Renteria Traded to Tigers for Prospects

Yes, the news is a few days old. I had trouble accessing the blog for some reason. It seems to be working fine now. I like to post things anyways because this blog is like a time line to me.

I like this trade. Here are some details...

ATLANTA -- As the summer months elapsed and Yunel Escobar continued to impress, Edgar Renteria could see the handwriting on the wall. Occasionally, he would smile and ask if it looked like he was spending his final season in Atlanta.

Renteria's hunch became a reality on Monday afternoon when he learned that the Braves had traded him and cash considerations to the Tigers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

Jurrjens gained some Major League experience during the final two months of the season and will compete for a spot in the Atlanta rotation during Spring Training. As for Hernandez, he is a five-tool outfielder who has emerged as one of the game's top prospects after just one full season of professional experience.

"We wouldn't have done this deal if not for what Escobar did," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "We feel very comfortable with how Yunel has developed as a player and with what he accomplished this year."

Confident that Escobar will continue to develop as the Braves' starting shortstop next year, Wren was willing to provide the Tigers with a five-time All-Star to fill their need for a shortstop. In exchange for Renteria, Wren gained two highly touted prospects and the payroll flexibility that will enhance his ability to achieve his primary goal of improving the club's pitching staff.

"Hopefully, this is just the first of a series of moves," said Wren, who became Atlanta's general manager on Oct. 11 when John Schuerholz was elevated to the role of team president.

While not specifically revealing the cash considerations the Tigers will receive with this deal, Wren said the figure isn't comparable to the amount of money the Red Sox gave the Braves when they dealt Renteria to Atlanta before the start of the 2006 season.

At that time, the Red Sox provided $8 million to help cover the $18 million Renteria was owed from 2006-08. The Sox also will be responsible for the $3 million buyout if Renteria's $11 million option for the 2009 season isn't exercised.

By trading Renteria, it's believed the Braves will be realizing a savings of approximately $4 million. This is a figure that could certainly help bring free-agent southpaw Tom Glavine back to the organization. Glavine, who would provide another valuable veteran presence in the starting rotation, would likely have to accept a salary in the neighborhood of $8 million.

While it remains to be seen whether Glavine comes to Spring Training with the Braves, Jurrjens will do so with intentions of proving he belongs in Atlanta. The 21 year-old right-hander came into his own this summer and earned his first call to the Majors in August. In seven starts with Detroit, he was 3-1 with a 4.70 ERA.

Jurrjens, whose older brother was Andruw Jones' boyhood teammate in Curacao, recorded his first Major League win on Aug. 21, when he limited Cleveland's potent lineup to one earned run in 6 1/3 innings. That was one of three starts that he completed at least five innings and allowed just one run.

"He's a control pitcher that does have power stuff," Wren said of Jurrjens, who registered 404 strikeouts and issued just 121 walks in 503 1/3 career innings at the Minor League level.

Jurrjens began this season at Double-A Erie, where in 19 starts he was 7-5 with a 3.20 ERA. In his last three Minor League starts with Erie, he went 3-0 with a 0.78 ERA, 24 strikeouts and just one walk. This dominant stretch earned him his promotion to Detroit.

"[Jurrjens] and Jo-Jo Reyes are very good looking, young, talented pitchers," Wren said in reference to the hurlers who will compete for the final spots in the Atlanta rotation. "If they aren't in the rotation at the beginning of the season, they will be there very quickly."

While Jurrjens has a legitimate chance to begin next season in Atlanta, Hernandez might be at least two or three years away. The Venezuelan outfielder, who celebrated his 20th birthday in September, opened plenty of eyes during his first full professional season with Class A West Michigan this year.

After hitting .292 with 54 stolen bases, he was named the Midwest League's Most Valuable Player. The league's managers voted him the league's most exciting player and fastest baserunner. He has been caught in just 15 of 89 career stolen base attempts, and his strong arm adds to the tremendous defensive skills he's shown early in his professional career.

"The kid is just an exciting player," Wren said of Hernandez, who many believe will begin to show power when he begins to grow into his listed 175-pound frame.

While it will be difficult to replace Renteria's production and positive influence in the clubhouse, the Braves are confident Escobar will continue to build upon his successful rookie season. After coming up at the beginning of June, the Cuban infielder appeared in 94 games and hit .326 with five homers and a .385 on-base percentage.

After battling for the National League batting crown down the stretch, Renteria ended up hitting .332 with 12 homers and a .390 on-base percentage in 124 games this year. His unselfish plate approach and ever-dependable defense should provide dividends for the Tigers, who already have first-hand understanding of what kind of player and person they received with this trade.

It's a trade that provides Renteria and opportunity to be reunited with Tigers manager Jim Leyland and Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski, who both held these same roles with the Marlins in 1997, when they celebrated a World Series title courtesy of the game-winning hit Renteria provided in Game 7.

Also celebrating that evening was Wren, who at the time was serving as Dombrowski's assistant general manager.

Ten years later, Renteria finds himself at the forefront of a deal that both Dombrowski and Wren completed with the intention of experiencing October jubilation again.

"We're all sad to see Edgar go," Wren said. "But at the same time, we're excited about the opportunity to see more of Escobar. I think he's only going to get better."

This is a solid trade. I believe that Escobar, who I feel replicates Renteria in a lot of ways will fill in nicely. I think he proved himself that he can take over. He did well when Renteria was on the DL. The timing was great, Renteria arguably had is best season offensively, and while his trade value was high, new GM Frank Wren pulled off a move. Not only does this trade give us two solid young cheap guys, it restocks our farm system, frees up money, and gives the Braves a possible # 3 starter in the back of the rotation. I have been reading some of the Tigers fan's thoughts. Many think that Renteria was worth just Jurrjens alone. We'll see who got the better end of the trade in the next few seasons.

This also gives Kelly Johnson the chance to play everyday like a normal 2nd baseman. Cox will not have to give Escobar "extra at bats" by using a sort of platoon at his position.

Former Coach Mazzone Parts Ways with Orioles

I just though I would share that Leo Mazzone is no longer with the Orioles. I found this to pretty surprising considering his representation as an excellent pitching coach. I am sure he will find himself rocking in the dugout in another uniform.

Schuerholz No Longer General Manager

This news is a few days old, but either way it was shocking. Here is an article.

ATLANTA -- There was a cloud swirling over Turner Field on Thursday afternoon, but it wasn't one of mystery and controversy. Instead, it was one born of energy and enthusiasm.

As reported earlier in the day, longtime general manager John Schuerholz, the longest-tenured GM in baseball, is out as GM. But he also is in as team president. Frank Wren, who served as assistant general manager to Schuerholz over the last six seasons, got the assistant tag removed from his title, being named general manager.

"Baseball is about knowledge and passion," said Braves chairman and CEO Terry McGuirk. "The passion for both of these men has just picked up tremendously as they go at their new jobs."

"To be given the opportunity to serve as the president of this grand organization is beyond my dreams," said Schuerholz, who will work as McGuirk's right-hand man through 2011. "This opportunity really lifts my spirits. It encourages me, it makes me enthusiastic towards what we have in this organization and what we can continue to build upon."

Schuerholz even joked about being surprised by the reports of his demise -- learned during lunch with his new boss -- and how they were greatly exaggerated.

"Terry and I had talked about this for less than a year and bit by bit it built up to this," Schuerholz said. "But we were always thinking about my role being enhanced or increased or elevated. Not dismissed or diminished. I can't wait to grab this opportunity with both hands and to help this organization, as grand as it is, to become even more grand."

Wren, who didn't find out about his pending promotion until Tuesday afternoon when having iced tea with Schuerholz after watching an instructional league game, was as excited to assume the GM duties.

"I'm humbled to be in charge of the baseball operations of a great franchise like the Atlanta Braves," said Wren, 49, who has been with the Braves since Oct. 13, 1999. "It's a big job. It's a daunting task to be GM of a Major League franchise. But I'm comforted to know that we have a great staff in place, we have a team that's positioned to win. There's a lot to be encouraged about and I'm definitely encouraged."

Wren has general manager experience, having run the Baltimore Orioles in 1999 before coming to Atlanta. He joked that he had learned "what a great organization this is" from that previous stint as a GM, adding that he was excited to take advantage of the resources around him.

"One of the things that is very comforting for me is down the hall I'm going to have a Hall of Fame general manager that I can go bounce things off," he said. "In the clubhouse, I'm going to have a Hall of Fame manager who runs this game as well as anyone. It's a pretty good position to be in."

The responsibilities of Schuerholz's new position are still being worked out, but McGuirk raved about the buzz that Schuerholz brings and noted that Commissioner Bud Selig was such a big supporter of the move that he lifted the postseason announcement blackout for the Braves.

"John brings an element of 'wow' to meetings that presidents of organizations won't do," said McGuirk. "There are any number of issues on the business side that will be easy for John to do. I look at John as extremely buttoned up and businesslike.

"Commissioner Selig couldn't have been more supportive," McGuirk added. "He thought this was a particularly elegant solution to the personnel we have here."

Under Schuerholz, who joined the Braves in October 1990 after winning six division titles, two pennants and a World Series in Kansas City, the Braves were the winningest franchise in Major League Baseball (1,594 wins and a .593 winning percentage). Atlanta captured an unprecedented 14 consecutive division championships, five NL pennants and a World Series championship. But over the last six years, the team suffered four straight first-round playoff exits (2002-05) and did not qualify for the postseason the last two years.

Wren hopes to return the club to the winning tradition with an approach that should look similar to his predecessor's.

"We are amazingly alike in a lot of ways," said Wren, who noted that finding someone to do his old job is among his priorities. "Our styles are going to be different, but our philosophies are very similar. They always have been.

"One of the things I feel is important in the role I have is to go out and see our young players," he added. "Have a good sense of them. It's one of those things that builds your spirits. You go to the Minor Leagues and see our talent and know they're arriving in another year or so. I'll do some of that but it will change my role."

Schuerholz admitted it will be tough to let go, even though it took an exhaustive physical toll on him every year, but he is ready to move on.

"It will be difficult, but not impossible," he said. "I'll miss [being a GM], but I'm also smart enough to know that there's a separation that is required and necessary for the health and well-being of this organization and this franchise and I will find myself fitting comfortably in my new responsibilities. This is a more perfect plan."

This isn't bad news at all. This could benefit the Braves even more. Schuerholz got a promotion here, and will still be involved still very much so. It is also reassuring that Frank Wren has worked with Schuerholz for a while now in the organization. I am confident he will be a solid GM and continue the Braves success.

Andruw Jones Won't Return

The season ended with the Braves missing the playoffs for a 2nd year in a row, and a wonderful Mets collapse. I will be routing for the Phillies in the playoffs, or the team representing National League in the World Series. To start of the long off-season, we have good news for some and bad news for others. The news is...well it is that Andruw Jones will not be returning to Atlanta. I really don't care either way, I would have been fine with either decision.

You can find the news from a number of sources. One in particular is the Braves very own website.

Andruw out of Atlanta picture for 2008

Schuerholz makes announcement after meeting with veteran

ATLANTA -- When the conclusion of the 2008 season arrives and it comes time for Mark Teixeira to enter the free agent marketplace, his agent Scott Boras may find himself amid regular negotiations with the Braves.

But as he prepares to take Andruw Jones into free agency this offseason, Boras won't be negotiating with Braves general manager John Schuerholz, who announced on Tuesday at Turner Field that the Gold Glove outfielder won't be returning to Atlanta next year.

"It wasn't easy," Schuerholz said of this decision to say goodbye to a popular figure, who debuted in Atlanta in 1996 and desired to be a life-long Brave. "We debated it. We had a lot of lively debate ... but it just doesn't work for us." >

While it may have been surprising to some that this decision came just two days into the offseason, Boras doesn't count himself among this group. Over the past year, he gained a sense the Braves were preparing to end their long relationship with Jones, whose future in Atlanta was in doubt even before he hit a career-worst .222 with 26 homers and 94 RBIs this year.

"General managers of teams that I have [established] players playing for call me all the time," Boras said. "With John [Schuerholz], I have never discussed anything about Andruw Jones for two years."

Per Jones' request, Boras said that he sent two letters to the Braves last winter to gauge their interest in signing him to a contract before he became eligible for free agency this winter. When he didn't get a response to either, the agent informed the organization that there wouldn't be any further contract-related discussions until this offseason arrived.

Schuerholz says that an e-mail he received from Boras on Dec. 11 of last year provided him his first confirmation that it might not be feasible or wise to re-sign Jones.

While there hasn't been any further discussions or contact between the parties, Schuerholz says this belief began to strengthen over the past few months, when he read articles that quoted Boras as saying he intended to land Jones a contract that would recognize him as a top-tier player.

"It started high and stayed high," Schuerholz said of what he viewed as contractual requests. "We didn't get a subsequent e-mail of a different evaluation. It was reiterated -- that belief in the value of the player -- in articles that I've read within the last 10 days."

Schuerholz didn't provide specifics regarding what was included in this e-mail. But he acknowledged that Boras is seeking a contract similar to the ones received by Vernon Wells and Alfonso Soriano before this season began. Both of them gained contracts that consisted of at least seven years and included an annual salary of at least $17 million.

Despite his sub-par offensive statistics, Jones' history does provide Boras an opportunity to gain a similar contract. Just two years ago, he collected career highs in homers (51) and RBIs (128) and finished second in National League MVP balloting. In November, he'll likely win his 10th consecutive Gold Glove.

In addition, this year he became one of 14 Major Leaguers to ever have hit at least 25 homers for 10 consecutive years. And according to Boras, the fact that he's started more games than any other Major Leaguer since the beginning of the 1998 season, is indication that he's "the game's most durable outfielder" and not indication that he's accumulated wear and tear that will affect his future performance.

"I'm going to miss the clowning around and the headaches that he gave me on a daily basis," said Braves hitting coach Terry Pendleton, who has a brotherly bond with Jones. "He gave it everything he had every day, even when he was hurt and struggling. I'll take that any day of the week."

This past weekend, Jeff Francoeur said he was looking forward to one more opportunity to play alongside Jones in the outfield. On Tuesday, he gained a sense his always-proud former teammate was battling emotions.

"I think he's upset because he spent all this time here and then just suddenly it's done," said Francoeur of Jones, who in 1996 became known as a 19-year-old phenom when he homered in his first two career World Series at-bats.

Schuerholz has fond memories of Jones' many contributions to his organization and that's why he chose to personally inform him of this decision early on Tuesday afternoon in his Turner Field office.

"He was very professional, very understanding and very appreciative of the fact that we worked as quickly as we did, decided as quickly as we did and let him know in a forthright, straight and honest manner," Schuerholz said.

Jones told Boras that the conversation included Schuerholz telling him that it wouldn't be financially feasible for his future rosters to include both him and Teixeira, who will earn a substantial raise as an arbitration-eligible player this offseason, and then likely serve as one of the most attractive figures on next year's free agent market.

For now, the Braves are just happy to know they have Teixeira's services for at least another year. In the 54 games he played for the Braves after being acquired from the Rangers at the trade deadline, he hit .317 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs.

Teixeira took full advantage of hitting in the cleanup spot behind Edgar Renteria and Chipper Jones, who combined to own two of the four best batting averages compiled in the National League this year. The same couldn't be said of Andruw Jones, who collected just 64 RBIs in the 86 games that he batted in the cleanup spot.

"We are really happy as an organization to have Mark Teixeira come to Spring Training from day one," Schuerholz said. "We've seen the type of impact he has on our team, not only with his production, but the residual benefit of him being here." p>

Teixeira said he had more fun the past two months than he's had at any other point of his career. But still when it comes time to re-sign him next year, he'll be come with a hefty price and the request that the Braves ignore their strict thoughts regarding no-trade policies.

"He wants to stay in one place for a long time," Boras said. "But that's probably not in Atlanta because the Braves don't offer no-trade clauses. That's been a problem with a number of my clients who have wanted to sign there."

In a perfect world, Schuerholz says he would've continued employing Greg Maddux, Kevin Millwood, Tom Glavine and many of the organization's popular figures who have previously said goodbye. But as Jones has been reminded, it's an imperfect world which brings great fortune and also prevents both players and management from showing eternal loyalty.

"It doesn't demean or diminish all that he's done for us and I thanked him for all of those contributions," Schuerholz said. "We'll all have a lot of fond memories of him. But it's our judgment."

It's a shame that money is pretty much the all deciding factor in these situations. I understand that money is something most people want (even myself) and that a couple million dollars a year is a big difference. I guess what I don't understand is that once you got done making $70 plus million on your last contract, is it really necessary to be a bigger money grubber on your next contact? This is even when you haven't even had a career year, or steadily improved for that matter. Oh well, I hope the Braves will find someone within the system to fill in his void. His defense will be missed that's for sure. I'll keep you updated on where Andruw might be headed, and who he signs with.

Career Stats