The Hot Stove Season has officially kicked off:
Edgar Renteria was dealt from the Braves to the Tigers for prospects Jair Jurrjens (P) and Gorkys Hernandez (CF).
Renteria will play shortstop for the Tigers and current shortstop Carlos Guillen will move to first base. Sean Casey will not be re-signed. Renteria is signed through the end of next season and has an option for 2009; many believe the option will be picked up before the season starts.
Renteria became expendable with the emergence of Yunel Escobar; Escobar impressed the Braves so much that rumors of Renteria being traded started weeks ago. This frees up money for the Braves to sign a decent hitter and starting pitcher.
Jurrjens entered the season as the Tiger’s 2nd best pitching prospect. He had a few good starts for the Tigers, but wasn’t going to be able to crack the rotation next year. He should be slotted in at the back of the Brave’s rotation.
Hernandez is one of the better centerfield prospects in baseball. Experts expected him to be the centerfielder of the future, with Curtis Granderson and Cameron Maybin being on the corners. He completed A ball this year, so he will be a few years away from manning the outfield soon; he should be called up within 2 seasons.
