Braves/Tigers trade

A very interesting trade went down earlier this week between the Detroit Tigers and Atlanta Braves. The Braves sent shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Tigers in exchange for Jair Jurgens and Gorkys Hernandez. Jurgens is a 21 year old righty who made 7 starts for the Tigers this year, despite having never pitched in Triple A. That makes his 3-1 record, along with a 4.70 ERA and 1.14 WHIP more impressive. Hernandez is a 20 year old centerfielder who just completed his first season of A-ball, hitting .293 with 54 steals. He's likely 3 years away from being a major league contributor.

Renteria is a solid shortstop. According to reports, the Tigers will be paying him a bit over 6 million, not a bad price for a guy who just his .332, and whose career OPS is 25% above the league average. The transaction cements the transition of Carlos Guillen to first base, where he is likely to outproduce the mayor, Sean Casey, in the first half.

My feeling in this trade is that the Tigers got a slight edge, at least for now. Jurgens should be able to pitch for the Braves, at the back of their rotation, and at least be league average. But Renteria basically improves the Tigers in two positions, with the Guillen move. Plus, I'd argue that Renteria is a steadier fielder than Guillen, who has made 52 errors the last two years at short, in 277 games.

The Braves meanwhile, plug the shortstop hole with the young Yunel Escobar, who hit .326 in 94 games in the majors this year. I think he overachieved just a tad, as his batting average on balls in play was an incredible .364. I think he settles into a .285-.300 groove, more in line with his minor league numbers. I think, if the Braves are planning on contending, turning over a key position to a player who has less than a years experience in the big leagues could prove to be a mistake.

Hernandez is the key to the deal. As of yet, he hasnt shown the power projected of him. The Tigers were dealing from a position of strength, with Curtis Granderson, and Cameron Maybin having to rank in front of him, plus Brent Clevlen is hanging around, hoping to rebound from a poor 2007. Jurgens and Hernandez ranked as the Tigers #4 and #7 prospects heading into 2007,according to Baseball America. For the short term, I like the Tigers. The long term is too up in the air, and could turn the Braves way, which is why I like the Tigers side just a tad more.