Braves trade Aybar to Tampa Bay

[HMFFL]

Infielder Willy Aybar's troubled career with the Braves ended Thursday, when they traded him and minor-league shortstop Chase Fontaine to Tampa Bay for left-handed reliever Jeff Ridgway.

Aybar missed the 2007 season because of injuries and suspension and spent part of the summer in a substance-abuse rehabilitation center.

The Braves traded him despite finding out this week that veteran utility man Omar Infante has a broken hand that could require surgery and keep him out of spring training until at least mid-March. He could start the season on the disabled list, but if he does the Braves expect him back in April.

Infante, who was hit by a pitch in a Venezuelan winter-league game, will fly to Atlanta Friday to have his hand examined to determine if he needs a pin inserted.

Suddenly, top shortstop prospect Brent Lillibridge and rookie Martin Prado appear to have good chances of making the Braves' opening-day roster. General manager Frank Wren said he wasn't reluctant to trade Aybar even with Infante hurt, because the Braves have players to fill their needs.

"He's had a good winter," Wren said of Aybar, who played winter ball in his native Dominican Republic. "But we felt it was more important to get some upper-level depth, since we don't have a lot of left-handed relievers at the higher levels. [Ridgway] is a power-arm who can get it up to 94 [mph]."

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[dms269]

Even though some people will hate this deal I like it. Lefties are hard to come by, and we needed a pen one. Aybar worries me. He has the potential to be a good player, but his boneheaded moves make his a liability.

[bravesatl]

not a great trade, but not a bad one....

[Ruzious]

The Braves needed a 27 year old rookie with a 189.00 ERA.