Why Yasiel Puig makes perfect sense for the Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves – Yasiel Puig the right-handed lefty bat we needed

Ender’s bat will still be valuable as the Braves are short on left-handed hitters and he has fared very well.

Here’s the fun thing about Puig. Despite being a right-handed hitter, he kills right-handed pitching. His power really shines when facing right-handed pitching. He may not be a lefty, but he fills the need.

Puig Platoon Splits

• vs. RHP .285/.350/.495
• vs. LHP .255/.343/.419

Puig AB/XBH Splits

• vs. RHP: xbh every nine at-bats
• vs. LHP: xbh every 11.5 at-bats

Atlanta Braves – Yasiel Puig AB/HR Splits

• vs. RHP: Homers every 21.6 at-bats
• Vs. LHP: Homers every 27.1 at-bats

And finally, Puig is a fiery personality. He’s a passionate player who will take on an entire team in a fight. I have to imagine Jose Urena will have second thoughts about plunking Acuna with Puig doing pushups in the dugout.

Some people question whether his personality will be a good fit in the clubhouse. I don’t see why it wouldn’t be one of the best fits in the league. Here’s what Indians manager Terry Francona had to say about his assimilation.

"“I haven’t seen anybody come here and really not fit in it. Got a pretty good bunch in there,” said Francona. “[They] make guys feel at home pretty quickly. Felt like that every year I’ve been here. The guys have done a good job with [Puig], and some of his intensity and some of his exuberance has rubbed off, which is a good thing, too.”"

He’s a spark that could light a fire in a 60-game season. He has depth and consistency. He crushes right-handed pitching. He’s a plus defender with an absolute cannon of an arm. Puig, Acuna, and Albies will all feed off of each other. It’s going to be fun.

Please use the comments to explain what is not to like about this acquisition, because I don’t understand some of the hate I’ve been seeing.