Loading ...Yunel Escobar Traded To Toronto
Written by Jonathan on July 14, 2010 – 2:11 pmFrank Wren is showing that the Atlanta Braves are ready to compete in the second half of the season, trading shortstop Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes to Toronto in exchange for shortstop Alex Gonzalez.
Yunel has been regarded as a strong defensive shortstop for the Braves but has struggled at the plate in 2010. Combining that with a perceived negative attitude and the Braves were willing to look for other options at the shortstop position.
Let’s do a little statistical comparison of the two this season:
| G | H | 2B | 3B | HR | R | RBI | TB | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG | |
| Gonzalez | 85 | 85 | 25 | 1 | 17 | 47 | 50 | 163 | 17 | 65 | .259 | .296 | .497 |
| Escobar | 75 | 62 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 19 | 74 | 37 | 31 | .238 | .334 | .284 |
It’s hard to refute that this is an offensive upgrade in power for the Braves. Gonzalez will strike out more and walk less, but produces a lot more excitement and power from the plate to help the Braves out in much needed situations. I’m not sitting here and arguing that the Braves aren’t selling low on Escobar. They absolutely are, but with the chance of a playoff run in sight, the front office is doing what they can to put this team in a position to win this season. Will we end up regretting sending Yunel on his way? Time will tell. The biggest question now for Bobby Cox is, where do we put Gonzalez in the lineup?
The deal is a five-player deal in total. The Braves will also acquire minor leaguers Tim Collins and Tyler Pastornicky from the Blue Jays. I’m excited about the trade and adding a little more power to the lineup. Let’s get the second half underway!
Tags: Alex Gonzalez, Jo-Jo Reyes, Toronto Blue Jays, Traded, Yunel Escobar
Posted in Roster Moves | 6 Comments »
Jurrjens Masterful, Braves Tank Jays
Written by Colin on June 27, 2008 – 9:42 pmJair Jurrjens held the Blue Jays scoreless through eight innings and held them to three hits as he continued his dominant streak as of late. Jurrjens has pitched 23 and 2/3rds innings of baseball with no earned runs – dating back to June 5 (Seattle scored 3 runs but they were all unearned). Jurrjens continues to show maturity and composure beyond his years as the Braves got out to a great start to their road trip with a 4-0 victory over the Jays.
Mark Teixeira is absolutely on fire right now – he opened up the game with a two run home run before Jurrjens even went out to the mound the first time. He added another RBI in the third inning as he knocked Gregor Blanco in on a double. Blanco added an RBI of his own in the seventh.
Jeff Francoeur continues to struggle – striking out to end the top of the 8th and leaving two men on base. He was 0-4. We’ll hope Frenchy an pull through here soon. Good to see some solid defense on the Braves tonight – Jones laid out for a nice grab in left field, and Mark Teixeira made a couple nice plays at first.
Mike Gonzalez came on to close the game out in the ninth – and he looked good. Working quickly, Gonzalez retired the side and the Braves walked away from Toronto with a win. Jurrjens got the win and is now 8-3 on the season. 4-0 Braves.
Let’s hope we can build on it tomorrow!
Tags: Jair Jurrjens, Toronto Blue Jays
Posted in Game Analysis | 4 Comments »
