2009 Atlanta Braves

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I'm going to be disappointed if you don't something. I know Infante's coming back but we need power, not another high average bat.

Also, can we please trade Gonzalez?

Unless they have something brewing under the radar, I really don't think we're going to see anything, aside from maybe a lesser known relief pitcher being brought in. Of course the McLouth deal came out of nowhere so I guess anything's possible. I would love to see Gonzalez moved but I don't think there is anyone interested in him. You can pretty much guarantee he's going to put runners on base every time he pitches now, and usually at least 1 of them will score. The Cantu hit last night that drove in the tying run was a tough one though. The ground ball was there, just not hit hard enough for Chipper to make the play. Hopefully we can bring in a decent setup guy and not have to use him in that role as often.

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I'm not sure why Atlanta would make a move for LaRoche but the following is from mlbtraderumors.com:

Braves Interested In Adam LaRoche
By Tim Dierkes [July 31, 2009 at 1:59pm CST]
First baseman Adam LaRoche becomes expendable for Boston if they complete the Victor Martinez trade; Jon Heyman of SI tells us via Twitter that the Braves are interested. LaRoche came up with the Braves; they traded him to Pittsburgh for Mike Gonzalez in '07

Edit - Looks like a done deal now.......LaRoche for Kotchman. Kotchman has to be a piece to another trade for the Red Sox. I can't imagine them keeping him after acquiring Martinez. I'm still puzzled over the move for Atlanta. You get a little more power, but Kotchman is a solid bat that doesn't strike out. I guess they're trying to add a little more pop to the lineup. LaRoche is a free agent after the season I believe. Wonder if they think Freeman will be ready next season?

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I'm assuming with how Heward is killing Double-A pitching that he'll be a September call-up. Cox is known for pulling guys from AA (see Furcal, Mac & Frenchy) so I wouldn't be suprirsed to see him in the big leagues by mid-August.

Back on point, essentially we traded Texeira last year for LaRoche? The McLouth trade earlier this year was nice but I prefer Kotch way more over LaRoche. There's a reason we traded him away the first time...

[p_rushing]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I don't know why they wanted this bum back. Its like having another Francoeur. Sure he has some power, but he is hitting below .250

[Garydee]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Wow, that trade came out of nowhere. So, where do we put him in the lineup? 5th after McCann?

[LiquidCrash]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I have no clue why they made this trade. I know the team needs more power, but this isn't an upgrade and LaRoche is a lefty who's a free agent at the end of the year. Makes no sense to me.

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I have no clue why they made this trade. I know the team needs more power, but this isn't an upgrade and LaRoche is a lefty who's a free agent at the end of the year. Makes no sense to me.

I think this question is your answer...

Wonder if they think Freeman will be ready next season?

[LiquidCrash]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

It must be, because LaRoche isn't the answer to any of the Braves problems.

[Kohlstar20]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

I don't like it. LaRoche might provide a little more power than Kotchman but he strikes out more and he isn't as sound defensively. Kotchman is a gold glove caliber 1st Baseman so the downgrade on defense alone makes this a bad deal in my book.

[alex96]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Lets hope Jason Heyward comes through for us. Heck what about Barbaro Canizares.

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Guys, after watching the game today I'm understanding the trade a little better. LaRoche added some enthusiasm and excitement to the lineup today. You could just tell in the dugout that he was happy to be back in Atlanta and the team seemed to get a lift with him back. I know he's good friends with Chipper and McCann so I'm sure it adds a little more to the team chemistry. If you think about it, Kotchman seemed sort of distant from the club. He did his job and that's about it. You never really saw him get excited or emotional over making a big play or whenever a teammate made one. I saw some fire from the rest of the team today whenever LaRoche made that nice stop late in the game, and then again whenever he scored the eventual winning run. I think he's going to provide a needed lift to the offense. He might not have as high of an average as Kotch, but he does have more power and he's not that bad defensively.......not to mention that he's always been a much better 2nd half of the season player.

[Speedy]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

After just one game, your thoughts have changed? :wink:

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

After just one game, your thoughts have changed? :wink:

Well he was 2 for 3 and made a nice defensive play in his first game back. :wink: Seriously though, I saw several shots of him and some of the guys in the dugout chatting and laughing throughout the game and I really think that having him back has boosted team morale some for the guys that were there with him before. I really think he's going to put up some nice numbers the rest of the season and has probably been rejuvenated by the move.

[jt45]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Is Escobar that big of a component that we barely even score in the three games he misses? Lets sure hope he makes it back in time for the SD series. They suck and we are in dire need of a sweep after dropping the series to LA.

[crques]

Re: 2009 Atlanta Braves

Is Escobar that big of a component that we barely even score in the three games he misses? Lets sure hope he makes it back in time for the SD series. They suck and we are in dire need of a sweep after dropping the series to LA.

I believe he is. He does lead the team in RBIs and is our best hitter with RISP. I believe he's supposed to start tonight.