Al. Gonzalez+ to Braves for Y Escobar, Jo Jo Reyes

[StlSluggers]

Braves acquired SS Alex Gonzalez, LHP Tim Collins and INF Tyler Pastronicky from the Blue Jays for SS Yunel Escobar and LHP Jo-Jo Reyes.

In a bold move, Gonzalez will replace Yunel Escobar as the Braves' starting shortstop. The 33-year-old batted .259/.296/.497 with 17 homers and 50 RBI during the first half, though we'd be shocked if he can maintain this pace in the National League. The Braves are going to sell this trade on Gonzalez's veteran presence and steady glove, but that won't change that he has only walked in 4.9 percent of his at-bats this season. Gonzalez will make roughly $1.2 million for the rest of this season. His contract includes a 2.5 million club option for 2011, but this sounds more like the move of a club who is gearing up for short-term stability over long-term potential.

[ensanimal]

I like this move for the Jays. I doubt Gonzalez keeps this up. Interesting move for the Braves in a playoff hunt.

[StlSluggers]

Agreed. Great sell-high by the Jays.

At least, I think so. I admit that I know nothing of the other two they threw in.

[Scooter1027]

Boy, I don't get this one for the Braves. Reyes isn't worth much, but I wouldn't move Escobar for Gonzalez. With Alex Gonzalez you're getting a little more pop, but his OPS is deceiving. A .793 OPS loses value when the OBP is .296. We're talking about a career .248/.294 hitter who's 33 years old...this is who he is. One hot half-season (and that's strictly from a slugging standpoint) doesn't change that. Escobar has struggled a bit this year (though June was better with a .400+ OBP), but he has a stronger track record and brighter future. He's younger and cheaper. I don't get it.

I am intrigued by Tim Collins though. Granted he's a relief prospect and only 5'7" and 155 lbs, but 73 Ks in 43 AA innings is pretty sick. Maybe he ends up justifying the deal a little someday.

[StlSluggers]

Escobar was widly unpopular with Atlanta's management.

Apparently, his personality didn't fit with management's perception of how a ball player should behave.

It was kept sort of quiet because the players generally liked him, though I understand that they even admitted he needed to reign in his emotions at times.

[RugbyD]

Lind
Snider
Wallace
Hill
Encarnacion
Escobar
Arencibia/D'arnaud

There's a lot of upside in the lineup over the next 5 years. Some risk too, but it looks pretty good.

[Pogotheostrich]

Hopefully this wakes up Escobar. I can't see this improving the Braves much if at all though.

[ensanimal]

I am intrigued by Tim Collins though. Granted he's a relief prospect and only 5'7" and 155 lbs, but 73 Ks in 43 AA innings is pretty sick. Maybe he ends up justifying the deal a little someday.

From what I've been hearing in TO, media guys don't seem to think it will translate well if he makes the majors. A lot of deception from his delivery. Could work though in the bullpen for a bit.

[Maris09]

Yeah the Braves had grown tired of his lack of intensity and general malaise.

That’s not going to cut it for Bobby Cox’s last season when they're trying to make a run at it. I like this move as it improves their immediate offense and gives them a little more pop from the right side. Gonzalez should be a good RBI man down in the lower half of Braves lineup.

[Dan Lambskin]

when i saw the thread title i thought WTF is San Diego smoking