Braves News World

The Braves traded reserve outfielder supreme Eli Marrero and “cash considerations” to the Royals for Jorge Vasquez, a marginal Double-A closer according to the stats. Last year he had a 4-5 record with a 4.68 ERA and 18 saves in 49 appearances at Wichita before getting a cup of coffee with the Royals at the end of the year..

So now there’s two gaping holes in the corner outfield spots. It’s obvious that this is a salary dump clearing the way for one more big trade or signing involving an outfielder. Marrero was set to earn $3 million in 2005 with bonus opportunites and escalators that could raise his salary to $4.6 million. Schuerholz needed that much more room to negotiate for an outfielder.

I always thought Eli could get the job done on an everyday basis and would eventually get the chance to be a starter with the Braves. But, having shipped Charles Thomas to the A’s in the Tim Hudson deal, they decided to completely clean house in the corners and go with probably a rookie platoon (i.e. Ryan Langerhans and Billy McCarthy) in one position and a proven commodity in the other. Outfield names that continue to surface in rumors include Jacque Jones, Magglio Ordonez, Moises Alou, and Sammy Sosa (if the Cubs will eat most of his salary; fat chance of that). Another possibility from way out of left field, all pun intended, is playing Andy Marte at third base and moving Chipper back to the outfield. I don’t see that one happening. Schuerholz also indicated yesterday that Jeff Francoeur would be given the opportunity to compete for an outfield spot in spring training. I find it hard to believe he’ll be on the major league roster come April. They don’t want to rush him. But if he does somehow become a starting outfielder for the Braves it will be in place of the rookie platoon – not the veteran outfielder who will arrive shortly. Stay tuned!