, but time could have changed that. His bat is capable and his fielding is amongst the best. I cringe when I see him make stupid mistakes and then act non-chalantly. Admittedly he has struggled at the plate. If Yunel ever decides to use all of his gifts he will be amongst the best in the baseball. I wish him well……
Blair
July 14th, 2010
2:37 pm
The Former Blue Jays GM thinks we did real well here.
Scott
July 14th, 2010
2:37 pm
Great move. Escobar never lived up to the hype and brought the attitude to boot. Hopefully the m inor league SS has potential in a few years. This move was a no-brainer to make a run THIS year. Escobar has given no reason to expect a huge turnaround in is play or his work ethic.
jaysfan
July 14th, 2010
2:37 pm
Braves Fans….
Ummm .. do you guys remember that Alex Gonzalez played with the Marlins. Won a world series with him.You guys used to see him all the time. Go look up his stats.
Al
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
To everyone who doesn’t like the trade we have more young talent. Conrad, Infante and Freeman immediately come to mind. This move doesn’t surprise me after seeing Escobar break his bat on the ground after popping up to the outfield about a week ago. Hustle to first anyway, the dude might drop the ball. They won’t miss Escobar’s bat near as much as it misses baseballs.
GTFan
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
PaddyO, you have anything else to use, besides the mugging? It’s old! And, all I was saying is that I hope Yunnel proves that he’s better than what people are saying. I would trade McLouth in a heartbeat, I don’t think he’s lived up to the potential and hype. But, all this crap about Yunnel’s attitude and etc…well they look at Chipper Jones. Half the time he’s hurt, or doesn’t even seem interested in the game. And, half the time he doesn’t even do crap! So, does that mean we should trade him too?
Wayne in Utah
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
This is similar to a reverse John Smoltz trade for Doyle Alexander. Alexander helped Detroit that year, and Smoltz came into his own in ATL.
Gonzo will help this team this year (and probably next) and Escobar will probably turn into a solid, if not outstanding baseball player.
On a winning team, why deal with the BS when you can afford to rid yourself of the problem and help yourself in the short run.
Besides, it this kid Collins comes around, then this trade is much better in a couple of years from now.
Later folks………..
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
Gonzalez’ playoff experience will pay dividends if the Braves make it this year. Braves have really done a great job building a team with several players who know how to win (Cabrera, Hinske, Glaus, Wagner among them). Having a middle infielder with a World Series ring will bring some calm to the Braves defense during tense playoff situations.
Leaving aside Yunel or Gonzalez for a second, the Braves totally fleeced the Blue Jays on the minor league side of this deal. At age 20 Tim Collins looks like a high-mid level prospect with a power arm (despite his 5′7″, 155 lbs. frame).
Mombo Combo
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
“ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:32 pm
We’re just ordinary fans here – we’re not here to match wits.
Good choice.”
I like when this guy talks. He’s actually a lot like Escobar so I understand his attraction. He is full of himself and is convinced he’s more important than he really is. Oh yeah, that was the view of “one major league scout.”
jaysfan
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
reply to Blair
.. that is why he is the former GM. Both players were his signings and he is over hyping them.
Not that they are terrible…but he is over hyping them
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:38 pm
I am so glad I don’t have an ego as amazingly gargantuan as yours. How sad it must be to go through life having to prove how smart you are – even on meaningless sports blogs.
Oh, shoot yeah, I got ego out the azz. Never denied it. Proud of it, in fact. As for the other, I just look smart, here, because of the surrounding comparisons. It ain’t that hard, bubba.
BravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:39 pm
The New LH pitcher we got, diory hernandez, zeke spruill, cody johnson and TP for Cory Hart.
slugger
July 14th, 2010
2:39 pm
Can we get Micah Owings already.
He’s been reduced to a long-relief, mop-up guy.
Send the Reds Cody Johnson… they like big swingers.
slugger
July 14th, 2010
2:40 pm
Micah
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
2:40 pm
coach smith, So you think FW passed on better players to get Alex?
culous
July 14th, 2010
2:40 pm
Guys, the two minor league prospects we picked up are awesome. This deal was a steal to say the least.
Greg Mendel
July 14th, 2010
2:40 pm
“Potential” refers to the future, and there’s no guarantee any player’s potential will ever be realized. I like Escobar, but I think the trade is a good one for a team that needs its own potential realized sooner. Too many of Escobar’s good performances on the field have been offset by mental junkets to Neptune during games which could — potentially — continue for years. The stats suggest Gonzalez improves the position right now and, yes, potentially longer. Plus, the other acquisitions look good, and I’ll be happy to see JJ realize his potential elsewhere.
Glen
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
Bad trade, good trade…how about awesome trade! Gonzalez has the experience and power we need, and we definitely got the better end of this deal.
I’m not going to bash Yunel. He certainly can be an exciting player, but with his many lapses and declining production, perhaps a change of scenery will help his career. The big downside for us manifests if he plays up to his potential. As for Jo-Jo…I came to the conclusion a while ago that his ceiling is a 5A player.
Mike…as for trading Nate McLousy, until he shows he’s recovered from the concussion, we won’t be able to get the time of day for him. Once Heyward’s hand is better, I don’t think we’ll need a trade for an outfielder.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
update
Josefina Rivera
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
Don’t want get involved in all the ego posturing, but as cs95 tersely posted: Salcedo. As in, Edward Salcedo. He makes Escobar, career average or not, expendable. Look Salcedo up, should take the sting out of the “we taded away our future”. If not…well, a drink might help.
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
Horrible, horrible, horrible.
As noted by others, if they dont win it all this year, this goes down as a stupid trade. Wren just bought into a guy having a career 1st half during a contract year.
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.
Yunel has better career numbers in average, OBP, OPS, and slugging. And he is six years younger.
What a way to ruin a perfect all star night.
Mississippi Brave
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
I know its hard to give up a player that has been with the team for a while, but this is a good move. Would we be better off with Frenchy instead of Hewward, with Kelly Johnson instead of Prado. Escobar has never adjusted to hitting down in the lineup. Gonzalez has been hitting 7th all year for the Jays. Plus, he has had a lot of big hits late in the game for Toronto this year, check the stats. Good move Wern
Sam Fossela
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
This trade was made because Yunel frosted his hair and because he didn’t speak English. There are others on this team that have underperformed but get a pass. I sure hope Mccann and Chipper start to hit because Yunel took scrutiny away from others who aren’t getting it done like they were being counted on.
Josefina Rivera
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
Taded, of course = Traded
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
2:42 pm
You said we could have ANY outfielder. Who is the any outfielder we could have gotten for Esco?
29tigerboys
July 14th, 2010
2:42 pm
How could a Braves fan not like this trade? Esco and Jo-Jo for the #’s we get in return? Like an earlier post added, we just acquired our new HR leader (and he plays the infield). Now if Wren is serious, he will deal McClouth and prospect(s) for a power hitting outfielder. This trade definitely made sense for us!!
drlull
July 14th, 2010
2:42 pm
With 20/20 hindsight the Bravos should have kept Elvis Andrus and sent Yunel to Texas in the Texieria deal, but the upside on Esco must have looked better in 2007.
A lot of fans seem to forget that Esco virtually carried this team from mid-May until August of last year when Chipper lost his mojo. I can remember him personally winning 5-7 games by himself last year. He tailed off in mid-August and fans, being fickle, only remembered that.
Still, I think he has been a bit of a clubhouse distraction and maybe this is best. I’m absolutely amazed that anyone would see value in Jo-Jo as a major leaguer–he’s worse than Charlie Morton ever was.
I hope this works out well for the Braves. I suspected Yunel was leaving soon based on what went on this year.
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
Does anyone see Escobar still being a starting SS in 7 years? 5 yrs? 3yrs? C’mon – don’t kid yourselves. This guy had one good year for a team that didn’t make the playoffs. His head doesn’t match his skills. He will never be all that he can be.
This helps us this year and in 2 yrs we will have a new SS. No big lose for the Braves. It was worth the gamble. Gonzalez can’t do much worse than what Yunel has been giving us.
rock out with Cox out
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
wish we had thrown in Lowe
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
GT – you always run down future HOF? Chipper plays with an attitude, and generally does make the repeated “i am on drugs and don’t know what is going on” errors that Escobar did. I still say play Infante in CF if he can do it.
jay dubu
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
@Ross, Toronto is leading all of baseball in HR, 10th in RBI, 13 in runs scored. How is that a weak offensive team?
Dr. Dman
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
bvillebaron: YOU ARE AN IDIOT…! There isn’t another Manager in the history of the game who is more PATIENT than Bobby Cox. He has put with Escobar’s EGO for much longer than most of us would have! AND… this was a MUCH better trade than some earlier trades! It was PAINFUL watching the All Star Game last night – watching Elvis Andrus and Adam Waynewright, who – along with 100mph Neftali Feliz… for NOTHING…!!! It appears this one could work VERY well for us.
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
Glen, what power exactly are you talking about? Gonzalez is already near his career high for home runs. He plays for a team were the gameplan is grip it and rip it. He has more seasons with single digit home runs than seasons with double digit home runs. 12 years in the league. 131 career home runs. 281 career doubles. This guy is not a power hitter.
Mitchell
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
I can obviously understand why some people would be happy to get rid of Yunel but would any of you bat an eye if we traded Melky and Nate for a big outfield bat?
Surely we could get something for those guys.
Again, I get why Bobby might have been at the end of his rope with Yunel but his departure from the team is a huge disappointment to me personally and reflects poorly on Terry Pendleton as the Braves hitting coach. Based on the offensive stuggles of countless players in recent years, it’s more than fair to say that he has failed to perform at an acceptable level.
In no way should he be deserving of consideration as a replacement for Bobby Cox as manager upon his retirement.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
2:43 pm
come playoff time, you may come to appreciated Mr. Lowe.
slugger
July 14th, 2010
2:44 pm
Oh, and Hello Everyone.
Since we’ve started winning, I’ve stopped posting
Lurking like always, though. Can we forever ban talking about the Tex trade? We traded prospects for Tex – easy trade. Tried to win. Didn’t work. Should have only done it if we could predict the economy falling to pieces and had enough cash to sign Tex.
Next.
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
2:44 pm
Former Toronto GM raves about Collins and Pastornicky (says nothing about Jo Jo, understandably). Collins (age 20) is likely to be a set-up pitcher in the bullpen and Pastornicky (age 20) will be an everyday MLB SS or 2B.
MeaneyMouse
July 14th, 2010
2:44 pm
Good trade. More pop in the lineup!!
BIOMASS
July 14th, 2010
2:44 pm
heckyes, Reyes is worthless and although I liked Esco, a change was needed. Hopefully he’ll prosper in new environs. Not a single HR this year, wow. That is telling.
Josefina Rivera
July 14th, 2010
2:45 pm
I understand people would rather post than read. But try reading about who we have coming up through the minors.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
July 14th, 2010
2:45 pm
Lessee,
Today I lost my job, my girl left,my dog was hit by a car and Yousmell A**holebar and No No Reyes got traded. Has this been a great day or what?
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
2:46 pm
The bigger question should be –
What will the Mets and Phils do to respond?
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
2:46 pm
Those are real prospects the Braves got, which some refuse add to their Escobar love-fest spewing.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:47 pm
Mitchell-Yeah, like I’ve been saying – sure we can get a bat for Nate and the $11 mil he’s still owed. Maybe even two bats. Not cracked, either.
Yeah, we could have gotten ANY outfielder we wanted for YUnel, but Wren didn’t want any of them and passed them all up to take the worst deal h could find. Lots of logic there. Y’all might even impress scoots and he don’t get impressed over anything – he didn’t originate.
kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
2:48 pm
I sure hope that now that Yunel is gone we will get more specifics as to whether or not Yunel was as bad a clubhouse guy as people who aren’t actually in the clubhouse claim.
sportsmandh
July 14th, 2010
2:48 pm
Tale of Woe,
I agree with you. Escobar has the Andruw Jones mentality. He gets by on talent alone. He doesn’t seem to be interested in doing anything that could make himself better. Not to mention, how many passes can you give a guy for mental lapses, lack of hustle/effort, or botched plays before you have to say enough is enough??
I agree also with someone else’s earlier post, don’t know who it was, but it was well said. They stated the Yunel supporters need to see him for what he is. Talented yes. But if this deal doesn’t show everyone just what the Braves front office and teammates think about him, then they Yunel supporters will never be convinced. If there was any support for him from Bobby or the clubhouse I don’t think this trade would have happened.
JDW
July 14th, 2010
2:49 pm
Heck, I’m more intrigued about the kid with 73Ks in 43 innings!!! Double A or not – that’s a NICE ratio!
ryan
July 14th, 2010
2:49 pm
You people that are dumping on this trade we got some great prospects in return from the Blue Jays.
GTFan
July 14th, 2010
2:49 pm
PaddyO, I agree that Infante would be great in CF.
Things that make you go hmmm.....
July 14th, 2010
2:49 pm
This is a heck of a lot better trade than the recent Hawks sign-trade deal.
JORDAN
July 14th, 2010
2:49 pm
@lew escobar has been a clutch hitter in the past and always has been a good hitter. he coulda used these past few days to clear his head and start fresh for the 2nd half. i honestly believe he woulda have been big for us in the 2nd half. i know he was a headache to braves management but he was a stud defensively and his hitting would have came around. just like adam laroche he sucks in the 1st half and hits his ass off in the 2nd half. this trade will backfire i believe. they coulda got more for escobar.
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
2:50 pm
would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when DOB learned about the trade while in the airport. i have this picture of dude typing the trade story with one hand and confirming the info. on his cell with the other all in about 10 minutes before boarding.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
July 14th, 2010
2:50 pm
Come to think about it the best part of this is Torontos’s manager, Cito Gaston. The first time Escobar pulls one of his stunts he will,as the Gunny says, rip his head off and etc,etc,etc!
tiger297
July 14th, 2010
2:51 pm
I wonder if we give Escobar a share and WS ring?
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:51 pm
JaysFan, here is a link about Escobar you may enjoy:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1130711/index.htm
He’s homesick for a reason. What this kid has been through is all but impossible for the rest of us to understand.
LaterEsco
July 14th, 2010
2:51 pm
Very happy about this..other than the fact I have an Esco jersey. There is no room for pre-teens in MLB. BRAVOS!!
wheelz007
July 14th, 2010
2:51 pm
Good Trade.
Subract Escobar’s laziness and poor attitude. His Potential/Talent wasn’t going to be reached in ATL.
Add Gonzales’s bat and playoff experience. We know we’re getting a consistent pro player.
I’ll take the deal!
Good job Wren.
BravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:52 pm
chip caray eyebriws , i said on bradlye’s blog remember the prospects. they might get us an OF bat.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
2:52 pm
NICK CALLED THIS TRADE, YES NICK OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE NICK CALLED IT
rrosson3
July 14th, 2010
2:52 pm
not to bad of a lineup after the break:
1. Martin Prado (All-Star)
2. Jason Heyward (All-Star)
3. Chipper Jones (hitting over .300 since retirement talk)
4. Brian McCann (ASG MVP!)
5. Troy Glaus (14 hrs 58 rbis)
6. Alex Gonzalez (17 hrs, 50 rbis, 43 extra base hits)
7. Eric Hinske/Matt Diaz (Diaz hitting like Diaz lately, Hinske has 34 rbis in LIMITED duty)
8. Nate McLouth/Melky Cabrera (only hole now)
Can I get a Marlon Byrd next, anyone?
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
2:52 pm
Chip Carays Eyebrows – you are correct, they look like legit prospects.
So now we are trading starters for prospects? Escobar is going to hit some home runs. Gonzalez probably wont hit 17 more in the second half. You just gained 5 or 6 home runs and and added about 40 strikeouts for the second half.
All the talk about this team, going back to last year when they were stuggling was about not giving away at bats. They just traded for a guy who gives away a boat load of at bats. The home runs look cool though.
Its almost always a bad idea to buy into a career year that happens to be a contract year.
Mitchell
July 14th, 2010
2:53 pm
pj
July 14th, 2010
12:22 pm
Long term this isn’t the best move – but for this season? You bet your butt it is. Sending Cox out with a bang and winning a title should be the goal – and this gets us closer to it!
Send Cox out with a title… he’s the God D manager!!! That’s his job!!! To manage!!!
Not to sit back and hope that his team sends him out with a bang.
That drives me crazy.
HuffBraves
July 14th, 2010
2:53 pm
Foolish Blue Jays! Don’t they know that Escobar is useless without Brayan Pena by his side?
Space Monkey
July 14th, 2010
2:53 pm
This is the best news. We got rid of a lazy, stupid shortstop and a 4A pitcher. We got a proven winner. We got real nice prospects. Did anybody see that pitcher’s K rate in AA? He struck out more than 70 in 40-something innings. Kid has some stuff. This is just awesome. I love Frank Wren right now. Boy, Toronto really bought the hype on Yunel. He’s been nothing but a rally killer this year. And his love swinging at the first pitch is the opposing pitcher’s best weapon. Man, I want to go open a bottle of champaign.
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
2:54 pm
http://twitter.com/surfingthemets
Atlanta got better today. It’s not hard to get Braves players to mutter unflattering things about Yunel Escobar.
about 2 hours ago via txt
Ryan
July 14th, 2010
2:54 pm
FWIW former Jays GM J.P. Riccardi was just on BSPNews calling the trade a “home run” for the Braves saying that Collins and Pastornicky will be good big league players.
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
2:54 pm
If Esco hits his first HR of the season this week, Imma gonna scream. And then act like it didn’t happen.
northbeach Scott
July 14th, 2010
2:55 pm
I loved Yunel when I first saw in him in Spring Training 2007. I was excited to see him come up to the Braves when Chipper was hurt and saw that he was a “difference maker” type of ballplayer in the field and at bat.
Nevertheless, Yunel has just lost it mentally and emotionally and it is obvious it will never happen for him with the Braves. I hope this trade will help him grow up and be more of a team player. He is the only guy on the 25 man not contributing. His fielding shenanagans last week and his sullen, self-absorbed attitude are unacceptable and had become a distraction.
Yunel completely tore it with me when he pouted and carried on because an official scorer gave him an error on a tough chance a couple of weeks ago. He seems to be almost socially retarded and at 27 he is no longer a kid. Great work by Frank Wren to improve the Braves. Bonus in getting rid of Jo-Jo the dog-faced boy. Made my day.
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
2:55 pm
those praising Escobar’s defensive ability, did you not watch the Mets series?
those praising Escobar’s ability to hit in the second half, do you not realize that the numbers are fairly similar b/w first and second half. OPS about 0.50 pts. higher in second half, but homers, RBIs, hits, runs, etc. all about the same.
The bigger issue and as DOB and others have pointed out a number of times, dude hasn’t hit a home run since 2 September of last year! Rafael Belliard had more power (a better glove and less attitude.).
rrosson3
July 14th, 2010
2:55 pm
what i hate the most was ANY ground ball Escobar hit he NEVER ran hard. Hopefully Gonzalez freaking RUNS!
Supes
July 14th, 2010
2:56 pm
Anders, there is no “Yunel bashing” by the knowledgeable fans around the DOB blogs, you know that….but you also have to admit the man was somewhat of a head case and a mental midget at times…ahhh ironic, you should by now know something about those types…we shipped one of them to you last year, how’s FRANCINE working out for ya? Developed into that all star player some here were LAMENTING he was going to turn into away from the “pressure of the Braves and bad coaching of TP?”
Again, it’s simple folks. Yunel wore out his welcome with Bobby and apparently SOME of his team mates who were tired of his attitude. U don’t think Brian McCann wants to win? Except he doesn’t throw a temper tantrum every time something goes wrong or he gets charged with an error. I guess that doesn’t make Brian “fiery” or whatever “gameface” people believe that sh*t is.
I don’t wish Yunel bad, I hope he does well, but I doubt it. To be honest, the only team I see Yunel doing well in is the Marlins…close to Cuba, lots of latino support and a big Cuban community.
PeterNorth
July 14th, 2010
2:56 pm
Who is gonna play short against lefties? (.213avg, 714ops) I’m all for this trade but this is a legitimate question
beachcomber
July 14th, 2010
2:56 pm
Would like this trade a whole lot better if we had anyone anywhere on the farm who could play shortstop in the year or two when AG is washed up. Someday something might snap in and Yunel will play to his potential. At least, for now, it would in the American League
J T at Capital
July 14th, 2010
2:56 pm
I think every one saw this coming after poor throw he made to Glaus so much talent I am surprise more players didn’t try to help him throught this he has one of the best arms in league he has never been same player since he was move from no two spot in lineup he more of a pull hitter since drop in the batting order.
BravesFan
July 14th, 2010
2:56 pm
and rreading that story at si vault makes me really feel awful for esky. but it just wasn’t gonna get done here. best of luck escobar. hope you make it.
Nova Scotia Steve - Enter Sandman
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
Someone please make the crazy stop
Steve in Northern Virginia
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
I haven’t gotten through the whole blog yet…but I”m curious what Chipper and some of the veterans think of the trade.
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
I honestly never expected Escobar to be traded during the season. But I will admit that when I was watching the Braves-Mets game Friday (I think), and he had that bad inning, right after he made that “throw” to Glaus and almost got him hurt, I got mad, pounded the couch, and blurted out to my innocent wife “God, I can’t wait ’til he’s traded”. Immediately after I said it, I chuckled to myself about how I sounded like those “crazy in-game bloggers”. Didn’t know I was being clairvoyant.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
If there was any support for him from Bobby or the clubhouse I don’t think this trade would have happened.
One of the few logical points made all day. Trade the guy? Sure. Mentioned it myself weeks ago, as a possibility for the offseason. But to waste a bargaining chip like Escobar on this kind of trade…that’s just unconscionable. Except for the point that you made. That is the only element that makes the trade even remotely reasonable, in my opinion.
And that’s why I’m pretty snarky about the whole deal. Not so much that he was traded (but thanks to the numbletards who are taking up the collection for my trip to Toronto. I love Toronto. Great city.), but that the value was just tossed.
Mitchell
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
rrosson3
July 14th, 2010
2:52 pm
not to bad of a lineup after the break:
1. Martin Prado (All-Star)
2. Jason Heyward (All-Star)
3. Chipper Jones (hitting over .300 since retirement talk)
4. Brian McCann (ASG MVP!)
5. Troy Glaus (14 hrs 58 rbis)
6. Alex Gonzalez (17 hrs, 50 rbis, 43 extra base hits)
7. Eric Hinske/Matt Diaz (Diaz hitting like Diaz lately, Hinske has 34 rbis in LIMITED duty)
8. Nate McLouth/Melky Cabrera (only hole now)
Nate/Melky only hole now? That’s two players. That’s not one hole. It’s two holes we still have to deal with.
We cannot expect to win a single playoff series with those two. Surely we could have got something better than Alex Gonzalez for Cabrera and McLouth.
James Cassara
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
I wish Yunel the best of luck but this is a terrific move for the Braves. Jo Jo has a lot of potential but the Braves are too stocked in arms for him to have any impact here. My only concern is the length and terms of Gonzalez’s contract. Can the Braves keep in for another year or two?
drlull
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
The Frank Wren interview on 680 is here under Chuck & Chernoff:
http://www.stationcaster.com/player.php?s=87&c=673
sportsmandh
July 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
PeterNorth,
Maybe Infante gets a few spot starts at short against lefties.
Yunel's Biggest Fan
July 14th, 2010
2:58 pm
ARRGGGHHH!!!!
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
2:58 pm
The problem is I have articles supporting the WIDE and SERIOUS interest in Escobar and YOU HAVE NOTHING to support your opinion—coach smith
You have your articles written by sports writers who are always right when it comes to trades. You got the articles from the internet and we all know if you got it off the internet it must be true. So my bad for questioning your vast inside knowledge for everything related to trading and evaluating players. I have only my opinion, your right but obviously my opinion is better than your articles because there is no way a GM in MLB would make a trade for less talent if he could have traded the same players for better talent.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
2:58 pm
I will say this. If the Braves really could have gotten Greinke for Yunel and Frenchy, that would be one of the all-time best examples of selling high.
Roy Hobbs
July 14th, 2010
2:58 pm
rrosson3 – gonzalez does not have to run. He strikes out.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
2:58 pm
I really do wish the best to Escobar, HIs defense saved us many games
Lew
July 14th, 2010
2:58 pm
Yunel is a second half hitter? Do y’all ever research before you speak?
Pre- and post All Star numbers for 08 and 09 (07 he didn’t start until mid June) Final in ( )
08 Pre- .286 BA (.288), .359 OBP (.366), .387 SLG% (.401)
09- .293 BA (.299), .355 OBP ( .377), .435 SLG % (.436)
I guess if he were to improve this year at that rate, he’d be hitting around .241 with a 343 OBP. He’d never hit those SLG #’s with what he did first half.
It's ME
July 14th, 2010
2:59 pm
It’s about time the front office got rid of that “hot dog”. I lost count of the times he fielded a double play ball (with Prado standing by second) but ranto second and threw to first. Got to be the BIG Man .Or going for pop ups that have been called for and cutting front of teammate to make th catch.Good trade Wren.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
3:00 pm
The bigger question should be –
What will the Mets and Phils do to respond? (Tale of Woe)
To the Braves getting 33 year old Gonzales? I’m guessing they’ll shrug their shoulders and start their second halfs. What ever plans those teams had/have won’t be altered because of this trade imo.
That said, I don’t think the Braves are done trading.
Things that make you go hmmm.....
July 14th, 2010
3:00 pm
Gaston will be the best thing ever for Yunel. He’ll either learn to perform and act like a pro, or Gaston will redirect his career path to something other than baseball.
CSpin
July 14th, 2010
3:00 pm
beachcomber “Would like this trade a whole lot better if we had anyone anywhere on the farm who could play shortstop in the year or two when AG is washed up. ”
Are you serious? Do you know who we have in the minors now? Salcedo (though he’s 18) should be enough for you to retract that sentence anyway. No need to worry about the future of the braves SS (even though we’re all kicking ourselves from the Andrus move)
Steve in Northern Virginia
July 14th, 2010
3:00 pm
Nscoots…I like this trade. Several have suggested we could have gotten more value for Esco, but face it, as every game goes by where he either does something stupid or doesn’t hit, that value is wasted. Toronto is taking a relatively low cost risk here, and the Braves are getting a known quantidy.
Brave4life-1995 all over again??
July 14th, 2010
3:00 pm
Willingham PLEASE
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:01 pm
and what is the problem with putting an ALL-STAR like Infante at SS?–coach smith
Nothing if you would’ve been here when the news broke I said I’d play Omar over Alex and use alex as the super utl. I would like Omar hitting 2nd over Alex hitting 7th or 8th.
T.C
July 14th, 2010
3:01 pm
Don’t think escobar was all what people make him out to be saying he was a club house cancer.People just love to follow a persons comment and don’t know or have not seen squat diddley of how escobar really is.A young and up coming talent in escobar who i think will turn it around will hurt the bravos at the ss position in the long run.People do not be decieved of gonzalez’s home runs when we have 70+ games to go.If he can keep the home runs going and raise that average that would be great but can he? I really hope so.Mr wren,lets see if this trade will bar-b-q or mildew.
Nick
July 14th, 2010
3:01 pm
Brave4life-1995 all over again?? – Thanks for the recognition.
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
3:01 pm
July 14th, 2010
2:41 pm
This trade was made because Yunel frosted his hair and because he didn’t speak English.
That’s right. We all know that Bobby Cox won’t stand for any of his players to not speak English. Just ask Martin Prado and Kenshin Kawakami.
As for the hair, it wasn’t the frosted hair that got to Bobby but just the frosted brain underneath that pretty hair that caused Escobar to, too many times, behave like an infant. And Yunel wasn’t showing any improvement in that area this year over last year. If he had, he would most likely still be here because Bobby Cox is loyal to his players – many would say to a fault.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:01 pm
“and blurted out to my innocent wife”
My wife, who is a Cardinals fan, actively dislikes Yunel and has been saying for over a year now that she couldn’t wait for us to trade him. She got home for lunch right around the time ESPN broke the story and I was shocked by how happy it made her. I hadn’t fully appreciated how much his play bugged her as a casual observer of the team.
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
3:01 pm
PeterNorth, et. als, Gonzalez is a RH hitter/fielder.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:02 pm
CraZyTRaDeMaN
No, but after the issues in the last METS series, I think Wren may have been over-eager to get rid of Escobar
KoReen
July 14th, 2010
3:02 pm
Escobar, he need to go. He no good. Bad boy in clubhouse, he lazy. He think he Cuban, make majic. Give me his talent, I make superstar, but he no have brain power. What you think??
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
3:03 pm
i love when people speak as if they actually know something about a person that they have never meet or even spoken to. people say all these bad things about his attitude and all this other stuff but not one person on this site actually knows..its just really crazy to me that people do that
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
3:03 pm
Anders, good luck finding a player that makes the Mets four games better than the Braves over the rest of the season.
Honestly…I’ve seriously come around on the Mets. I now am convinced that they will finish above .500. I still like them to finish in 3rd.
1135203 'THE FAN'
July 14th, 2010
3:03 pm
@Craig, jch, cs95, Josefina Rivera, et al: “don’t we have a young SS in the minors that the Brave are saying is the future, I believe he is from Cuba.”
Baseball Prospectus’ Kevin Goldstein, July 9, 2010:
“Edward Salcedo, SS, Braves (Low-A Rome): 3-for-4, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 3 RBI. First big game for high-profile international signee.”
Baseball Prospectus’ Jeff Euston, June 28, 2010:
“the Braves garnered an additional year of evaluation time for shortstop Edward Salcedo. Originally signed by Cleveland in July 2007, Salcedo’s $2.3 million bonus was voided when a MLB investigation determined he had not yet turned 16. The Braves subsequently paid MLB to investigate and verify Salcedo’s birth date, signing him as an 18-year-old for $1.6 million this past February. The timing enabled Salcedo to become another rare international signee to debut the same year he signed, giving Atlanta five full seasons of evaluation time. Through 21 games with the Braves’ Dominican Summer League club, Salcedo had posted a slash line of .265/.419/.382.”
Travis
July 14th, 2010
3:04 pm
I’m sorry but the Braves have thrived on bench chemistry. It’s obvious that Escobar was a very quirky and hard to get next to person. Players that have brought this team together as a unit (Wagner and Hinski)have a big influence, as does Chipper, on the makeup of this team. I think everyone had enough. You know Bobby had a lot of influence but players wil let coaches know if a problem exists. Too bad for this kid but his talent didn’t overshadow his immaturity.
njbraves
July 14th, 2010
3:04 pm
I love when people complain about how bad Melky and Nate are…then turn around and say we should trade them for a power hitting outfielder. Why would anyone want Nate right now???
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:04 pm
Who is gonna play short against lefties?—–PeterNorth
You big boy cuzz PeterNorth can swing it both ways!!!!!!
Beeeeeff Pocoroba
July 14th, 2010
3:04 pm
not that i expect any reasonable discussion to happen regarding Escobar, but…
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.
Not that I’m glossing over his occasional bone-headed play, especially on the base paths. I’m just concerned with the loss of his glove.
Not to mention we bought high on Gonzalez and sold low on Escobar.
Here’s hoping Gonzalez keeps up his hot hitting.
The Bravery
July 14th, 2010
3:05 pm
Lew is like the Yunel Escobar of this blog. I bet he has highlights and I hope he is traded
KPH
July 14th, 2010
3:05 pm
Yunel could be great but he is not serious enough about the game to ever achieve greatness. Maybe this will wake him up. Wren quite possibly got us in the world series with this move and McCann got us home field advantage last night. GO BRAVOS!!!
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
3:05 pm
Gone Viral, my wife just kinda looked at me as if to say “What does this have to do with Real Housewives of New York?” Not a baseball fan, lol.
TERRY P.
July 14th, 2010
3:05 pm
Travis
July 14th, 2010
3:04 pm
I’m sorry but the Braves have thrived on bench chemistry. It’s obvious that Escobar was a very quirky and hard to get next to person
How was this obvious?
Doug
July 14th, 2010
3:05 pm
LOL What do you think Riccardi would say about those two guys? He drafted them! Of course he is going to talk them up, because that would reflect well on him.
Fact is, those two guys were barely in the top 15 of a weak farm system. Collins could become an asset in the bullpen, but I’d be surprised if Pastornicky ever gets to Atlanta.
Thundersticks
July 14th, 2010
3:05 pm
This is clearly a win now move. We can’t wait any longer for Escobar to turn it around…not with his attitude.
I believe there will be another move. Wren added more pitching depth with this move, which will allow him to trade pitching for the RH power hitting LF we need…if Diaz doesn’t turn it around.
Adam
July 14th, 2010
3:06 pm
I dont understand the people sayign this way a bad trade! We got rid of a problem on the field in Escobar and got rid of a pitcher who never got close to living up to his potential. And then, in return, we got the power we needed and two bright youngsters! The shortstop we got might be the replacement for Gonzalez and from everything I have heard, he is a good one.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:06 pm
Lou Pinella says the CUBS will be sellers….I say see if we can pluck MARLON BYRD from them….after watching him last night, he is definitely a “Braves way” type player
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
July 14th, 2010
3:06 pm
Considering the prospects we got in return, this was a GREAT deal!
Getting rid of Jo Jo was an outstanding addition!
Yunel would have continued his regression here; no doubt in my mind. That seed had already been sown.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
3:07 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.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:08 pm
sportsmandh
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE NEVER put Escobar in the same breath with Andruw Jones
O.J.
July 14th, 2010
3:08 pm
For anyone hoping Frank Wren is going to make another move anytime soon, dont get your hopes up. From what he said on 680 the fan, he is going to wait to see how Nate and Jason do when they get back before doing anything else.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
3:08 pm
Bravery-Highlights would suppose I had hair to be highlighted. As for the trade? No real trade value, I’m afraid- unless you don’t like my artwork.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:08 pm
Coach Smith, He was on 680 and said that this trade was discussed 2 weeks ago with the Jays. He has had plenty of time to evaluate other potential trade partners. We might have been able to trade Esco for a more talented player but they may have wanted more than JOJO to go along with him. Plus much like the Vazquez trade I think he really liked the minor league talent we got as well.
NorthOf49
July 14th, 2010
3:08 pm
I like the deal, cautiously. I’m not sure Yunie will ever reach his potential due to concentration and consistency issues, but it’s still a risk. That said, adding a sizable bat to the line-up is what we all wanted. Hopefully his age and mileage won’t present much of an issue.
Apparently the lefty we got is nothing to overlook. Check this out: http://www.tsn.ca/blogs/will_hill/?id=288182
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.
Dan
July 14th, 2010
3:34 pm
Great. A guy with an on-base percentage under .300.
Piedmont Blues
July 14th, 2010
3:34 pm
I agree with the commenter who said Gonzalez might be a cross between Rafael Belliard and Jeff Blauser — makes the routine plays, has some pop. The low OBP worries me, but then again, if he’s hitting 7th or 8th it won’t kill you. Plus, the $2.5 million contract option for 2011 is reassuring because I’ll bet Yunel would get at least that much if not more in arb next year.
Over/under on HR? Turner Field will sap some of that power, so I’ll go with 7 HR; another 18-20 2B would be sweet, however.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
3:35 pm
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.
What makes you think the two things are exclusive? You think those of us who don’t like the trade are going to turn into Mets’ fans or something? Or is it that it’s OK to voice an opinion, as long as it agrees with yours?
You want to make a logical point as to the value of the trade (and Gone Viral has done some of that today, even if we disagree), good enough. You want to make the value of the trade dependent on bashing the player traded, sorry, that cuts no ice. That’s just the Bill Shanks coming out in folks, and doesn’t deserve respect.
TnBrian
July 14th, 2010
3:35 pm
Everybody has their thoughts on this trade as seen by the 9 pages already on a blog posted not that long ago. LOL!
Well, I really don’t give a crap Yunel is gone. For me, his little smirk like, “Aww well, whatever” kind of attitude after he flipped a bad throw to Glaus and almost had his hand decapitated was it for me. You know, when he walked back to his position after the trainers had checked on Glaus?
Gonzalez is a very good SS from whatever I’ve read on him. 17 HR didn’t do us a bit of good, but if he can bring some of that over to Atlanta and play good SS than it’s a huge win for the Braves.
ThePriceisWrongBitch
July 14th, 2010
3:35 pm
All those saying that we could have gotten more for Yunel are out of your minds…
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:36 pm
More than anything else, I want to thank the Braves for finding a way to make an off-day exciting.
Piedmont Blues
July 14th, 2010
3:36 pm
Of course, if the next move is for Corey Hart, then I am worried. Two awful OBP guys would be like, oh, lose a Frenchy, gain two?
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
3:36 pm
When’s the last time Yunel turned on a pitch? A few to center, but mostly everything in the air to RF. His swing is SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW.
Braves Grrrl
July 14th, 2010
3:37 pm
Just read that article about Escobar and Pena for the first time. Definitely gave me a lump in my throat. Hate to see him go, but I hope he’ll flourish there. Going to take a while to get used to this one . . .
Billy Bob
July 14th, 2010
3:37 pm
Lighten up sportsmandh – Roy Hobbs has the same right as you to voice his opinion… which actually made good sense. So stop acting like a teabagger shouting down others who have the right to voice their opinions.
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
3:37 pm
Roy Hobbs,
Sure man, I don’t get it. Your evidence is irrefutable. Gonzalez surely closes his eyes when he swings. Need I remind you of Yunel’s AVG, OBP, SLG, AVG RISP? It’s cool though, think what you want. I’m convinced its an upgrade.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
3:37 pm
No one expects 35 HR from Gonzalez this second half (or for the year). But that 6 you posted as an over under would surpass Yunel’s first half total by six.
I just don’t see such immediate improvement from a player who is so obviously unhappy as Yunel is. Is he really a clubhouse cancer? I truly don’t know- wasn’t there in the clubhouse to see. However, from his reactions in public to situations and those of his teammates, I’d say it’s a pretty good probability that there were, indeed, issues at play there. Now they’re gone.
WE are in first place despite Yunel’s early numbers. Anything AG can provide BETTER than them (which honestly shouldn’t be a stretch – not as if they’re sky high goals there to match- will almost certainly help us maintain – at the very least.
Long term, with all the middle infield acquisitions in the draft and through other means, I’d say the writing was on the wall that Ynel was NOT viewed as a long term answer – no matter his talent or clubhouse cameraderie.
Doesn’t much matter whether you agree or disagree with this stance. SApparently it was their stance and that’s all that matters in thissituation.
Woill Yunel shine elsewhere? Who knows. Frenchy didn’t. Will AG shine as a Brave? Again, who knows. Apparently the Braves deemed it worth inding out and that’s the bottom line.
Keep in mind that there was just a much attendant griping, bitching, moaning and cacaphony bout the pick ups of Glaus, Hinske, Melky and everyone else we’ve gotten in recent years from JJ for Renteria and beyond. Most of these deals have played out quite in our favor. Give this a chance. You relly have no freaking choice now, do you?
1135203 THE FAN
July 14th, 2010
3:37 pm
From Baseball Prospectus’ Kevein Goldstein, July 14, 2010:
The trade market is heating up—the deadline just over two weeks away—and we’ve already looked at the prospects with the highest trade values. But three squads that are enjoying success in the majors—the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals—have very little on the farm to help swing a deal. This is obviously a problem for all three teams, as they’re locked in competitive races with the likes of the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins and Cincinnati Reds; if you look at that link above, almost all of those squads have the necessary prospects to help make a trade.
Let’s look at the situations in Atlanta, Chicago and St. Louis more closely to see why they lack the potential trade chips.
Atlanta Braves: Imbalanced, inflexible
The Braves don’t have a particularly bad system, but it’s headlined by top-of-the-line pitching prospects that aren’t going anywhere. Julio Teheran is in the conversation for the top right-hander in the minors and, before he got hurt, Arodys Vizcaino was close to joining the discussion as well. Along with Randall Delgado, the Braves see the trio as future rotation fixtures; with them off the table, Atlanta has few chips left. Its top position prospect, Triple-A first baseman Freddie Freeman, is lined up to assume the big-league job next year. The drop-off from there is quite deep. Toolsy shortstop Mychal Jones could generate some interest, but not the kind that is going to get anything big in return. Another long shot is once highly rated outfielder Jordan Schafer, who is doing nothing at Triple-A this year except producing ugly scouting reports; he could be an extra player in a deal with a team willing to take a chance.
As disastrous as the Mark Teixeira deal was for Atlanta—both in terms of how much they gave the Texas Rangers to get him and what little they gained in sending him away—one player received in the package from Anaheim is starting to create some buzz among scouts. Originally signed in 2005 by the Angels as a draft-and-follow, righty Stephen Marek has been rejuvenated as a reliever and boasts a miniscule 0.69 ERA in 37 appearances split between Double- and Triple-A. His fastball has been up to 96 mph this year and his breaking ball is a plus power pitch. He’s close to the big leagues and, if the Braves don’t want to bring him up, others teams might.
PS: (from the same article): “The White Sox had a bad [farm] system entering the year and it’s gotten worse due to some poor performances. Most notably, catcher Tyler Flowers is hitting just .198 since May 1 and, according to scouts, he’s making no progress in his well-below-average defense behind the plate; some talent evaluators have said he’s actually gotten worse.”
Bravesfan4life
July 14th, 2010
3:37 pm
How is this trade good when a player is having fluke season. Gonzalez career OBP: 0.294 compared to Escobar OBP 0.368. Braves should have made a trade for an outfielder than SS. I watch almost all braves baseball game know that Escobar is way better player than Alex w/out considering Esco mental issues. Escobar is the guy Braves should have kept because he doesn’t upset anyone when there are runners in scoring position. Just looks at his last 3 years stats in RISP: 0.337 BA 424 OBP 0.526 SLG. That is what you need in playoffs.
Rotagilla
July 14th, 2010
3:38 pm
Escobar is a “great” defensive player? He has 14 errors to 11 for Gonzalez vs. 330 chances to 387. So 3 more errors in 57 fewer chances. He has been involved in 41 double plays vs. 67 for Gonzalez. His fielding pct. is .958 vs. .972 for Gonzalez. Escobar is overrated defensively.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:39 pm
This trade is an upgrade for the Braves. If youre a Yunel fan, youre not going to be happy, and no amount of facts will sway anyone’s opinion.
Gonzalez is just a stopgap until one of our young SS are ready. And friends I’ve seen Edward Salcedo play four times already in person, and Salcedo might outgrow the SS position and move to third base
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
3:40 pm
The deal is mediocre… a slight improvement. I would have used yunel and something more to go after a bat with more impact.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:40 pm
Bravesfan4life,
The Braves arent done trading yet. The power OF bat will come before the trading deadline.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:40 pm
Stop with the Alex is a slugger with a big bat.
He is a low contact SS with a sudden surge in power. He will hit 6 HR the rest of the year. I hope I’m wrong.
Here’s his career numbers for those who keep posting about what a big bat he has.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gonzaal02.shtml#batting_standard
Anders
July 14th, 2010
3:41 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 (edU)
Yeah, he makes that toss and the Rockies give the Braves Tulowitzky for Escobar in a heart beat. Damn toss!!
Chief KnockAHoma
July 14th, 2010
3:41 pm
Enough of this namby-pamby stuff …
THIS TRADE WAS AS SOLID A YOU COULD EXPECT when you have to give something up in order to get something you want. Escobar’s value was on potential alone .. potential that he wasn’t living up to. Now add “Attitudial Head Case” to the mix and I think we ended up on the good end of this deal by dealing him now rather than wait another year. In return we got a proven vet with a solid bat and a gritty work ethic and a solid prospect.
Now quit whining ya’ jerkwagons!
Josh from NY (not NYC)
July 14th, 2010
3:41 pm
I don’t see a downside to this trade. Not only is it playing for now, but all indications are that the minor leaguers we got are at worst a major league reliever and major league second baseman, I think we got the better side of this deal by far
TheProfessor69
July 14th, 2010
3:41 pm
… I loves me some new shortstop with a good attitude… I want those who said that Escobar did not have a bad attitude to see they are and have been proven very WRONG … I believe someone here told me I just ‘did not like Escobar’ … I liked him , I wanted him to do good … he was the one who put himself on a plane to Canada. I wanted the Braves to win every game and I think he was a player that maybe did not want to win every game … I do not know what his problem was … I will repeat what I said before. He said at the beginning of the season he was going to make a real effort to learn how to speak English so he could do interviews and he “had a brand new outlook” … well I guess that did not work out. Welcome Mr. Gonzalez , welcome indeed !
JJ
July 14th, 2010
3:41 pm
All of you think this is a bad move don’t watch the games, know nothing about their minor league prospects or are related to Escobar. This had to be done. Last year was a fluke. He would have played himself out of the starting lineup by next All-Star break anyway. Great, great move.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
3:41 pm
This is a sports blog, not a PhD convention. We’re just ordinary fans here – we’re not here to match wits.
Now hold on there just one minute. This isn’t a PhD convention?
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:42 pm
“As disastrous as the Mark Teixeira deal was for Atlanta—both in terms of how much they gave the Texas Rangers to get him and what little they gained in sending him away”
We still can’t call a bad deal on this board, though. Right?
Travis
July 14th, 2010
3:42 pm
Terry P…Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like this trade. It’s just frustrating that a guy with so much potential couldn’t be reached. If this trade happened because a couple of guys in their final year wanted it, that’s just sad. I loved this kids fire but he was a little sand lot. Ya gotta believe the every man for himself attitude came from the struggle to get survive in Cuba. Pretty rough life till now.
andy
July 14th, 2010
3:43 pm
why can we just let time tell…..or at least Gonzalez’s first at-bat
jeez
Rock
July 14th, 2010
3:43 pm
I would have traded McLough before trading Escobar.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
3:43 pm
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.
Bay Area Steve, check out FanGraphs dot com. Go to leaders, click on shortstops, click on fielders and look at Ultimate Zone Rating per 150 defensive games over the last 3 calendar years (setting the minimum at 1,500 innings).
Unless you think range and how often plays are made are unimportant to defensive evaluation, you’d have to say that indications are Gonzalez is at least no worse than Escobar defensively.
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
3:43 pm
got a proven vet with a solid bat and a gritty work ethic
Well, there you go. I didn’t realize Gonzalez was gritty, too. Changes my whole outlook on the trade, LOL.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
3:43 pm
Pearl – someone needs to shove you back where the sun don’t shine. Chipper – HOF, great ballplayer. Dumb moves – signing Glaus; signing Hinski; promoting Heyward; signing Wagner. Some moves were bad, but overall, Wren gets between a B+ and a B- for this year’s Braves. Pearl, you get an F.
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
3:44 pm
We need another move besides this one.
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
The Braves sent Yunel Escobar north for a veteran who happens to lead MLB shortstops in home runs (Alex Gonzalez). It’s a win-now move for Atlanta, though they also acquire a pair of intriguing prospects in the process. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays acquire a cheap, young shortstop who can play great defense and has a career OBP of .368. So does that make today’s trade a win-win? Here’s what the baseball writers are saying:
* A veteran scout told Danny Knobler of CBS Sports that Escobar was “not an Atlanta Braves type of player.” Gonzalez is having a strong season and should fit in, so Knobler says he is an Atlanta Braves type of player, even if he’s not a long-term solution at short.
* Mychael Urban of CSN Bay Area believes the Giants could have used Escobar (Twitter link). I wonder how many Tigers fans are thinking the same thing about their team.
* The Blue Jays took a risk and acquired Escobar now, because top players are rarely available when they’re playing at their best, Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos explained to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian (Twitter links).
* Earlier in the season, an Atlanta Brave told Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that Braves manager Bobby Cox hates Yunel Escobar because of perceived lack of hustle.
* Joe Pawlikowski of FanGraphs says the deal “doesn’t seem nearly as bad for the Braves as it did at first glance,” though the Blue Jays still won.
* R.J. Anderson of FanGraphs believes the trade “has to be looked upon as a pretty worthwhile risk for the Jays.”
* Bryan Smith of FanGraphs says Jo-Jo Reyes doesn’t mean much to the Braves, since they have so much pitching depth. Smith also suggests Tyler Pastornicky had considerable appeal for the Braves, since he runs and has raised his walk rate.
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
Great Great Move? You’re smoking something JJ. Now if you were to tell me that we traded Yunel and a decent platooned player for a bat with more pop, I’d be right with ya saying “Great Great Move”!
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
JJ,
I cant agree with you more. I follow the Braves minor leagues very closely, and have seen several games by every Braves minor league team.
We will be just fine without Escobar.
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
You folks want to debate this all week fine…. but plain and simple this was a deal based on attitude. Cox and Cadahia don’t want to babysit anymore.
This has been building for a year now. The deal does give us more lineup depth to protect the 5-6 guys.
Lpad
July 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
here’s an interesting link about Gonzalez and his son. Don’t remember reading about this:
http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/columns/story?columnist=nelson_amy&id=4537575
Guess we should get use to hearing about this because if we make the playoffs Joe Buck will talk about this every chance he gets, lol.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:45 pm
“are that the minor leaguers we got are at worst a major league reliever and major league second baseman, I think we got the better side of this deal by far”
That’s the aspect of this that is less tangible at the moment. When we dealt Renteria for JJ, we also got Gorkys back in the deal. That set up later discussions for Peavy and eventually McLouth. The Braves always have one eye toward the future when we do acquisitions. This off-season when we seek to replace Chipper with another clubber, we have two more pieces to discuss. Every little bit helps.
Chris
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
Well I was excited at first but then reviewed Gonzalez’s stats when he played 10 years in the National League. His average-.245. I guess all we can do is hope that his career year continues with the Braves. If not…..yikesssss.!
Drew Keith Thomas
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
Uuuuuuu NAiL…………
See ya pal.
KT
dub366
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
i guess you have to kiss ass to get along with the ballplayers in Atlanta what ashamed. Yunel i hope this work out for you,cause you never had a chance here under Bobby & the media.maybe you’ll get paid now.
Bravesfan4life
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
Gonzalez stats for postseason even make this even look worse: 68 AB 0.162 BA 0.186 OBP 0.265 SLG. People this kind of stats is not going get it done in the postseason.
Lew
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
Rock-Yeah most of us would have. Funny why that didn’t happen. Not.
RJR6969
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
Yeah, I’m not sure Gonzalez keeps up this pace, but I’m willing to bet that his second half will be better than Yunel’s. Yunel has the tools to do some big things, but he’s a head case. His nonchalant play drives me crazy. We all remember when Andruw used to be nonchalant in the outfield, but he did it for the most part without making many mistakes. It seems like Yunel is always halfway doing something and costing them a run or two. Why do I like Brian Jordan so much? – because he hustled every second he was on the field. Running out weak ground balls to the right side, taking third on a base hit, etc. For the same reasons I like the Brian Jordan’s of the world, I’ve got no use for the guys who don’t give everything everytime. If you’re gonna have Yunel’s attitude, you better have the talent of Pujols, Cabrera, etc. Most people were willing to put up with Manny’s antics because he was giving you 30/100/100 every year. I don’t see Yunel getting to that level, so he needs to figure things out. Maybe this will open his eyes a bit.
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
I love it that the regular Braves Blog people are getting feisty on here. It’s so much nicer than it was back in April when all of these people I never saw on here before nor have I since would come on here and rip all of the Braves and the coaches and Bobby Cox.
They then would proceed to play Super GM and comment how they don’t understand why Frank Wren doesn’t trade Nate McLouth to the Cardinals for Albert Puhols.
At least today’s trade wasn’t one made somewhere from Candyland like the proposed McLouth for Puhols deal. By the way, Mr. Wren, why didn’t you pull the trigger on that deal? Albert Puhols would have made for a nice back-up to Troy Glaus at 1B.
Rob from SC
July 14th, 2010
3:46 pm
I have been a huge Escobar fan and defended him on this blog for many years. I still think he CAN go on to be a really good player, but that WOULD NOT happen here in Atlanta. He doesn’t like it here and it shows. Let him go somewhere else. If he doesn’t change his attitude he will run into the same problems in Toronto.
ALinRIC
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Dan, Hobbs, and others – maybe you’re the ones with your eyes closed. Gonzalez’ OBP is higher than Escobar’s slugging pct. That’s right, Escobar’s slugging percentage is lower than .300. Gonzalez OPS is over 170 pts. higher. He’s won a World Series. He’s won a World Series game with an extra inning home run.
Lpad
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Does anyone have any scouting repors on these two prospects? Only seen one on Collins that says he throws between 90 – 92 occasionally touching 93 and has a good curve. Projected him to be a middle reliever, which to be honest isn’t a good projection for a prospect.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Scoots,
Good over/under number on HR for Gonzo. I was thinking the same.
kirkinga
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Sorry Interesting Read, that tangent doesn’t answer the question but it does demonstrate that for some this was personal and not about what was the best for the team on the field.
I don’t have to defend Yunel anymore. I’m glad he’s gone because I believe he will be better off somewhere else, so no grumble or crying here. The burden now is on the Braves to show this was a good move. There is also a burden on the Yunel attackers that was not there so long as he he remained on the team.
Erik
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
There is no doubt this strengthens the team for THIS YEAR, much like adding JD Drew and Mark Teixeira strengthened the team in each of the years that those players played. However, given that Gonzalez is in the last year of his deal, and given that I had to watch Adam Wainwright and Elvis Andrus last night in the All-Star game, I can’t avoid the painful sense that we are getting another one-year rent-a-player. Even if that helps the offense this year, I cannot stand what that approach did to the Braves during this past decade and I really wish we had not done it. Even if Yunel frustrated me from time to time — and he did — there is a certain chemistry with this year’s team that I really hate to disrupt. Just getting a healthy Heyward back in the lineup and having a healthy Diaz for the second half would give us more than enough offense to go with our recently strengthened rotation (with JJ). Oh well, I hope it works out …
No Vote for Lew
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Lew, I gotta say that the way you talk down to everyone else on here, and post as though you are some great god of baseball knowledge really irks me.
KC
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Yunel was not a good fit for this team. And anyone who thinks we “gave up on him” too fast hasn’t been paying attention. He gave up on the team last season…and the Braves gave him a second chance. He quit in the middle of a game this season….and the Braves gave him a second chance.
He has hit 0 home runs. And the Braves kept him in the lineup. Infante is a better SS (all around) at this point…and they still gave the nod to Esco.
The Braves have done everything besides name the team after him to try and get him into the game and to be the player they believed he could be. Understand this…if he played in St. Louis or NY or Chicago he would never have still been in the starting lineup this deep into a season so mediocre.
Gonzalez has power. He will hit more dingers. Maybe not 17 more…but who cares. He’ll show up, play hard, and give us what he has to give. You can bet on that.
Esco….I wish you luck. Seeing you leave, however, makes me feel even more confident Wren knows what he is doing and understands how to construct the best possible roster within his budget limitations.
Go Braves.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
3:47 pm
Gonzalez is a good player; HR are a fluke – but he has good ab’s.
shmoe
July 14th, 2010
3:48 pm
Rob Neyer:
Another trade nobody saw coming, this one essentially a swap of two shortstops. One’s fairly young and one’s fairly old, and what’s odd is that the fairly young shortstop (Yunel Escobar) might actually be better than the fairly old shortstop (Alex Gonzalez). Are the Braves getting ripped off? Joe Pawlikowski isn’t so sure. Joe’s big finish:
After further examination, this trade doesn’t seem nearly as bad for the Braves as it did at first glance. Toronto still won their end, but that doesn’t preclude the Braves from claiming victory as well. They’ve gotten rid of a player whom they clearly do not like, and replaced him with a player who, if nothing else, will provide value on defense. The prospects also help out, and while neither projects as a future star both can be useful pieces in a year or two. Maybe it’s a win, though I wouldn’t go so far as to say that. But it doesn’t look like the clear loss I had imagined when digging into the topic.
For me, the obvious takeaway is the Braves have become really, really, really disenchanted with Escobar, who for three seasons was considered one of the game’s best young shortstops. Has he suddenly forgotten how to hit? He hasn’t forgotten how to field. Or at least his numbers are solid, which mildly suggests he’s not playing (badly) hurt.
We’ve got a mystery on our hands. The Braves think they’ve already got it figured out. The Blue Jays must think so, too. They can’t really both be right. While it’s a five-player deal and we’re all optimistic about Tim Collins, essentially this is a classic “challenge trade”: our shortstop for your shortstop and next year we’ll figure who was right.
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.
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:48 pm
“Now if you were to tell me that we traded Yunel and a decent platooned player for a bat with more pop, I’d be right with ya saying “Great Great Move”!”
Like, say for example, trading a player with no homers for one with 17?
jz23
July 14th, 2010
3:49 pm
Very exciting news: according to whatever algorithm baseballreference.com uses to compare players at certain ages, Gonzalez is almost exactly like…Jeff Blauser!
Anybody who wasn’t psyched already, GET PSYCHED!
Melky Way
July 14th, 2010
3:49 pm
I will miss Yunel for sure, his range and power arm is second to none,but the deal it self is a good one for the Braves.I think that There had to be something with the attitude,I noticed the last win the Braves had on Saturday,Prado Omar Blanco all did the body bump at the end of the game,but not Yunel,If there is a cancer in the club house,then you must deal with it now.There is no room for Prima Donnas when you are in WS hunt.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:49 pm
Folks, sometimes you add when you subtract something or someone. Even if Gonzalez doesnt play well, not having to deal with Yunel and the headaches he caused on occassions makes this a good deal.
Believe it or not, it’s not always just about talent with a player.
JK
July 14th, 2010
3:49 pm
Something tells me that we are not done trading. Step one, get rid of clubhouse cancer. Step two, improve offense with one more trade. Gonzalez may not have the second half Yunel would have had. If this is really supposed to be our only mid season trade we did not improve the team statistically.
StanleyPalmer
July 14th, 2010
3:49 pm
I still love Chipper!!!
KC
July 14th, 2010
3:50 pm
Now if you were to tell me that we traded Yunel and a decent platooned player for a bat with more pop, I’d be right with ya saying “Great Great Move”!”
Like, say for example, trading a player with no homers for one with 17?
Ha ha. Exactly!
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
3:50 pm
Ricciardi was the Jays’ GM when the prospects were drafted and if he says the Braves got the better of this deal…..that’s good enough for me. He loves Collins.
Remember — 2 of our first 3 picks this year were shortstops.
Bay Area Steve
July 14th, 2010
3:50 pm
Shaun,
I’m aware of UZR and UZR/150. Braveheart mentioned Dewan’s, also at FanGraphs. He, and scoots, seem to think Esco’s better, and that it ain’t all that close. I respect the hell out of all three of you, and wanted to hear your argument. (And, I still do.)
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
3:50 pm
Besides the Braves have plenty of shortstop talent in the minors.
Whaaa? You question his passion for the game, and you think the Braves have plenty of shortstop talent in the minors. If anything, Yunel was too passionate about the game. And the Braves have one good shortstop prospect who just moved to single A. Maybe you can consider Mycal Jones a good SS prospect, but there’s not much after that at or above A-ball…
RHR
July 14th, 2010
3:51 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.
You mean Andruw and the Gold Club scandal were “the braves way”? Chipper and the Hooters scandal were “the braves way”?
Huh.
Really. Stop with the speculation about “I think the players asked for him to be traded” and “He must have been really a lot worse than we thought” and “he was traded because he’s lazy” (theres no current brave not named Omar or Martin who hasn’t dogged it down the line plenty of times – and you know it). He is a damn good SS and our MVP for last season. To keep trotting out every slight you ever even THINK he made during his time as a brave is tacky and classless. Best wishes to Yunel. Wren was offered something that he either thought would help the team this season or something he thought he could turn around and flip to help the team this season and he took the offer. Nothing more or less. DOB hasn’t been exactly objective here because it’s hard to be objective when you don’t like a person – I know, I was that way with Frenchy. But to act like this is the greatest trade of all time and to continue to throw Yunel under the bus, to insinuate that he was “a cancer” based on freakin facial expressions or hair color or because he didn’t like the media (newsflash: a lot of players dont) or a few instances over the course of 446 games is just……nasty. What are we, Philly fans?
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
3:51 pm
up
Brian from SC
July 14th, 2010
3:52 pm
The quotes from the players will be interesting. There will be the token “we hate to see someone go” comments, but everything you hear the players say about Gonzalez will immediately be compared to Escobar.
“Gonzalez is a gamer, solid fundamental player”
“I think he’ll be a great fit in our clubhouse”
“He knows what it’s like to be on a championship-caliber club”
etc, etc…
GTSteve
July 14th, 2010
3:52 pm
“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.”
CLASSIC
Lew
July 14th, 2010
3:53 pm
No Vote-I’m so sorry. How can I ever make it up to you?
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
3:53 pm
Like, say for example, trading a player with no homers for one with 17?
… Like trading one with no homers – along with another player – to get something more than 17! Like I said – this deal helps our cause but is by no means something I will wax poetic over!
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
3:53 pm
Esco had good numbers last year and also had serious concerns about his overall approach and attitude towards the game and his teammates. This is so much about his demeanor. I have trouble understanding how his supporters so easily overlook these character flaws.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
3:53 pm
Shaun, why are you continuing to use UZR when fangraphs has a better defensive metric with Dewan’s DRS right next to UZR? Why? And why do you continue to ignore that this has been pointed out to you several times today?
Escobar is +21 this season according to Dewan’s +/- DRS metric. That is best in the majors. Gonzalez is +13.
Escobar is +34 the last two seasons according to Dewan. Again, best in the majors over the past 2 seasons. Gonzalez is only +8 during that time.
Escobar is +46 the last three seasons combined. That is good for second in the majors over the last three seasons behind Jack Wilson. And there is no one even close to the two of them.
Again, Escobar is +46 the last three seasons combined. Gonzalez is +23 the past 8 seasons combined.
In other words, Escobar has just about saved as many runs in the first half of this season as Gonzalez has in the past 8 seasons combined.
If you’re gonna be a slave to the defensive metrics, at least use the right one, which is Dewan’s +/- DRS, and not UZR
phoenix falcon
July 14th, 2010
3:54 pm
bout time
Prime Time
July 14th, 2010
3:55 pm
What has Escobar done in the minors or majors to warrant this much praise? All I’ve seen is mental mistakes and headaches. He had a decent last year but was he untradeable? I think it was a fair trade and hopefully one or both of the prospects pan out.
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
3:55 pm
Yunel ran under the bus, time & time again – after having his ears boxed by Grandpa Cox every time. You will not mix Escobar this year. I predict next year, he will be out of baseball. Unless he starts listening to his manager.
coach smith
July 14th, 2010
3:55 pm
guys even if you cut his numbers in half, he STILL has more HRs and RBI than Escobar
KC
July 14th, 2010
3:55 pm
That last bit was supposed to be in quotes. Sorry Gone Viral for not giving you credit.
armchair
July 14th, 2010
3:56 pm
Escobar is young a career .290 hitter, while Gonzalez is older and career .250 hitter. Career numbers are more accurate than current numbers. So long-term there isn’t a lot to like here. Gonzalez could help the offense this year, of course, IF he hits in the second half as he did in the first half. Unfortunately, as we saw with McClouth and often happens, guys often don’t perform the same after a trade–new city, new league, new lineup, facing different pitchers.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:56 pm
RHR,
If you red my earlier post, the braves way means playing hard every day on the field, not taking plays and games off.
Every baseball scout I’ve spoken to, ( and I’ve spoken to several) have all said that something wasnt right with Escobar’s attitude.
If he’s so valuable to the Braves, then why trade him, if not for the headaches he caused the team??
Listen, as I’ve said, if you are a Yunel supporter, then there’s no facts that anyone can point out that’s going to make you change your mind that this was a bad trade.
But don’t get mad because other fans who share a different opinion turned out to be right.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
3:56 pm
Lpad, Here’s why he is compaired to wagner not only because of size and he’s LH.
SO/BB and SO/IP are good for a 20 year old.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker&utm_campaign=Linker&id=collin004tim#standard_pitching
Ol Paul
July 14th, 2010
3:56 pm
I really, really like the fact that Joe Girardi has braces like I do.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
3:56 pm
One Mets perspective –
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/bitterbill/2010/07/braves-make-first-move-give-up.html
Jo-Jo Reyes
July 14th, 2010
3:57 pm
Well, I just bought my plane ticket for Toronto. Heading to the office to check in and see what minors affiliate i’ll transfer to.
By the way, thanks for all those uplifting comments about my value. Remind me to comment likewise on your work performance.
TRADE
July 14th, 2010
3:57 pm
A little birdie says that The Cubs might be about to get a nice group of prospects for the Byrd Man.
RJR6969
July 14th, 2010
3:57 pm
@StanleyPalmer, I still love Chipper, too!!!
Not as much as BJordan, but the love’s still there!!! LOL!!!
Efrim
July 14th, 2010
3:58 pm
Braves don’t have a ton of SS prospects. Salcedo ain’t a SS, from everything you read. A lot of mixed reviews on Mycal Jones.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:58 pm
Armchair,
Gonzales is just a stopgap until a few of the young SS in the minors are ready in 2-3 years
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
3:58 pm
How does dewans factor in the # of games lost because the SS is a moron on the base paths?
vermont 39
July 14th, 2010
3:58 pm
Well all-righty then…maybe I mean YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Anything is an improvement over the dud we traded. Gonzalez should be stoked. he knows the BRAVES and brings lots of professionalism with his talent.
GO BRAVES
Mikey
July 14th, 2010
3:58 pm
Great trade. Escobar had NO run production. He was our weak link! 0-HRS 19 rbi’s and inconsistant in the field and running the bases. What a line-up once we get Heyward back!!!
M
Gone Viral
July 14th, 2010
3:58 pm
“Like trading one with no homers – along with another player – to get something more than 17!”
There are exactly 18 players in the majors with more homers than him and in reviewing the list, only 3 appear to be even marginally available in trade. We went from 0 homers at the position to 19th overall in baseball in homers in one trade. I think you’re setting the bar rather high if you can’t get excited about that.
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
Best trade I’ve ever seen.
This just confirms that “The Braves Way” is the only way to win, folks.
In Wren and Cox We Trust. They couldn’t possibly let us down. Ever. Never ever.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
If you red my earlier post, the braves way means playing hard every day on the field, not taking plays and games off.
So…you weren’t a fan during the Andruw years? I love Chipper but he hustles every day and always has?
Right.
But don’t get mad because other fans who share a different opinion turned out to be right.
I’m not mad at all. We’ll see if “those people” turn out to be right.
sportsmandh
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
I apologize if that’s how it sounded. I just don’t get the references to Franceour. This is a different situation.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
Efrim,
The braves drafted several SS and third basemen in this years draft. I’ve seen Salcedo, and I agree with you, I think he might outgrow the SS position.
I wrote an article recently about Salcedo.
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/
hmmm...
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
Escobar was my fav player, so im bummed!~ But truthfully he wasnt the best of all players, i like shortstop’s though, he didnt make a homeru n this season:/ He was an awesome shortstop and played well, but overall, i think it was a pretty good trade.
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
Let’s all make a deal (this includes you, ncscoots) – Let’s reserve official judgment on this trade until October. By then, we’ll either be crying tears of joy or crying ourselves to sleep yet again. Let’s just wait and see how Esco does north of the border and how Gonzalez does in Hotlanta. I predict that if we win the World Series in 2010, not even my new friend scoots can put a bad spin on it! If we end up on the short end yet again – and our track record is less than stellar – then we can point to this trade as the moment we lost the WS and forfeited out future! Let’s all plan to meet back here after the World Series for a more educated assessment of things, shall we? But you know what? By then I’ll have a new son or daughter (we’re waiting to be surprised on the sex) to remind me that baseball is just a game and that, in the grand scheme of things, it rates about as high as pork rinds on the “life-altering meter.” Still though, a WS win in the same year as a new baby would be pretty awesome. Yunel or no Yunel.
ACE
July 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
Can you believe this response??!!! This is better than Damon’s!! And no red panties involved, I don’t think!!
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
4:00 pm
Lew, Get a picture of him and do a painting of you talking down to him! You could incorporate some sort of blog type back ground with words coming out of your mouth in Blog form. That may help him with the irks!
StanleyPalmer
July 14th, 2010
4:00 pm
@RJR6969, I feel you on BJordan. He’s always held a special place in my heart!!! RFLMAO!!!
The A Bomb
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
Wait til Yunel gets his 1st check from the Jays and it’s LESS because of those Canadian taxes!
Then we will see some real sulking!
Frankie Wren
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
RHR,
What??? Reality is the DOB, Bobby Cox, Frank Wren, all of his teammates, whoever, see this guy on a personal level everyday. You and I and everyone on this blog just see what he does at the plate and when he takes his position. This guy is obviously talented but his mere presence had to be a distraction so great that Mgmt thought they couldn’t wait till after the season. People close to the situation seem to agree consistently on how bad a attitude and distraction he has become.
Chip Caray's Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
That article about the farm systems was crock. Most ranking I have seen have the Braves back in the top 5. They lack position players in the high minors, that’s about it. To suggest they have minor league issues, which that guy did, pretty stupid, especially when he acts like the Phils or Mets are in a better position to acquire a bat.
NorCal
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
The story about Johan Gonzalez is so sad; you have to admire Alex doing so well under the circumstances (as others have noted).
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
So let me get this right, just so I’m crystal clear on this.
The Braves have a 4 game lead at the all-star break, and have done this with a SS that’s batted below .250 with 0 HR and 19 RBI, and we just added a guy with 17 HR to replace him?
Where’s the problem? Seriously? Wren gave up a guy that’s been being discussed as trade bait for over a year (yet NOBODY aparently offered anything better than Gonzalez for him), and who was likely NOT in the long-term plans of this club due to his own idiocy and laziness (despite being a GREAT defensive player and the possibility of being a great offensive player), for a guy who has a reasonable contract, decent pop and is solid/consistant on defense.
This is NOT the Tex trade. We didn’t give up 5 future players/trading chips for 1 year of a superstar bat.
We gave up a couple more years of a guy who likely was going to get traded at some point anyhow, and a pitcher NOBODY wanted to see pitch in Atlanta again for a solid bat and glove (and club-house guy by all accounts), a young prospect SS and a pretty decent LH relief pitching prospect, and like it or not, if Escobar didn’t turn it around and a hurry, SIGNIFICANTLY improved the chances of fending off the Mets and Phillies RIGHT NOW.
Best move for the future? Maybe not. But it didn’t cripple the future either and made us better today.
Nice trade. Nothing spectacular. But the team is better tomorrow than they were on Sunday.
Period.
Mets Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
What a stupid trade. Now we can’t count on a double play every time Escobar comes up to the plate. Also looks like the homeruns will increase during the second half of the season. Frank Wren, you are officially ruining my life.
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
Gone Viral – read that NY Daily News article about the deal – you can hear the writer yawning about the trade as he wrote it. So, it’s an OK move – a slight improvement – but nothing that gets the rest of the division upset! LOL
Lew
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
CT-Hardly worth the effort considering how much time I put into painting those pictures.
Y’all – Just Look at the comments today on this blog and seriously tell me that Yunel is not polarizing.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
RHR,
Just for the record, I wasnt a huge Andruw fan, and yes he was pulled from at least one game for dogging it. But this was a trend with Escobar. He’s been doing this for TWO seasons, not just this one.
Ever since the Braves trade Bryan Pena, who was Escobar’s best friend, Escobar has had several issues at times
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
Even if Gonzalez doesnt play well, not having to deal with Yunel and the headaches he caused on occassions makes this a good deal.
Man, I’m sorry, but that is just total homer bull-bleep. If Gonzalez doesn’t play well, the trade becomes a very big loss. He has to be at least league-average in his performance over the second half.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
I will say that Frank Wren and company have earned my trust, so I’ll try to hold off being uber-pissed for a while.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
Think we’ll still see you at the parade, Chop Chop?
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:03 pm
Also, Chipper’s never been removed from a game for a clear lack of effort. He’s has been banned from Hooter’s though.
BraveeeeePack
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
Who cares Heyward’s coming back!
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
We will find out what Gonzaleze can do it seems.
It has been 5 years since he played in as many as 130 games.
It has been 6 years since he had 599 PA’s.
He has 328 PA’s this year, the Braves have 74 games left.
If he plays every day that would give him around 296 PA’s for 628 on the year.
If he gets 296 PA’s his history says he makes 211 outs.
He hits a homerun in about every 39 PA’s, That would be 7 or 8.
Who knows, I hope he plays lights out, because I want the Braves to win.
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
Frank knows what he is doing….trust me.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
He’s been doing this for TWO seasons, not just this one.
Every game for two seasons? Or just, you know, maybe 4 games out of 324.
Ever since the Braves trade Bryan Pena, who was Escobar’s best friend, Escobar has had several issues at times
Please stop.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
The best defensive shortstop in the game who just so happens to also get on base at above a league average rate even when he’s slumping real bad with the stick should never ever be traded away. This is especially true when he’ll still be cheap and under club control for the next three and half seasons. Sell high, buy low, not the other way around. Braves Way! LOL.
OU812
July 14th, 2010
4:05 pm
The A Bomb: But when Yunel sees how much better their school system is and how much better the quality of life is, he’ll understand that’s not always about not paying one red cent more.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
ncscoots,
It’s not always about talent. Chemistry in the clubhouse is a huge thing, and no team in the Braves current position would trade their starting SS unless they have had enough of him.
Some people brighten a room by entering it, Escobar did the same by leaving
Chop Chop
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
RHR,
I’ll be the guy at the parade elbowing KC and Frankie Wren out of the way so I can be the first to prostrate myself at Wren and Bobby’s feet.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
For those worried about the “future” SS after Gonzalez is long gone? Why bother?
Sure, there isn’t a clear cut guy out there. Salcedo is allegedly the 3B of the future when Chipper leaves.
But what the Braves DO have is a ton of pitching prospects coming along. They have Tim Hudson signed. Jair Jurrjens. Mike Minor. Tommy Hanson and then the young trio of Delgado, Vizcaino and Teheran coming up.
When the Braves feel that not having an adequate SS in their system is going to cause them to lose games, and if nobody is out there to sign short term in free agency (like a veteran Walt Weiss was in 1998) to bridge the gap?
They’ll simply trade a pitcher for one.
Sopheeeeap
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
I’m still sad. I’m going to go cry in the corner now.
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
Unbelievable!
Some of you are throwing Alex under the bus before he’s even put his “Yuni” on.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
In case anyone failed to notice, we ain’t exactly stacked with strikeout artists in that rotation.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
Oh well, Mixxo, of the “ballgame!” in the 2nd inning Mixxos, says we should trust him.
Hot diggity damn! I don’t know why I ever raised an eyebrow. World series champs in 4 games. Yunel will be a shoe salesman this time next year.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
By the way, thanks for all those uplifting comments about my value. Remind me to comment likewise on your work performance.——Jo-Jo Reyes
I’ll do it for you!!! I haven’t gotten anything done all day! If my boss saw my productivity today she would be pissed. I’ve been a real crappy worker today but, who cares because I’m a Dam good Braves fan!!!
Lpad
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
RHR I agree with your 3:51 and I definitely wish Yunel the best. I would like to add two things about the braves way. 1) Bobby Cox isn’t a saint either. So the people saying if you can’t play for Bobby, you can’t play for anyone need to go look up why the police came to his house. 2) The Orioles talk about the “Oriole Way” a lot. Look at where they are.
This trade leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This wasn’t a good trade for us no matter how it is spun. Yunel is not a distraction. No off the field problems unlike Chipper, Andruw, Cox, Furcal or Rocker. DOB says he has attitude problems, but has Yunel ever confronted DOB in the locker room like Hudson did?
We didn’t get good prospects back (Collins projects as a middle reliever and Pastornicky as a speedy shortstop, which btw we have drafted plenty of in the last two years), Gonalzez is aging and has had injury problems and is playing over his head. Strikeouts too much and doesn’t get on base. Maybe, just maybe we can catch lighting in a bottle.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
But he won’t sell any shoes because who wants to buy shoes from someone who is all frowny faced all the time. Hope he doesn’t wind up homeless.
Ol Paul
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
I always thought that Yunel was really, really hot.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
Enough with the facts for you Yunel supporters.
Like I said, if you are a Yunel fan, and there are several here, nothing anyone says will get thru to you, and that’s fine.
Because we can debate here all we want, but at the end of the day,Escobar has left the building. Deal with it.
BBFCFM
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
So let me get this right, just so I’m crystal clear on this.
The Braves have a 4 game lead at the all-star break, and have done this with a SS that’s batted below .250 with 0 HR and 19 RBI, and we just added a guy with 17 HR to replace him?
Where’s the problem? Seriously? Wren gave up a guy that’s been being discussed as trade bait for over a year (yet NOBODY aparently offered anything better than Gonzalez for him), and who was likely NOT in the long-term plans of this club due to his own idiocy and laziness (despite being a GREAT defensive player and the possibility of being a great offensive player), for a guy who has a reasonable contract, decent pop and is solid/consistant on defense.
This is NOT the Tex trade. We didn’t give up 5 future players/trading chips for 1 year of a superstar bat.
We gave up a couple more years of a guy who likely was going to get traded at some point anyhow, and a pitcher NOBODY wanted to see pitch in Atlanta again for a solid bat and glove (and club-house guy by all accounts), a young prospect SS and a pretty decent LH relief pitching prospect, and like it or not, if Escobar didn’t turn it around and a hurry, SIGNIFICANTLY improved the chances of fending off the Mets and Phillies RIGHT NOW.
Best move for the future? Maybe not. But it didn’t cripple the future either and made us better today.
Nice trade. Nothing spectacular. But the team is better tomorrow than they were on Sunday.
Period.”
I think thats exactly right.
“Chip Caray’s Eyebrows
July 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
That article about the farm systems was crock. Most ranking I have seen have the Braves back in the top 5. They lack position players in the high minors, that’s about it. To suggest they have minor league issues, which that guy did, pretty stupid, especially when he acts like the Phils or Mets are in a better position to acquire a bat.”
but we have a surplus of excellent pitching. Both in the minors (especially) and even in the major leagues as well. I would think have quality young pitching as your trade chip is as good as having gold- if not better. I don’t know how many other teams can boast a pitching surplus such as ours.
bobby's cox
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
I’m gonna miss the “Blonde” Highlight Reel with a Cuban Feel.
Melky Way
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
RHR come no one said anyhing about race,I am a black Man my self,I am the last person to do the racist thing,I can not say for sure that he is a cancer in the club house only the players know that,but all i am saying is the Team has to have unity at this time.I do hope it plays out in positive way.I really was hoping that Yunel would turn things around and hit .300 again. the trade is done now.so GO BRAVES! t
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Sopheeeeap –
awwww……come and sit on Uncle Mixxo’s lap and lets talk about it.
I’ll miss him too Soph, there’s a lot I liked about him. Killer D.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Too bad there’s not a game tonight.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
4:09 pm
Scoots: [no support for him from Bobby or the clubhouse]…is the only element that makes the trade even remotely reasonable, in my opinion….And that’s why I’m pretty snarky about the whole deal. Not so much that he was traded, but that the value was just tossed.
“The value was just tossed.” That’s an assumption I would think. And based on prior performance, I’ll say I don’t think it is far off base. But, here’s the thing, if in fact Yunel’s struggles and “head case, attitude” were a conjoined death spiral, his value would only get worse if he were to remain in Atlanta. If his attitude impacted his support from the team and his performance on the field, it is reasonable to conclude it would be highlighted more in the second half and the post-season (should the Braves make the post-season). And it would be reasonable to assess his “value” at the end of the season would be less or more to the point, lower than the assumed “value [that] was just tossed”.
Additionally, this seems to assume less value is returned from the MLB player and the MiLB players acquired in the deal. Perhaps because of the minor league pitchers stature? But, he is a lefty with a hella curve dominating AA at a young age.
And lastly, scoots, this trade relieved the franchise of Jo Jo Reyes. I mean, c’mon… that’s gold.
I’m not thrilled to see Yunel go… but I am interigued by the minor leaguers, OK with Alex, and thrilled Jo Jo is gone. Just thrilled. No more Jo-Jo.
Let’s talk about minor league pitching depth folks… “What if we lose some starter to injury?” Well, I can tell you right now, without a doubt in my mind, Jo Jo Reyes has zero chance of filling in. Zero.
aaaahhhhhhh. It just feels good to say that.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
I hope Chipper gives Esco a list of all those “Hot Spots” in Toronto he enjoyed so much back during the WBC! {:
NorCal
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
I think I remember last year someone on the blog saw Yunel at a mall buying sunglasses and said “hi” to him and Yunel was friendly back. Gotta be a good guy
Herbert Junior Junior
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
Some of us couldn’t care less about Yunel being traded. It’s about packaging some of our talent – Yunel and… – for something that delivers more impact!
Efrim
July 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
To suggest they have minor league issues, which that guy did, pretty stupid, especially when he acts like the Phils or Mets are in a better position to acquire a bat.
I think he meant that they Braves didn’t have any position player prospects to deal since Freddie Freeman will most likely man first base next year. I can’t disagree with him in that regard, but Goldstein failed to mention Mike Minor, J.J. Hoover or Craig Kimbrel who most certainly would be attractive pieces to other teams(not that they’d trade them). He’s going under the assumption that the Braves would make their top 4 prospects off limits in trade discussions, not that the Braves overall system is weak….because it’s clearly not.
Chuck
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
The Texeira trace still haunts us. When we see him in the WS we need to put one in his ear. We gave up Elvis Andrus and Saltalamacchiasteinski for that nothing – then he starts hitting once the season is out of reach and Chipper stops batting .460 in front of him. And I think it’s a great trade. Escobar has great talent, but it’s not worth much when pacaged with that attitude. He did a copule of things last weekend that were eye-rollers – I guess that was the straw. Good pitcher and another shortstop for extra. Plus, this guy is a winner, is mature, having a career year, and is the same price next year as Esco would be with arbitration. Esco hasn’t hit a HR yet, and this guy has 17! Remember how long they stuck with Andruw Jones and Franceour when they were head cases and everyone railed against Wren and Bobby? This is a good trade!
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
.591,
Agree with you, but Yunel ha several fans here. They don’t care what anyone has to say(unless you are supporting Yunel)
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
“He has to be at least league-average in his performance over the second half.” scoots
Nope. The way I see it all Gonzalez has to do is have more than 62 hits, more than 0 HR, and more than 19 RBI, while being a strong prescence in the clubhouse to exceed what Escobar brought to the table this year.
Too many people living in the past (I often like to live in the future -hate trading away future pieces of the puzzle for the “now”). But the reality is that Escobar did NOTHING to help this team in the first half. Similar to Jeffy last year, eliminating him for a league average guy will be a HUGE upgrade, imo.
James
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
The Hawks need to learn from the braves and start making some trades the hawks current roster doesn’t look good.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
When the Red Sox were trying to win the World Series in 2004, they traded the superstar shortstop for one who can field. We’re pretending to be contenders for the World Series, and we traded away the best defensive shortstop for a guy, who even in his career year, has an OBP just about the same as the lifetime batting average of the best defensive shortstop in the game. Believe!
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
TIM COLLINS appears to be the player most likely to be worth a trade. Solid results in AA so far. Undrafted free agent in 2006. Great lefty strike-out reliefer. 43 IP – 27 H; 16 BB – 73 SO; 2.51 ERA, 1.00 WHIP. Makes MEDS look like TOMMY HANSON, 5′7″ 155.
Off his performance since he was drafted (5th round) in 2008, I don’t think TYLER PASTORNICKY will amount to much. Patience at the plate (102 BB – 127 SO) appears to be his long suit. AB’s 923 – hits 244.
GONZALEZ has a club option for 2.5 million in 2011. I assume this transfers, so the BRAVES have him under control for 1 1/2 years unless veteran rules negate the 2011 option in the contract.
ESCOBAR was done in ATLANTA. I expect to see him do exceptionally well in TORONTO.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:12 pm
Escobar has left the building. Deal with it.
Just stop! You’re right, there’s nothing anyone can say right now that’s going to make it ok. We’re shocked and disappointed that Yunel is gone, and that’s not something that’s going to just go away because we’re told to “deal with it.”
And just because he’s gone doesn’t mean that we should put up with people bashing him as if he were the worst player to ever strap on the spikes. Ain’t gonna happen. Deal with it.
.591
July 14th, 2010
4:12 pm
RHR –
Boy oh boy, sarcasm doesn’t get by you does it?
You really think I’m giving up after 2 innings? I say that crap to get under “folks like your” skin.
Works too!
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
I will say that Frank Wren and company have earned my trust, so I’ll try to hold off being uber-pissed for a while.
It’s funny, because the casual fan saw “Melky for Vazquez” as the worst trade ever that made absolutely 0 sense. Frank Wren should have been fired on the spot for even considering that trade. But a lot of us saw that the Braves had 6 starters, and they traded one for a stud minor league pitcher.
This one’s the other way around….the casual fan is like “Escobar’s a whiner, and I don’t care if he hits a million homeruns, I just want someone who smiles and jumps up and down when we win. Wren deserves GM of the year for finding anybody to take all that baggage!” But I see it as we gave up on a slumping potential All Star who is less than a year away from hitting .299 and being the team’s MVP.
Gary
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
@OU812 …Quality of life?!!…Life as a popsicle in the frozen Canadian wilderness is not quality.
StanleyPalmer
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
@Ol Paul, I completely agree about Yuni being hot as well!!! It’s a shame we’re losing that glorious bod, but we’ll just have to make due with AGon’s 17 long dongs!!! Wait…that didn’t sound right!!! LMAO!!!!
Piedmont Blues
July 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
TennesseePaul,
You found the silver lining … JoJo is gone. No chance he’ll be called up to fill a roster spot due to injury, or that he’ll have to make the 25-man because he’s run out of options.
He can surrender those moon shots north of the border for awhile.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:14 pm
Where’s the problem? Seriously?
Different league, older, those pesky career numbers, the last player who was “good” that we got from a cellar dweller, the whole 1st place even with a SS with 0 HR thing….
Hey, I hope he’s the next Hanley (but without that pesky ATTITUDE). I’m chill. Time will tell who got the better end of the deal. Go Braves! Go Alex! And you better run your ever loving ass off down that first base line and look hap hap happier than Bing Crosby tap dancing with Danny fluffin Kaye while you’re doing it!
Prime Time
July 14th, 2010
4:14 pm
Let him be someone elses problem.
Next Year Gonzalez is a free agent with a $2.5MM club option
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
Enough with the facts for you Yunel supporters. Like I said, if you are a Yunel fan, and there are several here, nothing anyone says will get thru to you, and that’s fine.
The “facts”? I haven’t seen any from his detractors. Seen alot of goober b.s. though
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
And the fact that for his career he’s getting on base at .294 doesn’t exactly want to make me jump up and down.
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
They could’ve and should’ve cut JoJo at any time.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:15 pm
Gotta be a good guy
I would always see him signing autographs after the games out in the player lot. And if you got his attention, he would wave…
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Enough with the facts for you Yunel supporters.
Yes, why would we use facts to support our arguments?
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Reality Check, I’m with ya, re your 3:59. Tomorrow’s a new day, got a game to play.
But, in fact, it won’t matter to me what Escobar does in Toronto. Dude’s gone. He’s not a member of the Braves, anymore, and has no bearing on how the team fares over the next 10 weeks. You got folks here who still obsess over trades from three years ago (heck, thirty years ago, LOL), but I count myself not among ‘em. So, regardless of what happens, I doubt I’ll be evaluating the trade after today.
And congrats on the coming addition. Priorities in place, my man.
Nate in Maine
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Good trade but dont forget we have a good prospect that we signed in the winter….. for get his name maybe edward scolo something like that but he is suppose to be good… by the way defense wins championships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go Braves!!!!!!!
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Wait…did I say anything about race? I don’t remember saying anything about race?
Piedmont Blues
July 14th, 2010
4:17 pm
Yunel may absolutely light it up in the AL, what with the smaller parks and Cito’s emphasis on swinging as hard as you can on every pitch in case you make contact.
Of course, because Yunel has always been a patient hitter, this new approach could mess with his mind.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:17 pm
I’d also feel better if that lefty wasn’t five foot seven inches
TheAntiMe
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
This seems like a decent trade for both teams. This trade alone will not win the World Series for the Braves but it should improve their chances a bit.
For the Blue Jays, they aren’t getting a future Hall of Famer but Yunel Escobar does have good upside and it doesn’t seem like they gave up too much to take a chance on someone who can be a solid player for them for quite a few years if he can ever get his stuff together. I really think that he can, now that he has a fresh start in Canada.
Ol Paul
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
@Ol Paul, and what about those blonde highlights? Those glorious blonde tips? I always loved Yunel’s tips. You know what I mean.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
Roman Girl,
Do you need a tissue for this issue?? I’m glad he got traded, I’m not bashing a very TALENTED SS in Escobar, but to not call him out on his play at times over the last two years is something that I cant do.
Just about every so called expert says the Braves made out in this deal, so we’ll see.
And yes I’m dealing with the Braves moving on without Escboar, a VERY TALENTED but at times troubled SS.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
Forget Yunel.
Is Willy Wally really Braveheart?
raleighbravefan
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
WOW! I haven’t seen this much excitement/anguish with Braves Nation in a long time. Things are getting ugly. Everyone is taking sides. scoots & Lew, who I like both, at each other’s throats.
I see good and bad.
Yunel – Great talent and upside, but a headcase and lousy first half.
AG – Solid defense, more pop, more mature and levelheaded but little upside. 2 pretty good prospects tip the scales as a plus.
Wren was interviewed on XM radio shortly after trade announced – Bobby has pushed this trade for some time. They also like the prospects. Unsaid- they were tired of Yunel’s antics, and recent play broke the camel’s back. Time will tell!
I’m no fan of TP as hitting coach, but don’t put all of the blame on him for players who are stubborn and won’t listen (Andruw and Frenchy for example). I don’t know if Yunel fits that category. TP has been working with McLouth during stent on DL. It will be interesting what happens. If he comes back strong, I will no longer criticize TP.
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
4:18 pm
I don’t want to say I told you so, but I told you so. ESCOBAR was done in ATLANTA, and it was obvious. All those SS moves last month couldn’t have been just to get talented infielders.
J T at Capital
July 14th, 2010
4:19 pm
the more I think about trade that was a bad deal at this time I think we should have wait a couple weeks just like we are doing with Nate when A Jones he had the same problem like Yunel I believe we gave up on him to quick
ncscoots
July 14th, 2010
4:19 pm
And lastly, scoots, this trade relieved the franchise of Jo Jo Reyes. I mean, c’mon… that’s gold.
Ain’t nothing ever ALL bad, bubba.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:20 pm
Ncscoots,
Couldnt have said it better myself than your 4:16 post
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:20 pm
I’ve smelled this stench before. 1999. It smells like Jose Hernandez.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:20 pm
jeffrey d-
It’s funny that you mention the Vazquez trade. I wasn’t exactly happy about that trade either, but I recognized that either Lowe or Vazquez was getting traded, and we at least got Vizcaino who was rated up there with Teheran.
I guess the reason I don’t really care about Collins is because we already have some guys in Gwinnett who are throwing the ball really, really well. Dunn, Marek and Kimbrell are all having great seasons in the bullpen.
Nöcho
July 14th, 2010
4:21 pm
“But I see it as we gave up on a slumping potential All Star who is less than a year away from hitting .299 and being the team’s MVP.” jeffrescobar d
I look at it this way. It’s really a simple case of reading between the lines and putting 2 and 2 together.
The general consensus is that Bobby Cox is the ULTIMATE players manager. All he asks is that you play hard, play smart and don’t embarrass yourself and more importantly your team and organization. You literally have to be a real POS to lose Bobby’s trust and respect.
So if there is a guy that doesn’t want to play hard for Bobby Cox, much less Bobby Cox in his last year (when the team is winning many more than they are losing)???
Why on earth would you as a GM even remotely think that that particular individual is EVER going to turn the corner and be a good teammate that gives his all at all times?
The answer is clearly pointed out by him being traded less than a year removed from batting .299 and being the team’s MVP.
Whether you or I as fans are bummed, happy or mad about him being trade isn’t important. SOMEBODY, somewhere within the Braves organization thought he would not only NOT help this team this year, but he had little chance of helping in the future with his attitude.
Like I said. Not really that complicated to sift through all of the other BS and details to get to the common sense reason behind why Yunel is now a Blue Jay. Whether you or I like it or not, I honestly believe that it was a pretty simple decision for Wren.
Jonny Oh!
July 14th, 2010
4:21 pm
Gary – It has colder weather, but it also has a lot more culture and is much more cosmopolitan, not to mention a more sophisticated population.
TennesseePaul
July 14th, 2010
4:21 pm
Well I think he meant that Escobar will probably be an All Star someday (I agree). But it’s still 2…Andrus and Renteria
Andrus…Yes, Yunel will make the All-Star team in about 3 years as a back-up player thus proving that the trade was terrible.
As to Renteria, the Braves got Jurrjens. As bad as the blog can get sometimes, I think everyone has come around on that trade.
Alex Gonzalez hitting 35 dingers this year.
Ha! That’s about his pace but no way he does that. And if he does… his trade value sky rockets. Wren would have to pick up the option and flip him at that point.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
Roman Gal,
You are right on the mark about Gwinnett’s bullpen, allot of good arms there, but you can never have enough pitching
Willy Wally
July 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
Is Willy Wally really Braveheart?
Hon, tell me you’re not 5 years behind everyone else.
raleighbravefan
July 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
Enter your comments here
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:23 pm
Do you need a tissue for this issue??
Clever. I wasn’t specifically referring to you as a Yunel-basher. But you can’t argue that there aren’t plenty of them here. That sort of thing doesn’t sit well with me or some others.
Anders
July 14th, 2010
4:24 pm
Where did Gonzalez bat in Toronto’s order? Where will he bat with the Braves?
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:24 pm
I gotta side with the infamous PL on this issue…I don’t care about attitude that much as long as you’re talented. I know Escobar sucked it up the first half, but he’s got talent that we all know is there.
Wild
July 14th, 2010
4:25 pm
we just added a SS that is having a career year with power but seldom gets on base and is the Jeff Francoeur of SS
richbrave
July 14th, 2010
4:25 pm
COLLINS was undrafted in 2007 sorry for the typo. Some estimates have him at 5′5″. WOW!
Reality Check
July 14th, 2010
4:25 pm
Scoots – I gotta agree with your 4:16 – win or lose, good or bad, Esco’s gone. For the record, I too find it pretty useless to reach back in time and lament past trades. We’re in 1st place on July 14, 2010 – that’s all that matters in my book – well, that, and that they stay there!
Thanks for the well-wishes on the baby! Much appreciated!
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
4:26 pm
I’m aware of UZR and UZR/150. Braveheart mentioned Dewan’s, also at FanGraphs. He, and scoots, seem to think Esco’s better, and that it ain’t all that close. I respect the hell out of all three of you, and wanted to hear your argument. (And, I still do.)
Bay Area Steve, thanks.
Joe Pawlikowski at FanGraphs says the following about Gonzalez’s defense: “He still plays an excellent shortstop, a 3.1 UZR to this point, and he’s likely to continue providing the Braves with quality defense.”
Seems the Braves think they can afford to take a hit in the on-base department in order to try to increase their slugging without downgrading too much on defense, if they downgraded at all.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they use Tim Collins to improve their slugging elsewhere. I suspect they want to go all out to try to win this year, especially considering this move. Could they flip Tim Collins, one of their three great pitching prospects and maybe another second-tier prospect for a player like Adam Dunn? I doubt they would give up Julio Teheran or Freddie Freeman to win this season, especially if it means trading within their division, but I would imagine they’ll go all in on everyone else in their system.
Alaska Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:26 pm
I’m limping on a bum right hand now, so I’ll just say this: Wren again has made a very smart move. He added gas to the tank, and it just may take us all the way. Imagine getting a few RBI’s from the SS! Just as with Francoeur, Escobar may blossom with the Blue Jays, but without a change of scenery, it seemed it just wasn’t going to happen.
Great job, Frank! (As if he needed me to tell him that!)
ABF
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:27 pm
A team full of 25 smiling hustling Brooks Conrads won’t get too far.
Shaun
July 14th, 2010
4:27 pm
we just added a SS that is having a career year with power but seldom gets on base and is the Jeff Francoeur of SS
Francoeur isn’t a great power hitter for a corner outfielder. Gonzalez at least has the potential to be an outstanding power hitter for a shortstop. Please, folks, stop comparing players across positions without making positional adjustments.
RHR
July 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
I’ll be the guy at the parade elbowing KC and Frankie Wren out of the way so I can be the first to prostrate myself at Wren and Bobby’s feet.
Awesome. You’ll be easy to find. Should I bring Cristal or just get the cheap stuff and spray it around?
Paddy O
July 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
OU812 – lets talk about quality of life – is quality of life what the government gives you? Then yes, you are probably right. If it is about making the most out of your life with your own initiative, then no, you are wrong. If Yunel makes his off season home there, we’ll see how much he like snow & hockey. I would prefer to live here if I was a major leaguer. Yunel will also miss the playoffs.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
Roman Gal,
I agree with you. I’ve said that Yunel has all of the talent in the world, but he just didnt fit in here with Atlanta, and the Braves wouldnt have traded a very talented SS unless they were completely done with him.
His attitude and indifferent play at time did him in here.
I like your comment about Gwinnett’s bullpen, your absolutlely right, there are some serious arms down there
Moe Berg
July 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
How often do you think Tim Collins will mistakenly be called Tom?
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
baseball is just a game and that, in the grand scheme of things, it rates about as high as pork rinds on the “life-altering meter.”
I think you’re life-altering meter might need to be calibrated. Ha!
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:29 pm
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/
NC Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:30 pm
I can’t wait for DOB’s plane to land and for him to blog about this. Since he has covered both players and has tweeted today that this is one of Wren’s best trades, I expect what he has to say will be quite interesting!
CB
July 14th, 2010
4:30 pm
That is why I prefer to be more a fan of the Braves than a fan of the players. Players get traded,released and retire. The Braves will be here when Escobar and others are gone.
flangeeeeeee1
July 14th, 2010
4:30 pm
By getting rid of Yunel and JoJo and adding AG and 2 lower level minor leaguers, didn’t the Braves just open up a spot on the 40 man roster?
Alaska Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:31 pm
Even ancient peoples who were scrambling to find enough to eat played games. We humans just like to have fun. If you don’t like having fun, there’s always that monastery in Conyers.
ABF
SoWeGa Fanatic
July 14th, 2010
4:31 pm
Anders, Dickey is a 35 year old journeyman pitching over his head (so far), Beltran will be a part-time player this year, Pelfrey is coming back to norm, Frenchy may hit today (or he may not for a month), etc. Your guys are lucky to even be smelling the Braves lower butts now. Won’t last long.
Lpad
July 14th, 2010
4:31 pm
Shaun it isn’t about comparing across positions but comparing where they will hit in the batting order. Each slot much produce a certain amount for a team to be successful.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:32 pm
Gonzalez at least has the potential to be an outstanding power hitter for a shortstop
He’s 33 with 4700 ABs….I think we’ve seen what Gonzalez has to offer.
And the Francoeur comparisons were that people got fed up with Francoeur and his low average/OBP. Do you think the same people are going to say “He’s only got a .290 OBP!! Oh that’s okay, he’s a shortstop.” No…they’re going to get fed up with him very quickly if he performs like his career numbers would indicate.
Bobbeeee's Cox
July 14th, 2010
4:32 pm
It was only a matter of time before we saw a Bryan Pena reference relating to Yunel. It took 11 pages. Well done Gwinnett Braves Bible.
Roman Gal
July 14th, 2010
4:32 pm
there are some serious arms down there
I tell you what, I’ve been most impressed (and surprised) with Dunn. I didn’t really have any expectations for him after we got him, but I certainly wouldn’t have expected what he’s done so far. I’m surprised he hasn’t gotten the call over Chavez. I guess they want him to continue working on something…
CraZyTRaDeMaN
July 14th, 2010
4:32 pm
Alex Gonzalez could easily return to his normal form which is lots of strike outs little power and a LOW obp. Worse than Frenchy type numbers! You people are going to bash this guy if he hits 5 HR the rest of the way.
Yunel Escobar could easily return to previous form which was Clutch, Good OBP, little to good power. Again if Yunel hits 10 HR in Toronto you people are going to bash FW.
It’s a crap shoot! IDK I guess it’s a good deal if it’s better for the clubhouse.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:32 pm
Yahoo’s sports page has the main story “Brave New World”
That’s pretty clever….I wonder if they thought of it themselves
Bobby
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
Get rid of top-flight young talent having a bad year for soon-to-be over the hill talent hitting in the .250s. Hmmm, where are Ryan Church and Nate McClouth?
Gary
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
@Johnny Oh! I’m just yanking Canuk chains, got nothing against Toronto. Brrrrrrrrrr….LOL
Bartholomew (Bat) Masterson
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
Just as with Francoeur, Escobar may blossom with the Blue Jays, but without a change of scenery, it seemed it just wasn’t going to happen.
Whoa, Francoeur has blossomed, into what, a stink weed? I wish Escobar a hell’va lot better than that.
jeffrescobar d :(
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
I mean really….can the Braves do something big without getting that “Brave New World” headline?
Memphis
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
The comment about 25 Hustling Brooks Conrads is ludicris. The main core of this team is Prado, McCann, Heyward, Jones and Glaus. Escobar was a secondary piece. He played good defense at short and had a cannon. He’s 28 (or he may be older) We don’t really know how old he is. The Braves are trying to win now. No matter how you slice it a .240 batting average with 19 RBIS at the break is not getting it done. He could’ve improved the 2nd half, but if you had Infante starting at SS the 1st half, his numbers would’ve been much better.
T for Texas
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
I wonder if Alex Gonzalez being from Prado’s and Infante’s (and Gregor Blanco’s) home country of Venezuela had any bearing on this trade? Wonder if Marteen and Omar had any input?
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 14th, 2010
4:33 pm
Jeffrescobar d,
I respect your comment about talent trumps attitude, but I respectfully disagree with you and I guess judging by the trade today, so do the Braves.
Tale of Woe
July 14th, 2010
4:34 pm
How long do you wait for upside potential to turn to reality? We had to make this trade to see if we could win it this year. Yunel wouldn’t have been our SS in 2 years anyway. Get something for him now and see if we can win. If Gonzalez can hit better than .240 0HR and 19RBI’s in the second half then it was a win for the Braves.
Whoever thinks Yunel is a great defensive SS – I think he has the most errors of any SS this year or is at least in the top 3 or 4. He made some great plays (don’t most SS’s?) and he made some lousy plays.
I don’t see a huge downside to this.
Alaska Braves Fan
July 14th, 2010
4:34 pm
Predicting the future is a wonderful way to makes oneself look stupid, but I like our chances at making the playoffs, and, yes, even the Series, better now that Wren made the deal for Gonzalez. It won’t be an easy second half, and we’ll have our ups and downs, but in the end, I think we’ll take the NL East.
ABF