GOOD RIDDANCE YUNEL ESCOBAR

I will have more information on the trade later when I get in front of the computer but here is some information from Dave O'brien's blog....

The Braves have traded shortstop Yunel Escobar and minor-league pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes to the Toronto Blue Jays in a five-player deal that nets shortstop Alex Gonzalez.

The Braves began a conference call at 12:30 p.m. to discuss the deal and we’ll provide updates as they occur.

Gonzalez, 33, is in the midst of one of his finest offensive seasons.

The Braves also got left-handed minor-league pitcher Tim Collins and minor-league shortstop Tyler Pastornicky.

Gonzalez entered the All-Star break with a .259 batting average, 17 home runs, 25 doubles and 50 RBIs. Gonzalez currently ranks tied for fifth in the American League with 43 extra-base hits.

“This trade improves our club for the second half of the season,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Frank Wren said. “We have been looking at ways to strengthen our club offensively and Alex Gonzalez is a proven veteran player who gives us added power. He is a winner and a solid offensive presence in the lineup as well as a quality defensive shortstop.”

Thank you Frank Wren. Escobar was a cancer in the clubhouse and his bat has been shit all season. I will miss his glove but I won't miss his attitude. Wren pulled off a miracle getting another shortstop in Gonzalez who has 17 bombs this year. He should fit in nicely with the Braves.

More on this trade later.