The risk is also essentially zero.
It's doubtful that Juan Yepez will ever make it even to the level of Matt Adams.
If the Braves had given up a prospect of significance, or had taken on an excessive salary in Adams, I'd be right there with you. I just don't see the downside here.
mossy (05-20-2017)
Why would the Cards do this deal? Who is Yepez and what is is value?
He was a pretty big international signing by us a few years ago out of Venezuela. He's young and has hit a little bit, but nothing dramatic.
EDIT: And when I say "pretty big" I don't mean on the level of Kevin Maitan. It's just that it was a noteworthy signing. Probably more on along the line of Dian Toscano.
Last edited by CyYoung31; 05-20-2017 at 07:13 PM.
mossy (05-20-2017)
Its probably not something to overreact to either way, but I really don't like it.
People are WAY TOO QUICK to say a guy can't play third or hasn't shown enough with the bat, he's 19 and missed most of a year with an injury. Keep in mind this was a highly touted international signing a couple years ago and he's doing OK right now, BB rate is a little too low and he needs to show some more power, but he's so young that I hate giving up on what potential may be there for a Matt Adams type. I don't see the point.
Like I said, I'm not going to act like this is a huge deal, but I'd rather have Yepez and some potential than Adams.
He was our highest-profile signing, but Yepez was not highly-touted by the baseball press. I don't recall seeing him mentioned in any of the pre-J2 projections from the year he signed. I'm not dumping on the guy. He has a chance. But the early returns at 3B have not been good, which means he is going to have to hit. Maybe he will.
I agree with you that there's nothing for either side of this deal to get bent out of shape about.
This is a good deal....for a contender to make.
Odd move for a non-contending team.
CyYoung31 (05-20-2017)
Good trade but I wouldn't be surprised if Yepez turns out to be a decent MLB hitter.
Cardinals aren't going to let us have him for free.
Not sure how people complain about this trade unless they're bored or crotchety
Knucksie (05-21-2017)
Pache and Cruz were Top 20 guys. Yepez was not. I'm not a Braves' apologist and I will try to find some of the pre-signing information on Yepez, but I don't believe he was on the radar as big-time. Signing someone for $1,000,000 doesn't translate to anything in particular.
So Yepez "might" turn into a ok MLB player with some power? That is what Adams already is. Adams loosing weight and now in a hitters park with opportunity has just as much chance to "break out", as Yepez does (if not more).
Garmel (05-20-2017)