Renteria praises ex-teammate Escobar

By David O’Brien

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As San Francisco shortstop Edgar Renteria watched his former workout partner/protege, Yunel Escobar, making splendid plays Tuesday, the veteran was proud.

But not surprised.

When Renteria was the Braves’ shortstop in 2006-07, he said Escobar, who would eventually replace Renteria, was as talented as any he had seen.

“I told you before he came up — he’s the real deal,” said Renteria, who worked with Escobar all winter in Miami after the 2006 season. “He makes everything look easy. He can hit for power, hit for average, he can run, he can throw ... and every year he’s going to be better.”

Two of Escobar’s plays in Tuesday’s game ended up in the top six “Plays of the Day” on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” He fielded a grounder with his bare hand — despite heavy topspin — and, in a continuous motion, rifled a throw to first.

But the piece de resistance was a first-inning double play, where he caught second baseman Martin Prado’s toss with his bare hand in mid-air and, again in one motion, made a strong throw to first while avoiding the sliding runner.

“Somebody said [the runner] was safe at first,” Prado said. “It was one of those plays where the umpire gives you that [because of the effort]. ... I saw him coming to the bag, and I just flipped it. That’s the only thing I could do. It was a reaction play. I just flipped it, and he was there and jumped and threw.”

The two plays made one wonder: If Escobar had to, might he actually be able to play a game at shortstop without a glove?

“Probably,” manager Bobby Cox said. “His hands are that good. Escobar has got as good a hands as I’ve ever seen.”

Cox paused and repeated: “Ever seen.”

Braves veteran infielder Omar Infante said, “I think he’s Gold Glove. This guy is good. In the National League, for me, he’s the best. He can do everything.”

On Monday, Escobar was named National League Player of the Week after going 7-for-14 with three doubles, two homers and eight RBIs in four games against the Mets.

He hit .309 with a .371 on-base percentage and led the NL with a .440 average with runners in scoring position before Wednesday, when he hit a three-run homer to center field off Giants All-Star Tim Lincecum in the third inning.

It was Escobar’s 10th homer and raised his team-high RBI total to 56.

“He can be even better,” said Renteria, 33, a five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner. “If he works hard every year, he can be as good as he wants to be. What separates you, puts you on another level, is how hard you work.”

McLouth back in lineup

After leaving Tuesday’s game before the seventh inning with a low-back strain, center fielder Nate McLouth was back in the lineup Wednesday.

“It’s not an issue. I’m fine,” said McLouth, who seemed surprised when Cox replaced him after six innings Tuesday. “I think it was just precautionary.”