David Kaplan of Chicagonow.com, who originally broke the story, has reported that the deal sending Derrek Lee to the Atlanta Braves is done. The Braves acquired Lee and cash considerations from the Cubs in exchange for minor-league pitchers Tyrelle Harris, Robinson Lopez, and Jeffrey Lorick.
As Braves fans have witnessed the current slump of first baseman Troy Glaus, many have began to wonder if the Braves organization would call up minor league slugger Freddie Freeman to take his place. However, it seems like Frank Wren had other plans.
Instead of rushing Freeman’s career in the majors, the Braves are getting a temporary solution in the two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner, Derrek Lee.
Lee, who had a .694 OPS as late as July 8th, has been on a tear ever since, with eight doubles, six homers, and a .317 average in his last 25 games. Troy Glaus has batted an ugly .196 since the All-Star Break and has contributed virtually nothing to the team since his hot streak in May and early June.
Rumors are that Glaus will be placed on the DL to give his knees the rest that they have been needing all year and to free up Lee’s roster spot.
This trade is just another example of the Braves’ “win-now” mindset this year. The slumping, injured Glaus was only hurting the team by playing hurt, so the Braves go out and get one of the hottest hitters in baseball for basically nothing.
Lee’s Gold Glove-caliber defense is definitely a huge upgrade from Glaus, but most importantly, Lee is the right-handed power hitter that the Braves have been looking for all year and this trade will only make the NL East race that more interesting. Lee will be in the Braves’ lineup for the first time against none other than the Chicago Cubs.
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