[mofome]

whats happened to atl? they under new management?

[5 star bomb]

Frank Wren got rid of Aybar for a few reasons.

1) The obvious one, he has a major substance abuse problem.

2) At the end of last season, Wren/Schuerholz planned to have two sit down meetings with Aybar to discuss his issues and his future, and Aybar failed to show up for either of them. And he didnt even call them.

3) He's not well liked in the clubhouse for his general lack of respect for teammates and staff. The Braves don't need that crap.

[rays2009]

Talent wise the Rays got the better side of this deal. My only problem that the Rays have made efforts to clean up their image this off-season (drop the Devil and Dukes) yet they take on a player with substance abuse problems?

Also the only way Aybar makes the Rays opening day roster is if Evan Longoria isn’t ready to take over 3B and is sent to AAA to get regular at-bats. If longoria makes the 25 man roster Aybar will not make the team as a utility man because Joel Guzman offensively projects higher than Aybar, and Guzman can backup 1B, 2B, 3B and even OF (Guzman has grown out of SS). Aybar is out of options, I doubt he will clear waivers. This is why the 2006 2nd round pick Chase Fontaine was also included in the deal.

Also considering Aybar was on his way out of Atlanta this deal isn't as lopsided as it looks.