Alberto Callaspo nixes potential Braves-Dodgers swap (Update)
By Tim Haberin
The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers were apparently on the verge of a deal that would have featured a swap of veteran infielders Alberto Callaspo and Juan Uribe. Callaspo was even removed from Monday’s lineup in anticipation of a possible trade. The plan fell apart this afternoon, however, when Callaspo exercised his right to reject the move. As one of this past offseason’s free agent signees, he has the power to veto any deal prior to June 15 under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Though both players are underperforming at the moment, the trade would have made some sense for both sides. The 36-year-old Uribe is increasingly finding himself out of the picture in L.A. Utility man Alex Guerrero is hitting .309/.337/.679 with eight home runs and 20 RBI, much superior to Uribe’s own faltering .247/.287/.309 line. His rather compelling case for regular playing time has come at Uribe’s expense, limiting him to appearances in 29 of 44 games so far. Unloading Uribe would have opened up more opportunities for Guerrero at the hot corner along with Justin Turner.
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The Dodgers were also supposedly due to receive some other pieces in the deal. Ken Rosenthal reported that the agreement could have involved as many as four additional minor leaguers. He would later amend his report to include the possibility of L.A. acquiring major league talent as well. In any case, this could have been a chance for the Dodgers to turn an older, extraneous player into some potentially useful assets.
From the Braves’ perspective, the floundering Uribe would have still represented a probable upgrade over Callaspo. The 32-year-old infielder has performed very poorly since signing with Atlanta in December on a one-year contract. He is posting a woeful .206/.293/.252 slash line this season, making Uribe’s look almost stellar in comparison. The switch-hitter has been dreadful against lefties this year, managing just one hit in 18 at-bats.
Callaspo is trying to recapture some of his more productive days. He is two seasons removed from a much better .702 OPS, and in 2009 he put up a .813 OPS while driving in 73 runs for Kansas City. On a personal level, it’s hard to blame him for killing the move. A West Coast relocation would have likely taken a big bite out of his playing time, in favor of the aforementioned Guerrero.
Despite this particular deal’s demise, we likely haven’t heard the last of these names in trade discussions this season. Both are free agents after 2015, making them relatively low-risk propositions for interested clubs.
The Dodgers will still be highly motivated to move Uribe, and they may encounter a few interested parties. Though his best days are firmly behind him, a change of role and scenery could breathe some life back into Uribe’s bat. He is hitting .286 away from Dodger Stadium this year, and his OPS is .169 points higher against left-handed pitchers. He could be a decent platoon option for a team in need of infield depth.
Callaspo will be a harder sell unless he’s packaged with other more alluring players, as he would have been this time. Unfortunately for him he will lose his veto power in a few weeks, so if the Braves want to deal him again then, he won’t have much of a say in the matter. According to Rosenthal, Atlanta may also simply designate him for assignment once Chris Johnson gets back:
#Braves could DFA Callaspo after Chris Johnson returns. Would still have right to veto trades until 6/15. If released, could join any team.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 26, 2015
With over two months to go until the non-waiver deadline, this will be just one of many situations to monitor.
Update 5/27: Of course, Callaspo could also just change his mind. According to reports on Tuesday night, he reconsidered his stance and accepted the trade to Los Angeles. In addition to the infielder, the Dodgers will receive pitchers Eric Stults, Ian Thomas and Juan Jaime. The Braves get Uribe and hard-throwing reliever Chris Withrow, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and expects to return in the second half of 2015.