Wren’s First Big Move

Written by Colin on October 30, 2007 – 4:49 pm

Just over a month ago I wrote an article on Edgar Renteria and his offensive contribution to the Atlanta Braves. I maintained that Renteria was a main cog in the lineup and that the Braves’ production as a whole suffered without him down the stretch - may have made the difference in a post-season berth and where we ended up.

Since then, Schuerholz is out as GM, and in as President, and our new GM is Frank Wren. Now, Frank sat under Schuerholz for years, so I personally think that if JS can trust him, so can I. But then came this move, which I have to admit has me a little bit skeptical.

If you missed it, Detroit got Renteria and cash. We got two prospects. Jair Jurrjens was 3-1 with a 4.70 ERA in 7 starts, and Gorkys Hernandez won the Class A MVP award after batting .293 with 54 stolen bases.

Now, I know the positives of this trade are evident to some. They include freeing up salary space (~9 mil), allowing Yunel Escobar to develop himself into a full-time starting player, and making a lil space to go after higher caliber starting pitchers for next year. However, I’m not convinced yet that the offensive beast that was last year’s lineup will be the same with Yunel in place instead of Edgar.

That said, we have another prospect center fielder in our minor league system, promising - at least eventually - that we’ll have a homegrown prospect protecting the turf.

So, jury’s out on this trade. It obviously could be very good for the Braves, but has the potential to not help out at all or even have a detrimental effect on next season. However, with the $24 million saved from not resigning Andruw and trading away Renteria, we better at least sign Tex and nail down some great starting pitchers. If we don’t harness the leverage this has given us, then we are not looking good.

Wren, here’s your chance to wow us. Please don’t let us down.

Readers: What are your thoughts on the trade? Comment!

Colin

Posted in Roster Moves |