When I first saw this trade I was confused, but the more I read it seems as though the Braves' brass was fed up with Escobar. This article pretty much sums up why the move was made. In addition to Escobar's lackadaisical play and streakiness, he may actually cost more than Gonzalez next year. As well, the Braves have a SS prospect they are high on who may be ready to contribute in 2012, so they see Gonzalez as a stopgap. My friends who are Braves fans seemed more content to rid themselves of Escobar than anything.