Bradley’s Buzz: Vazquez-for-Cabrera discussed & dissected
Javier, we hardly knew ye. But we liked what we saw. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
You’ve heard what Frank Wren had to say, and maybe you’ve even read my cool-headed thoughts on the matter. Today we leave it to outsiders. Or, in point of fact, to folks like ESPN.com’s Insiders. We start with the estimable Keith Law, who says the Braves didn’t get completely fleeced. (Link requires registration.) Writes Law:
“The key player in this trade for Atlanta is Arodys Vizcaino, who becomes one of the top five prospects in the Braves’ system and gives them a trio of potential No. 1 or No. 2 starters in the low minors with Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado. Vizcaino, who pitched at short-season Staten Island this past season, has a live fastball that sits 91-93 mph and touches 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.
“The Braves also get a few years of control of Melky Cabrera, a capable fourth outfielder who can play an average center field and has a plus arm. I don’t think Cabrera has the offensive skills to play every day in a corner outfield spot, particularly because of his willingness to expand the zone and chase pitches that most hitters wouldn’t consider. Atlanta could use him as a platoonmate for Matt Diaz, a right-handed hitter who has a 200-point career platoon split, or as a backup at all three outfield spots, playing him behind Diaz, Nate McLouth and — assuming he makes the club — Jason Heyward, the top prospect in baseball.
“Cabrera was a Super Two [eligible for arbitration with less than three years of service] this past offseason and should earn between $2.5 million and $3 million this offseason in arbitration, which is fairly pricey for a fourth outfielder. The third piece going to the Braves, Mike Dunn, is a converted outfielder with arm strength — he hit 94 repeatedly when I saw him in the Arizona Fall League — but he has 40 command at best on the 20-80 scale. He also has an inconsistent slider with some late break but that he has trouble finishing. It’s possible he’ll improve his command and/or control with more experience, but after nearly 400 pro innings, he’s still below-average in both departments.
“Atlanta’s need to make this deal dates back a full year to the signing of Kenshin Kawakami, to whom the team owes more than $13 million in the next two years. The Braves signed Kawakami despite having Tommy Hanson knocking on the door of the majors last winter and Tim Hudson returning from injury — a situation perfect for a one-year stopgap but one that made signing Kawakami [along with Derek Lowe] superfluous. Kawakami is untradable given his contract, and to clear a roster spot and payroll, they had to move their best starter from 2009. It’s a salary dump, and one in which Atlanta is lucky to get a young pitcher as good as Vizcaino, who is among the top 100 prospects in the game.”
And now we turn to the equally estimable Jayson Stark, who believes (as many have suggested) the Braves aren’t finished dealing. (Link also requires registration.) Writes Mr. Stark:
“Let’s characterize the Braves’ next move this way: The [Javier] Vazquez deal frees up about $9 million for the Braves to spend on upgrading their offense — Vazquez’s $11.5-million salary and the half-million in cash they’ll get from the Yankees, minus the $3 million or so Cabrera will make via arbitration. They’ll now look to use that surplus on an outfield bat, a first baseman or possibly both.
Johnny Damon is one possibility, particularly because his home in Orlando is within minutes of the Braves’ spring-training complex. Another option is free agent Xavier Nady, who could play first or the outfield and would come at a relatively low base because he is recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. Or the Braves could look to deal an outfielder — either Cabrera or possibly Jordan Schafer — for a bat. They’ve been linked in trade rumors to Florida’s Dan Uggla, who could potentially slide to first base.”
Writing for SI.com, Andrew Marchman also sees the Braves’ glass as being half-full. Quoth Mr. Marchman:
“The Braves got, it should be said, a better package for Vazquez than the Phillies did for Cliff Lee last week. The most important player they acquired is righthander Arodys Vizcaino , who, like any other teenage pitcher, is liable to break his team’s heart but who has, by all accounts, a serious chance at becoming a star.
“Melky Cabrera is a bad fit for the Braves, as they already have a crowded outfield and a very good center fielder, and most of Cabrera’s value is in his ability to provide vaguely average offense and solid defense in center, but at least he’s a valuable player who gives the team a lot of options. The third player, lefty Mike Dunn, is the proverbial live arm.
“For the Braves, the deal will be judged a success or failure based on what they do with the roughly $8 million that they freed up by moving Vazquez. They have enough starting pitching to sustain the loss, so if they can add a needed bat with that money and trade a spare outfielder to fill another need, they’ll likely come out ahead. If not, they’ll have missed an opportunity. But judged in its own right, this is a fair trade.”
Finally, Danny Knobler of CBSsports.com believes this deal could be a precursor to another. But not, apparently, the needed Big Bat Trade. Writes Mr. Knobler:
“The Braves always intended to trade either Vazquez or Derek Lowe for a much-needed bat. Cabrera could help them, but he’s not really that bat. So the Braves will take the approximately $9 million they save and keep shopping. They say they still can’t afford Matt Holliday or Jason Bay (and probably not even Johnny Damon), but who does that leave them with? Jermaine Dye? Marlon Byrd? Or another trade? [And] if the Braves believe that the 25-year-old Cabrera can be a long-term answer in center field, does that mean they’d make Jordan Schafer available in a trade?”
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217 comments Add your comment
EW
December 23rd, 2009
9:51 am
any word on for who Run to the Other?
EW
December 23rd, 2009
9:53 am
Looked at Glaus’ numbers, doesn’t seem to be any better than LaRoche. Is he gonna be cheaper? Glaus hit .270 in 08 with 27 HR’s but only played in 9 gms last year.
Ernest
December 23rd, 2009
9:53 am
Also check out this site for what Frank Wren said:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/atlanta_braves/
chris
December 23rd, 2009
9:54 am
I don’t like the trade at all…..First because you gave away the #1 pitcher on your staff in 09 & Second you have alienated Derek Lowe in the process by letting him believe the entire time that he was the one you were moving. So how motivated is Mr. Lowe going to be to come back and pitch for you in 2010.
If Wren doesn’t get any punch added to this offense after freeing up all this money, then no reason to buy tickets to see the Braves this year.
EW
December 23rd, 2009
9:55 am
chris, if Lowe can’t be motivated to do the job he’s paid millions to do, he wouldn’t be a major leaguer. Stop babying these guys, they know it’s a business and they’re above it.
Sporty Black
December 23rd, 2009
9:56 am
@ Run To The Other Blog:
I hope you are wrong… Glaus career average is .255 w/25.3 HR/yr. Andruw Jones is .257 w/27.7 HR/yr… remember we ran Andruw of of town. We don’t need another vanilla player. Why can’t Frank Wren to go after a lead-off hitter that bats .300 or better.
Run To The Other Blog
December 23rd, 2009
9:57 am
Glaus FA signing with Braves a done deal pending physical per Ken Rosenthal
fsugolf8166
December 23rd, 2009
9:58 am
glaus to braves pending physical love it
Ernest
December 23rd, 2009
9:59 am
@ Run, can you provide a link for your information???
Wren Hater
December 23rd, 2009
9:59 am
Fire Frank and Fire him now!!!
fsugolf8166
December 23rd, 2009
9:59 am
now all we need is derosa and dye to back up glaus cant wait
Run To The Other Blog
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/source%3A-braves-give-glaus-one-year-deal
EW
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
Sporty, we have McClouth, Prado, Heyward (probably). I’d say our leadoff prospects are fine. NEXT.
Sonny Clusters
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
Troy Tuttles played some ball with us and played a pretty good first base but he had some difficulties concentrating, a lot like Adam LaRoche. One day, Troy forgot we was playing ball and he was looking at the way his glove was stitched up and that’s when Jeff let loose with a real hard throw to first. That ball hit Troy right in the cranium and bounced high into the air over around third base where Stinky Wintes was. Stinky snagged that ball and stepped on third base to get the force and then he spun and threw to second to get the runner. Troy didn’t say nothing. He just trotted over to the dugout and took a seat. But they was only two outs! We thought it was because he got hit in the head that he lost track of the outs but Coach said that was just Troy.
fsugolf8166
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
ernest go to fox sports
Sporty Black
December 23rd, 2009
10:00 am
Damn! Damn! Damn!
fieldofdreams
December 23rd, 2009
10:02 am
We’re pitching rich, man. The trade is a good one and we did not get fleeced. They’re overpaid, but Lowe and KK will make super 4 and 5 starters. Wren’s been moving fast because he’s got a trade brewing that necessitated keeping the cash available. We have a (potentially) spectacular player for right field; all we really need is RBI guys for left and first, and this team is set. I for one hope they can re-sign LaRoche; Adam, why don’t you offer us a home team discount?
Sporty Black
December 23rd, 2009
10:05 am
I’m officially trading my fanship to the Red Sox.
fieldofdreams
December 23rd, 2009
10:05 am
Ok: Troy Glaus will play first, and can back up Chipper at third?
RJ
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 am
Who needs an ace when you can get a 4th outfielder.
Joe
December 23rd, 2009
10:06 am
Braves should consider offering a contract to Aroldis Chapman, a 22 years old- Cuban defector (95-100 mph).
Don
December 23rd, 2009
10:07 am
It is difficult to even believe this trade. It is insance. Aside from the main point that they should not have traded Vazquez at al; has the entire game of baseball suddenly changed, is pitching suddenly not the most important element in the game. To trade Vazquez for what they received is beyond belief. Even if they were going to trade him, all they had to do was be patient and some team would be so desparate for pitching that they would trade a star outfielder or star first baseman for him. This is absolutely absurd. Although with Bobby Cox returning, there was only a slim chance of winning in 2010, that slim chance is now gone with Vazquez. Even if we had received a star hitter, it would not mean as much to winning as Vazquez.
Ernest
December 23rd, 2009
10:07 am
Thanks for the link! Interesting move considering he is not a ‘natural’ first baseman however he was a Gold Glover at third. It will be interesting to see the salary numbers as it could indicate whether this will be a platoon situation or a full time gig. Regardless, it provides the ’stopgap’ the Braves were looking for until Freeman is deemed ready for the big leagues.
EW
December 23rd, 2009
10:08 am
Can we PLEASE sign someone to a multi year deal??? PLEEEASE?? This isn’t how you build a team.
Old Timer Brave Fan
December 23rd, 2009
10:09 am
Bad trade..But a good thought for next year. When Bobby Cox retires .. Lets go get Joe Torre for the Braves Mgr.
He is in his last year on his contract with the Dodgers.
Don
December 23rd, 2009
10:10 am
Now that this move has been made. The re-signing of Norton would not seem to all that bad. Besides, we do need to sign Norton – we should not break up our trio of incompetence – Cox as manager, Pendelton as hitting coach, and Norton as our #1 pinch hitter.
PMC
December 23rd, 2009
10:10 am
Ok so essentially worst case we are Pittsburgh (hot minor league prospects, not much hitting eventually our good guys get traded when they need to be paid)
Best case Minnesota, exciting a couple really good players but no championships.
This Braves team cannot compete as constructed, there is virtually no reason to wander down to the ball park to see them play.
Chipper Jones contract is now an albatross around their necks…. paid highly because people are such big fans I guess that’s one way to sell tickets. My guess is they hope he retires with Bobby.
Kawakami cost them Vasquez which will cost them competiting this season 80-90 wins is all they can count on because what they really need which is Heyward to be what they thought they had in Francouer and a 30HR 45doubles 100RBI guy in left they can’t afford.
Welcome to the new dead period for the Atlanta franchise. Always the bridesmade never the bride, squarely the issue can be placed with ownership.
I guarentee attendance falls this year.
Mark Bradley
December 23rd, 2009
10:11 am
The Norton market has been quiet. Too quiet, I think. Something big is percolatin’.
PMC
December 23rd, 2009
10:12 am
They have a team full of 4th outfielders now. Awesome.
Ted M
December 23rd, 2009
10:12 am
I hope they don’t trade Schafer he deserves another chance with the Braves
Sam The Man
December 23rd, 2009
10:13 am
Let’s deal Vizcaino, Schaeffer or Melkey and Medlen to the Padres for Gonzalez.
DO IT!
GSU Eagle 91
December 23rd, 2009
10:13 am
Mark, the real question is….
Will we re-sign future HOFer Greg Norton?
Cmill
December 23rd, 2009
10:14 am
Mark, Any truth to the Troy Glaus rumor?
EW
December 23rd, 2009
10:14 am
Don, what if Javy gets hurt, has a slow start, or any other number of things that could have prevented us from cashing in on his best year ever last year? We had to sell high. That coupled with the fact that Wren’s balls are in the ownership’s bottom-line oriented vice are why we moved him. And nobody wanted Lowe yet. If what you say is true, that might be how we move Lowe if the return is right.
Mike S
December 23rd, 2009
10:14 am
While I can’t help but think there is more to come in the way of trades and/or signings as of right now I am having a hard time seeing where the Braves have improved themselves. Yes we got a stub prospect from the Stankees, but that does not help for next season.
Bottom line is this – Is Hudson, Wagner, Saito, Cabrera, Glaus any better than Vasquez, Soriano, Gonzalez, Anderson, Laroche?
I am not seeing a lot of upward movement. Plus Hudson, Wagner, Saito and Glaus are all coming off MAJOR surgeries that cost them all or most of last season. That is an awful lot of potential injury issues to put the fate of the upcoming season on.
MY take:
Hudson – Vasquez – this is a wash. chances are Javy would have regressed this season, but is Hudson ready for the #1 load again?
Wagner – Soriano – A fully healthy Wagner is > than a fully healthy Soriano in my book, but is Wagner fully recovered and is he anywhere near the old Wagner
Saito – Gonzo – This is a definate MINUS. Replace a great reliever with a FORMERLY great reliever who is now 40 years old and coming off an injury marred season. Not a good swap in my book.
Cabrera – Anderson — a wash offensively, but a definate D upgrade. But the word was we needed an OF BAT, Cabrera is not the answer there. Are the Braves really going to put it all on Heyward???
Glaus – LaRoche — Definately LOSS Defensively. We go from one of the best Defensive 1B to a guy who has played less than 50 games at 1B in his career. Offensively it is a wash, but Glaus is coming off a full season off for shoulder surgery. A total crapshoot as to whether his power will still be there.
I hope there is a Adrian Gonzalez trade or a big signing still to come, because this team is no better than last season at the moment.
Run To The Other Blog
December 23rd, 2009
10:17 am
Ahh Sam. The Braves now have a first baseman. Troy Glaus. You don’t sign him if you’re going after Gonzo.
Sccob
December 23rd, 2009
10:21 am
Impatient Braves fans…K Ros just tweeted that we’re close to signing Glaus, there’s the first piece…now a Dero, Damon, Nady?
Josh M
December 23rd, 2009
10:21 am
THIS IS AWESOME NEWS!
Oh wait, it isn’t 2001?
Atticus
December 23rd, 2009
10:24 am
4 years and no playoffs. This doesn’t change anything. Soriano, Gonzalez and Vasquez–GONE. Added Wagner, Saito and Cabreara. Even with a mid level 1B, this team has NO chance to win the division. Chipper is fragile, McCann needs rest and we have no power in the OF. And they wonder why Braves fans don’t show up…..
Noah
December 23rd, 2009
10:24 am
Love the Glaus signing — Especially since he can fill in at 3rd when Chipper is out, gives you right handed power if he is healthy and if the Braves are commiting to him full time they can still bring in someone else. Hopefully the Braves feel he can play a good first base.
Sccob
December 23rd, 2009
10:25 am
Closer to 2008 Josh…855 OPS, 27HR 100 RBI??? 5-6 mill cheaper than LaRoche?? I’m OK
billcanoe
December 23rd, 2009
10:26 am
This is an absolutely ridiculous deal! The Yankees have been buying pennants for 90 years and this deal makes me harken back to when the Kansas City Athletics (before they moved to Oakland) were technically in the major leagues, but they were, in effect, a Yankee farm club, sending stars like Roger Maris and Hank Bauer and other players too numerous to mention, to the Yankees in exchange for nothing. The Braves are now approaching that level – and it’s way below mediocrity.
Reid Adair
December 23rd, 2009
10:26 am
Thanks to Keith Law for pointing out that the signings of Kawakami and Lowe last year were not the great achievements that everyone, including Frank Wren, made them out to be.
Vazquez for Cabrera is just another example of Wren’s disastrous work.
Jason Stark may be right in that the Braves aren’t through “dealing,” but I wouldn’t expect it to be anything that will actually help the team for 2010.
Ray Pugh
December 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
Idiots: Troy Glaus was out last year because his shoulder affected his THROWING from 3rd base, not his bat. He’s only 33, and has averaged 30-35 homers and .850 OPS throughout his career. There is a reason why Wren picked him over all the available free agent 1B/OFs…
Sccob
December 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
He does get hurt more than Chipper though….
Sccob
December 23rd, 2009
10:29 am
We need to get Dero or Damon now with the left over money we have from trading Vazquez
Noah
December 23rd, 2009
10:29 am
Ray…great points, Glaus is a great addition. Curious to see how much he costs and if its one year or multi year. Don’t forget he can spell Chipper at 3rd too. Now add Delgado and we are set
Sporty Black
December 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
What’s left:
Diaz – .313 (won’t even let this guy play everyday)
Prado – .307 (won’t even let this guy play everyday)
Infante – .305 (won’t even let this guy play everyday)
Escobar – .299 (Cox keep benching when he should try to build around)
McCann – .281 (Stud)
Jones – .264 (It’s time to move on)
Lowe – What a waste of money
Transactions:
*trade away/let-go two good, young closers (Soriano, Gonzalez)
*add 38 year old closer coming of Tommy John (Wagner)
*trade away best starting pitcher (Vasquez)
*add two .250 hitters (Glaus, Cabrera)
*not resigning Laroche
The Braves are better? Get real. Unless Heyward makes team and bats .400 w/50 HR, Braves will lose 95+ games
Ray Pugh
December 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
Delgado’s a first baseman, and there was just a report that his return to winter ball has been pushed back…. the most likely target now is Dan Uggla, who will play left or second w/ Prado switching to left…
Diesel0023
December 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
Melky Cabrera will be surprisingly better with the Braves. He will be able to hit for average and gives us much needed speed at the top of the order. The key here is trading for Gonzalez in San Diego. Check out your line up. Cabrera, Escobar, Chipper, Gonzalez, McClouth, McCann, Heyward, Prado. Chipper and McClouth will put up better numbers this year with less pressure. Also, Heyward will excel in the seven hole, because he is not depended on heavily as a rookie.