Yunel Escobar Trade: Braves Trade Troubled Shortstop for Alex Gonzalez

Escobar V. Gonzalez

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TORONTO - JULY 8: Alex Gonzalez #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a three run double against the Minnesota Twins during a MLB game at The Rogers Centre July 8, 2010 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Escobar hit .299 with 14 home runs, 76 RBI and an .812 OPS last season for Atlanta. 2010, however, has been a far cry from that production.  In 75 games this season, Escobar is hitting just .238 with zero home runs, 19 RBI and a .334 on-base percentage.

Gonzalez, conversely, is enjoying a resurgent year. He has already hit 17 home runs and drove in 50 RBI in 85 games. Last season, Gonzalez hit .238 with only eight home runs and 41 RBI in 112 games split between Cincinnati and Boston.

What Gonzalez Brings

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ST. PETERSBURG - JUNE 10: Infielder Alex Gonzalez #11 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates his home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on June 10, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Why Get Rid Of Yunel?

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CHICAGO - JUNE 24: Yunel Escobar #19 of the Atlanta Braves takes a swing against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on June 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Braves 2-0. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Simply, the Braves grew tired of Escobar's attitude. From outbursts in the dugout, to clashes with teammates (he recently got into a shouting match with Troy Glaus), to a general lack of hustle, Escobar played his way out of Atlanta.  His demeanor showed the Atlanta front office that it could not count on him as the long term answer. 

Escobar may find his groove again and turn things around in Toronto, but the trade itself showed the Braves weren't willing to gamble on the "when" and "if" of Escobar getting his head properly re-attached.