I knew Frank Wren wanted to be active this year. However, I did not see THIS coming.
2 thoughts:
1) Yunel Escobar has had the most potential of any SS in the league not named Han-Ram or Reyes the past 5 years. However, that potential has yet to play out on the field. I do think Yunel is one of the smoothest defensive shortstops in the game, but he has been a disappointment at the plate. Going a step further, his attitude is terrible, and he is not always a great teammate.
2) My first instinct was “What”!?! However, Frank Wren has earned a pass with me, at least temporarily, due to the success of his decisions so far this year. And to be honest, I don’t know anything about the 2 minor leaguers we’re getting. Plus, losing Jo-Jo isn’t really that big of a deal.
I realize that we want to win and win now for Bobby, and I don’t blame anyone for that. I’d trade a Championship this year than a few pennant runs in the next few if it meant Bobby went out on top. I think Gonzalez helps make that a better possibility. There’s no question that he is better right now than Yunel is. And who knows, maybe Yunel never matures into that player he could have been.
It’s not the trade I expected, but I am glad that the Braves are being active and not sitting on the sidelines. Welcome aboard, Alex!
ucheedawg
It is a “win now” move for sure as A. Gonz is 33 and is on a one year deal (w/ team option for one more). If he can keep up the career best numbers he is posted in the first half, it will go down as a great move.
I think Wren was ready to cut bait with Yunel and his attitude as soon as he got an offer. He would have a 3 year deal worth 5+ Mil a year had he gone to arbitration after this year.
Left-handed pitching is always a good commidity to have and his stats look good.
Look, Yunel Escobar will, without a doubt, have a very nice career. His talent and upside speaks for itself, as well as his last 3 seasons with the Braves. Also, if we had an MVP last year, it was Yunel. He literally carried the entire team on his shoulders during the second half.
You’re right. His attitude and antics are the reason he was dealt. They’re just choosing not to say it publicly. He could easily have a solid second-half, just as he did last year. Everyone knows that. So, it wasn’t a matter of Alex giving us a better chance at making the playoffs than Esco, it was Esco’s attitude. This trade will serve as a wake-up call to Esco. It will humble him and he’ll be better for it.
I will say Gonzo’s power numbers will be a boost, but that’s not the reason Wren traded Escobar. The organization, as a whole, were simply sick of him.
Gonzo has veteran experience as well. Remember he was the one that knocked in the game winner for the Marlins in the World Series.
I agree, man. Good trade.
And this is Bobby Cox’s last season. Bobby is widely respected across the league as an easy person to play for. If Escobar can’t play for Bobby without staying in the dog house, then who can he play for?