Tommy La Stella Traded/Vizcaino Re-acquired (Cubs)

In a swift move that was on almost nobody’s radar, the Braves have made a stunning trade with the Chicago Cubs this afternoon:

BIG Possible Implications

I don’t know that I can over-emphasize the magnitude of what you just read.  A couple of days ago, I had mentioned the following in this discussion about Yoan Moncada, the latest Cuban player that seems to be heading for the United States (and if you haven’t read this story, then do it now:  there will be a quiz later):

"The International spending pool slots are tradable.  Acquisition of an extra slot or two would lessen the penalty for what certainly will look to be an overbid situation for whoever wants to hire Moncada.  If Atlanta manages to acquire one or more, then that could signal an effort to position themselves better for Moncada."

I also mentioned that there are teams who are already “over-spent” in the International market.  The Cubs are one of those teams.  So those slots they were holding are almost useless to them.  Except via trade. Note as well, that the Cubs have a very high slotting position – the kind that came from being such a terrible team.  Thus the 2/3/4 slots are worth a lot of extra International spending cash to Atlanta, who held low spots in the pecking order.

So aside from the players involved in this deal, I have to believe that this deal is a lot more about what I was alluding to in the Moncada story:  the Braves may be trying to position themselves for a run at him once he becomes available sometime in the next several months.  But even if that were to fail, it gives George Blakeley a bunch of room to go after the players that he had his eyes on while working the International market for the Yankees.  

Meanwhile… the rest of the trade

. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Braves actually were facing a logjam at second base… both now and in the future.  The task was to figure out how best to handle the surplus.  Here’s the problem that John hart faced:

• Tommy La Stella
• Philip Gosselin
• Jose Peraza

Peraza is the second sacker of the future – and that future could begin sometime between April and July on 2015.  Gosselin is an excellent utility player – and that’s why he is still a Brave.  You can almost think “Martin Prado” with his skillset.

La Stella, however – as much as I really love the guy – is limited.  He’s a second baseman only.  Yes he hits very well.  He gets on base a ton.  He doesn’t strike out.  But he does have value – and thus the Cubs were willing to give up quite a bit to take him.  But if you’re looking for the oddest-man-out of that trio, it is La Stella (unfortunately).  I really hate to see him go.

So now the deck has been cleared for Peraza:  either he will make the club out of Spring, or Gosselin will man the position until he is ready (others are suggesting a stop-gap option – that’s possible).  Changes are a-comin’.    

ARODYS VIZCAINO

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher

(41). Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, the Braves will now have two names on the roster with the initials “AV”.  Vizzy (Arodys Vizcaino, who’s still just 24 years old) started as a Yankee, and briefly made the Braves major league club in 2011 – even pitching for Bobby Cox in the playoffs – before blowing out his elbow with his near-100 mph fastballs.

In 2014, he was back and healthy again, throwing 56 innings at 4 different levels, including the majors.  He’s still throwing in the mid-90’s, though he seems to have developed a wild streak in him as well.  It will be interesting to see if his stuff is back to the level it was in 2011.  If the control returns, this could be a great pickup for the Braves.

A quick look back.  On July 12, 2012 the Cubs agreed to acquire Vizcaino – while injured – and pitcher Jaye Chapman from Atlanta in exchange for Paul Maholm and Reed Johnson.  Chapman threw 12 innings for Chicago in 2012 and 6 in AAA in 2013… and Vizzy was good for 5 innings.

I’ll let you figure out just how well the Braves did in that last deal, as they got to use two major league players for most of the time that Vizcaino was unable to pitch at all.  In this one, they’ve given up an extra second baseman and a low 4th round international slot.  In exchange, Atlanta received their pitcher back (healthy), and can now land somewhere between 1 and 3 international prospect.  Wow.

What Else?

It is also of some interest that a reliever was picked up in this deal.  Uncertain if that means that there is (a) another deal in the works or if Hart is ready to cut ties with an existing member of the bullpen.  Hard to say anything more, but for certain, John Hart/John Coppolella are not exactly waiting to get “settled in” to their new offices.  They’re hitting the ground on a dead sprint.  

Well, I guess so!