| Brian Reynolds. 31st July, 2009 - 6:02 pm
 Adam LaRoche is back in Atlanta. After a short stint in Beantown, LaRoche was dealt back to his former club for Casey Kotchman.
LaRoche played for the Braves from 2004-2006 before being dealt to Pittsburgh for LHP Mike Gonzalez.
At first, LaRoche seems like a nice upgrade over Kotchman just because of the power issue. He has seven more home runs than Kotchman this year (13 total) and is known to be a second-half player.
However, after taking a closer look at it, Braves fans have to be asking themselves, “Why?”
Kotchman was just starting to find a groove in Atlanta and is one of the big reasons why the Braves have been so hot since the All-Star game. He hit .320 in July with a .427 OBP and a .507 SLG percentage.
Kotchman’s power swing was coming around as well. He hit four of his six home runs in July to go along with 20 doubles.
Hearing those numbers, it’s easy to second-guess Atlanta Braves General Manger Frank Wren’s decision. But, just for fun let’s look at it a little more.
Kotchman has committed zero errors since playing for Atlanta. That’s right, 0. Zilch. Big ol’ Goose-egg. He is simply one of the best fielding first baseman in baseball. On top of that, he consistently puts the ball in play. Kotchman has only struck out 28 times all season long.
Furthermore, Kotchman had one more year left on his contract and he’s cheap. LaRoche will enter free agency after the 2009 season. Hopefully, the Braves will be able to re-sign him because they don’t really have another option at first. Atlanta did receive cash considerations in this deal, although it is unknown exactly as to how much.
Chipper Jones is a great friend of LaRoche and he could be the reason behind this trade. The two own land together and go hunting in the offseason. And if Chipper Jones is happy, then the Atlanta Braves have to be happy. Right?
Now, if LaRoche can continue his second half surges and become that big bat Atlanta desperately needs I guess I can understand the move. However, I think Wren tried to get a little too cute here. Replacing Kotchman at first was not the necessary move, nor the right move. The Braves were hot and Wren shouldn’t have toyed with the roster.
But he did. And Atlanta lost a first-class guy in his prime.
“It’s been a privilege to play for Bobby Cox and his staff,” said Kotchman.
Grade for the Braves: D+
Boston will primarily use Kotchman in a bench role as they already have a flurry of capable corner infielders on their roster.
Newly acquired Victor Martinez will most likely play first with Kevin Youkilis at third. David Ortiz will be the usual designated hitter, leaving Mike Lowell and Kotchman on the bench and spot starts.
Kotchman is a great bat to have off the bench for crucial late-inning moments. You know at the very least he will put the ball in play. He will also be used as a late-inning defensive substitution.
The Red Sox didn’t necessarily need Kotchman, but he definitely will help.
Grade for the Red Sox: B
--Brian Reynolds is a contributing writer for RealGM and a recent graduate of Emory University. He can be reached at Brian.Matthew.Reynolds@gmail.com |
