Atlanta Braves 1st Baseman Adam LaRoche has been the subject of numerous trade rumors this off season. Many teams have been coveting the left handed power bat LaRoche showed last season. Many people wonder why the Braves would trade a rising star with All-Star potential.
I am not one of these people. I have never been a fan of LaRoche. He is inconsistent, is not a clutch player, and has lost focus on the field more then one time in his career. Thus coming off a career year I must say what better time to trade him then now? Scott Thorman proved last year that he can certainly do an admirable job both defensively and offensively at 1st, and with Jarrod Saltamachia coming up through the minor leagues, the 1st base position is about to get crowded.
Now rumor has it the Pirates are willing to deal their closer Mike Gonzalez to the Braves for LaRoche straight up. The Braves (rightfully) want a second player either 2nd baseman Jose Castillo or center fielder Chris Duffy.
If I were John Schuerholz I would insist that Chris Duffy be included in this trade, then I would take the papers to the League office as fast as possible and here's why:
Mike Gonzalez is the real thing. until an injury late last year Gonzalez was 24 for 24 in save opportunities with 2.17 ERA. For his career he is 28 for 31 with a 2.37 ERA. Bob Wickman is not going to be around forever. Infact he might not be around after this season. Rafael Soriano the heir apparent the closer's role has never been a closer. Oh, did I mention Gonzalez is left handed?
Secondly and as a Braves fan it pains me to say this, Andruw Jones will not be a Brave in 2008. With the Vernon Wells contract extension you can guarantee Jones will command at least $18-20 million per year. The Braves can not pay that especially with the rising talent of Brian McCann, Jeff Francouer, Kyle Davies and Chuck James. These guys are going to command big money within the next three or four years. Thus the Braves need a center fielder for 2008 and I feel confident saying Ryan Langerhans i not the franchise future. Enter Chris Duffy
Duffy is a very good defensive center fielder with great speed, a must at cavernous Turner Field. Duffy also has the potential to be a leadoff man, a desperate need for the Braves. Last year Duffy hit .255 about ten points less then Marcus Giles this season. He hit over .300 his rookie year in somewhat limited duty. He also had 26 steals with just over 300 at bats in 2006. He can play left field in 2007 until Andruw exits, is young and will be relatively inexpensive for the next 5 years or so.
So if I were the Braves GM I would sell Adam LaRoche now while his stock is high. I would even be willing to throw in a pitching prospect such as Oscar Villareal, Lance Cormier, Blaine Boyer, Joey Devine, Anthony Lerew, Kevin Barry, or Will Startup.
To me if Chris Duffy is involved in this deal there is no reason for the Braves to make this deal. 1st base will be fine without LaRoche and the team will be much stronger in 2007 and beyond with Mike Gonzalez and Chris Duffy on the roster.
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