The Braves announced Wednesday that they’ve signed first baseman/outfielder Peter O’Brien and outfielder Shane Robinson to minor league contracts with invitations to Major League camp this spring. Atlanta also confirmed previously reported minor league deals with outfielder Rafael Ortega; infielders Charlie Culberson, Pete Kozma and Yangervis Solarte; and pitchers Felix Hernandez and Chris Rusin. All will be in Major League camp as well.
Now 29 years old, O’Brien was once a well-regarded prospect with the Yankees and Diamondbacks, both of whom hoped that his significant power would outweigh the defensive question marks that plagued him behind the plate. Unfortunately, that never proved to be the case, and O’Brien shifted from catcher into an outfield/first base role. He’s appeared in 36 games for the Marlins over the past two seasons, hitting at a .231/.306/.426 clip with five homers but 41 strikeouts in 121 plate appearances. Defense and making contact have long been issues for the slugger, who carries a .250/.314/.495 slash in parts of five Triple-A seasons.
The 35-year-old Robinson has seen action in nine big league seasons — the most recent of which was the 2018 campaign with the Yankees. A career .221/.288/.292 hitter through 849 trips to the plate in the Majors, Robinson clearly isn’t much of an offensive threat. But he’s logged at least 111 games at all three outfield positions and has well above-average marks at each, per both Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating. In just under 1800 total innings in the field, DRS pegs him at +24, while UZR has him at +16.9.
I thought for sure that was a picture of me when I saw those forearms
Braves have rave reviews on defense as a catcher and OF.
May this never die.
Nah it definitely should die
The Braves raved harder than any of the other 29 teams
Did somebody say R A V E R E V I E W S?
Rave reviews joined the chat
Nobody:
MLBTR article mentions Peter O’Brein: RaVe ReViEwS
Shane Robinson drew rave reviews in a relief appearance for the Twins in 2015.
Honestly just here for rave reviews, may it never die, good luck and good night
O’Brian May get rave reviews, but liberty media does not
Lukewarm evaluation
Rave reviews needs to become O’Brien’s nickname.
I wonder if he knows….
Good to see all you rave reviewers at catcher and of! We’ll see you in another 10 months
Go Cubs Go
Any word on O’Brien’s defense at C and OF?
Hello, rave reviews, goodnight.
All these raves must be reviewed, then most certainly waived.
Liberty should be receiving rave reviews for their spending this offseason. signing O’Brien? maybe not.
Came here for the rave reviews comments
Same
Thirded
There are raves in San Bernardino all the time.
Shane Robinson used to hang out at Maggie O’Brien’s bar in St. Louis after games. Nice guy.
O’Brien should go play in Korea/Japan. He profiles as a guy who could potentially be a “star” over there but here in the US he’s really not much of a ML option. I mean best of luck to him maybe he can have a big spring or something and latch on and provide some pop like he has throughout his minor league career. But I do really think he’s a guy who could benefit from and shine if he were to make the leap to the KBO or Japan.
Boy! has the excitement of Culberson sure dwindled in about a half a season. Wasn’t long ago Culberson was the ” best ” part of the Matt Kemp trade. Culberson was Atlanta’s best pinch-hitter for a couple of years and best, most reliable player off the bench. Culberson was clutch in some big spots, got some big hits and played the infield, outfield and pitched. Now he is fighting for a spot with players released, not good enough from other clubs. I don’t know if all the doubts about Culberson are from the little slump he had last year like no-other ballplayer has ever had or people just don’t know how he is going to be after being hit in the face. Just wondering what all the negativity is about Culberson.