Braves seize opportunity to get Jaime Garcia from Cardinals Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email comment 7:38 PM ET Keith LawESPN Senior Writer The Atlanta Braves continue to do well with quiet, short-term moves this winter, this time by picking up veteran lefty Jaime Garcia from the St. Louis Cardinals. Garcia has one year remaining on his deal, and the Braves got him for three players who wouldn’t have made my rankings of their top 20 prospects this winter. Garcia is set to make $12 million in 2017, well under the qualifying offer and less than he’d likely make on the open market. A year after a 2.43 ERA/3.00 FIP performance in an injury-shortened, 20-start 2015 season, Garcia threw 171 innings in 2016, the second-highest total of his career. Unfortunately, he gave up a career-high 26 home runs, leaving a lot of fastballs out over the plate for hitters to send out of the park, resulting in the worst ERA and FIP of his career as well. Julio Teheran still the No. 1 starter and Bartolo Colon presumably locked into another slot. I would assume Mike Foltynewicz has a spot after a season where he was just about league-average in 123 innings, although he may have to compete for one of the last two slots in the rotation against R.A. Dickey, Matt Wisler, Aaron Blair, and perhaps one or two others. With Atlanta on the upswing but not at the Nationals’ or Mets’ level yet, I’d rather see those spots go to developing young pitchers, with Dickey and Josh Collmenter in relief roles, but with Blair losing velocity in 2016 and Wisler becoming insanely homer-prone (11 homers in 50 innings after the break), they will both have to re-earn their spots at some point. Law: Trade market overview St. Louis clears some space on their payroll, but I think the haul is probably less than they expected when they picked up Garcia’s option a month ago. They wind up with a quantity-over-quality package that is better than nothing but doesn’t have much upside. John Gant is a deception guy with average stuff who’s missed some bats in the minors and might have value in the bullpen where hitters get just one look at him, although in 2016 he was awful in both roles in the majors. He’s thrown 50 major-league innings, so he’s lost his rookie eligibility and technically isn’t eligible for my prospect lists any more. Chris Ellis had some potential coming out of Ole Miss with two average pitches and a workhorse build, but he was mediocre in Double-A last year and flat-out awful in 15 Triple-A starts, walking 52 guys in 67 innings. He doesn’t have monster stuff, so while he looks like a starter he may be a pen guy or just a minor league arm unless he can stop walking guys the way he has since pitching in High-A. Luke Dykstra is an organizational player, a second baseman with no power (really -- he hasn’t homered since 2014) or speed and a career walk rate in the pros of three percent. It’s just some stuff for Garcia, who may just not have had the asset value I thought he had. I saw a guy who has the potential to be league-average or above, and who has done it more than once before, under contract for a reasonable one-year deal. He would have slotted somewhere in the middle of my top 50 free agents had the Cardinals declined his option. St. Louis doesn’t need him -- with Lance Lynn coming back, Alex Reyes up, and Michael Wacha around, they have six guys who could make their Opening Day rotation -- but I’m surprised this is all the market thought he was worth
Love this deal. Garcia has always been deceptive, and we definitely needed a left hander And like someone said, if he has a good first half we can trade him for a lot more than 3 mid tier prospects
Fangraphs Atlanta Trades for Upside in Form of Jaime Garcia by Craig Edwards - December 1, 2016 The Braves’ first few moves of the 2016-17 offseason — and, in particular, the acquisitions of both Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey — appeared to raise the floor for an Atlanta club team designed to survive, if not necessarily thrive in, 2017. The club’s most recent move might not help raise that floor any higher. What it could do, however, is heighten the team’s ceiling — and, at the very least, provide the club with an interesting trade chip for the July trade deadline. Earlier tonight, the Braves traded three prospects to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Jaime Garcia, who enters the final season of an extension signed back in 2011. Here’s the trade in full. Braves Receive: Jaime Garcia Cardinals Receive: 2B Luke Dykstra RHP Chris Ellis RHP John Gant When healthy, Garcia has been an effective pitcher. Over the course of his career, he’s produced a better-than-average FIP and ERA (both 8% lower than league average). Staying on the mound for any length of time has been the issue for Garcia, however. After recording 194 innings in 2011 — and earning a four-year contract extension (with two options) along the way — Garcia struggled to stay healthy. He managed only 220 innings over the next three seasons combined and began 2015 on the disabled list. His numbers were never particularly bad during that span — and were, in some cases, quite good. After thoracic outlet surgery in the middle of 2014, however, his career appeared to be in some jeopardy. Garcia came back unexpectedly in late May of 2015 and pitched like an ace for the Cardinals, producing a 2.43 ERA, 3.00 FIP and 2.8 WAR over just 129 innings. That run of success continued into 2016, after the Cardinals decided to pick up the first of Garcia’s two options. From May 21, 2015 (when he made his debut for that season) through May 21, 2016, Garcia recorded 180 innings, posting the 11th-best FIP and fifth-best ERA in baseball. That run included one of the best-pitched games of the 2016 season, during which Garcia used his wide array of pitches and nasty movement to shut down the Milwaukee Brewers. Unfortunately for Garcia and the Cardinals, his run of success took a turn for the worse as the season progressed. The cause wasn’t entirely obvious, however: Garcia’s fastball didn’t losing significant velocity, nor did his strikeout numbers decline substantively. So what happened? Let’s see if we can spot a problem. So, yes, I think we found the problem. Garcia began giving up more and more home runs, inflating his runs-allowed and FIP numbers. Regarding possible reasons for this trend, there are a few reasonable explanations. Explanations like: Garcia was maybe hurt; or Garcia was possibly tired; or Garcia had a really bad run of luck. All three have their merits, but all three have different implications for the wisdom of Atlanta’s decision. For example, if Garcia is actually hurt, it’s tough to figure how the Braves could expect much from him next season. If he was simply pitching fatigued, it’s reasonable to expect something closer to vintage Garcia in 2017. Garcia was pitching more innings than he had in half a decade last year, and the Cardinals probably didn’t help matters by pitching him on short rest for a start in August. Finally, if Garcia was just experiencing a run of bad luck — again, the Braves can hope for good production. On a rate basis, the projections see very good things for Garcia, calling for a 3.62 FIP and a 3.54 ERA. Our Depth Charts currently have Garcia receiving 130 innings. That would be good news for Atlanta: even at that relatively low innings total, Garcia’s $12 million salary would likely represent a bargain. He’s about half a run better than anyone else on the rest of the Braves staff as currently assembled. As currently assembled, that Atlanta rotation begins with Julio Teheran. If Garcia can pitch, he would serve as an effective No. 2 for the club, with youngster Mike Foltynewicz followed by R.A. Dickey and Bartolo Colon. That’s a pretty decent staff — perhaps still in the bottom third of MLB teams, but in the range of respectable. At the very least, it buys the club some time while their other pitching prospects develop. Moreover, if Garcia pans out, he might be worth something on the trade market in July. As for the cost, the Braves appear to have conceded quantity over quality. The Cardinals’ return on the deal isn’t going to get anyone excited. John Gant has an unusual delivery, and produced a not-terrible debut for the Braves last season, making seven starts and 13 relief appearances for a 4.39 FIP and 4.86 ERA. Chris Ellis was basically one rung down on the development ladder from Gant, spending half the season in Double-A and half in the Triple-A. He performed reasonably well at the former level, thanks to a very low home-run rate, but struggled to avoid free passes all season and suffered the consequences against more advanced competition in Triple-A. Luke Dysktra, for his part, offers good contact skills, striking out in fewer than 10% of his plate appearances throughout the minors. He doesn’t walk or hit for power, though. And he just turned 21. And he’s only just completed a season in short-season A-ball. All told, he Cardinals have received three middling prospects for Garcia. Getting one or two to the majors — contributing in even just a minor role — would constitute a success. But they don’t get anything resembling a sure thing or high upside. The market for pitching is sparse, but a pitcher with a poor year and major injury history wasn’t going to net top prospects, regardless of market. Rather, the significance of the trade for them is the clear signal it sends to top prospect Alex Reyes and his role for 2017. While the Cardinals still have five veterans — Mike Leake, Lance Lynn, Carlos Martinez, Michael Wacha and Adam Wainwright — who are all theoretically ahead of Reyes in the rotation, it’s tough to see (a) all five of them staying healthy for Opening Day and (b) Reyes failing to bypass Michael Wacha, who struggled to finish 2016 and has a chronic scapular condition (Brandon McCarthy has a similar one) that will make it difficult to rely on for innings. Moving Garcia seemed inevitable for the Cardinals, either now or in the spring. In the Braves, they found a team hoping to get something from Garcia’s upside, whether on the mound or (at midseason) in a trade. If Garcia pitches well, the Braves are likely to get a better haul of prospects than the one they just conceded. If he pitches poorly, the Braves didn’t give up a ton, aren’t spending a lot, and shouldn’t be counting on contending for 2017 anyway. For both teams, this trade is about space. The Braves are providing some for their pitching prospects so they aren’t thrown into the fire before they are ready, while the Cardinals are creating some so that their best prospect can make an impact from the start of next season
I keep hearing we want to upgrade third base. Justin Turner is out there. I wonder if we are monitoring that market. I'd love Longoria as well if the price is right.
Reviewing The Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners Trade, Who Won? Reviewing The Braves/Mariners Trade On November 28, 2016 the Atlanta Braves sent pitchers Rob Whalen and Max Povse to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder/catcher Alex Jackson and a player to be named later (PTBNL). This kind of sounds like old news now that the Braves have officially signed Sean Rodriguez and made another trade with the St. Louis Cardinals….but this trade is still fresh on our minds. One thing we know so far…Jackson destroyed high school pitching and coming out of HS, he was said to be the best bat in the draft. John Hart was on MLB Network then and said “this is the best high school bat/power combination in this draft and to go along with it, he’s got an outstanding arm. I think the guy can catch”. It’s been documented by many now that Jackson has struggled since being drafted in 2014 and hasn’t reached a level above Single-A. The kid is still only 20-years-old (turns 21 on Christmas day) and still has plenty of potential. We’ll probably never know the true reasons on why the Mariners so quickly gave up on Jackson, but he’s an Atlanta Brave now. Follow Alex Jackson ✔@alex_jaxxsun Thanks to the Mariners for giving me the opportunity to start my career. I look forward to staring this new chapter with the @Braves #chopon 2:46 PM - 29 Nov 2016 To get a better feel for this trade — why the Braves did it, why the Mariners did it, who’s the PTBNL — we reached out to our friends at SoDo Mojo (FanSided Seattle Mariners page) to get their thoughts. Tomahawk Take: Heading into the 2014 MLB draft, I heard Alex Jackson could be drafted #1. When he fell to #6 and to the Mariners what was the thoughts there? SoDo Mojo: To see him fall to 6th was a great for the M’s. He was a great talent with a lot of upside. I think most Mariners fans thought it was a good choice by former GM Jack Z (of which he didn’t make too many) hence no playoff appearances. TT: The Mariners decided to switch Jackson from a high school catcher to an outfielder…why do you think they did that and could he move back to the catcher position? SM: I think the Mariners saw that his power could fade at the catcher position. They probably thought he could be of better use in the outfield to keep him agile as well, since he was such a gifted athlete in high school. TT: After struggling in low ball for 2.5 years, the Mariners decided to send Jackson back to extended spring training in 2016. MLB.com has noted that the cause was because “he needed to mature both on and off the field”…can you attest to this? SM: The maturity issues were a problem. They have been discreet and politically correct about not divulging too much info. Unfortunately this happens far too often with young athletes that don’t have enough control, guidance and have instant exposure to future celebrity. TT: Who do you think this PTBNL is? Do you think it’s a player on the 40-man roster currently? Who would you not want to see this PTBNL to be? SM: The player to be named later will at best for you probably be a prospect ranked 25-30 but also maybe a AAA Rainer, not sure. I would hope the player isn’t #30 prospect, Tyler Marlette. He played very well at the catcher position in the AFL and in the long term, the M’s need a solid catcher. Zunino is always iffy at the plate and Ruiz won’t be around for long. TT: As of now, prior to the PTBNL is announced, who do you think won this trade? Why? SM: I think the Mariners won the trade in the now. Dipoto was able to fill vacancies that needed to be taken care of for this next season. Finding a #5 in the rotation was a question after the Walker trade and we still don’t know what’s happening with Iwakuma. So Whalen especially could be an instant help. Jackson has potential but It’ll be interesting to see if he can become the player he was expected to be
Could this team contend? Archer JT Garcia Colon Folty Ender Markakis Longoria Freddie Kemp Rodriguez Dansby Flowers
compete for the playoffs? yes world series, no i dont think so. Cubs would be better at just about rotation spot and every position besides CF and 1B
I like Archer because of his contract. He'll still be here when that next wave of pitchers arrive. Good chance Acuna and Maitan arrive in the next 5 years as well.
I prefer Quintana to Sale for the same reason. I'm just not sure we'll be ready in the next 3 seasons.
Do want, Colon Garcia and ole knuckles are stop gaps for our youngsters. Sale, JT, Folty would be a solid 1-3 awaiting future talent
Congrats to former @HailStateBB LHP @JLindgren19 for signing with the @Braves. Will be healthy and carve for the ATL. #tomahawkchop #K's
Kid can pitch had arm surgery a few times one bone spur and TJ, but a very high reward low risk pick up
Best nickname I've heard lately.. The strikeout factory. Sounds like he could be an Andrew Miller sort of weapon for the pen. Mid 90s fastball with a "Wipeout slider" . Yes please. Also, fuck the white Sox, they can keep sale. Any deal that includes Folty, Ender, Albies is a bad deal.
Good organizations trade prospects from positions of depth. I think we can do the same and still get something done. The two guys that jump out as expendable are Albies and Mallex. Add in a couple of our better pitching prospects and I'd think we are in the ballpark.
Mallex isn't a highly-touted prospect though. Like when Braves acquired him, imagine most of the league still sees him as 4th OF'er.
Atlanta Braves Signed: RHP David Richardson, LHP Adam Kolarek, 1B Balbino Fuenmayor, 3B Colin Walsh Traded: RHP Chris Ellis, RHP John Gant and 2B Luke Dykstra to Cardinals for LHP Jaime Garcia Traded: RHP Max Povse and RHP Rob Whalen to Mariners for OF Alex Jackson and a player to be named Added to 40-man roster: RHP Lucas Sims, LHP Max Fried, SS Johan Camargo Though he will be 26 next season and sports a career 4.64 ERA, righthander David Richardson showed a number of positive indicators this season, which he spent primarily at high Class A Frederick in the Orioles system. He struck out 8.2 batters per nine innings and recorded a groundball rate of 49 percent, which helped him allow just four home runs in a tough pitcher’s park. Richardson also established career highs for appearances (27) and innings (93) in 2016.
People who are absurdly loyal to UA or Nike because their school is sponsored by them are stupid. Shit is nearly exactly the same. I have numerous UA and Nike items. Both are nice. UA shoes aren't good, but that's about it
Under Armor is fucking terrible. I didn't even know they did baseball unis. If the new Sunday off-whites go away I'm gonna rage.
How is it any different than Nike. I have tshirts, shorts, golf shirts, compression gear, socks, winter pullovers from both. Both exactly the same
I think it's the cool thing to hate on Under Amour. As long as they don't fuck up the unis who cares.
Nike's designs are always better. Not that the Braves give a shit about anything but which firm could offer the better package. Can't blame them, but I prefer Nike as someone who has lived under UA rule for 12 years now.
Wellington MLB Rumor Central: Braves interested in Welington Castillo The Atlanta Braves are interested in free-agent catcher Welington Castillo, according to reports. The Rays aren't the only team pursuing Castillo, tweets Topkin, noting he's hearing that the catcher has had "quite a few" calls. The Braves have "some interest" in Castillo, tweets David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution The Braves have searched for a left-handed hitting catcher to platoon with Tyler Flowers, but GM John Coppolella has said he would be fine bringing back Anthony Recker, per O'Brien. Atlanta signed Recker to a one-year, $800,000 deal on Friday's non-tender deadline. "The Recker deal might signal the Braves plan to go with Flowers and him, but they likely will keep all options open in case another option arises," O'Brien writes. Castillo could fit the bill of "another option" and would likely come at a reasonable price -- he made $3.7 million this past year. However, he is a right-handed hitter. The Arizona Diamondbacks did not offer Castillo a contract for 2017 by Friday's non-tender deadline. In 113 games for the Diamondbacks in 2016, the 29-year-old slashed .264/.322/.423 with 14 home runs, 24 doubles and 68 RBIs. Castillo caught 38 percent of runners attempting to steal.