Yunel Escobar – Alex Gonzalez NFL Trade

The Atlanta Braves traded on Wednesday Yunel Escobar and left-handed pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes to Toronto and in return got Alex Gonzalez and two minor leaguers, shortstop Tyler Pastornicky and pitcher Tim Collins.

Gonzalez, 33, is batting .259 and had 50 RBIs for the Blue Jays. His 43 extra-base hits at the break were tied for fifth-most in the American League.

In 12 major league seasons, Gonzalez has 131 home runs. He is a career .248 hitter.

The 27-year-old Escobar is a career .291 hitter but is struggling this season with a .238 average, no home runs and 19 RBIs. Last season, he hit .299 in 141 games, achieving career bests in home runs (14) and RBIs (76).

Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous believes Escobar is worth the gamble.

Video: