Atlanta Braves Moves: Gosselin In, Uggla Out?

Joe Morgan of MLB reports that the Atlanta Braves have recalled Phil Gosselin back to the big club, and he’s scheduled to join the team today in Chicago for the rubber match with the Cubs.

Morgan reports that the Braves will make an announcement of a corresponding move today, so we can all let the conjecture begin!

Gosselin has been tearing it up for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett, where he’s hit a nice .345, gone yard five times, and drove in 30 runs! Add to that the fact that Gosselin was selected this year to be an International League All-Star, and Gosselin is as worthy a call-up as anyone.

The Braves have a spot on the 40-man roster since they outrighted reliever Pedro Beato yesterday, but they will still need to make room on the 25-man roster for Gosselin, and of course that’s where the conjecture begins about what the Braves plan to do.

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, like all of us, wonders if Dan Uggla could be traded or designated for assignment by the Braves.

"The Braves recalled hot-hitting infielder Phil Gosselin from Triple-A Gwinnett late Saturday, and when a corresponding roster move is announced Sunday it’s possible veteran second baseman Dan Uggla could be designated for assignment or traded."

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Anytime a move like this occurs, the staff at Tomahawk Take start gathering around, sharing thoughts, brainstorming, and jumping head-first into the big ole’ pile of conjecture just like any other group of writers or analysts. The news about Gosselin came late, but that hasn’ t stopped us from swimming in the pool of thoughts. Here’s a few….

• Our own Alan Carpenter shared a few of his thoughts in our brainstorming session this morning. He believes (and I concur) that it’s unlikely the Braves would outright Dan Uggla today, just a day before the All-Star break, and after carrying him on the bench (for the most part) for the last month and a half. That would be more likely to occur later this week than now.

• Could it be that someone on the infield or even the outfield is hurt, and there’s a need we’re unaware of? Gosselin is not just a good hitter, but also a good utility player with the ability to play multiple positions, much like a Martin Prado. Phil has played 2nd, shortstop, 3rd, outfield, and worked as a DH. Given that he’s that versatile, if someone is dinged up, then Phil might just be playing a small role for the final game before the break.

• The Cincinnati Reds received bad news when it was recently announced that 2nd baseman Brandon Phillips would miss 6 weeks or more due to a torn thumb ligament that will require surgery to repair. Now, Dan Uggla is certainly no Brandon Phillips, but could the Braves be looking to trade Dan Uggla to the Reds, or perhaps even Ramiro Pena. Pena would be a better choice for the Reds, but even Dan Uggla could just need a change of scenery, even if temporary.

• And while there are certainly many other avenues of conjecture (the pool is always deep around here), it could just be simply that Ramiro Pena is being sent back to Tripe-A Gwinnett. Pena is a decent fielder at 2nd, and can play multiple positions himself, but Ramiro is hitting just a paltry .204 BA with an even more paltry .271 OBP. I have to say that of all these avenues of thought, this last one is the road my cleats like the most if we’re talking something dramatic, but it’s likely just an injury need.

What are your thoughts on the move to bring up Phil Gosselin? I’m certain you die-hard Braves’ fans are already brainstorming like we do, and are considering other avenues as well. We’d love to hear them. While we wait for the game today, and possible news about what this means, it’s fun to again jump into the deep pool of conjecture. Come on in, the water’s fine.