The Braves and the DBacks recently swapped Justin Upton and
Martin Prado in a deal that seems to be a win for both sides. The thing that I
couldn’t wrap my brain around is why would Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers be so
insistent on trading a five tool player who found his way in the National
League MVP discussion two seasons ago at the age of 23? I found my answer in
Ken Rosenthal’s report on Fox Sports.
The
Diamondbacks want a certain type of player — single-minded, outwardly intense,
fierce. Cody Ross is that kind of player. Martin Prado is that kind of player. Upton is
not, at least not in the estimation of Diamondbacks GM Kevin Towers and manager
Kirk Gibson. "The problem is that he didn’t play with a high level of
energy," said one of Upton’s former teammates who spoke on the condition
that he would not be identified. "What I think they want is guys who play
with the speed, energy and intensity of the Oregon football team — all out, all
the time." Justin doesn’t have that kind of attitude; he has a quiet
intensity that doesn’t fit the mold of what KT and Gibby seem to want. He plays
hard but has to look suave doing it. Slamming into walls isn’t his thing, and
they will accept nothing short of all-out sacrifice for the team."
So Upton’s 31
bombs and 20 stolen bases were cool and all but he needed to run into a few
more things if he was going to truly embody what the Diamondbacks stand for. A
GM is making his job way too difficult if he makes the desired profile of each
player too specific. I can understand if Upton was causing chemistry problems
in the locker-room, but to ship out one of the greatest young talents in the
game because his jersey isn’t dirty enough seems a bit of a stretch. Nothing in
the anonymous player’s statement suggests that Upton’s attitude can’t help a
team be successful. In a sport like baseball, where the chance of a prospect
panning out is much lower than other major sports, I am more of a proponent of
molding a style of play around good players, rather than trying to find players
to fit into a puzzle.
I can appreciate
players who personify the dirt bag mentality, however, I believe that there are
many different types of personalities that can help a team be successful.
The fact of the
matter is, Arizona felt the need to trade Justin Upton and assuming Martin
Prado fits into their profile, both teams did well.
The logistics of
the trade are as follows
Diamondbacks
receive Martin Prado as well as seven other prospects from the Braves farm
system and sent OF Justin Upton and 3B Chris Johnson to Atlanta.
Martin Prado is a consistent .300 hitter and averages around 180 hits a year. He happens to be one of my favorite players because he is one of the toughest outs in baseball and he has the ability to play multiple positions.
Martin Prado was in the last year of his contract with Atlanta and they traded him for Justin
Upton who still has 3 years on his contract. Upton improves Atlanta’s team
speed and power numbers but Prado has the upper advantage on him in the hits
and batting average department. However, the best aspect about Upton is that he
is only 24 years old and it seems that his best years are still in front of
him.
The Braves also
improved at third base by adding Chris Johnson who was expendable because the
Diamondbacks are reportedly planning on playing the versatile Prado at 3B.
The fact that
the Braves were willing to give up seven prospects tells me that none of them
are really blue chip guys, but if one or two of them turn out to have solid
major league careers the Diamondbacks should be satisfied.
Winner Short
Term: Atlanta Braves
-They improved
slightly at third base and if Justin Upton stays healthy he could help the
Braves pass the preseason favorite Washington Nationals.
Winner Long
Term: Atlanta Braves
-Although Martin
Prado is a really really really good player, and his hardnosed mentality may be
what Kevin Towers is looking for, Justin Upton has more All Star seasons
left in his career than Prado does
-Blake Dale
Lepire
No comments:
Post a Comment