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Monday, October 30, 2006
Showcasing Salty, Escobar?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
If there were any lingering questions about Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s hitting, they should have quickly been answered in the Arizona Fall League.
In his first six games, the switch-hitting catcher hit .565 with three homers and 12 RBIs.
The 21-year-old is still a little raw behind the plate, but he can hit — his struggles early last season at Class AA Mississippi notwithstanding.
What the Braves will do with Saltalamacchia, however, is a question. Brian McCann is the catcher of the present and the future in Atlanta. Saltalamacchia could eventually move to first base, as has long been rumored. Or would the Braves consider trading him? The Arizona Fall League is a perfect place to be showcased.
Shortstop Yunel Escobar is also putting on a show with the Peoria Javelinas. The Cuban was hitting .360 in 12 games, with eight RBIs. With Edgar Renteria in Atlanta and Elvis Andrus one of baseball’s top shortstop prospects, Escobar could also be expendable if the right deal came along.
General manager John Schuerholz has promised to be active this winter. To get the team back to the playoffs, he’s going to have to be creative.
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