Worst thing I saw all year? This Vazquez-Cabrera trade!
I guess it’s not a bad a year when it takes until Dec. 22 to happen across something really awful. And that was our lot in Atlanta sports. Even with Willie Martinez and Dave Wommack misdirecting defenses; even with Jason Elam developing a case of the yips; even with Greg Norton whiffing and Paul Hewitt wrangling timeouts … even then, it took until the penultimate week of the calendar year to find something that made you throw a shoe at yonder wall.
And here it is, and here goes said shoe.
Javier Vazquez for Melky Cabrera. The Braves’ best pitcher for the Yankees’ eighth- or ninth-best player. The anchor of a good rotation for a guy who isn’t really a big bopper.
I’ll have more to say on this later and at greater length, but for now I leave you with these words:
Frank Wren = Epic Fail.
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797 comments Add your comment
Baba O'Riley
December 22nd, 2009
1:43 pm
Braves are still saying Holliday and Bay too ’spensive. looking at Marlon Byrd, Nady, OR bringing back Laroche. Cabrera has played 4 years. He is a career .269 hitter. He has TOTALLED 36 HR, 228 RBI and 44 SB. This trade is MUCH worse than the Millwood-Estrada trade and that trade was forced on us because Maddux accepted arbitration. Even if we pick up either Nady or Byrd…is that the BEST we could get for Javy??????????
JB
December 22nd, 2009
1:43 pm
our better players are being let go for prospects. then we will get rid of the prospects for better players. and the wheel goes round and round and round.
nice arguments, guys, made some good points. but your arguments are based on what COULD happen rather than WHAT IS.
the fact remains: this trade sucks.
Dallas
December 22nd, 2009
1:44 pm
bvillebaron
I think everyone realizes there are pluses to the trade. Signing Javy to an extension was probably a pipe dream, but it feels like Wren painted himself into this corner of having to essentially dump Vazquez for players we can use in 2 years. It feels like this organization is playing for 2012. If that’s the plan, then fine. We’re just all venting lol If we wanna play for the future then lets be bold about it. Trade McLouth for a 3B prospect.
rico43
December 22nd, 2009
1:44 pm
If I had posted in the first five minutes after I heard about the trade, then I too would have fired off some of this nonsense. As someone said earlier today, step back off the ledge already. The Braves still have arguably the best five-man staff in baseball, they have options in the outfield and payroll to play with.
I’d bet my old Preston Hanna jersey that Wren is far from finished. It is risky to critique a work in progress.
BravesFan79
December 22nd, 2009
1:44 pm
Frank Wren is turning us into the Baltimore Orioles! WTF!!!
Hillbilly Deluxe
December 22nd, 2009
1:44 pm
It may not be as bad as the Len Barker fiasco but it’s damn close.
Without-a-clue
December 22nd, 2009
1:46 pm
The Braves–as a have-not–do not need prospects, they need NOWS!! All we can hope is Wren has a deal working that can package the prospects and someone we can SPARE for a big popper.
papadawg
December 22nd, 2009
1:47 pm
What do you think poo old Milkey thought when told he was going from the Yankees to the Braves
Bob LaBlah
December 22nd, 2009
1:47 pm
Ray Pugh you’re right. You’re the biggest idiot in Atlanta. “mouth-breathers”? wtf
Baba O'Riley
December 22nd, 2009
1:47 pm
How long did Wren last as the Orioles GM?
Ray Pugh
December 22nd, 2009
1:47 pm
????,
That didn’t even make sense–go back to kindergarten, right around the day you learn to tie your shoes, and just start over…
Freddy,
Holliday probably, but we’re very much in the running for Bay: his asking price will go down because he has no suitors other than the Mets, who he obviously doesn’t want to play for. And yes, $15-16 mil a year is a lot to spend on a player like Bay, but he is worth it to us given our desperate need of right-handed pop in the middle of the order…
Fire Frank Wren
December 22nd, 2009
1:48 pm
this post from keith law at espn kinda takes the sting out of this trade but not much.
A win-win for Yanks, Braves
“Even in his down years, Javier Vazquez has been a pretty good pitcher, giving around 200 innings of league-average performance to his employers. But twice in the last three years he’s been significantly better than that. The Yankees will hope the trend continues … The key player in this trade for Atlanta is Arodys Vizcaino, who becomes one of the top five prospects in Atlanta’s system and gives them a trio of potential number one or two starters in the low minors with Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado. Vizcaino, who pitched at short-season Staten Island this year, has a live fastball that sits 91-93 MPH and will touch a little higher. He throws a curveball that flashes plus and should miss bats at the big league level when he reaches it. He already has good feel for pitching and just needs experience and a little cleanup in his delivery, as he often finds his arm slot drifting down at which point he starts to sling the ball instead of just throwing it.”
myra
December 22nd, 2009
1:50 pm
If we are tradin for Ugglie then Matt Diaz better get in shape with P90X all over again. Gonna be doin alota back up work.
bvillebaron
December 22nd, 2009
1:51 pm
Dallas:
Apparently Mark Bradley doesn’t see any pluses in this trade. He certainly doesn’t wow me, but I don’t think it’s fair to say that Cabrera won’t be of any use to the Braves this year. I also agree that it is time to think about a replacement for Chipper at third, but if any other team had an interest in trading a third baseman for one of our outfielders, I would prefer to keep McLouth and trade Melky. Doesn’t Mark DeRosa just make too much sense now. He brings the versatility the Braves need in that he could play 3rd (for however many games Chipper inevitably will miss this year), could otherwise be the “bridge” player at 1st base until Freeman is ready in 2011 (or maybe not until 2012) and could also play 2nd base and either corner outfield position. He also is great in the clubhouse. I realize he isn’t the true power hitter the team covets, but he has a lot of value and maybe Heyward will be by the end of the year.
McDawg
December 22nd, 2009
1:52 pm
have not been a faithful baseball fan over the last few years since TBS shafted the Braves but this strikes me as an extremely poor move by the Braves
Mel
December 22nd, 2009
1:52 pm
Wow, all the hate and name calling on this blog makes me think we are in Detroit. Congrats Brave fans.
cajdawg
December 22nd, 2009
1:53 pm
For Wren’s sake, I hope Cashman used Vasoline.
Baba O'Riley
December 22nd, 2009
1:54 pm
Melky Cabrera’s stats last 4 years 563games/269avg/36HR/228 RBI
Ryan Church’s last 4 years 416games/274 avg/41HR/194RBI
anotherdawg
December 22nd, 2009
1:55 pm
This is like selling a $500,000. home for $20,000. I’m sure the world champion Yankees are celebrating and laughing their arse off. If I was any of the other GM’s out there, I would be ringing Wren’s phone off the hook. Who knows, next he might trade Brian McCann for Javy Estrada or Johnny Lopez.
anotherdawg
December 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm
Or even Len Barker
Baba O'Riley
December 22nd, 2009
1:56 pm
I bet fans in Baltimore are amused.
McLouth
December 22nd, 2009
1:57 pm
Atlanta Braves = Pittsburgh Pirates
Reid Adair
December 22nd, 2009
1:57 pm
“Frank Wren = Epic Fail”
Some of us have been saying that for a long, LONG time. The pitcher who was fourth in National League Cy Young voting for 2009 has been traded, essentially, for an outfielder who likely isn’t even as good as Nate McLouth was.
What makes it even worse is that it took this deal to get some people to realize what Wren is indeed a failure. The pitching staff in 2009 was nice, but it was a one-year arrangement. Too many arms and too much money potentially tied up to continue to 2010.
Then, Wren gets rid of Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez – replacing them with aging Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito. That was a big step DOWN at both spots.
Thanks for the Christmas present, Frank. Personally, I would rather have gotten a stocking full of coal.
01HAWK
December 22nd, 2009
1:57 pm
I finally know how the Phillies fans felt when the Braves were winning division titles. This is a SORRY DEAL !!! We will finish 3rd again. No pop in this lineup. No pitcher will be fearful when the most HR’S this lineup produced last year was 21. This is why I have not gone to a game in 2 years heading on a 3rd. Can they sell the team to Ted Turner ?
jason vivian
December 22nd, 2009
1:58 pm
Great trade for both teams!! If you think Wren is done dealing yet then you have no clue!! This trade opens the door for your “big Bopper”. Not too mention when they had one of the best “big boppers”(Tex) they still couldnt win, Im a hugh Brave’s fan and live in NY. TO me this makes more sence then trading D Lowe for Juan Rivera! Think about it, who has a “big bopper” to get rid of? Because thats what would happen if they traded with Atl who already said they are not willing to deal any of the young studs !!!! They would get nothing but a Lowe or Vasques whom wich are both owed over 10 mill. No one wanted their salaries for one of their great hitters .Who would? Braves fans just be patient and Wren will wow you again just like he did to get Vasques last year. Has anyone heard from Tyler Flowers? Nope ..
mp31
December 22nd, 2009
1:58 pm
this move does not help braves needs at all. I have a question for yall though. we saved 9 mil in this trade along with soriano 7 mil coming off books. plus 4 million the braves had before . thats nearly 20 mil for two spots. am i right or wrong?
Fire Frank Wren
December 22nd, 2009
1:58 pm
Is wondering what free agent big hitter is out there for us to sign at 8-9 million. I keep hearing bay or holliday but there both looking for at 15 million a year so where do we make up the additional 6-7 million to sign theses guys?
GTP
December 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
Awful trade!!!! Vazquez was one of the very few players I really enjoyed watching last year. Wren built a strong pitching staff last year and now he’s tearing it down. Cabrera is terrible. The Yankees get even better while we continue to sink towards the cellar.
New Former Braves Fan
December 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
Why Frank?! All I want for Christmas is for Frank Wren to be fired!
tony
December 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
Did the deal include a job with the Yankees for Frank Wren?
Baba O'Riley
December 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
I watched the show ‘Pawn Stars’ on History Channel last night. FW reminds me of a loser who went into the Pawn Shop wanting $3,000 for his appraised old coins, but when offered $100 he says OK.
New Former Braves Fan
December 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
Frank Wren is the devil.
Mike Jay
December 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
This only makes sense if they use the $ they saved to ink a deal with Laroche for 2+ years. Then essenitaly you are teading Vasquez for an everyday 1B with pop in his bat, a servicable outfielder and a nice minor league arm. If they can pull that off…
gtbob45
December 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
After this trade I have to say I am through with the Braves. Atlanta has been after Vazquez for years, he gave us one good year and to trade him for Melky Cabrera WTF.I don’t want to hear how much money this freed up to make moves, if Jason Bay or Matt Holliday were so good someone would have signed them already. As long as Liberty Media is involved with the Braves I have bought my last tickets.
General Sherman
December 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Frank..WTF WERE YOU THINKING IF YOU ACTUALLY WERE? WE ARE NO BETTER TODAY THAN WE WERE YESTERDAY!!
New Former Braves Fan
December 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Frank Wren works for the Phillies.
Mr. Baseball
December 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
WTH, you let Ryan Church go and trade the one of your top 2 pitchers for his replacement. McClouth is better, Diaz is better. With a .280 something BA you better be hitting homers, but no only about a dozen and most of those were in the match box the Yankees play in. In to the wrong kind of holiday spirits Frank.
George Costanza
December 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
The trade was my idea but I had no idea Wren would actually go for it! Serenity Now!
Smack
December 22nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Nice gut reaction Mark. How about looking at the big picture? We are now open for business to get a big bat. More important than an inconsistant preformer that happen to have a career year last year.
Scoots
December 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
Unless Wren has something else up his sleeve – like clearing payroll for a big hitter FA signing that is making some progress – then I don’t understand this deal.
We traded our best pitcher from last year – the number 4 vote-getter in the Cy Young award, and did not get what we needed most – a power hitter. Our pitching was the cornerstone of what success we had last year – another good batter or two and we were a good team. Now we’ve lost a major part of why we were good last year and have made no progress on what was missing.
I think I saw that Wren is speaking at 3pm about the trade – it will be interesting to see his take.
Of course Wren started off bad last winter, but ended up turning out a great offseason. Maybe he’s in the process of turning another one out? Or maybe he is an epic fail, like Mark says?
myra
December 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
Any chance that liberty media cut payroll?
JB
December 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
“A great trade for both teams. A great day to be a Brave.”
- Chip Caray
The_Superhoo
December 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
BAD move unless it results in a trade.
Rodney
December 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
Can we trade Frank Wren? And what do you think we will get for him? I will not renew my season passes each year we make the craziest moves!
Ryan Church
December 22nd, 2009
2:02 pm
Hea, keep me out of this. I never knew there where that many Braves fansthat cared based on the attendance after I arrived. Maybe I can sign with Gwinett.
Shane
December 22nd, 2009
2:03 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=5958051
New Former Braves Fan
December 22nd, 2009
2:03 pm
Frank Wren….someone should smack the taste out of your mouth.
Theo Epstein
December 22nd, 2009
2:03 pm
darnit, I thought I had the Yankees beat with my offer of a pack of Big League Chew and an 81 VW Rabbit.
Ken Shelton
December 22nd, 2009
2:04 pm
Amen…Unless the power-that be of the Braves are using this Melky fiasko as some other pawn for an even bigger trade no-doubt this trade will go down as one of the worst trades of we all know a many-a-bad-trade over the years for the Bravos. First all:Melky as a Brave is basically trading the 2009 left fielder Garet Anderson’s 13 big flies for the 13 big boppers of Melky 9not to mention Melky got his power in a field where most hitters virtually hit much more power playing 1/2 their home games in the new Yankee Stadium than most ballparks. Secondly to trade a picture with 15 wins should bring a hitter with 30-;plus homer power to say the least!
John Smoltz
December 22nd, 2009
2:05 pm
Karma is a bitch