Clayton Kershaw posted a more typical Clayton Kershaw game Tuesday night. In seven innings against the Braves he allowed just four hits and no runs, striking out ten. Kershaw pitched well this year in terms of walks and strikeouts, but managed to give up runs nonetheless. We’ll see if he can repeat this performance. The Dodgers beat the Braves 8-0.
Update: The Braves and Dodgers appear to have made a six-player deal, but it is not official yet. It doesn’t seem to make the Braves much younger.
Braves might be trying t get better for this year. Might think they are within reach of a 2nd WC spot. A race for that spot could put more fans in the seats so taking on a million in salary is worth it, and actually grabbing the spot could be worth much more.
They sure traded Kimbrel at the right time, didn’t they.
I don’t think for a second this is the Braves making a move to contend now.
I see it as the Braves acquiring Chris Withrow as a long-term investment at the price of Callaspo (or Uribe’s contract, depending on your perspective) and spare parts. Neither Callaspo or Uribe were going to be part of the Braves’ future, the pitchers they sent to LA were just guys, and the Braves really believe in their scouting on certain pitchers — and scouts like big Texas RHPs who strike people out.
Withrow is a former 1st round pick, not arbitration eligible until 2017/2018, and looked sharp recently before getting hurt. In 56 MLB innings in 2013-2014, he had 71 Ks (after he averaged over 1 K/IP throughout his minor league career…he seems to know how to miss bats) and allowed a very respectable 18 runs for a sub-3 ERA and 132 ERA+. He is still young and could come back from the injury and be a major contributor starting in 2016.
P.S. The Braves should platoon Uribe and Chris Johnson at 3B — they can take turns playing against lefties and the batboy plays against righties.