Braves trade for Brandon Phillips

[ZacketJacket]

After learning that Sean Rodriguez was injured in a car accident that will keep him out for 3-5 months, the Braves revived talks with the Reds about acquiring Brandon Phillips. They are close to a deal in which the Reds would eat most of Phillips' contract, and the Braves will send two players in return. Phillips vetoed a trade to Atlanta earlier in the offseason, but he has now agreed to the trade.

I'm a fan of this deal. The Braves have a phenomenal farm system, but it's going to take a few years for the talent to develop and materialize. I love that they are filling the team with short-term veteran players who can make us relatively competitive without blowing up the bank or giving up the future.

 

[THWG]

I would rather trade for Brian Dozier but it would probably cost the Braves more than 2 prospects so I'm happy with getting Brandon Phillips.

 

[ZacketJacket]

Apparently, the names of the minor leaguers we're sending to the Reds won't be released until after Phillips passes his physical. At least now I can slow down from refreshing my twitter lists every 2 minutes for an update.

I just hope we're not giving up anyone with a high ceiling.

 

[ZacketJacket]

Phillips passed his physical. He will have a no-trade clause with Atlanta, so we won't likely have the option to flip him mid-season for prospects. From what I have seen, the Reds will receive 27-year-old LHP Andrew McKirahan and 29-year-old RHP Carlos Portuondo. I'm good with that. I doubt any of us were going to be buying their jerseys at any point.

 

[MikeJackets]

Nice for the Braves to get another experienced player. I optimistically think the Braves go 76-86 and finish 3rd in the NL East.

 

[OldJacketFan]

I really like the looks of the lineup with the addition of Phillips!

 

[ZacketJacket]

Nice for the Braves to get another experienced player. I optimistically think the Braves go 76-86 and finish 3rd in the NL East.

I don't think 76 wins is optimistic, maybe realistic, but 76 wins would feel like a disappointment to my B+ blood. We went 31-25 after the trade deadline last year, and I think we've got a better roster now than we did then. There are still a lot of IFs for this team, but I don't even think everything has to go right for us to be in the conversation for a Wild Card spot.

 

[ChasonBaller]

Braves literally traded two pitchers who were going to sit in the minor leagues for Phillips. While the reds pay almost all of his 14 million dollar salary. It's a win win, he is an exciting player returning home to be the bridge for Albies.

 

[MikeJackets]

I don't think 76 wins is optimistic, maybe realistic, but 76 wins would feel like a disappointment to my B+ blood. We went 31-25 after the trade deadline last year, and I think we've got a better roster now than we did then. There are still a lot of IFs for this team, but I don't even think everything has to go right for us to be in the conversation for a Wild Card spot.

I hope you're right! It would be nice to win 83 or 84 games.