Bad Trade Braves | The DawgHouse

08:18 PM ET 07.31
Share

Views: 876
Comments: 5

   In a move that can be called nothing but surprising, the Atlanta Braves trade first baseman Casey Kotchman to the Boston Red Sox for former Braves player Adam LaRoche. LaRoche had only been with Boston for 9 days, as on the 22nd he was traded from the Pirates for prospects. Kotchman had been on fire lately, hitting 2 HRs in the last 10 games and increasing his average to .272. Bobby Cox said today that this deal was done due to the belief that LaRoche can turn it on in the second half. So, good deal or bad deal for Atlanta? Just check out the title for an answer.

   This deal doesn't look too good for the Braves. They gave up a great defensive first baseman who was starting to really improve as a batter for a guy who we had before and basically ran himself into Bobby Cox's doghouse for not hustling. So let's compare the stats. In 87 games, Kotchman has 84 hits, 6 HRs, 41 RBIs, and a batting average of .282. In 93 games, LaRoche has 85 hits, 13 HRs, 43 RBIs, and a batting average of .255. Kotchman is 26, LaRoche is 29. The stats are basically equal, so that makes me think that this deal wasn't necessary.

   Casey was traded for the second straight year at this time. This time last year, Kotchman was leaving the Angels in a deal that sent then-soon-to-be-free agent Mark Teixeira to L.A. Now comparing this deal to the '08 deal, this deal is earily similar. The biggest difference is that last year's trade ensured the Braves would have a first basemen that was not a free agent at the end of the season. That isn't the case this year, as LaRoche's contract is up this year. This fact is the decider for me: The Kotchman-for-LaRoche deal was a dud for the Braves.

Comments (5) Add A Comment

August 1, 2009 01:26 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

adam will walk after next year

Army of Adam

Total Comments (7180)

August 1, 2009 06:53 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

JDawg, this should have been another 'what the heck just happened' blog. I don't understand what Wren was thinking with this trade. This is just a big white flag being raised by the Braves front office on the 2009 season......like Cubs fan have been saying for over 100 years, "Wait till next year"....and it looks like that is exactly what us Braves fans will be doing now.

ATLfan15

Total Comments (889)

August 1, 2009 02:03 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Kotchman has 6 HR's all year not 6 HR's in the last 10 days. He has 2 in the last 10 days. The Braves needed a power boost and here it is. FW wasn't willing to give up any more major talent this year and this seemed like a good fit. We don't need any more singles hitters with good averages. Adam tears up second halves and I'm looking for that power boost right here from Adam. Casey did nothing for our offense and Adam can. That's about all it comes down to for the Braves right now. Also Adam has more range that Casey and is a little faster. I expect a boost from him and energy considering he's coming off of seasons with the Pirates and he is excited to be back here.

TheDuke21

Total Comments (108)

August 1, 2009 03:21 PM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 02:03 PM ET 08.01 by TheDuke21

Kotchman has 6 HR's all year not 6 HR's in the last 10 days. He has 2 in the last 10 days. The Braves needed a power boost and here it is. FW wasn't willing to give up any more major talent this year and this seemed like a good fit. We don't need any more singles hitters with good averages. Adam tears up second halves and I'm looking for that power boost right here from Adam. Casey did nothing for our offense and Adam can. That's about all it comes down to for the Braves right now. Also Adam has more range that Casey and is a little faster. I expect a boost from him and energy considering he's coming off of seasons with the Pirates and he is excited to be back here.

Your right I looked up Kotchman's stats for the last 10 days and I was mistaken. 2 HRs, not 6. Will change in blog.

JDawg1447

Jasper , GA

Total Comments (510)

August 3, 2009 10:10 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 02:03 PM ET 08.01 by TheDuke21

Kotchman has 6 HR's all year not 6 HR's in the last 10 days. He has 2 in the last 10 days. The Braves needed a power boost and here it is. FW wasn't willing to give up any more major talent this year and this seemed like a good fit. We don't need any more singles hitters with good averages. Adam tears up second halves and I'm looking for that power boost right here from Adam. Casey did nothing for our offense and Adam can. That's about all it comes down to for the Braves right now. Also Adam has more range that Casey and is a little faster. I expect a boost from him and energy considering he's coming off of seasons with the Pirates and he is excited to be back here.

Maybe you did not watch last nights game. Adam STILL does the same crap as he did when he was in Atlanta the first time. His long ass swing makes him very suspect inside. The biggest stat between he and Kotchman, go look at the strikeouts......

I think Chipper and Adam being friends and business pardners had something to do with it.