Former Braves shortstop told the MLB Network he had an inkling the Braves would try to trade him, but in the end he was as surprised as any he won't be in an Atlanta uniform next season.
"I didn't expect it, but if you see what's happening in Atlanta ... you won't be surprised when you hear it's happening," said the best overall defensive player in the majors.
Andrelton Simmons was traded to the Angels Thursday for a package of players including veteran shorststop Erick Aybar and the Angels' top two pitching prospects, left-hander Sean Newcomb, 22, and Chris Ellis, 23. The Braves also are sending minor league catcher Jose Briceno to the Angels, and the Angels are giving the Braves $2.5 million to offset the difference in salaries of Aybar and Simmons.
Simmons is ready to move on.
"I'm happy to be part of an organization that's trying to win, win right now," Simmons added.
You can hear the rest of the interview, which also includes comments from Angels GM Billy Eppler, here:
» Photos: The Acorbatic Andrelton Simmons
Simmons had signed a long extension with the Braves during 2014 spring training and was under contract through 2020, with salaries escalating in that span from $6 million in 2016 to $15 million in 2020.
New Braves general manager John Coppolella said last week the team had spoken with 15 clubs who had expressed interest in acquiring Simmons, "but we didn't want to move Andrelton. Of the teams that really wanted to step forward and made really strong offers, we felt that this was the best of those offers."
