Braves Re-Acquire Jordan Schafer From Astros

Just as Michael Bourn files for free agency and is expected to depart the Atlanta Braves for a huge free agent contract, the team has re-acquired one of the players they traded to get Bourn last year from the Houston Astros. Center fielder Jordan Schafer was claimed off waivers today from the Astros, who have apparently already given up on the young outfielder.

Schafer struggled last year with Houston, hitting just .211/.297/.294. That a .591 OPS overall, but he started off well, posting a .707 OPS in April and a .660 OPS in May. It sure was nice of the Astros to give him a full year of Major League playing time. Hopefully he knows what to do now and can give the Braves a solid option as a backup outfielder. I wouldn't consider him a starting option unless the Braves got desperate, but he could grow into a starter if he proves himself in a backup role.

Schafer spent a considerable amount of time in the second half of last year on the disabled list with a separated shoulder. He is out of minor league options, so the Astros were trying to sneak him through waivers, and if the Braves want to keep him they will likely have to keep him on the Major League roster. So let's hope he has a good spring and earns a backup role.

This is a good move for a backup outfielder for the Braves. They acquire a player they know very well, and whom they may even know how to fix. They give up nothing, and they might get him in the season when he's finally ready to break out like folks have expected for several years.

The Braves also out-righted three players off their 40-man roster, a normal occurrence this time of year. Catcher J.C. Boscan elected free agency, but pitcher Erik Cordier and Robert Fish will join the triple-A roster. Fish was the Braves Rule 5 draft pick last year, but spent all season on the disabled list with an unannounced injury.

...somewhere Jose Constanza is weeping...