With the 4:00 P.M. Trade Deadline coming to a close Thursday, the Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Cubs were able to strike a deal that sent INF/OF Emilio Bonifacio, LHP James Russell and cash considerations to the Braves for minor league catcher Victor Caratini.
The Braves were able to fill the two holes on their roster by getting a left-handed reliever and versatile bat off the bench. While the Cubs were able to pry away the Braves 7th best prospect in their minor league system.
Emilio Bonifacio is a utility player who can play the infield and the outfield. He brings a lot of versatility being able to play multiple positions and hit from both sides of the plate. Up to this point in the season Bonifacio is hitting .279/.318/.373 with a couple homeruns and 14 stolen bases in 20 attempts. Since returning from the DL, Bonifacio is hitting .400 with five extra-base hits. He might be the shot in the arm the Braves offense needs.
Russell has a 3.51 ERA with a high ground-ball rate of 40.9%. Russell can get both lefties and righties out but surprisingly has done a better job of retiring right-handers this season. Lefties are hitting .295/.358/.525 while righties are only hitting .103/.243/.121. However, Russell usually fairs well against lefties so a change of scenery might help his fortunes.
The Cubs received 2nd round pick of the Braves in 2013 Victor Caratini. Caratini has some versatility being able to catch and play third base. According to MLB.com Caratini was the Braves 7th best prospect. The switch-hitter batted .279/.352/.406 in 87 games for Class-A Rome. Caratini is known more for his bat but is respectable as defender at both positions. This seems to be a very good value pick for the rebuilding Cubs.