Adonis Garcia leaving Atlanta Braves?
By Fred Owens
As the Atlanta Braves seek a starting third baseman for the 2018 campaign, word surfaces that a player who held that job for a while may be heading to Korea.
Christmas Eve’s a very slow baseball news day, so it’s not unusual for fans (and writers) to go digging for something to talk about. Such an item popped up in a report on Sports News Naver (Korean language link) this morning. They quote an Emmplus News source (not linked) which indicated Adonis Garcia would join LG Twins of the KBO.
The following is my best attempt to make the Google translation of a quote from the story make sense.
". . . Emmplus News, LG recently confirmed they reached consensus on a contract with Garcia, “I know that LG recently met with Garcia and negotiations are ongoing. We have already reached an agreement in the terms of the contract. We will see results sooner or later. . ."
The story suggests that LG Twins past attempts to recruit foreign players in the past were less than successful but that they were sure this deal was done. While they understand Adonis’ limitations in the field and at the plate, they needed a hitter with power who could pay third base and he provides that.
Atlanta Braves say 잘 가라! 안녕! (farewell) Adonis?
The Sports News Naver story says Garcia’s agent approached teams in the Asian market looking to get him a full-time job with better pay than appeared possible with Atlanta.
In order to do that, his Agent would have let Atlanta know and received their permission. That may well be why Adonis kept his 40 man roster spot when he looked likely to be DFA.
Atlanta Braves
If that’s the case, the Braves rewarded Garcia’s hard work and dedication by granting his request and keeping him on the roster. As a member of a major league team’s 40 man roster, Garcia has more perceived value than a player who’s been released or nontendered.
The Atlanta Braves would have to approve this move – release him to pursue opportunities in Korea is the phrase – of course but that’s a formality. If, as the story implies the deal is done, formal release is not a time critical transaction.
Alex Anthopoulos told Mark Bowman he’d be quietly enjoying his family today this won’t interrupt that. The Braves and MLB may complete their administrative work after the holidays are over without affecting it.
That’s A Wrap
The Yankees signed Garcia after he defected and after watching him play third, preferred him in the outfield. The Braves however, needed a third baseman and threw him in at the deep end.
When you hire a man to do a job or assign a task to someone, it’s your responsibility to make sure you pick the right person. All that one can reasonably ask of that person is that he does his very best to carry out the task given. Adonis did that.
Garcia was never a good third baseman or solid everyday hitter in a good lineup. He did however give the team everything he had in every game he played. In spite of lacking major league talent, Adonis ran out every ground ball and tried to make every play; no one worked harder to improve their play than Adonis.
That work ethic earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. While I said here frequently the Braves could do better than Garcia at third, that was a comment on their roster and the manager’s use of the roster; not the quality of the man.
I hope the deal is a big one financially and Adonis is successful in the KBO. I know he’ll work hard to make that happen.