ESPN'S J.P. RICCIARDI REACTION TO THE YUNEL ESCOBAR TRADE

So not only did the Braves get rid of a clubhouse cancer in Yunel Escobar who has not hit all season and replaced him with a guy in Alex Gonzalez who has more home runs and extra base hits then anybody in the Braves lineup but also they pick up two good prospects who could be factors in the future. Seriously, what is not to like about this trade?

Frank Wren pulled a great trade today that could wind up like the Edgar Renteria trade to the Detroit Tigers for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez (who was later flipped for Nate McLouth). Not only is Gonzalez an instant upgrade in the offensive production categories but it sounds like relief pitcher Tim Collins could be a future Billy Wagner and shortstop Tyler Pastornicky has a chance of eventually replacing Gonzalez in the future.

And before some of you Braves fans jump on me about how Yunel Escobar was too young to get rid of and could eventually right the ship please remember the Braves ran out of patience with Frenchy last season and it hasn't hurt them yet. The Braves signed Dominican shortstop Edward Salcedo this offseason and fully expect the 18 year old will eventually be replacing Gonzalez in 2-3 years. Gonzalez has an option for next year of around $2 million that can be picked up by the club and then depending on Salcedo's production in the minors could be the Braves starting shortstop in 2012.

The Braves won in this trade. They want desperately to send Bobby Cox into retirement with a World Series ring and didn't have to mortgage any of their future.

Great job Wren.

JUST ANOTHER REASON FOR ME NOT TO LIKE THE PHILLIES

Come on Charlie Manuel. You damn well know what the fuck his name is. You tell me you can pronounce Yadier Molina and Ubaldo Jimenez without any hesitation with a straight face but somehow butcher "Prado."

How about saying "FIRST PLACE BITCH!"?

Can you say it asshole?

I didn't think so.

Manuel has the fear. The fear of the first place Bravos.

HAPPY HUMP DAY...MIRANDA KERR VIDEO

Thanks go out to Egotastic for this Victoria Secret's commercial of Miranda Kerr which is sure to cause Jergens Lotion to triple in stock value.

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.

BRITISH OPEN STARTED TODAY

And clearly Tiger Woods is not a fan of albino gorillas who raid Rip Torn's closet. I have no idea who is going to win the British Open but I'm positive it won't be John Daly.

Image HT: ExtraMustard

DOUBLE RAINBOW GUY

I know this video is about 6 months old so in internet years it's ancient but I just had to post it. How the fuck did I never see this video till last night? Bin Laden has been hiding in a cave and still somehow saw it before we did. I feel like I have failed you SportsCrack nation. My bad. His reaction to the Double Rainbow across the sky was pretty much how I felt today when I heard the Braves traded Yunel Escobar. The amount of joy in my heart could not be contained. It was so intense!

So anyway here is the remix of the Double Rainbow Song...

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