Posted by basebal5 on Friday, March 28, 2008 at 7:55 pm

From the Braves media relations department:

The Atlanta Braves claimed switch-hitting infielder Ruben Gotay off waivers from the New York Mets today.  He will be on the team's Opening Day 25-man roster. 

In an additional transaction, the Braves asked for waivers on first baseman Scott Thorman who then cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Richmond.

Gotay, 25, played in 98 games for the Mets in 2007 and had a .295 batting average with four home runs and 24 runs batted in.  He excelled against right-handed pitching, batting .318 with four home runs and 22 RBI and hit .288 (15-for-52) as a pinch hitter.  Gotay was also clutch in “Close & Late” situations, hitting .349 (15-for-43).

Known for his infield versatility, Gotay has major-league experience at second base, shortstop and third base.

Originally drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 31st round of the 2000 June free agent draft before being traded to New York on July 19, 2006, for infielder Jeff Keppinger, Gotay played in 130 games for the Royals in 2004 and 2005.  In 228 career major-league games, he has a .258 average with 10 home runs and 69 runs batted in.  He hit .235 with a home run and a .435 on-base percentage during this season's Spring Training.

Thorman, 26, hit .176 with two home runs and 10 runs batted in during Spring Training.  Last season, he hit .216 with 11 home runs and 36 runs batted in for the Braves in 120 games.  He has a career batting average of .222 with 16 home runs and 50 runs batted in.

Dave Notes

Great pickup by the Braves.  I have no idea what the Mets are thinking at this point.  Expect Santana to be released any day now…

They are counting on Fernando Tatis to play the four corner spots.  He hasn't played in a regular game since October 1st, 2006.  He had one hit in his last eight games that season with the Baltimore Orioles and finished the season with this batting line: .250/.313/.500 (56 AB)

From Newsday yesterday:

But with Moises Alou sidelined by hernia surgery and the Mets desperate to balance their lefty-heavy lineup, it appears that Tatis may have arrived just in time to make the Opening Day roster. The Mets still have a bench spot to fill, and unlike Brady Clark and Ruben Gotay, Tatis can play all four corner spots. “I got here a little bit late,” Tatis said, “but my focus is to be the same player I used to be and try to stay healthy.”

While his regular position is third base, Tatis was back in leftfield again yesterday, and the Mets are making it obvious that they're leaning toward him.

There are a few drawbacks. Tatis, 33, spent all of last year at Triple-A New Orleans, logged a total of 81 games in the majors from 2005-06 and has played only four games in the outfield (three in left) since 1997.

I'll try and add blogger comments later, as they become available.