RealGM

The Braves have reportedly acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Red Sox.

Boston is in the process of trading for Cleveland's Victor Martinez, which makes LaRoche, who the Red Sox acquired just last week, expendable.

Atlanta is expected to send Casey Kotchman to Boston in the deal.

http://baseball.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ ... _kotchman/

not sure, kotchman is a good player and laroche is slumping.

I like the trade. We needed a stronger bat and we accomplish that with Adam. Adam is also a lefty, so we still have that as a weapon, and now we'll just have to see if we keep him after the season.

Besides that I wish we pursued Victor Martinez to play 1st (if possible) or Adrian Gonzalez. Both have very low contracts.

fwiw Laroche was doing pretty well in his short time in Boston. Seemed to be thrilled to get out of Pittsburgh, I'd imagine the improved mindset will continue with him going back to his baseball home.

edit-Anything you can tell me about Kotchman? I haven't really seen or read about him since he was in La. Mainly, is his defense still top-notch?

Terrible trade. Not an upgrade at all, higher salary - free agent after the season etc.

Kotchman was the bridge to Freeman, now we have no one unless we want Freeman to play next year.

Resigning LaRoche to big money next year would be a huge mistake.

Casey Kotchman is also a free agent after the season and will probably make between 4-5 million next year. Adam provides us with more power and an overall better bat. If we let him walk at the end of the season and Freeman is ready to take over 1st so be it.

Like you, I really prefer us to not lock Adam LaRoche up after the season.

Freeman isn't ready imo.

So much for that not being an offensive upgrade.

He's been on FIYA.

This was a very good trade at the deadline. I always liked LaRoche and was glad to see him get back to ATL. Just wish the Braves had the money to lock up LaRoche. The Braves signed Glaus during winter to play 1b