The End Of Adam LaGross

In an exciting move for at least me and most Braves fans the team agreed to part ways with last years starting first baseman Adam "LaGross" LaRoche this week. The Braves get to part ways with error prone, ADD suffering, lazy, unproductive first baseman who struggles mightily against left handed pitching and has never stolen a base in 400 career games. He finished the season on a high note and the Braves took the chance to sell high.

The beauty of this is not only do the Braves get rid of LaGross but pick up the best player in the deal. GM's usually will tell you your better off getting the best player in the deal if you want to be happy with it long term. Well the Braves picked up stellar closer Mike Gonzalez who converted a ridiculous 24 saves in 24 save opportunities. And if he hadn't played for the dreadful Pirates he would of had many more save opportunities to apply that 100% conversion rate to. This trade means the Braves biggest weakness from last year is now their biggest strength with the additions of Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, and Bob Wickman. They now have three proven closers to apply at the end of the games and can make sure none of them get over worked. Which will pay huge dividends for Smoltz and Hudson as they won't have to feel like they have to throw complete games to get a win. (Smoltz of course ended the year tied with the most wins in the NL and without all the blown saves might have won the Cy Young.)

Of course to facilitate the trade two minor leaguers were included. Which makes this so much better since the player going to the Braves was the much higher thought of of the two. Schuerholz seems to have the ole magic working again. Lets just say I'm happy with this trade.