Diamondbacks get C Johnny Estrada

[Beckett95]

DALLAS -- With what they hope to be the first of a few trades they are able to complete within the coming days, the Braves used their depth at catcher to land a couple of potentially good young relievers from Arizona.

The Braves struck a deal that sent Johnny Estrada to the Diamondbacks in exchange for right-handed relievers Oscar Villarreal and Lance Cormier. This provides some middle-relief depth in a bullpen which still lacks a proven closer.

 

Brian McCann's strong rookie season provided the ability for the Braves to comfortably move Estrada, who was an All-Star in 2004. After a collision at the plate with Darin Erstad in June, the veteran catcher experienced back pain which hindered him throughout the rest of the season.

 

With Villareal, the Braves get a 24-year-old hurler who, because of elbow and shoulder injuries, has pitched in just 28 games over the past two seasons. In 86 appearances during his rookie year in 2003, he posted a 2.57 ERA and registered 80 strikeouts, while issuing just 46 walks.

 

Villarreal made all 17 of his appearances during the first six weeks of the 2004 season. He was then forced to have elbow surgery in August. Villarreal was then diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain on April 11 of this year and didn't pitch again until September.

 

Cormier, 25, went 7-3 with a 5.11 ERA in 67 appearances for the Diamondbacks this season. While compiling 124 2/3 innings in his first two big-league seasons, he has registered 87 strikeouts and issued 68 walks.

 

Estrada hit .314 while winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2004. But his back problems led to a disappointing .261 batting average this past season.

 

While Estrada was injured, McCann made a successful jump from Double-A Mississippi to the Majors. He hit .278 with five homers in 180 at-bats.

 

The Braves may choose to sign Todd Pratt to serve as McCann's backup for the 2006 season

 

mlb.com

[Soxfan1]

This guy was decent. What is the brave catching situation now?

[Manny Goes Boom]

Cormier and Villareal were touted at first here in AZ but injuries (Villareal) and too many walks (Cormier) must have prodded this trade. And plus they needed a catcher, Stinnett was/is AWFUL and nobody else was any good either. I think its a good trade for both.

[26 to 6]

Not a bad move for either side I dont think.

[JimBrown32]

I agree with the past two, not bad for anyone, pretty even trade, Estrada was pretty good, but his back injury would hold him back anyway. I love the way Estrada stepped up after that overrated 'roid user Javy Lopez left. Lmao, he said it was because he lost weight!!!

[stocker323]

Estrada was expendable as they had Brian McCann who blossomed into a very good catcher in 2005.

[JimBrown32]

This guy was decent. What is the brave catching situation now?

 

Brian McCann