The Hot Button: Should the Braves trade Yunel Escobar?
Yunel Escobar is, shall we say, a different sort of Brave. He has blond highlights in his hair. He doesn’t always pay attention. He has a temper and is given to the sulks. He has yet to respond to the gentle urgings of Bobby Cox, which have become less gentle over time.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN.com, the Braves “are willing to trade Escobar for a good hitter right now.” (Link requires registration.) But I don’t think they will. Nor do I believe they should. Because Yunel Escobar is a different sort of Brave in another way:
He can really hit. And he can really play.
The Braves have become so skilled at siphoning off higher-maintenance types that they have lesser tolerance for one than do, say, the Yankees or the Dodgers. But sometimes a higher level of maintenance isn’t just needed but advisable. Some guys are worth the trouble. John Rocker was not. Yunel Escobar is.
He’s a great talent who comes with an inherent disconnect. He doesn’t speak much English. (He’s from Cuba.) When Cox seeks to instruct Escobar in the need to pay closer attention, he has to converse through coach Chino Cadahia. That isn’t the optimum method.
But you know what? If big-league rosters were comprised of 25 Ozzie Smiths, you wouldn’t need managers or coaches. Sometimes a little instruction is needed, sometimes even a lot of instruction
The Braves have this problem, the past two nights notwithstanding. (As bad as the Braves are at hitting, the Phillies are worse at pitching.) They can’t hit much, and they, as constituted, aren’t apt to hit much. At worst, Escobar is the third-best hitter on the club. If the Braves trade him, they’d have to get Matt Holliday or Brad Hawpe or Adam Dunn in return. And even if they’d land one of those thumpers, there’s another issue:
Loading ...Those guys are outfielders. Escobar is a shortstop. He mans the most important defensive position. And there’s no other shortstop prospect at the ready in the Braves’ chain. (There would be if the Braves hadn’t sent Elvis Andrus to Texas for Mark Teixeira in 2007, but that’s another Hot Button for another day.)
Put simply, Escobar is too important for the Braves to let him go or to let him fail. With his recent displays of anger and indifference and the mysterious nature of his hip injury, the temptation is great for them to throw up their corporate hands and say, “That’s it! Get him outta here!” But this is professional sports, not the Boys and Girls Club. The idea is to win, and the Braves need Escobar to have that chance.
The Braves have already gone the extra mile, but they should prepare themselves to run a 10K if that’s what it takes. He’s not as young as you might think — he’s 26 — and his excesses might be more deeply ingrained than in a 21-year-old. But that’s why managers get the big bucks. They’re paid to reach all their guys, not just the receptive ones.
There’s a big-time ballplayer beneath the garish hair and the excesses. The Braves just have to find him.
Update from the ballpark: Escobar is in tonight’s starting lineup. He’s batting fifth.
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295 comments Add your comment
Beautiful Monte
July 2nd, 2009
12:18 pm
Wow.
What a surprise.
Mr. Bradley appears to have “great affection” for another problem child.
To repeat what I wrote in the DOB/CR blog: it’s one thing to indulge an a-hole who is a “franchise” player, such as Mommy Ramirez. It’s another to indulge one who is little more than a slightly above-average major leaguer (see Escobar, Yunel).
If nothing else, the Braves have always behaved like professionals during the Cox era. I see no reason to compromise that tenet for the likes of Escobar. It’s a slippery slope that can and most likely will lead to problems in the clubhouse.
The fans who ask “So what if Escobar is a jerk?” reveal their ignorance about sports and human nature. These fans view the Braves the same way they view a video game, where they can put wildly disparate individuals on the same team with no ill effects. But this is real life, where the coaches and players are thrown together for seven or eight months at a time, and personalities and attitudes come into play.
On a side note, I must say that I continue to “enjoy” watching Mr. Bradley’s ongoing disintegration into the white Terence Moore.
Sam
July 2nd, 2009
12:20 pm
I’m probably in the minority, but I would trade Escobar. Trade him for a solid (if not spectacular) major league SS (Tejada?)and a decent relief pitcher. Trading Escobar would fill two gaping holes on a team with many.
Bill
July 2nd, 2009
12:21 pm
I agree Mark on Esco, Jose and thank goodness we didn’t get Furcal. Keep up the good work.
Would love to see Oquendo in Atlanta dugout.
Dr. Hurst
July 2nd, 2009
12:22 pm
Maybe to be “PC” Bobby should learn Spanish? Next question: Is there a reasonable balance between Bobby’s ‘old school’/professionalism (i.e. Image First) approach and Billy Martin’s “scream till they listen” approach? Last Question: Has there been any consideration for letting McCann play 1st (which would extend his career, and give us a productive bat there), and let Ross play Catcher?
Beautiful Monte
July 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
One more comment, and then I’m finished for today:
I just read the comment from Sherman, who said that black fans will only support black players.
I wonder if Mr. Bradley has the guts to criticize these black racists?
Naaah.
NO MORE BOBBY
July 2nd, 2009
12:23 pm
I like his emotional way of playing and wish some other Braves cared like he does. Bobby wants everything laid back and some young players arent ready to just go quiet like Chipper has with age. Bobby is too old to deal with young personalities now. Back in the day he dealt with Deion Sanders who in my opinion makes Yunel seem like good guy Dale Murphy. Bobby is old and just doesnt get it anymore. This is a competition. Players should get angry and show emotions. If they don’t then something is wrong.
KEEP YUNEL – FIRE TP – RETIRE BOBBY COX.
35YrBravesFan
July 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
Escobar Rocks is spot on. I watch Yunel and cringe when I see the errors, but he has the skills in an important position, and could be awesome. He shows flashes of brilliance. Some one just has to get his mental attitude straight. He didn’t seem to be this crazy, for lack of a better term, before Bryan Pena was traded… or is it my imagination??
Rafael Ramirez
July 2nd, 2009
12:26 pm
When Escobar is right, he is one of the most valuable players the Braves have. Somebody’s got to be able to get through to him because he could be the key to the future. As it stands, I would rather see him up with the game on the line than almost anyone on the team. He is a complete hitter and will only get better.
I would hate for him to go somewhere else and get straightened out and turn into a perennial All-Star. We’ll sit around thinking about how he could have doing it in a Braves uniform.
Rumors were that he and Blauser didn’t get along in the minors. So what gives? Is he just too emotional? Is he a jerk? Whatever it is, the Braves would do well to help him fix his issues (or at least get them off the field) and not to give up on him.
Kenneth Simpson
July 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
You are correct in saying that the braves have no choice but to keep Escobar because they don’t have another major league shortstop since they chose to give Elvis Andrus away to Texas in that so called trade. It was a dum giveaway for nothing in return as far as I am concerned. I hope this will be a wake up call to the braves not to make such dum trades in the future. I watched Wainright pitch last night and Marquis the other night and thought what an addition they would be to the braves staff and they gave both of them for a one year JD Drew rental which was about as dum as the Tex trade although the Tex trade still rates as the most lopsided trade I think they have ever made.
PMC
July 2nd, 2009
12:27 pm
Is it so wrong to have a guy in the club house that actually seems to ENJOY playing ball and shockingly takes “offense” with the score keeper from time to time?
He just needs to mature. He’s young. He’s a pretty good short stop and a pretty good hitter. Unless they can do better at short stop which is unlikely… it would be stupid to trade him unless they get a ridiculously good player… which again… is unlikely.
I seriously doubt he is traded at least during this season.
Jim Godwin
July 2nd, 2009
12:28 pm
There is no way I would give up on a talent Escobar! The guy is young. He can field. He can hit. I love that he has that kind fire inside him. If more of the Braves players were like him instead having that business like approach maybe they would’ve more more games so far instead of taking losing as if it’s routine.
the hope of the braves nation rests in your hands mr hanson
July 2nd, 2009
12:29 pm
if we only had andrus….
escobar would have already been gone. we could have dealt him away for top talent and put in andrus.
now, we have to keep escobar and his baggage. if we can get a decent shortstop in return along with a young power hitting outfielder that is under team control for several years….then yes, trade him. but there are not too many of those around these days. if there are then those teams will want to hold on to them.
Sonny Clusters
July 2nd, 2009
12:29 pm
We had an African America on our team and he could hit and run and I don’t see why the Braves couldn’t do more African America on their team too. Everything in Atlanta papers always turns to race anyway and this time the African America would probably win the race because he is fast. When we was playing ball together we didn’t care if you was African America or not and thats the way it should be with the Braves and with Cuba America like Escobar. If you can catch and throw and hit you should be able to play and if you cant catch and throw and hit you shouldnt and thats whats wrong with the Atlanta Braves.
Bill
July 2nd, 2009
12:30 pm
Sounds like Sherman and Monte both have problems…..Mark is not T. Moore , Mark has always been Fair and Balanced where we like it or not.
Daniel Goldberg
July 2nd, 2009
12:30 pm
You and the other AJC columnists are really doing some of your best work as it relates to this Braves team, Mark. While team management and the broadcast folks (who I love like an old friend) are paid to put a positive spin on things, your columns haven’t been shy about asking the questions that the Braves’ mercurial play demands. Thanks for the effort and keep up the good work.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 2nd, 2009
12:30 pm
Hey Mark…thanks for the update and everyone is talking about this…So really good timing…I believe it Prado can remain a .300 hitter or close to it….290 or .280…then we can slide Escobar into the 5 hole on a regular basis and I’m a little reserved to type this but that makes our line-up a little more deeper and a little dangerous…Prado could mean a whole heck of a lot to this line-up…and Escobar is just as important if not more…So if we can drop him in the order and give him more RBI opportunities, everybody wins. Trading Escobar would be a huge mistake…I like him…always have.
And man…How nice would it be to sweep the Phillies tonight?
mighty mike
July 2nd, 2009
12:31 pm
This time I hope the Braves are listening to you Mark Bradley. If Frank Wren wants to assemble a team of butt-kissing sycophants who worship Bobby Cox, that’s fine . As long as they win. But right now Yunel Escobar is heading into the prime years of what could turn out to be a great career. Trading him for anything less than a superstar would be stupid.Roberto Clemente had a reputation as a whiner in the early years of his career and his numbers weren’t as good as Yunel’s until Clemente blossomed in 1960. Clemente was 25 by then.
Dennis
July 2nd, 2009
12:33 pm
Escobar will be ok. Certainly trading him should only be considered for a deal that benefits the Braves and those are probably not going to happen. He is immature sure..but a very good fielder and above average hitter. We need him and he will be back and will play well. Keep him and work with him..he wants to win and shows it in a way that is different from what we had in the past. I am all for a little fire..I see it in McLouth and would like to see it in more of the players…
Dr Fan
July 2nd, 2009
12:35 pm
This is a cancer in the Braves body of work. Best time to address this is now! Keep him on the bench, & if need be, trade him quickly.
The Real Don Steele
July 2nd, 2009
12:37 pm
No where have I seen an explanation of why Pat Corrales was let go. He was the best bench coach in baseball for years and suddenly he’s gone. Does anybody know why? Do you know why Mark?
WilliamG
July 2nd, 2009
12:38 pm
I like Escobar’s fire – I wish there was more of it from other players. I understand he is something of a problem child but baseball’s history is full of great “problem” players. I wish he was perfect but if I had to pick between a player – with the same talent level – who never showed that sort of passion for the game and a player like Escobar … it wouldn’t be a difficult choice.
Sonny Clusters
July 2nd, 2009
12:40 pm
Nobody will ever again run hard to first base because McLouth was running real hard to first ever since he got here and when he ran to first hard the other day his hamstring got hurt and now hes out of the lineup. Nobody else on the team runs hard like that to first base and Bobby is always saying easy when they run down the line. We was always taught to run hard like that when we was playing ball together. Jeff still runs hard like when we was state champion together in school and running hard is what makes us great.
Johnny Quest
July 2nd, 2009
12:41 pm
Maybe Bobby Cox needs to take a short course in Spanish. Escobar will be an All-Star. Do not trade him!
Homer
July 2nd, 2009
12:43 pm
FIRE BRADLEY!!
18 Wheels of Love
July 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
Bottom line, we are 3 games out with Escobar’s antics and barely any production from our OF. If we continue to let ‘Escobar be Escobar’ (sorry!) and get some production from McLouth/Frenchy/Garrett then the skies the limit, especially with some much needed production coming from 2B. Things are looking up and the only spots I would consider upgrading are 1B and the corner OF spots. The best thing to do is sit tight, deal with Escobar in the offseason, and maybe pick up a bat on July 31 if one falls in out laps.
The NL East is up for grabs and we have the pitching to go the distance.
To steal a phrase…time to KUDZU UP!
aswingruber
July 2nd, 2009
12:44 pm
Amen, MB. I was happy when the Peavy deal fell through because it was to include Escobar. And you’re right about the Furcal deal, it was unnecessary given we already had a potential future All-Star in Escobar among other reasons. This is only Esco’s second full season in the bigs and he’s been a consistent .300 hitter since he broke in. His power numbers will continue to get stronger until he develops into a 25-30 HR a year guy. He’s got a cannon for an arm, and with a healthy hip we will undoubtedly see more defensive brilliance from him and less errors. Way too much upside from a rare commodity at SS to be entertaining any trade offers. He’s undoubtedly shown some malfeasance but, as you’re column points, it’s a manager’s responsibility to handle all types of players, not just the easily managed.
Good one, MB.
GSU Student
July 2nd, 2009
12:45 pm
GO VOTE MCCANN 25 TIMES FOR THE ALL STAR TEAM!
woodie
July 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
Please don’t trade Escobar. Bobby will retire soon anyway.
Bubba
July 2nd, 2009
12:46 pm
Escobar provides a personality spark that has been lacking on previous rosters. If you look at the ‘91 and ‘92 seasons, part of what made the Braves interesting was their personality. After that, they became robotic, machine-like. Business-like? Sure, but an accountant is not the life of any party. Escobar puts some fun on this “professional” team. Fans wear their hearts on their sleeves. I’d been under the impression that Braves players had no sleeves. With Yunel, I think now it’s time to get some.
Hollywould
July 2nd, 2009
12:47 pm
How long has Escobar been in the states? He still cannot speak english(bs). Take a quick class Yunel.
submariner
July 2nd, 2009
12:49 pm
The reason we hear “trade him” is because Cox doesn’t like to confront firey players. They unloaded Brett Boone becasue he was critical of the decision making. Rocker was just a freak. he needed to go, but Escobar is too good to just want to ge trid of him becasue he has ADD or gets ticked off because things don’t go his way. Absolutley, Mark! That’s why managers make the big bucks. Cox has to show some leadership with this kid and get him to drink the kool-Aid. They can’t make a run without him.
Daniel
July 2nd, 2009
12:50 pm
Escobar is very talented and valuable, which is a GREAT reason to trade him now. He is injury prone and loses focus. We could trade Escobar and Francouer to Boston for Bucholtz and Green. Then Vasquez becomes tradable (and also very valuable) for a big bat. You would be setting up a future rotation of JJ, Hanson and Bucholtz, with veterans Hudson, Lowe and KK. Now, c’mon that sounds too good to pass up. Hernandez is not the shortstop of the future but is servicable, less flashy, but more consistent defensively, and you have added a bat(Nick Markakis/Melky Cabrerra) to the outfield.
Let’s do it.
Bill
July 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
The Real Don Steele, I too would like to know why Pat Corrales was let go.He was the best in the business in putting players in right positions and keeping bench fired up.
Daniel
July 2nd, 2009
12:52 pm
aswingruber- are you crazy? Escobar will never hit 30 home runs in a season.
18 Wheels of Love
July 2nd, 2009
12:54 pm
Again folks, we are 3 games out…the only move we need to make is to upgrade a deficient position, not downgrade a position where we are doing fine. Find us a first baseman or corner OF upgrade and then consider it. Escobar can be taken care of in the offseason if needed.
submariner
July 2nd, 2009
12:55 pm
18 Wheels of Love, word!
Cameron
July 2nd, 2009
12:56 pm
His is what you do with Escobar…pencil him in at SS batting 2nd or fifth everyday and shut up. Then you also call Buster Olney and tell him he is an idiot. Then you call the AJC and ask them to stop writing about Escobar.
PATTY
July 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
Casey Kotchman should be the one to get traded. he’s not producing when he has the chance. we would get somthing good for him. hes young, former first round pick, he can be a gold glove first baseman. he is a decent hitter
he is good trade bait.
edward
July 2nd, 2009
12:57 pm
ok, Escobar for Andrus.
NEW CARS
July 2nd, 2009
1:00 pm
People forget that Escobar only been in the United States for what, 5 years…He may be 26, but he’s young as far as organized ball….The one thing and maybe its a standup guy like Prado, is to get him some Hispanic leadership on the field with him…A guy that can take him under his and show him the Big League way…A 65 year old manager can’t really do that, translator or not…But I like the kid and think he plays hard and is a player….I would take his future at shortstop over Ramirez (he’ll end up at 3b or cf) Reyes (Garry Templeton Jr.) or Jimmy Rollins
hawesg
July 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
I’m not sure how Escobar is the third best hitter on a team with Chipper, McCann and McLouth. Or Prado for that matter. Escobar has a career OPS of .790. Not bad. But he’s “hurt” a lot and his defense this year has been pretty darn bad. Throw in that unbelievable tantrum he threw in the middle of an inning over a scorer’s decision….
The Braves have another option: Omar Infante. He’s not as good defensively as Escobar MIGHT be, but he’s been as good as Escobar has been THIS YEAR. Talent can’t always beat out immaturity.
You don’t GIVE AWAY an Escobar, but if the Red Sox want to get rid of Lugo and will eat salary and want Frenchy to platoon in RF… Trade Escobar for a real RF.
eagletwins
July 2nd, 2009
1:02 pm
yunel, with all the negative swirling around him right now may not get any better, but all the worse. it may be best for both sides if he move on now instead of later. both could benefit if the braves get the right deal for him and if he goes somewhere he fits. he’s not fitting right now. and may never in atlanta. but,….if he cant play for cox, who can he play for ?
braveshater
July 2nd, 2009
1:03 pm
Nolan, your a moron. Anyone who thinks Infante can fill the shoes of Yunel doesnt need to be a Braves fan, because u havent a clue of what it takes to win.
Mike
July 2nd, 2009
1:04 pm
If the Card’s offered anyone, I’d listen to it. I’m not nearly as impressed with Escobar as MB. I don’t see this working out well in the long run for the Braves.
braveshater
July 2nd, 2009
1:04 pm
Hawesg, your a moron to. Who else on the team is hitting over 300 with 2outs and runners in scoring position. it certainly isn’t the overated Mclouth. Get a clue and stop hating.
braveshater
July 2nd, 2009
1:05 pm
Booby Cox is the fucin problem, but we know Whitey doesnt have the pair needed to say that.
nelson
July 2nd, 2009
1:06 pm
chino cadahia SUCKS !!!!!!!!!!
I EXCHANGE TO ESCOBAR AND SOME OTHER PLAYER MINOR LEAGUE TOWARD OAKLAND FOR HOLLIDAY
KELLY JOHNSON , FRANCOEUR CHANGE ALSO
HOLLIDAY RF / MC CLOUTH CF / BLANCO LF/
SS : HERNANDEZ/ 2B PRADO/
The Grinch
July 2nd, 2009
1:07 pm
Keep Escobar. He’s one of the only exciting players on the team, and rocket armed, .300 hitting SS’s don’t grow on trees.
aswingruber
July 2nd, 2009
1:07 pm
Daniel -
This is only Escobar’s second full season. People seem to forget that. I said he will hit 25-30. Maybe 30 is wishful thinking but you’d be crazy not to think he has 25 HR a season potential.
nelson
July 2nd, 2009
1:07 pm
Should ALSO CHANGE TO KOTCHMAN REALLY NEED A FIRST BASE WITH BETTER NUMBERS AND get AWAY BY GOD OF ANDERSON .