Atlanta Braves: Adonis Garcia feeling at home in Korea
Former Atlanta Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia made quite the impression with his performance for the LG Twins in the Korean Baseball Organization the other day.
When the Atlanta Braves signed Adonis Garcia to a contract, there were hopes that he could become a solid all around player for the future. He had been a star in Cuba, a power and speed threat that intrigued major league teams with his tools. He showed that potential in 2014 with the Yankees AAA team, posting a .319/.353/.474 batting line in his 89 games, hitting nine homers and 20 doubles.
Garcia showed that potential in his first taste of major league action, hitting 10 homers and producing a .277/.293/.497 batting line. However, he was unable to build on that success in 2016, slumping to a .273/.311/.406 batting line with 14 homers in 563 plate appearances. Then, after an injury plagued 2017 campaign, the Braves let Garcia go to pursue an opportunity in Korea. It did not take long for him to feel at home with the LG Twins, his newest team.
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This is not the first two home run game since Garcia left Cuba – he had two for the Braves, his first coming in the opening game of a double header on October 4, 2015. His next two homer game happened on September 3, 2016, a 6-4 10 inning victory for the Braves. Interestingly, in both contests, the bases were empty for each homer.
While he showed hints of that power, the defense was a bit of a surprise. During his time in the majors, no one would ever confuse Garcia with the likes of Brooks Robinson or Graig Nettles. In turning that triple play, Garcia showed the awareness to head to third and get the force before sending the ball on its journey around the diamond. Yes, the throw was a bit offline, but considering that he needed to hurry to begin the process, it was a decent enough throw.
With plays like that, and the power that Garcia showed, he could well emerge as one of the stars in the KBO. It is also possible that, with a superlative season, Garcia could earn another chance at the major league level. He no longer had that opportunity with the Braves, as his injuries and Atlanta’s young talent had pushed him aside. At just 33 years old, Garcia is still young enough to get another chance.
Next: Braves clear up their pitching staff
Former Atlanta Braves third baseman Adonis Garcia had an excellent day for the LG Twins. If he can continue that over a full season, Garcia may be able to get another chance in the majors in the near future.