Rays-Braves make deal

[Post Count Padder]

Willy Aybar-3B-Rays Jan. 17 - 8:16 pm et

 

Rays acquired infielders Willy Aybar and Chase Fontaine from the Braves for LHP Jeff Ridgway.

 

He comes with question marks, but Aybar hit .292/.387/.416 in 329 major league at-bats during his age 22 and 23 seasons for the Dodgers and Braves. The Braves soured on him after last season's substance-abuse problems, but it's still surprising that this is the best they could do for him. Now the Rays have some actual competition for Evan Longoria at third base. Longoria still deserves a chance to win the job, but Aybar should be a nice fallback if he shows the proper level of commitment.

Related: Evan Longoria, Braves

 

 

Chase Fontaine-2B-Rays Jan. 17 - 8:12 pm et

 

Infielder Chase Fontaine was traded from the Braves to the Rays in a three-player deal.

 

Fontaine, a 2006 second-round pick, hit .288/.402/.399 in 313 AB for low Single-A Rome and .205/.284/.256 in 78 at-bats for Single-A Myrtle Beach last season. A left-handed hitter, he has a chance to turn into a platoon second baseman in a few years. We're not sure it would have been worth giving him up for Jeff Ridgway in a one-for-one deal, and he wasn't even the top property the Braves surrendered.

Related: Braves

 

 

Jeff Ridgway-R-Braves Jan. 17 - 8:09 pm et

 

Braves acquired LHP Jeff Ridgway from the Rays for infielders Willy Aybar and Chase Fontaine.

 

We may not like the move, but at least Ridgway has nowhere to go but up. He allowed seven runs over one-third of an inning in three appearances for the Rays in September. The 27-year-old has pretty good stuff for a left-hander, but he's battled arm problems and his command is below average. It's stunning that the Braves would give up two players to get him.

Related: Rays

 

[cbbryan]

I'll take that deal every time if I'm the Devil Rays.

[sneakypower]

Interesting that the Rays would get rid of Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes and then take on this guy.

[nilodnayr]

Interesting that the Rays would get rid of Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes and then take on this guy.

 

 

Matt Garza is the reason they got rid of Young, not the fact that he was an a-hole. As for Dukes, well no one is as bad as Dukes and at least the Rays got a decent prospect for him. Much better than the guy they gave up for Aybar.

[Yanksfan1523]

Boy Aybar has fallen off the face of the earth to be included in this trade. Wasn't he a decent prospect for the Dodgers? Or is it just the drugs?