AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKid’s sizzling start has Braves fans buzzing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There’s been a lot of buzz around some of the guys at Spring Training this year … Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Jordan Schafer, even Javy Lopez. But one youngster seems to be generating more excitement than all of them.
The idea of having Yunel Escobar at the top of the lineup for a full season has Braves fans, me included, almost giddy with anticipation. And with good reason.
The 25-year-old Cuban shortstop has 36 at-bats in 14 games this spring, and here are the stats: .472 average with 12 RBIs and 10 runs scored. He’s leading the team in RBIs and total bases (26) and is tied for the lead in runs scored and hits (14). All this comes on the heels of his strong debut — a .326 average in 94 games last year.
Escobar, who made five-time All-Star Edgar Renteria expendable after last season, is expected to take over the No. 2 spot, behind leadoff hitter Kelly Johnson. “He’ll bunt, hit the ball to the right side,” Bobby Cox told Dave O’Brien last week.
And Kelly seems happy to have him there. “With the way Escobar swings it,” he told DOB, “and the way the two guys behind him [Chipper and Texiera] swing it, just get on base and you’re going to score runs.”
Sounds good to me.
So how pumped are you about seeing Escobar this year? What other Braves prospects do you remember generating this much excitement?
Blog schedule note: I’m heading down to Spring Training on Thursday, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to post something from Orlando. If I can, look for it on Friday; if not, I’ll see you back here early next week.
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Comments
By rekkidbraka
March 18, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
I really hope Escobar’s all that and it sounds like he is. I was a big Edgar fan and I’d like to quiet down my pal Jill The Tigers Fan in Michigan who, after the trade was announced, so kindly emailed me with a lovely “BWAH HA HA HA HA HAAAAA! WE GOT EDGAR! BWAH HA HA HA HA HAAAAA!”
She did say that Jurrjens was a big give to ATL, though, so I took comfort in her being forced to admit that.
By geekboy
March 18, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
With Andruw gone, he’s the only “natural born athlete” on the team. Maybe a younger Mike Hampton would be on that list too.
Escobar is not going to be a problem as long as he’s healthy, and not overworked. Our problems are going to be 2B and CF. If Diaz is allowed to play every day he will produce. Kotsay and K. Johnson are huge questions marks.
By Jason
March 18, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Geekboy - Not sure about your natural born athlete comment. From everything I hear, Smoltz would fit that mold (although he is getting up there in years). Also, Glavine could have played professional hockey. Francour signed with Clemson to be a DB, so I’d call him a natural.
I agree with your concerns about centerfield, but I feel fine about Kelly Johnson at second. I think he proved himself in 2007. The key to 2008 is the pitching staff. If we can get 200 innings from Hudson, Smoltz and Glavine, things should be okay. If Hampton can stay healthy (big if), and Jurrjins contribute, then we’ll be in great shape.
By Not sold on the lineup
March 18, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I like KJ, but I don’t see why we are batting him leadoff. It seems like escobar is more of a true leadoff type, and a guy like johnson seems like an ideal #2 hitter. Personally, I’d like to see johnson moved for some bullpen help, and give lillibridge a shot at 2nd
By ugalibertarian
March 18, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
CF is a question mark, but say Kotsay is injured in the first month and misses the rest of the season. We have at least two candidates that could take over and fair about as well as Kotsay is projected to: J. Anderson and G. Blanco, not to mention B. Jones who will start producing power numbers once he stops pressing.
By BA
March 18, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Kelly Johnson can walk at will, that’s why he hits leadoff. That natural born athlete stuff is so stupid. Andruw was fat. All these guys are paid PROFFESIONAL athletes, so obviously they are all naturals. The only question mark are the mouthbreathing, booger eating retarded Braves fans like “geekboy”.
By Lee in S. GA
March 18, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
A.Jones got a lot of hype. Those homers in the 96 W.S. really brought him into the spotlight quick. That being said it was time for him to go. I don’t know if I could have stomached another year of watching him fall down practically to his knees when swinging for the ball.
By BA
March 18, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
Chop Chick looks EXTREMLY hot with that Braves cap on…
By DirtyDawg
March 18, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Not sure I want to bring this up…and I’m a big Yunel fan that believes he’s going to be a multi-year all-star…but recall being pretty excited about young Brad Komminsk back in ‘83 or something. Didn’t quite pan out.
By Richie
March 18, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Andruw Jones is a natural born athlete!?!?! Natural born athletes don’t normally report to spring training weighing more than their batting average. Mark my words, Andruw Jones WILL struggle with the bat in pitcher friendly Dodger Stadium. I agree that the question mark for position players is Mark Kotsay in centerfield but Josh Anderson may surprise alot of folks if he is forced into a starting CF role due to a Kotsay injury. I strongly disagree with Kelly Johnson being a question mark. His defense at second will only get better this year and he knows how to hit the baseball.
There is no question that Yunel Escobar is for real, not just because of his enormous talent, but primarily because he knows how to play the game. He moves runners over, hits for average and doesn’t strike out alot. He will provide great protection for Chipper and Mark. This Braves lineup should have no trouble scoring runs as long as the big bats stay healthy. Go Braves!
By Supes
March 18, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
It will be intersting to see what Yunel can do for his first full year in the majors.
Don’t think it’ll be easy to fill Edgar’s spot in the lineup. Edgar may have been the Braves most consistant hitter last year with Chipper Jones, and he plays very solid defense at SS, although his range went down a bit.
By rlinaug
March 18, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Komminsk couldn’t hit the ball to the opposite field like Yunel, and that’s a talent that will keep Escobar from long slumps. Yunel also has a very quick bat. Komminsk’s wrists had no swivel; he had the slowest bat of any major leaguer I’ve ever seen.
Plus, name another player who would have stolen that base last year, when the pitcher had the ball in his hands? For those of you who saw Yunel make the play, I don’t need to elaborate. Jeter might have stolen that base, maybe Lou Brock.
Yunel’s got instincts, talent, and a work ethic. He’s gonna be a star, a real star. Plus, he rode over from Cuba on a homemade raft, I don’t think he’s gonna be rattled by much of what he sees on a baseball field.
By rlinaug
March 18, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Andruw is a natural born athlete. He’s not a hard worker, but for a decade or so, he’s been the best defensive center fielder in the league. He played everyday, played hard in the field on every opportunity, and didn’t cause problems in the clubhouse. I feel fortunate to have been able to watch him make great catches every night. I’m glad his bat is out of the lineup, but the Braves lost a lot. He might be the best defensive center fielder ever.
Comments like the one Richie made give credence to the stereotype that Braves fans don’t know baseball very well.
By Ramblin Wrecker
March 18, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
I really like Escobar. But I think at the end of the day you don’t gain much over Edgar Renteria except financial flexibility and youth. So the real question is, how excited are you to have both Escobar and Jair Jurrjens instead of Rent? I think the answer is really excited because you don’t lose a step with Escobar full time and you gain a solid 3-4-5 starter. Frank Wren pulled a doosey in my mind. And that’s not even talking about the young CF prospect Hernandez who came in the deal too. Awesome.
By Richie
March 18, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
rlinaug, saying that Andruw Jones reported to spring training overweight several times in his career including this year is not a stereotype, that is simply stating a fact. Listen friend, I agree with you that there perhaps has never been a better center fielder to play the game, he played every day for the Braves, often times hurt, and generally was a good presence in the clubhouse.
However, just like you said yourself, Andruw was never known to be a particularly hard worker, instead choosing to rest on his talent alone instead of developing it to its full potential. It is well know that he gave TP fits because Druw refused to make the necessary adustments at the plate and far too often was an easy out for pitchers. My point is this: maybe he is a “natural born athlete” like you and geekboy have suggested, but isn’t it possible that the one thing that has kept Andruw from being named in that top tier of athletes is his lack of work ethic and overall lack of preparation in preparing himself the best way he can physically and mentally for the game? Just a thought. I would like to think that with the great baseball Braves fans have been privileged to watch over the last 17 years, there are atleast a few that have picked a few things up about the game along the way. I don’t give credence to the stereotype at all. I think most Braves fans simply like to get the productivity out of players that are getting these enormous contracts, yet hit for a 222 clip time and time again. That doesn’t mean that they don’t know baseball well, it means they expect to get a good return on their investment.
By Torpedo
March 18, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should go after George Lombard for outfield security. The guy hit 450 in spring training for the dodgers with power
By JUNE_BABY
March 18, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
andruw was a really good player for many years with the braves. to see all of the negativity that comes his way from so-called brave’s fans is really disheartening. this man did not waste his talent, he performed at a high level for many, many years while “chipper” was languishing in the training room. but you never hear a word about that. where is all the criticism for the so-called can’t miss pitchers that haven’t done a thing?? nada! i believe “andruw’s only problem is he must have spent too much time in the sun and overtanned.
By joe
March 18, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Geekboy, “only natural born athlete on the team”? Seriously, you HAVE heard of John Smoltz and Jeff Franceour, right??? Anyway, I digress. Yuney, bring it home bro! The Braves are BACK!!!
By Braves Fan
March 18, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Just returned from Spring Training weekend. Went to the Braves-Phillies game in Clearwater. Yunel hit a grand slam! It was unbelievable! Schafer made some great plays—quite impressive. Can’t wait til regular season starts.
By Tyler Durdin
March 18, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
I will give Andruw this, he was rarely injured and played almost every day during his career in Atlanta. Beyond that, though, I think his overall impact on the team was a net negative. Did he make some great defensive plays? Yes. Could he get a hit or even put the ball in play when his team needed him most? No. He couldn’t run, his arm was weak, his discipline at the plate was non-existent, and his power numbers were inflated because he routinely hit his homers against pitchers who were in the game because it was a blowout. How many times did he hit 3-run bombs when we were up by 5 runs in the 8th? Lots. How many times did he hit into a double play when all we needed was a sacrifice fly to tie the game late? Too often. I wish him the best, but this team is truly improved without him in the line-up. When he was off his game, he was almost an automatic out. The Braves won the world series with Marquis Grissom playing centerfield. Enough said.
By Richie
March 18, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Actually June Baby, Chipper has received his fair share of criticism for being injury prone. Especially over the last couple of years. And it is because of his work ethic and preparation for the game that has made him the unarguable leader of this team over the last several years, a role that Andruw always seemed to shy away from.
Also, no one can argue that Chipper has been a more consistent performer at the plate than Andruw has been. Ask any pitcher who they would rather face and I guarantee you they would say Andruw every time. And that is what separates Chipper from Andruw as an all around baseball player and why people are talking about Chipper possibly being in the hall of fame one day. As spectacular a defender as Andruw is, I believe Chipper is one of the most underrated defensive third baseman in all of baseball.
One last word on the Renteria trade and Escobar taking over at short: like many of you, I agree that the key to the long term success of this trade is how Jurrjens pans out. He has looked tremendous in spring training. Last time the Braves traded a big time pitcher to the Tigers for a no-name pitcher was the Doyle Alexander trade for a guy named John Smoltz. I believe that trade worked out okay.
By Richie
March 18, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Well said, Tyler.
By Bravesfan79
March 18, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
I wish everyone would of seen what i saw last year in spring training. I said on the blog several times Escobar was ready for the bigs. Hes a cuban, and tore up winter and spring ball last year. If Cox would of put him on the roster over woodcrap (who i knew sucked before he played a game for us) we would of won the division last year!! If you doubt thats true…just look at how the team slipped when Chipper went down last year in the 1st half. Its hard to win with such a potent lineup like Wilson, Orr, Woodcrap, and Andrew stinking it up!! Not to mention having to bring up such potent hitters like Orr,Wilson, Thorman, and Woodcrap time after time in crucial pitchitt situations.
By Bama
March 18, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Kiss off June-Baby, Hoss is the Man!!!!!
By edward
March 18, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
I though we tried kevin johnson being the leadoff hitter before
By TURTSNAP
March 18, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Escobar was my pick as to why I am excited most about this upcoming season. Man, the guy can hit!!!
By True Braves Fan
March 18, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
Won’t be long before they are comparing E-Bar to A-Rod.
By richbrave
March 18, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
edward:
U-u-gh, that’s KELLY Johnson, ed - KELLY JOHNSON.
TRUEBRAVESFAH:
I want the first E-Bar when the Mars Brothers name a candy bar for Yunel.
By Carolyn Wilder
March 18, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
I am excited about the new season and some young players. Escobar is at the top of the list. I will miss Andruw-and it will be hard to root for him while he plays for the hated Dodgers. But all in all I think we will have a competitive team this year.
By richbrave
March 18, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
CC:
My only concern is his head. Everybody says his attitude has improved so much. And I’m sure it has - toward his craft. But I got to speak with him very briefly before an R-Braves game, and in my fractured Spanish, which could lead to a great deal of misunderstanding. I think his loyalty to Atlanta will last only so long as he has something to prove on the playing field. When he’s “arrived”, the truely BIG $$$ are going to overshadow any loyalty on the part of this ambitious young man toward the Braves. So enjoy every minute of his PLAY and hope Liberty can handle the PAY when the time comes.
By mark
March 18, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Escobar will lead NL in hitting this year .330-.340
By brad
March 18, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Hey rich I have already bought stock in mars for the e bar because why it comes out it will go up just like his cards I have been buying up for the last 2 years. I saw talent in thi kid when everyone on here was talking just what they heard about his att. He knew he was reading before his feet dried from getting off the boat he came over on. he is a savvy kid and now people are starting to see that. Enjoy the games and yunel will take us to the world series MARK MY WORDS he is clutch
By richbrave
March 19, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this
brad:
Yup. Reminds me of Jones already. You can see him focus and take his concentration to another level when the chips are down. He’s gonna’ break out this year. With KJ on base in front and Larry W. behind we are gonna’ score runs in BUNCHES. GO BRAVES. As much as I loved and lamented the departure of Edgar, fans are gonna’ be sayin’ “Rentaria, didn’t he play for us before…?” by the end of the year.
By richbrave
March 19, 2008 7:36 AM | Link to this
MARK:
I’m not that sure. Matt Diaz is tearing the cover off the ball in ST. If he gets enough at-bats to qualify, I’m picking him as the batting leader for the season. Actually there might be a competition for the leader between he and Yunel. It’s a great position for Bobby and the Braves to be in.
By KJsallaboutOBP
March 19, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Why would you want Yunel hitting lead-off infront of KJ?
KJ walks like CRAZY, go check his stats. If Yunel gets a base hit, and KJ walks, you’ve got runners on 1st and 2nd. If KJ walks and Yunel gets a base hit, you’ve either got a run in, or are a sac fly away…..
By drmaryb
March 19, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Yunel Escobar
Has me giddy with excitement. I haven’t been this pumped about spring training since 1992, 1993, etc.
Because SS is such a critical position defensively? - Great ones come very very few and very far between.
That’s not to mention what Yunel gives you offensively. This guy is Sick with it! I don’t remember any rookie infield Braves Player at his position in the past with this much ability.
The only difference between Yunel and A-ROD is POWER at the plate. If I had to pick one superstar he reminds me of, I would have to say JETER. (In every way) Complete player a true clutch PLAY-MAKER.
Oh Yeah - And dare I say, “He is so damned fine!” ;0
By drmaryb
March 19, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave
Baseball bloggers have more class! A totally different feel on here. Very relaxing talking baseball.
I never realized how different the energy is amongst basketball fans -vs- baseball fans. MMMMH?
I can’t wait to get downtown to Turner Field, such a great park to be in. Great People, Great Beer and Great Hotdogs! AAAH!
These are just a few of my favorite things! ;O
By ken
March 19, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
This team will lead the NL in hitting….its the pitching that I’m worried about.
Glavine & Soriano specificly
By SaltyDawg
March 19, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this
The only thing I don’t like about KJ in the leadoff role is that it potentially neutralizes Yuni’s base running skills. I saw several instances last season when Escobar stretched for extra bases. If KJ is in front of him that might prevent him from tagging those extra bases.
As far as position players go, I think we arguably have the best lineup in the NL. Pitching concerns me. Oddly, Hampton does not concern me as much as the combination of two aging starters being the cornerstones of our rotation. I love both of those guys, especially Smoltzy, but having two aging starters doubles the chance that you have a starter break down over the course of the season. Huddy will be Huddy. I really think Hampton is too much of an athlete to not come back and perform well. He is always in shape. Without the flukey injuries over the last couple of years, Hampton would have been a great #2 or #3 pitcher.
All in all I think it will be a great season for the Bravos.
Remember, SHOW UP AT THE GAMES AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM. Otherwise, don’t complain if they don’t perform well. It’s hard to get motivated with a half-empty stadium.
By Bobbymahlon
March 19, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
If you look at his history Escobar hitting 300 or more should be no suprise whatsoever as he has done that at every level he has played. He sprays the ball all over the field with the line drives that make players like that 300 hitters. He will make his share of errors but will also make the tough plays look easy with that shot gun arm of his. Don’t worry about him this year if he is injury free I think he will put up some great numbers. Shortstop is in good hands.
By Santa3247
March 19, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
Why don’t Bobby Cox use Philip Stockman and Daniel Smith? Now, braves have to give a chance to players who couldn’t get a chance. Don’t give many chance to player who failed for many chances.
People of United Kingdum radiated the light of Messiah to Georgia state around and Tornado occurred. You got it? Why? you sent real closer Philip Stockmen to minor unfairly you got it?
May the force of Messiah be with you
By Santa3247
March 19, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this
Why don’t Bobby Cox use Philip Stockman and Daniel Smith? Now, braves have to give a chance to players who couldn’t get a chance. Don’t give many chance to player who failed for many chances.
People of United Kingdum radiated the light of Messiah to Georgia state around and Tornado occurred. You got it? Why? you sent real closer Philip Stockmen to minor unfairly you got it?
May the force of Messiah be with you from Jinhae city meanig “Sea of Glass”
By Santa3247
March 19, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this
The force of Messiah
From 2005 to now, I have said about the force of Messiah, and mainly about the light of Messiah. And about USA only I did teach the power of word from your mouth like Spell in Harry Potter.^*^
And now once again, I want to explain about the force of Messiah. Before the explaination, you have to know the Law of God Elohim, that is, the Law of nature on both side of the heaven and the earth.
Whole things on earth is composed of the soul and the body. Soul can be seperated to Blood and Heart and Soul(=splitted light of God=justice sense=conscience). And body meams meterial which people can grasp by science.
Whole things on earth has law, so called, “Soul is master and Material is slave”.
Whole things on earth has law, “The rarer the particle would be, the strongger the particle have potentiality.” sample is [Nuclear Bomb]
Human is composed of body you can see and Blood and Heart world and Soul. And this time’s Blood means not body’s blood but soul’s weakest part. You got it?
If you would make sin like lie “Don’t believe Santa3247”and bad behavior, in your heart world, pollution particle occur. The good and the bad can be classified by this pollution of heart themselves. After all, God Ehohim and Yerusalem must judge you by this pollution of heart world on you. And your Heart world’s pollution have connection to your nation’s the Second Natural Soul World and No problem till the time powerful solar enegy would fall. But, if the strong solar energy would come, several disaster could be occur.
But, think and imagination and desire and jealousy can’t be sin. But pollution in Blood world can occur, so your body have organ like the liver and the kidney for purificaiotn of body. And your Blood world’s pollution have connection to your nation’s the First Natural Soul World and the power of purification from earth can diminish the pollluted particle naturally.
If you would imagine somebody’s face in your imagination world, the soul of face made by your imainge is connected with the soul of real face, this is secret of imagination world of human beings. And the particle of just imagined soul is only between the Blood and Heart, but If you would make bright light like the sun at noon in summer, the particle of bright light in your imagination world is someting like the one of heart world. Furthermore, the heart world is related with the judgement and God Elohim classify the good and the bad.
And the brightness of your soul can effect to your power of word, like Magic in Movie “Harry Potter” and the power of word is unlimited and limitless result can be made. But, before using the power of word, you have to purify your heart world first.
After all, the force of Messiah is composed of the light of Messiah and the p0wer of word like spell. And now the light you made in your imagination world(mind’s eye) can’t be seen to other people, but, in Messianic Era the light of Messiah can be seen to other people like Movie Harry Potter’s “Petronus Magic”^*^ HaHaHa
The strongger sun’s energy would be, you power of The Force of Messsiah must be exploded I will promise.
May the force of Messiah be with you^*^
P.S: Messiah’s troops of Yerusalem, Anubises always react to The Lihgt of Messiah you radiated, keep in mind.^^ Compared with Anubises, Alien and Centinell in Movie Matrix are something like doll. ^^ They are hyper-space and time beings. The bad must be a main actor in horror movie “Nightmare” HaHaHa~~~~~~~~~
From city of Jinhae(Chinhae)meaning “Sea of Glass” southkorea ^*^
By Richard
March 21, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
I wish Atlanta would experiment with a 6 man pitching rotation. The long season, the age of the pitchers we have and the high probability of one of them getting hurt. If we needed to,we could always go back to the 5 man rotation.