Will a Trade w/Braves Be Announced Today? -- Brewers acquire CF Kyle Wren from ATL for RHP Zach Quintana (post #45)

[Kelbysdaddy]

the braves just traded la stella to the the cubs to get arodyz viscaino back. I don't really know why the cubs need tommy but nice deal for them.

[jerichoholicninja]

the braves just traded la stella to the the cubs to get arodyz viscaino back. I don't really know why the cubs need tommy but nice deal for them.

 

They have a pretty good stash of young players and a good amount of money. They could probably acquire just about any player they want right now via trade or free agency and adding La Stella adds to their depth to trade from.

[DHonks]

oops, WV Brew is right. Logan wasn't talked about much in the minors. I think he battled injuries and was overshadowed a bit by Komatsu from his draft class, but it appears 2 of his minor league seasons were nice.

[Bazinga]

the braves just traded la stella to the the cubs to get arodyz viscaino back. I don't really know why the cubs need tommy but nice deal for them.

 

They have a pretty good stash of young players and a good amount of money. They could probably acquire just about any player they want right now via trade or free agency and adding La Stella adds to their depth to trade from.

 

I'm hoping TLS is closer to Todd Walker than Blake DeWitt, to be honest. It wouldn't surprise me if TLS is the starting 2b for the Cubs while Baez is at Iowa ironing out his swing.

[SRB]

Nice words about Kyle Wren:

 

Wren was first looked at as a nepotism pick with his old man drafting him in the eighth round of the 2013 draft out of Georgia Tech, signing for $150,500. Pushed to an age-appropriate league to start 2014, Wren went to High A Lynchburg and hit .296/.359/.357 through 76 games and 336 plate appearances with a 105 wRC+, 33 stolen bases, 10 doubles and four triples with no home runs. He worked 30 walks (8.9%) to 39 strike outs (11.6%) while scoring 46 runs and driving in 27. Bumped to AA Mississippi at the end of June, he finished the year out with a .283/.338/.376 line and 13 more stolen bases in 56 games spanning 227 PA's. The strike out to walk ratio wasn't as nice with 16 walks (7%) to 40 punch outs (17.6%), but he still posted a 102 wRC+ with 11 doubles and four triples.

 

Most outlets are looking at Wren as a potential fourth outfielder if everything breaks right. I am much higher on him though, thinking he can be a legitimate starting option for a team in center field. He has outstanding speed and great instincts in the field and on the bases making him a top of the order threat. The 5'10 175 pound lefty has a good eye at the plate and can draw a walk or use his speed to leg out infield hits. Power will never be a part of his game but he does have enough thump to drive the ball to the gaps. His arm is decent and he showed excellent range and should be an above average defender. Heading into his age 24 season, he has an outside shot at a cup of coffee in September, but with Carlos Gomez breaking out into an impact player, he may have to bide his time or possibly move to left field where his arm won't be as much of an issue.

 

All in all, I think Atlanta did well to get a late inning option in Vizcaino for a player they weren't completely sold on. It looks like Milwaukee benefited from the Braves trying to exorcise themselves of the Wren name, moving him for a very underwhelming return.

 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/11/17/7224815/braves-move-la-stella-and-wren-in-seperate-trades

[TooLiveBrew]

Vizcaino? I'm confused

[SRB]

Vizcaino? I'm confused

 

Sorry, I was excerpting it from a longer piece on the recent Braves trades. Disregard the Vizcaino reference.

[homer]

Quintana, man....creep can roll.

[reillymcshane]

Solid move. There's nothing wrong with adding a guy with speed who can play good defense at all three OF positions. With Parra set to be the main back up in 2015, Wren could easily have a shot at the club in 2016 if he does well next year at AAA.

 

But nothing is a given. Guys like Wren, who have no power, can really be exposed against better pitching.

 

I see he has been compared to Schafer, which I understand. But Logan has more pop (he actually has a .800+ OPS at AAA for his career). Personally, I've always liked Schafer, and I hope he gets another chance next season, but his lack of success at the major league level is telling. He's 28 - time to step up and seize the opportunity.

[pacopete4]

Solid move. There's nothing wrong with adding a guy with speed who can play good defense at all three OF positions. With Parra set to be the main back up in 2015, Wren could easily have a shot at the club in 2016 if he does well next year at AAA.

 

But nothing is a given. Guys like Wren, who have no power, can really be exposed against better pitching.

 

I see he has been compared to Schafer, which I understand. But Logan has more pop (he actually has a .800+ OPS at AAA for his career). Personally, I've always liked Schafer, and I hope he gets another chance next season, but he's lack of success at the major league level is telling. He's 28 - time to step up and seize the opportunity.

 

Maybe adding a guy like Wren makes Parra a guy that is on the move? Now having Schaffer and Wren, we are pretty set defensively as a backup. Now, if either of them can hit MLB pitching... that's the next step.

[JohnBriggs12]

Schafer hasn't done much but it's not all that unusual for guys who's strength is defense and who play as infrequently as Schafer to struggle putting up respectable numbers. Take a couple playoff teams. The Giants 5th outfielder was Juan Perez. He hit .170/.224/.270 in 109 PA. The Nats 5th OF was Nate McLouth who posted .173/.280/.237 in 162 PA.

 

We're in an era where pitching is dominating. The 5th outfielder and defensive specialist isn't going to be a difference maker. If Schafer played everyday his numbers would be considerably better, but he's fine in his role.

 

Kotsay took plenty of grief on this board a few years ago but guys that can come up in late innings and give quality AB after quality AB after not seeing a lot of action are pretty rare. But his forte was hitting not defense.

[pacopete4]

Schafer hasn't done much but it's not all that unusual for guys who's strength is defense and who play as infrequently as Schafer to struggle putting up respectable numbers. Take a couple playoff teams. The Giants 5th outfielder was Juan Perez. He hit .170/.224/.270 in 109 PA. The Nats 5th OF was Nate McLouth who posted .173/.280/.237 in 162 PA.

 

We're in an era where pitching is dominating. The 5th outfielder and defensive specialist isn't going to be a difference maker. If Schafer played everyday his numbers would be considerably better, but he's fine in his role

 

Which is why I hope they trade Parra so much. Use his $6+ mil or whatever it is and get some more arms in that pen or in the rotation. Let Schaffer and Wren or whoever off the scrap heap play the backup roles and lets not give up runs this season. That's the key to winning.

[reillymcshane]

Solid move. There's nothing wrong with adding a guy with speed who can play good defense at all three OF positions. With Parra set to be the main back up in 2015, Wren could easily have a shot at the club in 2016 if he does well next year at AAA.

 

But nothing is a given. Guys like Wren, who have no power, can really be exposed against better pitching.

 

I see he has been compared to Schafer, which I understand. But Logan has more pop (he actually has a .800+ OPS at AAA for his career). Personally, I've always liked Schafer, and I hope he gets another chance next season, but he's lack of success at the major league level is telling. He's 28 - time to step up and seize the opportunity.

 

Maybe adding a guy like Wren makes Parra a guy that is on the move? Now having Schaffer and Wren, we are pretty set defensively as a backup. Now, if either of them can hit MLB pitching... that's the next step.

 

Wren's had 1/2 year at AA. I would think he's going to get some AAA time before he's handed a job. If the Brewers are out of it next July, and Wren is doing well, I could totally see dealing Parra. But right now, I don't think so. I'm not thrilled paying a back up OF $6 million, but considering the health issues of our OFs (each missed time last year, and Braun's hand issues are troublesome), I think Parra is a golden insurance policy.

[IndyCrew]

I think Parra is going to be more valuable than people think. Braun and Gomez are inevitably going to need time off, and Davis shouldn't be starting 162 games. Does anyone really want to see Schaffer start a significant number of games?

[pacopete4]

I think Parra is going to be more valuable than people think. Braun and Gomez are inevitably going to need time off, and Davis shouldn't be starting 162 games. Does anyone really want to see Schaffer start a significant number of games?

 

For me, it's not that I do not see value with Parra considering our injury problems with our OF, it is that I feel we could get close to the same production from some guys that cost us quite a bit less than he will. If winning is truly about the pitching, that we could use that money to get our pitching where it needs to be. Just my two cents. (not really complaining that we have him, just more so see it where we could use the resources elsewhere.)

[reillymcshane]

I think Parra is going to be more valuable than people think. Braun and Gomez are inevitably going to need time off, and Davis shouldn't be starting 162 games. Does anyone really want to see Schaffer start a significant number of games?

I think you're totally right.

 

Just look at last year. Parra got 123 ABs after we acquired him. If we had had him all year, he could have been playing in the OF instead of Gindl, Schafer, Herrera and Reynolds (remember that!). Those guys got 189 ABs in the OF. Those ABs, plus Parra's, add up to 312 ABs. Plus add in that next year he would be a top pinch hitter, and play the field in AL games (moving Davis or Braun to DH), you're talking about a guy who could get 300-350+ ABs.

 

Without Parra, you're potentially giving 300-350 ABs to guys like Herrera in the OF.

 

I know $6 million is a lot for a reserve, but he's the kind of reserve that's going to get into a lot of games.

[RobertR]

It's not unexpected for your 5th outfielder not to be able to hit. I'd like my 4th outfielder to come in and not be at or below replacement level. There are probably 40 to 60 starts in the outfield that I don't want to just give away, and that's assuming no injuries.

 

Frankly, I think starting 1/3rd of the games, and probably coming off the bench in 80 or 90 more to at least pinch hit, is likely more valuable than a middle relief arm. I'd put a good utility infielder in team needs above a middle reliever as well.

 

I know coming off the bench is a tough job. But, that's the only job available to Schafer and he's shown no indication that he's capable in that role. He's probably a nice guy, but "my job is tough" isn't an excuse. There are hundreds of guys that would like a shot at a major league job, some of whom would perform in Schafer's role. Many of them are nice guys too.

[RobertR]

I think Parra is going to be more valuable than people think. Braun and Gomez are inevitably going to need time off, and Davis shouldn't be starting 162 games. Does anyone really want to see Schaffer start a significant number of games?

 

For me, it's not that I do not see value with Parra considering our injury problems with our OF, it is that I feel we could get close to the same production from some guys that cost us quite a bit less than he will. If winning is truly about the pitching, that we could use that money to get our pitching where it needs to be. Just my two cents. (not really complaining that we have him, just more so see it where we could use the resources elsewhere.)

 

Who do you think will provide close to the same production as Parra for less? I don't see it in the Brewers organization.

 

I get the idea of taking an area of strength and using it to shore up an area of weakness, but I'm not convinced that moving Parra won't create a problem in the outfield.

[pacopete4]

Who do you think will provide close to the same production as Parra for less? I don't see it in the Brewers organization.

 

I get the idea of taking an area of strength and using it to shore up an area of weakness, but I'm not convinced that moving Parra won't create a problem in the outfield.

 

I feel as though we could sign two players to be our 4th and 5th OF and be more productive that way using less money than giving Parra. I liked the idea of Parra when Braun's name was being tossed around playing 1B but now, it just seems as though its a large chunk of money being spent on a backup player that may do alright if we have injuries.

 

Example and there could be a lot of them but we could probably sign Jason Kubel who smacks around RHP's to be our corner OF guy and sign Emilio Bonafacio to back up CF, 2B, SS. This allows us to still have Schaffer in AAA in case of a serious injury somewhere during the season where we need help in all of our OF positions. We could probably get these players for $4-5mil combined instead of paying Parra $6-8 mil (really unsure of what he'll get). This allows us some more money to go and throw into our pitching department. Which is needed.

[Roderick]

Who do you think will provide close to the same production as Parra for less? I don't see it in the Brewers organization.

 

I get the idea of taking an area of strength and using it to shore up an area of weakness, but I'm not convinced that moving Parra won't create a problem in the outfield.

 

I feel as though we could sign two players to be our 4th and 5th OF and be more productive that way using less money than giving Parra. I liked the idea of Parra when Braun's name was being tossed around playing 1B but now, it just seems as though its a large chunk of money being spent on a backup player that may do alright if we have injuries.

 

Example and there could be a lot of them but we could probably sign Jason Kubel who smacks around RHP's to be our corner OF guy and sign Emilio Bonafacio to back up CF, 2B, SS. This allows us to still have Schaffer in AAA in case of a serious injury somewhere during the season where we need help in all of our OF positions. We could probably get these players for $4-5mil combined instead of paying Parra $6-8 mil (really unsure of what he'll get). This allows us some more money to go and throw into our pitching department. Which is needed.

 

Obviously, Kubel comes cheap, he hasn't done anything in 2 years and no one wanted him all of last half of the season. But, I wouldn't trust him at age 33 to be the main OF batting backup. I'm not against your plan of spending Parra's arby money on a righty-hitting, 4th OF and super utility, but I pass on Kubel.

[reillymcshane]

Who do you think will provide close to the same production as Parra for less? I don't see it in the Brewers organization.

 

I get the idea of taking an area of strength and using it to shore up an area of weakness, but I'm not convinced that moving Parra won't create a problem in the outfield.

 

I feel as though we could sign two players to be our 4th and 5th OF and be more productive that way using less money than giving Parra. I liked the idea of Parra when Braun's name was being tossed around playing 1B but now, it just seems as though its a large chunk of money being spent on a backup player that may do alright if we have injuries.

 

Example and there could be a lot of them but we could probably sign Jason Kubel who smacks around RHP's to be our corner OF guy and sign Emilio Bonafacio to back up CF, 2B, SS. This allows us to still have Schaffer in AAA in case of a serious injury somewhere during the season where we need help in all of our OF positions. We could probably get these players for $4-5mil combined instead of paying Parra $6-8 mil (really unsure of what he'll get). This allows us some more money to go and throw into our pitching department. Which is needed.

 

Obviously, Kubel comes cheap, he hasn't done anything in 2 years and no one wanted him all of last half of the season. But, I wouldn't trust him at age 33 to be the main OF batting backup. I'm not against your plan of spending Parra's arby money on a righty-hitting, 4th OF and super utility, but I pass on Kubel.

Kubel's defense is horrible as well. The guy really shouldn't be in the field. His knees are in awful shape.

 

I'm also not sure about Bonafacio at SS. He's played a total of 5 games there over the past three years. I'm not sure if that's because he's not any good at the position, or because there were better options. However, if he can play a competent SS, he'd be a great utility guy for us. I just don't know if he can.

[Mass Haas]

Jason Arndt interviewed Kyle Wren here.

[pacopete4]

Jason Arndt interviewed Kyle Wren here.

 

 

Enjoyed the read. Seems like a good kid who wants to work hard at his profession. Sounds to me like there is a good possibility that he can play at the MLB level at some point as well. Also seems like a kid that doesn't fit the DM mold of power hitter so who knows.