Remember, Remember The 4th of December (2007)

Following the 2007 MLB Season, Atlanta Braves' General Manager Frank Wren pulled off two of the most lop-sided trades in recent memory. First, on October 29, 2007, Wren traded SS Edgar Renteria to the Detroit Tigers for OF Gorkys Herndandez and P Jair Jurrjens. I think we can agree this was lop-sided alright! Chalk up one for Frank Wren. However, the bigger trade may have come a month later on December 4, when the Braves traded pitching prospect Jose Ascanio to the Chicago Cubs for reliever Will Ohman and some utility infielder named Omar Infante.

Infante, like Martin Prado, patiently waited his turn to play everyday. With the recent injuries to both Chipper Jones (gone for year) and Prado, who is back, Infante has finally had a consistent chance to prove that he did not suck enough to merit being traded for Jacque Jones at one point. The so-called "worst All-Star Game pick ever" has been a vital part to this Braves team and is a huge reason why they are in first place today.

This season, Omar Infante has a .349 batting average with 6 homers and 31 RBIs in just over 300 at-bats. Even more impressive is his .375 OBP. Now, do not let the low homer amount fool you. This past weekend at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Infante jacked 3 homers, including 2 in today's 16-5 rout over the Cubs in what turned out to be Lou Piniella's last game. How fitting an ending for a Cubs' manager! Maybe Omar found Sammy Sosa's old bat. You know, the one with the cork in it!

What about those that were also apart of that trade? Will Ohman pitched well for Atlanta that year. He then proceeded, like so many other Braves, to head out to the LA Dodgers and flame out. He is currently a member of the Marlins. Ascanio was later traded to the Pirates for pitchers John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny. 

The truth about Omar Infante, along with Martin Prado, is that he waited a long time for his shot to play everyday. Next year, depending on Chipper Jones, remains a mystery as to what the Braves will do with Infante. One thing is for sure though, he is going to be a hot commodity for someone after this season. The so-called "worst All-Star Game pick ever" could very well end up getting the last laugh. He could prove to be the seam that holds this team together. A strong, versatile player who continues to produce more and more each day. He has big hit after big hit. How sweet would it be for him to get the hit that clinches a playoff spot, the division, the NLCS, or World Series? Worst pick ever? Not even close bud!

My advice to Atlanta: Lock up both Infante and Prado to long-term deals! 

My advice to those who doubted Infante: Apologize the way Randy Marsh did to Jesse Jackson on South Park!