Shortstop Andrelton Simmons will still have an A on his cap in 2016 -- but it will represent the Angels instead of Atlanta. The slick-fielding shortstop was traded Thursday in the biggest deal of the General Managers meetings in Boca Raton.
There's another aspect of this trade: Andrelton was swapped for Aybar -- Erick Aybar goes to Atlanta, along with two of the Angels top pitching prospects, lefty Sean Newcomb and righthander Chris Ellis. About to turns 32, Aybar has been a better hitter over his career -- batting .270 or better in seven of the last eight seasons.
So the Braves cash in Simmons, who appeared to be a building block as they plan their 2017 move to a new suburban stadium, for a shorter-term middle infielder and two more young arms. Puzzling? At first glance, I'd say so.
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