The Braves traded Javier Vasquez to the Yankees along with Boone Logan for Melky Cabrera, Mike Dunn, and Arodys Vizcaino. Most of the blogosphere is saying that the Yankees got the best deal and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says that it is the worst move in Atlanta or Georgia sports all year. I will have to disagree. Sure, we lose our number one starter, but we are selling high as Vasquez had his best year ever in 2009, beating his previous best ERA by half a run. He also had career highs or near-career highs in K/9, BB/9 , HR/9, BAA, and WHIP. What are the chances of him having that same year at the age of 34? He only has a few seasons left in his career, why not trade him and fill the other open spots on the roster? The other pitcher in the trade, Boone Logan, threw 17 innings for the Braves with an ERA over 5. Not a big loss there.
In return, the Braves got:
Melky Cabrera - A league average hitter, slightly below average fielder good for 2 wins above a replacement player. But, he will be better the Garrett Anderson in left field. Anderson was good for one win BELOW replacement level last year. So we gain 3 wins in left field from this spot alone.
Mike Dunn -Basically the same as Logan. Not much difference here.
Arodys Vizcaino - The key player in this deal. As an 18 year old playing in a league that averages 21 years old, he struck out 11 batters per 9 IP. He still has some control issues, but he will only be 19 this year and should start the season at Rome or possibly Myrtle Beach. He was the third ranked prospect in the Yankee organization and is listed as having the best curve ball in the Yankee farm system. He was projected as the number four starter for the 2013 Yankees according to Baseball America.
The other part of this deal is that we now have $8 million to spend elsewhere (Vasquez made $11 million, Cabrera will get around $3 million), possibly getting a first baseman like say........Adam LaRoche!
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