I'll admit it, I initially freaked out about sending Vazquez and Logan to New York for Cabrera, Dunn, and Vizcaino. However, after I thought it over in a calm manner, I came to the realization that it was actually a very thoughtful and rational move by Frank Wren.
In analyzing Javier Vazquez, it's a wonder he was able to pitch so well last year. In his 12 full seasons in the bigs, he's only posted an ERA under four a head scratching five times. On top of that, last year was his only season ever under three.
Yes, it's possible that Vazquez has put it all together and found consistency to go along with his talent, but he is traveling back to New York, where he didn't exactly live up to his potential last time. I like Vazquez, but an ERA over four seems inevitable.
Arodys Vizcaino paired with Julio Teheran gives Atlanta two phenomenal starting pitching prospects, both being compared to Tommy Hanson. If both live up to the hype, how would a starting rotation of Hanson, Jurrjens, Teheran, and Vizcaino look? Incredible. Vizcaino was the centerpiece of the Yankee side, not Cabrera, and is why Atlanta traded Vazquez.
Mike Dunn, while insignificant, could become a set up man a little later in his career, as he is a very hard thrower. However, he's still far from reaching the high standards of most set up men.
Melky Cabrera is not going to be the star player Yankees fans hoped, or the power hitter Braves fans probably hope he will turn into. However, I do like him as a solid addition to a loaded Braves outfield that now includes Cabrera, Matt Diaz, Nate McLouth, Jordan Schaefer, and Jason Heyward. Cabrera can play all three outfield spots, be a fourth outfielder, or a defensive replacement, while hit around .270 to .280 with 15-20 homer runs.
After completing the Vazquez deal, Atlanta turned around and signed Troy Glaus to a one-year deal as a bridge to Freddie Freeman, their future first baseman. Glaus didn't play much last year, but in 2008 he hit 27 homers, drove in 99 runs, and hit .270.
Glaus is a great addition to this lineup, and is exactly what the Braves needed—a cheap, power hitting, right handed first baseman. Now, how he'll fare defensively is another story, but he is 6'5'', and should be able to be an average first baseman.
Now that they have their biggest need taken care of, Atlanta can now look for other ways to help out the team. The rotation is set, the bullpen has many arms in it, and they have everything taken care of. Now, I would absolutely love Jason Bay or Matt Holliday in left, but the Braves probably won't go after either because of their asking prices. Besides, Schaefer will be ready in a year, and then the outfield would be McLouth, Schaefer, and Heyward. However, one name jumps out to me—Mark DeRosa.
Mark DeRosa can play first if Glaus gets hurt, third when Chipper gets hurt, second if Prado is a better option at third when Chipper gets hurt, left field, and right field. He could play about four to five days a week just bouncing around and giving people a day off. He can hit 20 homers, drive in 75-80 runs, and hit anywhere from .270-.290. DeRosa would be a perfect fit coming back to Atlanta, and is waiting for Frank Wren to shoot him an offer.
Atlanta has come out and said that they will give Heyward every chance to win the right field job, and if he makes the team, and the Braves sign DeRosa, Atlanta has gone from a powerless team to a team that sports ten guys that hit for mid double digit power (the entire starting lineup plus Cabrera and DeRosa, assuming Diaz starts), and seven that can hit for 20 homers (McCann, Chipper, Glaus, Heyward, Diaz, McLouth, and DeRosa), if Heyward hits for power right out of the gate, and guys like Diaz and DeRosa get enough at bats to hit for 20.
No big boppers except for a future potential 50 homer man in Heyward, but everyone contributes good power, making this team extremely balanced.
With the additions of Glaus, DeRosa, Wagner, and Saito paired with a deep lineup and a dominant pitching staff, Atlanta can contend for not only the wild card, but for the division as well.
Sound off.
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