Gonzalez has been a perfect fit for Braves
Alex Gonzalez has been everything the Braves hoped for – at the plate, in the field and in the clubhouse.
The newly acquired shortstop had four hits and two RBIs in Thursday’s win over the Padres.
Gonzalez had six straight hits between his final two at-bats Wednesday and his first four at-bats Thursday.
“It’s great,” Braves pitcher Tim Hudson said. “I tell you, he’s been a breath of fresh air, both on the field and in the clubhouse. Great teammate, which we heard that before we got him. Defensively he’s been outstanding. We knew what we were getting defensively. And offensively he’s definitely carried more than his weight.”
Gonzalez was acquired last week in a five-player deal that also sent shortstop Yunel Escobar to Toronto. Since the trade, Gonzalez is hitting .370 (10-for-27) and has hits safely in six of the past seven games. Thursday’s four-hit game matched a career high, something he’s done seven other times in his 12-year career.
Gonzalez was in on two double plays on Thursday, prompting Braves players to praise his defense as well.
“Big addition,” outfielder Matt Diaz said. “Playing behind him…. People doted on Yunel’s range, and rightfully so. He had a ton of range. But not only does Alex have the range, Alex positions himself to get rid of the ball quick. He may not have Yunel’s arm, but he gets rid of the ball so quick, and he’s got a very strong arm. It seems like it’s an easier ball for Troy to catch.
“Watching him turn double plays with [Martin] Prado – playing behind that is just fun to watch. I’ve got to be careful, because next time there’s a ball between third and short, I may not charge it. I may just expect him to make a great play. Which he probably will, but I can’t just expect that.”
Gonzalez has also been a good fit in the Braves clubhouse.
“Good luck to Esky [Escobar],” Hudson said. “I’m sure he’ll find his way up there. But I know everybody around here is really happy with what we have.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
99 comments Add your comment
eskippy
July 22nd, 2010
5:31 pm
1
Gary H
July 22nd, 2010
5:34 pm
2
Glaus-o-saurus
July 22nd, 2010
5:36 pm
2nd?
Glaus-o-saurus
July 22nd, 2010
5:36 pm
Nobody missing “Esky”
jwill
July 22nd, 2010
5:36 pm
A-Gone
DC Brave
July 22nd, 2010
5:37 pm
3
Kurt Collins
July 22nd, 2010
5:37 pm
In play, run(s)
rc35
July 22nd, 2010
5:37 pm
I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far. Now, if we’d just find out that the fine print in the trade agreement sent McLouth to Toronto, too, it would be a perfect arrangement.
Smiling Jack
July 22nd, 2010
5:37 pm
2nd?????WOW!
Smiling Jack
July 22nd, 2010
5:40 pm
Oh, well..It was a great game and the middle infielders seem to have it all together. They are fun to watch especially with the unhanded glove hand tosses when time doesn’t allow the switch to the throwing hand. WOW!
Smiling Jack
July 22nd, 2010
5:41 pm
How much longer will McLouth be given to come back?
eskippy
July 22nd, 2010
5:44 pm
67 more at least
Jay H.
July 22nd, 2010
5:52 pm
Unhand me, sir!
gadawgs
July 22nd, 2010
6:02 pm
I concur…..Ecstatic to have him. Gonzo is a PROFFESIONAL ballplayer!
Alaska Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2010
6:05 pm
If this isn’t our year, with the pieces we have, I can’t imagine what FW would have to do. Of course, it all can come undone in a hurry, especially during those short, post-season playoffs, but you have to like our chances!
ABF
JohnSmith
July 22nd, 2010
6:07 pm
Escobar was how old? 27? 28? He’d had plenty of time to grow up, but just couldn’t do it. Now that he’s been banished to Toronto, maybe he’ll get it together and have a couple of good seasons before he’s on the decline.
Maybe.
Joe T
July 22nd, 2010
6:17 pm
I am giving my parting shot to this trade: I think it says volumes about a player who can just “turn it on” when he wants. Escobar is raking at Toronto and there is no doubt he could have given that effort in Atlanta if he wanted to. Good job Frank Wren!
square leg
July 22nd, 2010
6:25 pm
Boy reading between the lines, it sure seems that Escobar was never going to fit in with the Brave clubhouse. And as has been said many times on this blog by myself and others…. This TEAMS chemistry is the why this year seems so special as we go forward to hopefully deep into the playoffs.
TampaGator
July 22nd, 2010
6:30 pm
Glaus needs to start hitting with some power…he has been on 14 for a long time and he isn’t hitting many doubles either. That is not what you expect from the #4 hitter. Maybe tomorrow he will get on another streak….I hope so.
Good luck to you up in 0′Canada, Escobar, but no one down here misses you!
McClouth is a Bobby Cox type of player. He stays and has until the end of the year to work his problems out. He and Milkey will alternate…and that is OK for now.
Kenny J
July 22nd, 2010
6:33 pm
This is a sound, post-steroid era ball ball club through and through. Solid pitching top to bottom, professional hitters and defenders- both starters and the bench. And guys who want to win together. They’re having fun while taking care of business, and are a team you want to root for — beyond the home town A on their uniforms. It would be a luxury to have one big RH bopper, which hopefully does not become an October haunt. I’ve liked Wren’s moves all along, and whether he pulls off a move or no-move by the deadline(s), I have full faith in his weighted reasons. He’s earned that from us.
Kenny J
July 22nd, 2010
6:33 pm
This is a sound, post-steroid era ball ball club through and through. Solid pitching top to bottom, professional hitters and defenders- both starters and the bench. And guys who want to win together. They’re having fun while taking care of business, and are a team you want to root for — beyond the home town A on their uniforms. It would be a luxury to have one big RH bopper, which hopefully does not become an October haunt. I’ve liked Wren’s moves all along, and whether he pulls off a move or no-move by the deadline(s), I have full faith in his weighted reasons. He’s earned that from us.
Huh?
July 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
Careful, it has not even been two weeks yet. Escobar carried the team last year and now he is treated like a disease? Lets see what the rest of the year holds.
Kenny J
July 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
Whoops. A double double click.
Joe West
July 22nd, 2010
6:34 pm
can we give up mclouth/KK or mclouth/Chavez for bautista?
i mean, they did take Jojo reyes… HAHHA
Husker Tony
July 22nd, 2010
6:40 pm
Joe where u umping tonight??
Weird I don’t miss Escobar either.
bruce
July 22nd, 2010
6:52 pm
fab story… thanks Chris
castle
July 22nd, 2010
6:56 pm
It’s worth mentioning that Yunel is batting .471 and OPSing 1.350 with 2 HRs and 7 RBI in 4 games with Toronto. That’s after 0 HR and 19 RBI in 75 games with the Braves. It looks like the change of scenery is doing him good–I’m happy for Yunel, and glad the trade is working out well for both teams.
Yunel Escobar
July 22nd, 2010
7:26 pm
ouch
BraveMan
July 22nd, 2010
7:41 pm
long term… this trade will be looked upon as atrocious. mark my words.
stew
July 22nd, 2010
7:52 pm
Yesco is still the better player and 6 years younger. So what happens in 2 years. We have someone like Edward Salcedo who can possibly be a replacement at third or short. I still think Yunel would have come around.
LivinInAL
July 22nd, 2010
8:02 pm
I hope it works out for Escobar. Maybe he should have taken some lessons from an old pro like maybe, Jason Hayward on maturity, hustle, and being a team player.
bang'm
July 22nd, 2010
9:07 pm
Pad’s are a joke if you ask me. No clue how they are up this high on the win list. Yeah, they go some pitching and good D, but what a horrible lineup. Maybe the worst in the majors. Who is worse? Seriously
edward
July 22nd, 2010
9:24 pm
Escobar almost cost us our first baseman before the break. He also let a ball fall right in front of him and gave a lame excuse for it in the same game. He was reprimanded how many times? I remember Bobby pulling a young Andruw in the middle of an inning and look how fast he got the point! Yunel just figured he was better than the team. A lot of ball players these days need to look at Chipper and see how a professional acts and plays. Everyone rips him now but how many discounts did he take? He probably will retire at the end of the year but will wait to announce it because this is Bobby’s time to bask in the glory. He will leave the game and leave money on the table. Class all the way.
I think that Gonzalez is an excellent pickup. Isn’t the club option for next year pretty team friendly too? I would love to see them keep Glaus at first, pick up the option on Alex and either move Infante to third or maybe move Freeman there. I just don’t trust Glaus’ shoulder enough to be making all those throws.
Go Braves!
July 22nd, 2010
9:43 pm
It’s not Glaus shoulder that worries me, it’s his knees. He still looks like he has a hard time running and I’m betting they hurt more than he is letting on. Could be why he has been struggling at the plate for a while.
Furman Bitcher
July 22nd, 2010
9:51 pm
If we win a World Series this year it wont matter if Escobar turns into Barry Bonds. It will be worth it.
We Run This Division!
July 22nd, 2010
10:25 pm
Like his personality and like his contributions… both offensively and defensively.
Sam Fossela
July 22nd, 2010
10:51 pm
So yeah, let’s wait for the guy to finally do something and then write about his perfectness. I enjoyed seeing the Braves in the race for much of last season and that was due in no small part to the performance of Yunel Escobar. Deny it if you must, but it’s a fact. So I guess when we were told how great the chemistry was before Escobar was traded, that was not the truth. Wonder what else will eventually come to light as not true?I hope Joe Torre is the next manager, he has 4 rings and the ability to fit more than one personality type into a reasonable clubhouse atmosphere. Looking back at the record,it looks like he was fired too quickly as well. Wren probably doesn’t have the cajones to make a hire that has a better pedigree than he does.
Unknown Hinson
July 22nd, 2010
11:01 pm
It really sounds like everyone is extremely glad Yunel is gone, he must have been terrible in the clubhouse. Keep doin your thing Alejandro
Abc
July 22nd, 2010
11:06 pm
First!!
lancer
July 22nd, 2010
11:55 pm
“It seems like it’s an easier ball for Troy to catch….”
An ode to Yuni’s famous dreadful lob that almost put Glaus down? perhaps..
Bluestreak
July 22nd, 2010
11:58 pm
Wow…the reaction by the players is a indictment on how Escobar was viewed in the clubhouse. You don’t often hear other players come out and say how much the new player is a ‘breath of fresh air’ compared to the player sent away, unless the person was a cancer…or at least a malcontent.
Too bad, Escobar has such talent that his off the field personality was so poor that he was expendable.
Bravo-n-Knoxville
July 23rd, 2010
1:05 am
I think Bonds gave Yunel LeConte’s cell# before departing to Toronto.Just a little ointment from Sheffield and that little wrist or forearm pain from getting plunked while attempting to bunt will subside …quickly too as in how fast the Braves exiled you!
dorksbruggee - When the sun comes up on a...
July 23rd, 2010
6:34 am
I miss the blonde tips !
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
7:46 am
Team chemistry is SO overrated.
Ruth and Gehrig didn’t get along on all those Yankee championship teams in the 20s and 30’s. The Oakland A’s championship teams ‘72-’74–they were constantly bickering. The ‘77 and ‘78 Yankee world championship clubs–Reggie, Billy Martin, Steinbrenner–constant turmoil–yet they put it all behind them on the field.
Then, I remember a Braves team from 2002 or 2003– “what great team chemistry we have-everyone gets along so well. They lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Give me the team with the most talent ON the field.
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
7:50 am
The way Yunel Escobar is referred to — you would think he was an ax murderer. I love the Braves–and they will continue to be my team,, but you have to be a Boy Scout to stay on this team or you are GONE.
Yakuzafro
July 23rd, 2010
8:15 am
Yunel who?? There is a difference between being a boy scout and being a pain in the ass.
Esobarf, was the latter. So I guess you were happy with his lack of hustle and how he played on the field?
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
8:29 am
How he played on the field? Overall, offensively and defensively, he was our best player last year. I don’t care if he was a pain in the ass.
The only lack of hustle I was saw with Yunel was running down the first base line on ground balls. But then again, a lot of players do that–don’t run full speed down the line.
Sure, he had a sub-par first half. But performance-wise, who is the real Yunel–the guy who had three good years here or the one who had a sub-par HALF year. I think it’s the former.
Matt
July 23rd, 2010
8:30 am
Yunel is way too consumed with himself, still can’t talk english! How selfish is that!!! Even Kenshin is catching on after only one year! I know an individual on the Braves staff and he has told me in the past what a pain Yunel is to deal with!!! He’s a world of talent but I would never want him working for my company!!!!
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
8:42 am
Matt– Yunel doesn’t speak much English. That makes him selfish? Omar Infante doesn’t speak any English either. Is he selfish too? He’s been in the majors a lot longer than Escobar. Prado has to interpret for Infante in interviews.
Learning a new language is easier for some people, harder for others. Some people are good at math; some aren’t. Some people are mechanically-inclined, some aren’t.
crymeariver
July 23rd, 2010
8:51 am
Braveman @741pm says it all “long term….this trade will be looked upon as atrocious…mark my words”
I totally agree, The Bluejays organization will come to realize that they were ROBBED in this deal.
Escobar is tearing up that Baltimore and KC pitching, I wonder what Gonzalez would have done against them.
I’m almost positive that Escobar would have done not much of anything, against Milwaukee and San Diego, if he was still in Atlanta.
JUST SAYIN'
July 23rd, 2010
8:52 am
I think Escobar wanted to be traded and played accordingly. He got his wish. Now the Braves have a very good replacement. Let’s enjoy it. How long Alex plays is not important at this point. His replacement will come along in due time.
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
9:01 am
Seattle Mariners have a worse line up. The refused to allow Ken Griffey to play, so they could trade for a a guy named Smoak who is hitting under 220. Wakamatsu needs to be canned, now.
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
9:03 am
playoffs- if you moved to Mexico for your living, and were grossly overpaid, would you insist on still speaking english? If so, perfect. But CW would indicate you would attempt to assimilate, or your just a butthole narcissistic exploiting the situation.
crymeariver
July 23rd, 2010
9:04 am
On a team, like the one Wren has assembled this year, team chemistry is NOT overrated. Team chemistry means a lot, pertaining to the success of a team such as this one.
A standing ovation in the clubhouse for his replacement, comments made by his former teammates, getting kick to the curb, in a dead-head culling by a manager and GM, famous for giving players every chance in the book to succeed, doesn’t say much for EXcobar.
He must be one bad attituded, A hole.
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
9:04 am
playoffs – you think this braves team has the hitting talent of any of the three teams you referenced? Talent trumps problems. The Braves do not have the best talent, so they need that team chemistry.
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
9:06 am
It is quite evident the rest of the team thought Escobar was an annoying prima donna. With the quality of his replacement, and the way he was playing in ATL, he will not be missed this year. I still doubt he’ll hit 300 over whole season in Toronto.
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
9:17 am
Paddy- You made my point for me! They don’t have the talent of those teams I mentioned. So they need every talented player possible.
Team chemistry IS overrated. And your’re right, “talent trumps problems.” I’ll take talent over so-called team chemistry any day of the week.
As far as Yunel not knowing much English, you are just assuming he doesn’t try or doesn’t care. Do you have some personal insight into his everyday life off the field?
Yeah, it’s pretty much agreed Yunel is a prima donna. I’ll take the talented prima donna over the good guy with average skills if I want to win a big ballgame.
The Braves got a pretty good shortstop in Alex Gonzalez, so they will be all right.
But my original point stands, team chemistry is overrated!!
Yakuzafro
July 23rd, 2010
9:19 am
at playoffs!!
you actually mentioned last year!! last time I checked this IS NOT last year..
Why even use the language excuse?…might as well play the race card while you are at it.
Tim
July 23rd, 2010
9:22 am
when did Escobar ever address the media, or use an interpreter to stand up and say anything about his errors, or how much he liked playing for Cox,the Braves or in Atlanta? Even if he played with emotion, was loud and or annoying to his teammates, I don’t recall a time where he ever tried to express any joy to the fans about his game. Sounds like the dude didn’t want to be here, either.
Yakuzafro
July 23rd, 2010
9:23 am
team chemistry is over rated?? then you should…. 1. change your screen name. 2. Be sure NOT to cheer the braves when they make the play offs.
you are such a homer
Shaunn
July 23rd, 2010
9:24 am
I disagree that Escobar wanted to be traded, I dont know if you have read the article MLB and SI did about Yunel Escobar and Bryan Pena, and them growing up in Cuba. It basically goes through their endeavors to get to America and play American ball, and how all they ever wanted was to put on a Braves uniform. Trust me he didnt want to be traded. He fell into a comfort zone. That was his whole problem.
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
9:27 am
Yakuzafro–After reading some of your personal attacks, now I remember why I don’t get on this blog much anymore.
Anyway, I have to get back to my real job because no one pays me for defendingYunel Escobar.
AlforATL
July 23rd, 2010
9:32 am
Team chemistry is nice but we’ve had plenty of teams who proclaimed how great their chemistry was and who flopped in the playoffs – those teams with Fukey and Giles and Andruw for the last years they were here when we were making the playoffs. You still have to have the talent on the field to get it done. The past two years, we’ve had great starting pitching and good defense, and now the offense is finally coming together more. Come playoffs, it’s all confidence and heat – even the teams without the best records and lineups on paper can go all the way if they’re riding a hot streak. If we get there, let’s hope we’re blazing.
crymeariver
July 23rd, 2010
9:42 am
I don’t care if EXcobar hits 50 HRs the rest of the season with the Canadians, he wasn’t putting in a maximum effort to help the Braves win, and that is the bottom line.
I hope that he does change his attitude and succeeds in the MLB.
But, the one sure fact is, that he is gone and the Braves are better for it.
And, anyone that says team chemistry doesn’t matter, does not know what they are talking about.
And playoffs!!…..9:17am… Paddy O did not make your point for you, and I don’t see how anyone with any degree of intelligence could think that he did.
Luke
July 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
Playoffs!!!!-
I’m sorry, but I just got tired of watching Yunel play. Great arm, great bat, selfish me-first attitude. I dunno if you ever played baseball in high school, but that kind of attitude is what gets you in the dog house. Yunel brought this upon himself by looking at his glove every time he would make a mistake (botched ball, etc.), smirking at the umpires whenever a call didn’t go his way, and the list goes on. It’s one thing to be a pain in the ass, its another thing to be a professional. He isn’t Alex Rodriguez, and he hasn’t put up the type of numbers (not in every season he’s been here) to act the way he does.
crymeariver
July 23rd, 2010
9:44 am
Bye
fredi is next
July 23rd, 2010
9:50 am
Even if you consider Yunel an “A” player and Gonzo a “B” player, its AT LEAST a wash when you add in Yunel’s baggage. If this were tennis, he’d be like McEnroe and do fine despite his attitude. But this is a TEAM sport and there is no one part of a team that is greater than the team. So the best thing for the “team” was for him to go bye-bye… for the same reason you wouldn’t want T.O. on the Falcons. T.O. – super talent, bad attitude. So my opinion is that Yunel did himself in and for that reason – good riddance!!
Melky Way
July 23rd, 2010
9:55 am
Playoffs, if Gonzo goes in the tolet they will bash him too!
chazs
July 23rd, 2010
10:28 am
We love the Chipmunk.
4 for 5 yesterday!
The Real Don Steele
July 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
Escobar is the type of player who wants to be the flashy hotdog on a mediocre team. It’s all about me….me…..me to him. The thing that totally blew him up in Atlanta was Prado’s success. When Martin was leading the league in hitting, hits and total bases on his way to the AllStar game it was too much for Yunel. He may make the Hall of Fame and more power to him, but he wasn’t going to excel on a winning team of unselfish players here in Atlanta.
Yasser Gomez
July 23rd, 2010
10:45 am
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=OF&sid=t430&t=p_pbp&pid=579010
Anon21
July 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
What I’m most excited about is all those Gonzalez homers we were promised. Since he hasn’t had any yet, surely when they start coming, they’ll be there in bunches!
Hold on, wait a minute…I’m getting word now that Gonzalez has basically no power, hit 10 of those 17 home runs in possibly the most favorable park in baseball for his flyball tendencies, and is an inferior player in every way to the recently traded Escobar.
Too bad Frank Wren couldn’t have taken the 10 minutes to check how far all of those “home runs” were actually traveling!
Larvell Blanks
July 23rd, 2010
11:01 am
Shouldn’t this blog be called “Atlanta Braves, sometimes with David O’Brien”?
say what???
July 23rd, 2010
11:07 am
Melky way – that’s crap. Name 1 former player the braves have bashed. There have been a few head cases through the door over the years but I can’t think of one that has beed bashed
say what???
July 23rd, 2010
11:07 am
Melky way – that’s crap. Name 1 former player the braves have bashed. There have been a few head cases through the door over the years but I can’t think of one that has beed bashed
budsboy2
July 23rd, 2010
11:25 am
Playoffs…evidently you have never played a TEAM sport at a high level…anyone that thinks TEAM CHEMISTRY is overrated simply has not been in a higher level team clubhouse!!! My experiences in team sports (20 years combined football and baseball) have proven the opposite to me. On a team with only average to above-average talent, team chemistry is vital to success. You can add some of the old Silver and Black Oakland Raiders teams to the list you mentioned, but they were loaded with talent and won DESPITE their lack of cohesiveness and chemistry, not because of it. Talent is great, but coaching, attitude and team chemistry are paramount to most teams. T.O. is just one of many examples where clubhouse cancers have prevented teams from achieving greater successes.
Yunel…I wish you well…loved watching you when you played hard, but hearing the comments from the Braves players is all I need to know that we are better off without you!!! I have been a Braves fan since my Dad took me to a Braves game their first year in Atlanta when I was just a kid. There have been some pretty lean years, and more downs than ups…but I have stuck with MY TEAM through it all….GO BRAVES!!!!
PS…Bobby Cox is a first ballot Hall of Famer, and the Braves 14 year streak of Division Titles is one of the greatest achievements in the history of team sports and is way too underrated and overlooked!
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
11:49 am
A
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
11:55 am
An average team with great chemistry in the clubhouse vs. a very talented team that doesn’t get along well in the clubhouse. I’ll take that very talented team every time when it comes to winning that big game ( i.e. playoffs, World Series).
If Adam Wainwright strikes out 14 Braves in a playoff clincher this fall, ( hope not, of course). What are we going to say–”Oh, but we had great chemistry.”
The Cardinals are reportedly a team that might have some “clubhouse problems”, I hear. But they are in first place, too
Jim Mora Sr.
July 23rd, 2010
12:24 pm
PLAYOFFS! YOU’RE TALKIN’ ABOUT PLAYOFFS? I JUST WANT TO WIN A GAME!
GTSteve
July 23rd, 2010
12:27 pm
Yunel might have more talented than AG (sea bass), but he was not showing it in ATL, so does it really matter
ExBraves Fan
July 23rd, 2010
12:59 pm
Tampa Gator: I have said before that I thought Glaus would not hold up his out put. He was very weak, got hot, and now has gone down hill. At one time he lead the NL in RBIs, no longer. He is now way back. He has not hit a HR in weeks. He said he was a streak hitter. Sadly, his non hitting streaks far out weigh his hitting streaks. He may wind up with 20 or so HRs by end of the season and maybe 75 RBI, but an average under .260. The cheap Braves could have done better in getting someone for 1B this year. Sadly, they refused to go after players that they could not get for minimum wage.
Fourbee
July 23rd, 2010
1:12 pm
It has been said more than once, but I’ll say it again:
I’ll take age and experience over youth and talent.
AG is older and more experienced than Yunel. He isn’t as talented. However, he is professional in his play on the field and in his actions off the field. Youth and talent are SUPPOSED to translate into age and experience only if one learns from one’s mistakes. Thus far, Yunel has never owned up to his mistakes and will probably never learn from them. He will be a bitter old man one day who still blames others for his actions and inactions.
To state it more succinctly, with A Gonzales, “less is more”.
SOUTHERN SPORTS
July 23rd, 2010
1:43 pm
I am glad that Yunel is gone but i think a week on the bench mid June might have been a wake up call he need to realize he was on the verge of getting traded…to change his attitude, and 110% effort is expected every play.
SKB
July 23rd, 2010
2:27 pm
8-0 Padre b/c of Gonzalez help!!
Yunel was trash and whiner, he kept the whole team down, aka cancer of the Braves. Gonza has amazing defense and really fast throws just what Braves needs.
Yakuzafro
July 23rd, 2010
2:56 pm
at playoffs… I get it! you miss Yunel’s frosted tips!! that’s so sweet of you!
MIKE
July 23rd, 2010
3:14 pm
THIS IS A DIFFERENT SIDE TO THE OTHER ARTICLE WHEN ESCOBERS FIRST FOUR GAMES HE HAD A LOT OF HITS VERSUS GONZALEZ . JUST 4 DAYS AGO WHAT ??????????
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2010
3:36 pm
I’ll say this – we’ve all worked with a-holes and it sucks – it can make the entire workplace uncomfortable. Then when they leave we all feel that much better about coming to work. Escobar wasn’t contributing enough to justify the obvious tension he created. Unless he becomes a perennial All-Star up in Toronto, I can’t magine anybody regretting this trade.
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
3:51 pm
playoffs – you concur with the trade, yes? But, I also agree with you – if Escobar was hitting 340, with 10+ HR, he does not get traded – but no HR & 19 runs tees you up to be punted. Wren did an excellent job receiving AG in return – he is a good player.
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
3:53 pm
Also, if Escobar was playing like he did last year, this trade most likely does not happen. Pete Rose was a hustling prima donna – but he did everything a ball player can to win & get the most out of his talent. Escobar, this year, at age 27, was NOT doing that. Factor in the poor clutch #ers, he was custom made trade bait.
Sam I Am
July 23rd, 2010
4:06 pm
My name is Sam Miller, I love frosted tipped hair!
bfred
July 23rd, 2010
4:33 pm
Wow, a team with Ruth and Gehrig didn’t need chemistry to win. What a startling pronouncement. The Yankees didn’t and don’t need chemistry because they buy the best talent. You want to win with less, you need a team pulling together. And this year’s chemistry is far different from past years’. Before it was about being laid-back; now it’s about gritty determination. Coming to play every day. You can’t have players who are on the field every 5 games setting the tone (e.g. Glavine and Maddux).
You think Wren didn’t recognize Yunel’s talent? It says an incredible amount that the team was willing to part with that calibre player. Heck the guy wasn’t just traded – he was deported!
E-man
July 23rd, 2010
4:43 pm
Tired of everyone dogging Yunel. Before this season he was consistently one of the top allround shortstops in the league. Any Brave would tell you there was nobody they would prefer to see coming to the plate when the game was on the line. And as far as his “lob” to Glaus, it must be noted that he was on the move and on the first base side of the mound when he let it go. I suppose he should has let loose one of his cannon shots and taken Troy’s head off. I think Yunel was unable to deal with his lack of production for the first time in his career let me repeat FIRST TIME .
Paddy O
July 23rd, 2010
5:08 pm
Escobar was not a top player – he was highly serviceable. Never had 100 RBI’s; never 100 runs; doesn’t steal bases; doesn’t hit for much extra base power. These are the facts. He was a good player who thought he was a metro sexual Cal Ripkin. His act grew stale like his bat. The trade won’t hurt the braves today, this year or the next. Three years from now is very tough to anticipate.
Playoffs!!!!
July 23rd, 2010
6:03 pm
I have no problem with Alex Gonzalez–good player. And if the Braves are more comfortable with him, so be it.
But here is what wins you big games–playoff games. Talent, clutch hitting, rising to the occasion, good defense, being hot at the right time and, of course, Pitching.
You can take it your “team chemistry” and…. well, never mind. I think you know how I feel.
crymeariver
July 23rd, 2010
6:11 pm
Yunel isn’t that great of a player, as a lot of folks make him out to be.
If the Braves lost any talent at SS, the only thing it could be, is Gonzalez doesn’t have as much throwing power as EXcobar, but there is not that much of a drop off in the throwing.
carlchamblee
July 23rd, 2010
6:24 pm
Braves PR machine in full drive. Gonzales is pretty good – that’s all. And if he is such the perfect player/teammate/clubhouse guy, why 6 teams (Bosox twice) so far in his career?
Every day goes by in Bravesland Escobar gets worse and Gonzales becomes the Second Coming…
ben
July 23rd, 2010
11:43 pm
No kidding, carlchamblee…Always liked Escobar, always will. People rip him, yet nobody can provide a single quote or real source of Escobar’s issues…just useless rumor. When Furcal dissed Atlanta, I was down, but then I thought we got a pretty good shortstop as it is (in Escobar).
BTW, Wagner blew a second save tonight…no biggie…but I would liked to see what Soriano would be doing in Atlanta if we kept him (Soriano is younger and is not far behind in movement/velocity).
Kevin S.
July 24th, 2010
2:05 am
Not just rumors, its why he was offered up in a bunch of trades before this season. Cox was known for getting on Escobars butt for not playing hard.
Look at it this way, if the Braves were will to take a chance on Furcal, who had back surgery, doesnt that tell you what they thought of Escobar.
Fantasy Baseball Blog at beondeck.com | Fantasy Baseball Advice
July 24th, 2010
10:38 am
[...] O’Brien from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that Alex Gonzalez has been a perfect fit with the [...]