The Renteria Factor

September 26, 2007 – 2:04 pm

With all the talk about Tex and Andruw’s pending free agency (and we will cover that, have no doubt), I want to look past it and put an important part of the top of our lineup in perspective. Schuerholz needs to (and undoubtedly will) remember that Edgar Renteria’s contract expires at the end of next season. We cannot so burden ourselves with huge contracts that we cannot afford to resign him. Why, you ask?

Let’s take a look at the end of the season. There have been 15 games since Edgar was activated from the DL on September 8, and he was on the DL for the 15 games before that.

Braves’ Record Aug 23-Sept 8: 7-8
Braves’ Record Sept 8-Sept 25: 10-5

Renteria is the key to our lineup. Sure, we have decent leadoff hitting, but without Edgar at #2 to make opportunity for our mashers, we simply are not converting. Sure, some of that is pitching, but Renteria makes a difference when he’s batting .333 and an OBP of .392.

Btw, for some laughs, the Red Sox got totally hosed when they traded Renteria and cash for Andy Marte. Marte hit .176 in 17 games for Cleveland this year.

Let’s remember as we debate Andruw vs. Tex or why we should pony up for both of them that Renteria should be considered next year as well. He’s making $10mil this year and will probably retain that asking price.

Go Braves, let’s keep on pushing and try to seal the deal.

Colin

Posted in General |