The Hot Button: Should the Braves trade Yunel Escobar?

Mac

July 2nd, 2009
10:49 am

Amen. So far, Escobar has not been nearly the prima donna some others are. When his head is where it needs to be he’s very good defensively and offensively. His fire is good if channeled in the right direction. Plus, he’s still a kid, who should mature a bit over time. Keep him.

Hillbilly Deluxe

July 2nd, 2009
10:49 am

Like any other trade, it depends on what you can get for him.

Al Wood

July 2nd, 2009
10:51 am

First!

(it’s an inside joke. he’ll recognize it when he gets here.)

Cletus

July 2nd, 2009
10:56 am

Maybe you are not as dumb as you appeared in the “greatest manager I have ever seen” blog.

Escobar is maybe our best player. He can hit AND field his position well. No one else does that on the Braves. Not even McCann, who is not so good a defensive catcher.

Escobar will be fine. He probably has never been associated with a team that loses this much and is having time adjusting.

If the Braves start winning, he will pay attention. That’s not the ideal situation, but when you only have one MLB-ready player at a position, you gotta take your lumps.

Mac

July 2nd, 2009
10:57 am

Nah, they’d have to throw in Wainwright, too.

I kid.

Jon Hughes

July 2nd, 2009
11:03 am

pujols, wainwright and a player to be named later and i am on board

brewdawg

July 2nd, 2009
11:05 am

I think the most over-rated need on a baseball team is a “good defensive catcher.” We’ve had those (and have one now in David Ross). But what we have in Brian McCann is a rare commodity- a bonafide slugging catcher. I don’t care if he struggles throwing out runners. He calls a good game, stops most would-be wild pitches, and swings a big-time bat. This is not a post directed at anybody, just a though I got reading Cletus’ post.

Tony

July 2nd, 2009
11:09 am

Keeping Escobar is a must. As mentioned in the blog, we have no major league-ready shortstop behind him to fill in. As good as Infante will be when he gets back, he only spot starts and does that well. Having said that, we still need a big bat in the line-up. Prado and Blanco have been recent sparks, but they’re not going to maintain this level all season. I’ve read blogs and articles about maybe trading Javy Vazquez. As much as I like him in a Braves uniform, that might not be a bad move to trade him. His value is higher now than it has ever been. Keep him another three weeks or so to make sure Hudson’s rehab is going well, then ship him off for a big bat. Kris Medlen could fill in the rotation until Hudson’s return.

coach smith

July 2nd, 2009
11:24 am

this thing keeps eating my post

Mitchell

July 2nd, 2009
11:26 am

What is the deal with Yunel Escobar anyway… or more to the point, what is everybody else’s deal with Yunel Escobar?

I don’t care how crazy or injured or non-injured he is, he’s one of the best players on the team. If he hasn’t fully matured in some people’s eyes you can’t say he hasn’t come into his own as a player. Okay, a hitter.

Hell, we need more guys like Yunel on this team. Do the Braves have any idea how boring they are? They are. They were boring even when they were winning. 1995 was the most boring, most anti-climactic World Series I’ve ever witnessed. Martin Prado’s game winning hit on Tuesday and the in-between-hop play he made to end that 1-0 game against Toronto were more exciting than the ‘95 World Series.

Let’s spread the crazy around a little. Lord knows Garret Anderson could use some.

Yunel for President. Oh wait, we already have one.

coach smith

July 2nd, 2009
11:26 am

Mark B,

I could not AGREE MORE

ESCOBAR is a 300+ clutch hitter with a rocket arm, good defense and is likely to develop into a 20-30 HR guy

Those are FEW and FAR between

To trade him you’d have to get an ALL-STAR player AND another “good” player (potential starter)

Derek

July 2nd, 2009
11:27 am

Go ahead and trade him for a Hawpe or Holliday. Start Infante in the SS spot, start Hawpe/Holliday at RF and put Francoeur on the trade block too, get an excellent middle reliever or a 2B with some pop, like Uggla or Kinsler (!!) and assign Soriano to the CL role. BRAVES WIN!! BRAVES WIN!! BRAVES WIN!!

mountain_jim

July 2nd, 2009
11:33 am

How about the skinny on exactly what’s going on right now. Is he hurt, or is he saying he’s hurt because his feelings are, or is he being punished for previous issues? Everybody’s talking around the situation but where’s the reportage of the details?

Dawgdad

July 2nd, 2009
11:34 am

I think the problem may be Chino. I feel confident that Pat Corrales could get Yunels attention. We need Yunel and need to get him focused on getting even better.

Dawgdad

July 2nd, 2009
11:34 am

Enter your comments here

nolan

July 2nd, 2009
11:35 am

Get rid of Escobar NOW!!!! He is a cancer. This is PROFESSIONAL Baseball. Let somebody else baby sit him. Baseball is a team sport. He is not a team guy. Infante can play short and hit just as well as Escobar.

coach smith

July 2nd, 2009
11:39 am

Nolan

Surely you are kidding!

i love INFANTE but he will neve be the player ECOBAR can/is

Gman

July 2nd, 2009
11:40 am

I was excited when the Braves called up Escobar and still like him. He is a good player and a very good situational hitter. Before this year, I honestly hadn’t noticed he was such a problem until this year.

It also seems like there have been inferences from insiders that he has been physically ready to play these last few games but has elected to remain on the bench. Am I misreading the reports or is there a legitimate concern that he has decided to sulk on the bench. If true, then it doesn’t matter if we like him or not, he has effectively quit.

Keeper

July 2nd, 2009
11:42 am

Could be worse – we could be stuck with that aging fossil of a shortstop who everyone was so upset about this winter. Forget his name, something like Furball, Fooker …

Don’t think it’s time to trade Yunel for his youthful indiscretions, but I also wouldn’t be opposed to sending him to Lower South Carolina (aka north Gwinnett) for a few days to rehab. Whether that’s rehabbing the strain in his hip or his cranium.

Adam

July 2nd, 2009
11:43 am

I have been saying it all along — BRING BACK PAT CORRALES!

He can be the Escobar/Bench coach. He can be to Escobar what Terry Robiskie is to Roddy White!

Losers Drive Mini-Vans

July 2nd, 2009
11:46 am

After watching Escobar play 2nd Base (quite poorly) in person at Turner Field over the last week or so, it is now painfully obvious why Castro let him go with little to no resistance.

So what if Escobar can hit?

Bobby Cox can still hit, too.

Right, Mrs. Cox?

Willie Coyote

July 2nd, 2009
11:49 am

He’ll be fine or he won’t; it’s up to him. I don’t think he’s half the problem some are making him out to be but then again, I’m not in the clubhouse. The Braves have to realize that not everyone is going to fit in that reserved (almost indifferent mode) that they are used to. With their history of goodness that never quite got to greatness, that may be a good thing.

webhead

July 2nd, 2009
11:50 am

It’s time for him to go. If the Braves’ future is him, then it’s not very bright. He will become a cancer on this team if not now in the future. Get something good for him now rather than wait when his value is lower.

Mark's been consistent

July 2nd, 2009
11:50 am

If he’s saying that Bobby is one of the great managers of baseball then he’s right to stick to his guns and say its Bobby’s job to right the ship. Its the tough times that show what youre truly made of. To toss a talent like Yunel out of the door because of a few mental lapses is crazy.Especially after seeing the same botched rundowns and overzealous base running when he isnt even in the game. Its not like he outright quit like Manny, which even before that episode the RedSox were willing to put up with Manny being Manny and Yunel doesnt come close to that foolishness. I agree with Mark, its on Bobby to get this right. I dont want to see Yunel go to another club. Thats too much potential to give up on.

Hoof Hearted

July 2nd, 2009
11:51 am

I don’t know where all of this “sulking on the bench” stuff is coming from. I guess those folks didn’t see who was the first person in the Braves’ dugout to jump up, smile, high-five, and hug the replacement short stop Hernandez after he hit his first major league home run last night. Yup, it was Yunel.

Bill

July 2nd, 2009
11:55 am

Keep Esco and Vazquez. Braves have other players that need to be traded. Love Esco’s fire, some of the other players need to get fired up.

f leghorn

July 2nd, 2009
11:56 am

So, his English is not so good? How long is it going to take for him to learn to communicate with the vast majority of his teammates? I’m caught up on players who play here for years, make pretty good money, and never learn English. That goes for golfers, too.

Dawgdad

July 2nd, 2009
12:02 pm

If we can’t get Pat Corrales back, hire Julio Franco to come school Yunel for a few months. If we can hire someone to translate for KK, we can hire someone to preach to Yunel.

wxwax

July 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm

I’m surprised that after all these years coaching players from Latin America, Bobby Cox hasn’t learned to speak Spanish. I wonder why?

Supes

July 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm

Braves should keep Yunel.

Bobby Cox should retire. That would ease the tension in 2010 without Bobby there to pick on Yunel and cottle his “favorites”, like KJ and Jeff.

Yunel is a talanted player who cares about winning and plays with raw emotion, unlike half of our lackadasical “veterans” like LOAF!

Bill

July 2nd, 2009
12:03 pm

Loser mini van, Castro didn’t let him go. Its called defection…he wanted his freedom.

braves70

July 2nd, 2009
12:04 pm

While Escobar has his faults, maybe the real problem lies with Bobby Cox and his inability to handle modern players. This ain’t the 70’s anymore. Times have changed, younger players have changed, but Bobby Cox remains his old stubborn self. Bobby Cox is a dinosaur who has outlived his time.

Floyd

July 2nd, 2009
12:04 pm

Brewdawg, you make a good point. Look through history and the only Hall of Fame catcher known for stellar defense in addition to swinging a great bat is Johnny Bench. Arguably, Fisk…but his offensive numbers were more the product of longevitiy than true greatness at the plate, in my opinion.

All the rest – Piazza, Berra, Gary Carter, Pudge, Munson, just to name a few – they all hit their way to greatness with average defensive skills.

There are a ton of incredible defensive catchers who’ve never been deemed great because their offensive skills were average…Boone, Yeager, Dempsey, Porter, Simmons…it’s a long list.

I’ll take a catcher with average defensive skills who can hit the ball over a great defensive catcher with paltry offensive production any day of the week. At this point in his career, McCann’s numbers are shaping up favorably to some of the best catchers of all-time.

Not missed.

July 2nd, 2009
12:05 pm

Have the Braves really missed Yunel over the last 5 games? His absence hasn’t been noticeable. Let’s not get crazy. The Braves can live without a B+ player. He’s not the 3rd best player, he’s the 4th (McCann, McLouth, and Larry). Let’s not get carried away. It’s not Manny. He’s not worth the headache.

Melvin Burson

July 2nd, 2009
12:07 pm

The Braves should get rid Esobar for one reason he can’t field his position. What ever he give you with his bat he gives away double with his glove. The Braves are built on good pitching on don’t need a glove this shaky in the middle of the defense

Jan

July 2nd, 2009
12:07 pm

Gotta love Escobar…the man has fire and he can PLAY THE GAME. I would rather have 9 Escobar’s on the field than 1 Kelly Johnson. Yea, he’s petulant and lets things bother him. But I’ve also seen him put his hand on his chest and acknowledge that a mistake was his fault. He isn’t looking a father figure and when BC realizes that and lets the man play life will be good. I think the English is an excuse for BC. When the camera sends a dugout shot there are times when Escobar is conversing with teammates. BC wants to micro-manage E. Let the man play, Bobby, he’s one of the few bright spots on this dull, losing team. Maybe Joe Simpson can share some of his wrath about E on someone who truly deserves it—Kelly Johnson, Mr. Ham Hands himself. Just read where KJ wants to help the team anyway he can and cites as a defensive replacement as a qualification. Yikes…the man is delusional. He could help the team by going to AAA and work on fundamentals–for about 4 years.

Sonny Clusters

July 2nd, 2009
12:08 pm

When we was playing ball together we would not like sulking in the dugout like Rudy Estrich did on our team when he got pulled by Coach for not moving a runner over when he got the sign. I was in the locker room changing into my lucky underpants before I came up to bat and Jeff was already in his lucky underpants. He was on deck and I was in the hole and neither one of us would talk to Rudy because Rudy was sulking. That’s exactly what is wrong with the Braves.

Bill

July 2nd, 2009
12:12 pm

Maybe Braves should hire Jose Oquendo as new manager and make Bobby another VP.

Oquendo is fluent in Spanish and English, very smart and sharp guy.

Curtis Jones

July 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm

“the mysterious nature of his hip injury…” Mark, that’s a good point. And I’m disappointed that you and the other AJC writers have not solved that mystery. There have been all sorts of conflicting stories in local and national media, and no one yet has gotten to the bottom of whether Yunel’s hip, or lip have kept him out of the lineup. Love your blogs, but dig a little deeper, do some reporting, and solve this “mystery” once and for all.

Stotts Era

July 2nd, 2009
12:14 pm

trading escobar would definitely be crazy, he is one of our best 3 position players and a definite major league caliber talent. people that don’t like his attitude need a reality check

jimmy

July 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm

send him to a english teacher,schedule weekly sessions with ms manners

Escobar Rocks

July 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm

Thank you!!! I agree with everything you said in this article. One of the reasons that Escobar is my favorite player is that he IS a different breed of Brave. He is isn’t white collar boring like so many of the other players before him. While his antics after he was incorrectly charged with an error were appalling he still is one of the most talented shortstops that the Braves have ever had. Until his problems with the hip injury this year he was just as talented defensively as offensively. For those of you who think that he isn’t very good defensively or is loafing please try to play shortstop in you rec league with a strained hip flexor. You would then understand what he is trying to play through.

When I first read the Olney article I was concerned that the Braves might actually trade Esco…..then I realized who the writer was. It was the same one who said that the Braves were pursuing Brad Penny. ’nuff said.

dantheman

July 2nd, 2009
12:15 pm

You gave me another perspective to think about. Good article, my buddies & I at work were just debating the pros & cons of Escobar, with the negatives in the majority.

SlimG

July 2nd, 2009
12:16 pm

All players respond to playing time. With the NL East as bad as it seems this year, we have time to live with the Escobar and Franceor? problems of recent. Let’s not hit the panic button. Just sit these guys for a few games or more and then see how they like it. Other players giving them a hard time might work wonders with these two ballers. Both in my opinion are good players who can help us in the future. Truth be told, we rushed both because of our lack of talent.

thomas

July 2nd, 2009
12:17 pm

the braves have no other option at shortstop, i see no way that we could trade him. as said above he is one of our best hitters, and the braves need bats. we have won 3 in a row and if we can win 7 or 8 of the next 10 we will be right where we want to. let yunel stick it out and if it really is impossible to work out then we better get one hell of a hitter in return.

Sherman

July 2nd, 2009
12:18 pm

Hell naw!!! We’re always letting go or trading away minority players! This team will not be satisfied until it’s 100% all-american white-bread! You wonder why the African Americans of this city don’t support this team. Because all the black players are let go, never signed or traded away. TAKE THIS STORY DOWN MARK!!!

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 .

NEW CARS

July 2nd, 2009
1:09 pm

why is it that when things get tough, we want to get rid of them…with a guy like frenchie, maybe he needs new technical direction and to get out of his hometown…But I’m not willing to give up on a smooth fielding, 300 hitting shortstop with some power and discipline at the plate and I wouldn’t trade him Andrus either…Now maybe for Ryan Braun

Antonio Gramsci

July 2nd, 2009
1:09 pm

Trade him for a hitter? No. Trade him for one prospect and one QUALITY middle reliever (not a retread, not a guy coming off surgery, not a washout, not a 37-year old)? Yes, yes, absolutely yes.

ALL Righty then

July 2nd, 2009
1:10 pm

Ya know so far this season I have really not seen Chipper go all out either. Maybe we should trade Chipper and Escobar together.

Now on a serious note, now that Cox has decided to play the best player in Prado (and he can flat out hit too) this has caused a spirit in the braves clubhouse and team. Now is the time for the run to the top. Leave Escobar alone.

Mine This Bird

July 2nd, 2009
1:12 pm

I love watching Escobar play and he’s got a fire out there I wish the hometown ham & egger Francouer had. It’s his second full year in the majors anyway. He’s got a passion for the game and that’s great. We needs some guys who are going to shake things up. KEEP HIM.

Kentavo

July 2nd, 2009
1:12 pm

I think the writing is on the wall – the Braves always ditch players that make ruffles – i.e. Spooneybarger, Justice, Rocker and on and on.
Question: who was the Braves starting SS during the ‘95 championship run?
Jeff Blauser and his .211 BA, backed up by Rafael Belliard and his .222 BA.

the braves way sux

July 2nd, 2009
1:13 pm

Why don’t we trade Cox and keep Yunel…

The last 2 games notwithstanding, Cox once again proves why he is over the hill……..

Why did it take so long to bench Kelly….

Why hasn’t he benched Franceour (of course, Jeff has improved the last couple of weeks, could it be he’s over the hump……………..0

The only reason we got rid of Bennett is because HE HIMSELF broke his hand. If he didn’t, Cox would still be trotting him out there every day….

Why does he continue to overuse Moylan, less than a year after TJ surgery…..

Why did he use Soriano in the 9th the other night with the game tied……Who would have pitched the 11th if we didn’t score…….

So many WHY’s, WHY’s WHY’s………..

Stating the Obvious

July 2nd, 2009
1:14 pm

Anybody that says Escobar is a “cancer” is looking at things differently from 99% of all baseball people.

The Braves have built their teams in the past putting a premium on not having “problem childs” and get rid of them when they do. If they didn’t, then how can they keep calling Cox the ultimate “players manager”.

The best line I’ve seen so far is if you had 25 Ozzie Smiths, you wouldn’t need a manager. Well, for quite some time (i.e. – the 90’s) we pretty much had 25 Smith’s. Now we don’t and we don’t have the talent overall to get rid of one of the top players we do have.

Time to manage Bobby – the days of saying “they hit a good pitch” whenever one of your aces grooved a pitch or “their pitcher had some nasty stuff out there” whenever you were facing a rookie for the first time and got held to 4 hits is OVER.

Players managers are great when there isn’t much game time managing to do – unfortunately, those days ended about 4-5 years ago!!!!

francoeuristheman

July 2nd, 2009
1:15 pm

the only other shortstop we should trade him for is hanley ramirez or jeter adn we all know thats not gonna happen so looks like we should keep yunel becasue hes the third best shortstop in the league

pfunkatl2

July 2nd, 2009
1:15 pm

Leave my boy alone…he is EXTREMELY talented, fiery, inspired, and BESIDES, I LOVE his HAIR!

Really?

July 2nd, 2009
1:16 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.

That would be too. Why are you telling other people to stop hating? Look at what you wrote about McLouth. Whose really the moron?

Jeff Blauser doesn’t manage anymore becasue of Escobar. Blauser decided his career as a manager wasn’t worth the headache. Get a clue people. Yunel Escobar isn’t good enough to cause these types of headaches. How have the Braves done without him in the line up?

Rafael Ramirez

July 2nd, 2009
1:18 pm

Frenchy and Kotchman are way bigger problems right now. Seven total homers from your starters at first and right? Combined average in the .250s? Oof. We have got to upgrade offensively at one of those positions if we want to make a run. Play Prado at first when Infante gets back.

Escobar needs a sports psychologist or a friend or something. (Didn’t they get a shrink for Smoltz early in his career?) But, the guy is way too valuable to get rid of.

mike

July 2nd, 2009
1:18 pm

i have never commented here and I dont watch or follow the braves as much as i used to.. but let me give an “outsiders” prospective on the state of braves baseball

1)Hitting is atrocious and has been so for the past few years.. how come this has not been addressed by the GM in the offseason?.. was he just hoping that Francoeur would all of the sudden become great and our other average hitters would as well?

2) I understand Bobby Cox is a legend and a heckuva manager.. but come on now.. we need a change.. a culture change.. very similar to the culture change that smith and dimitroff brought to falcons.. GET Bobby and TP outta there! Players are complacent, clubhouse is stale, etc..

I know I am not as knowledgeable about the Braves as the rest of you.. but its so damn frustrating to see this franchise be so mediocre year after year… I dont see any leaders on this team, anybody to rile up the other guys, any “fire”… what you think MB?

C. Tampa Ironworse

July 2nd, 2009
1:19 pm

I will donate the door for him to float back to Cuba on.

Jfreak

July 2nd, 2009
1:19 pm

Maybe Escobar just dosn’t like Cox! Theres a new idea? The kid has some fire in his belly and I like that. So he has an attitude but he hits! He makes a few errors usually mental not physical but he’s good and you can’t say that about some of the guys on this team right now.

With that said, if you can get a BIG bag in the lineup and you can find a reasonable replacement then you make that move if you care to win this year. We all keep saying th Braves need to make a trade but the other team will want more than Bennett or Frenchy guys! To get something you generally have to give something. Except when it comes to the Pirates, thanks guys!

Braves have shown some signs of playing better overall but they will have to add a bat if they hope to make a playoff run…

Turtsnap

July 2nd, 2009
1:20 pm

While some were upset with losing Renteria, I was stoked about the upside of Escobar. Last year Esco struggled some, but showed flashes of brilliance. This year, same story. The Braves cannot give up on this talent. Like Mark said, Rocker was not worth the trouble, Esco is.

NO MORE BOBBY

July 2nd, 2009
1:22 pm

woodie – Bobby will retire soon anyway.

HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG WE HAVE BEEN WISHING THIS? AINT GONNA HAPPEN!!!

Joe Schmoe

July 2nd, 2009
1:22 pm

You guys are nutz!!!! Trade Escobar??? WTF? That is one of your best consistent hitters, besides McCann.

r martin die hard braves fan

July 2nd, 2009
1:22 pm

this guy may be the problem in the clubhouse i have been talking about. chipper needs to step up and calm him down or kick his a_ _! we dont need the trouble from this guy………

Randy J.

July 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm

DO NOT TRADE ESCO!!

Sidslid

July 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm

These blog articles are addictive (including a photo of the babes in the Anderson picture was a real smackdown to Schulz and his Hossa honey while Jeff is vacationing). I really appreciate the “There is no Plan B” angle on the Escobar dilemma. Since they didn’t really try a shortstop during spring training, it seemed like it was Yunel for this year no matter what, and that is a reasonably sound decision. Now you can bat him sixth for good with Prado in the two slot, and I always thought Escobar’s clutch hitting would do better lower in the lineup.

bigstack19

July 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm

Another great piece from Mark Bradley. Of course the Braves should not trade Escobar unless someone offers a trade package similar to the one the Braves gave Texas for Big Tex. Shortstops who can hit are a rare breed and we need to keep the one we have.

Coach (2010 or Bust)

July 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm

Keep Escobar, trade Bobby Cox for a manager who can manage a nine inning baseball game

rj

July 2nd, 2009
1:24 pm

Don’t trade Escobar. He is an agressive slick fielding and hard hitting middle infielder with a rocket arm who loves to win. We need to focus on getting Prado in the line up every day and unfortunately that means good bye Kelly johnson. Come on BC, it is time to give up on Kelly and play Prado everyday. The team has problems but it is in the outfield

Derek

July 2nd, 2009
1:24 pm

Infante is batting .349, is as good or better in the leadoff spot, and has only 2 errors in 30 games this year (0 at SS). Only K’ed 7 times in 86 ABs, and has a .389 OBP. (Yunel is batting .293 with a .349 OBP with 29 K’s in 319 AB’s and 11 E’s in 62 games.)

Infante is an adequate stand in for Escobar, and in the field, he may not have the same arm, but he has the better glove. If you are able to deal Escobar RIGHT NOW to a team for a player that will add some offensive pop to Atlanta’s small ball lineup, it would be in our best interest to do so. You may even be able to package one of our starting pitchers (since we have 7 that are rotation worthy when Hudson gets back in August) with Yunel and get a true stud to carry our lineup.

Im not going to even go into his attitude problems. None of that is relevant. What we do need to address is the fact that we have had zero power numbers since dealing Teixiera.

So deal him while the value is HIGH!

Coach (2010 or Bust)

July 2nd, 2009
1:26 pm

Escobar is the reason we were able to include Elvis Andrus in the Teixeira trade. To blame the player is to blame management.

kirkinga

July 2nd, 2009
1:27 pm

Only in Atlanta is a player said to be a “problem” because he has an attitude and is headstrong. In 2009 is it really worth mentioning that the guy has frosted-tips? Maybe I’m missing something, but I fail to see the shock value in that.

I’ll say it this again. Escobar has had no off-field incidents, hasn’t been involved in drug or alcohol incidents, hasn’t driven drunk, hasn’t driven drunk and killed another person, hasn’t abused animals, hasn’t mouthed off to the media (there is Spanish speaking media around) and embarrassed the team and city, hasn’t cheated on his wife with a Hooters waitress and knocked her up, he hasn’t had any incidents with fans, and he hasn’t beat his wife.

So I ask again, what is it that makes him a problem? I would say nothing unless one cannot handle cultural and ethnic differences. He will never be a hunting and fishing country music loving kind of guy and that should be ok.

There is already a perception(like it or not, true or not) that the Braves have problems with African-Americans players, I’d hate for that perception to extend to Latino players as well because that would be a very big problem.

If the Braves want to win, they must be able to handle a Yunel Escobar.

Stating the Obvious

July 2nd, 2009
1:27 pm

Over an hour and 75 posts since we heard from Mark – must have spilled more liquid on his laptop.

Lew

July 2nd, 2009
1:27 pm

Mark-One of your best. I’d like to see Yunel stay right here in Atlanta, but someone needs to put a foot up hus behind -or something to snap him out of his attitudinal maelstrom. The histrionics are getting a bit old.

18 Wheels of Love

July 2nd, 2009
1:28 pm

Kentavo,

Who was the first baseman and OF’ers in ‘95? That’s why we could afford to have Blauser/Belliard at SS.

Daniel

July 2nd, 2009
1:29 pm

Derek- thanks for making sense. People don’t seem to get the idea that Escobar is tradable, BECAUSE HE IS VALUABLE!!!! If we could trade Francouer and Johnson for a big bat it would have already been done. But, why would another team want the players that we don’t want? Esco has value, and we need another type of player and hitter.

Patricia Templeton

July 2nd, 2009
1:29 pm

Absolutely keep Escobar. I’d rather have his temper and passion than the indifference of Kelly Johnson and others too numerous to list. He is an exciting, gifted player. However, he should at least learn enough English to converse about baseball. Come on, he’s been here at least three years. I lived in a foreign country for three years and I learned the language. He should, too.

KennyP

July 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm

Good write, Mark, and great timing. I dont believe Escobar will last and i dont think he should. He is a great player, just not a Brave. We need an outfielder, but I dont want Manny or Bonds. Escobar is a “me first” player, and that is not what being a Brave is all about, it never has been. If we had any kind of SS, or if Infante wasn’t hurt, he wouldnt be on our team now.

Frankie Knuckles

July 2nd, 2009
1:31 pm

I really enjoy watching Escobar play. But he can be a douche.

Tim-mah!

July 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm

Whatever. Trading him would be stupid.

McFann ;Ô;

July 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm

VOTE McCANN 2009 ALL-STAR!!!!

Nate McLouth

July 2nd, 2009
1:34 pm

Isn’t this blown way out of proportion.

Yes I have seen some silly plays but Chipper Jones has more Errors that Escobar. Is it b/c he pointed to the scoreboard after he received a questionable error? It that is true where was tho outrage when Francoeur “pouted” about going to the minors last yr and never made to proper adjustments to his game. There is such a double standard on the team that needs to be addressed. Where is the outcry from management about Garrett “LOAF” Anderson and his lackadaisical play in the outfield. Why isn’t he benched or called out.

I like Bobby Cox (not as a late game strategist) as a manager and his ability to keep the clubhouse together but this is hypocrisy. Don’t call out one and not the other.

Also if Escobar is hurt than this is even more unfair. Escobar may think to himself “Why risk further injury for a manager that is unfair.”

Trading Escobar would be a knee jerk reaction and a bad one at that.

letsgetrich

July 2nd, 2009
1:34 pm

Has Esco ever been thrown out of a game? ( a la Chipper, Bobby, etc)
Has he had run ins with the law? (a la Furcal who the Braves tried to get back, others)
Has he talked smack to other teammates or physical altercations with managers? ( a la Smoltz and Chipper and every pitcher from the Houston Astros)

Joe Schmoe

July 2nd, 2009
1:36 pm

All a trade for Escobar would do is bring in another bat… which does nothing for the team. I do agree with kirkinga that there seems some cultural biased in this discussion, but that is just my opinion. He brings more fire to the team than I can remember of any recent player in memory. I guess for lazy ole Atlanta fans thats wrong.

Rafael Ramirez

July 2nd, 2009
1:39 pm

“So I ask again, what is it that makes him a problem? I would say nothing unless one cannot handle cultural and ethnic differences. He will never be a hunting and fishing country music loving kind of guy and that should be ok.”

Have you watched the Braves in the last couple of months? The problem is that Yunel has made unnecessary, absent-minded errors that have cost runs in critical games, hasn’t run out ground balls, and generally appears to have his head up his butt. Last year, he was the one taking advantage of the other team’s miscues. This year, he’s the one making the miscues. Any attempt to make this racial or cultural is lame, lame, lame.

Escobar undoubtedly has mental focus issues to address this year. Here’s to hoping he does.

Angel

July 2nd, 2009
1:40 pm

Since the Bravos like to trade with the Rangers quite often, wonder what is taking so long for a trade for Nelson Cruz or Chris Davis. One of them will go to the bench when Hamilton returns after the break. They are young, cheap (salary wise), home run/RBI machines and will not be a liability defensively. By the way, the Rangers need a couple of middle relievers (maybe a closer the way Francisco is pitching after the injury) to keep up with the Angels. By the way, would love to see Oquendo in a Braves uniform. He will definitely bring the energy and change the Braves need…

fieldofdreams

July 2nd, 2009
1:40 pm

Without question, Ancient Greece was the greatest civilization in human history. The Greeks made incredible, quantum leaps forward in math, medicine, politics and lots of other cool stuff. Their “mystery” religions, along with the philosophies of Plate, Aristotle, and Socrates, laid the foundation for Christianity. And the Olympic games are the greatest display of international harmony in the modern world. What made the Greeks so freekin’ great? Two things: A common religion, and a COMMON LANGUAGE. If Mr. Escobar doesn’t see fit to learn English, there’s no way he can partake of our quantum leap, from fourth place, to first. There are plenty of reliable English speaking shortstops who would love to wear the Tomahawk. Let’s swap Escobar for one of them.

JF McNamara

July 2nd, 2009
1:41 pm

No, you need a character like this on the team. It’s a long, long season. A guy whose a little aloof and grates nerves sometimes helps break the grind and keeps the emotion up.

Once all those type of guys were run out of town (Sheffield, Lofton, Justice), we started losing. You need a little internal conflict to not get complacent.

Space Monkey

July 2nd, 2009
1:41 pm

Word is this defecting lefty Chapman is just as much a crybaby.

From ESPN:

There also might be a question of Chapman’s maturity level. Several times at the WBC, Chapman was demonstrative in his displeasure at the umpire’s strike zone. At times, several of his teammates had to go to the mound to calm him.

And when he was finally removed in the third inning of a 6-0 loss against Japan in pool play, Chapman did not look at manager Higinio Velez, running straight into the clubhouse without slapping hands with any of his teammates.

Why are these latest Cuban players such A-Holes?

Blackberry Cobbler

July 2nd, 2009
1:44 pm

I don’t like players whose attitude doesn’t match their skills. Escobar has the attitude much bigger than his skill set. If Esco can be packaged with other players to bring us another good defensive short-stop plus a bat in the outfield or first base, I’d say go for it.

KennyP

July 2nd, 2009
1:45 pm

Rafael Ramirez 1:39 post says it all. His problem is not in the scorebooks (not that he is doing well on real errors either) but it is what they call in Little League as “mental errors”. To even talk about the race thing is just stupid.

Joe Schmoe

July 2nd, 2009
1:45 pm

See what I mean, about the people saying about speaking english. Look, I dont care if he can only speak Martian, he fields and bats well, which we know a great many of our other players dont!

Billy Bob

July 2nd, 2009
1:46 pm

When I think of Yunel Escobar, I’m reminded of another physically talented but mentally immature athlete – (Me)Angelo Hall.

Trade him. Tip of the iceberg stuff here.

Craig

July 2nd, 2009
1:46 pm

Hey Mark, I don’t like the way your hair looks either, but I’m an adult and I tend to judge people on their ability and performance, not their looks. I don’t care for you cause I don’t like your writing.

Base

July 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm

Corporate baseball says he is the best for the money.He won’t be traded.

rhynster

July 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm

Excobar isn’t the problem.

The problem is at 1B.

1B is a hitter’s position.

Hell, Kotchmann’s numbers aren’t even good for a middle infielder!!!

Lucas

July 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm

After being benched for several days, he got an AB over the weekend against the RedSox and popped up the first pitch he saw.

Last night, he finally got another AB, and hit a lazy grounder to short and didnt bother to run it out.

One would think that after being benched for a AAAA player for a week or so, the message would have been clear. Apparently its not.

That said, when Hernandez hit his first homer the other night, no one on the bench looked happier for him.

Hes got the talent, but a nickel head. I’ll take a guy with lesser tools, and his head in the game all day long over a 5 tool guy who cant think his way out of a paper bag.

Ed

July 2nd, 2009
1:47 pm

Please do not listen to Tony. DO NOT TRADE VAZQUEZ. Our BEST pitcher.

Bob Horner

July 2nd, 2009
1:48 pm

To the clown who said “trade Vazquez”: Have you forgotten how nice it is to have a pitcher that can get the big strikeout when he needs it? Other than Smoltz, the vast majority of Braves pitchers have been ground-ballers. Sometimes you need a guy who can get the out without contact. We have Javy (finally), he’s arguably our best pitcher, and he’s BETTER THAN TIM HUDSON.

If the Braves trade him, it’s a mistake.

Skeezix

July 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm

I agree Yunel has great skills and the potential to get even better. I hope this gets worked out soon. Bobby has great people management skills and will give him every chance; but there has to be a line or point where the attitude must improve. After all, the team must come first and you can’t have one guy getting special treatment for long before othe players start complaining and then Cox will have a real mess. Mostly I wish they hadn’t traded Elvis–losing him was another blunder (if memory is correct, I believe JS gets the blame for the deal that brought Tex to ATL).

coach k

July 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm

Hell no. he has all the tools, same ole easy way out maybe a new start will help. It’s management job to fix his head, I say fire Bobby and Terry and lets see if that helps. For 13 yrs we have shipped an all star team to every franchise, just maybe the problem is on the bench and its not escobar

Colin

July 2nd, 2009
1:52 pm

i was reading someones comment on another site, and they brought up a nice suggestion…Juan Pierre for Yunel and and a prospect…i like it but we don’t have a SS, but maybe we could find a quick fix. We fix our stealing problem, good dependable corner outfielder.

LSU

July 2nd, 2009
1:53 pm

The Braves as a team don’t hit very well, so there’s talk of trading one of the few guys on the team that can hit, just because he didn’t read the how to be a Brave book titled “This is how you must act & look”

Keep Yunel, and props to Mark Bradley….Nice blog.

Atticus

July 2nd, 2009
1:53 pm

KEEP ESCOBAR. The dude can RAKE! Yes he makes some bonehead plays but you can believe he makes up for it SO much more because of his range and his hitting.

Atticus

July 2nd, 2009
1:54 pm

Mark, Yunel has been here for years, KK just got here….come on!

Supes

July 2nd, 2009
1:56 pm

Why is Escobar being SCAPEGOATED for the failure of the Braves POOR FUNDAMENTALS?

Is he the only one “loafing”? Hell no!

Anderson has done it more than once (hence the nickname LOAF), Jeff just did it on the ball that KJ knocked down against Boston, Jeff casually strolled to the ball and took for granted that a catcher was running and he wouldn’t go for 2base, and HE WAS WRONG. He started to run fast but by then Jason V. made it to 2nd base. Did Jeff get benched? NO! How many times has JEFF had TERRIBLE at bats in critical games with men on base and either struck out, or grounded out without even driving in an RBI?

KJ had the rundown error against Boston, he’s had several bone headed errors at 2B, plus he’s been terrible at the dish. Does he get benched for NOT knowning how to execute a rundown? NO!

Why?

Because KJ and Jeff are “Bobby Cox’s boys”. Yunel isn’t. He doesn’t speak english, he’s passionate and he cares and plays with raw emotion. Everything that Bobby Cox isn’t! Yunel isn’t a “oh shucks, we’ll get them tomorrow type guy”. He hasn’t comformed to Bobby Cox’s lackadasical ways of playing the game.

Yunel is the best hitter with RISP this year. He is arguably our 2nd or 3rd best YOUNG player on the team and under team control salary wise for the next 4 years. Yet people wanna run him out of town.

These are the people that 1. DO NOT watch much Braves baseball 2. Think Bobby Cox is the greatest thing to happen to the Braves since moving to ATL. 3. Have an overall LOW baseball IQ.

When you have a young, future ALL STAR type SS you DO NOT trade him unless absolutely necessary. Instead of “scapegoating and isolating” Yunel, maybe the Braves “management” should reach out to him and embrace him! Ever thought of that?

Horner's Corner

July 2nd, 2009
1:57 pm

The Atlanta Braves won’t be satisfied until they once again have the look and feel of the Atlanta Crackers.

Escobar Rocks

July 2nd, 2009
1:58 pm

Lucas, Escobar has NOT been benched. He has an injury. Look up strained hip flexor and just imagine how hard it would be to play shortstop with this type of injury.

Grant

July 2nd, 2009
1:59 pm

DO NOT TRADE YUNEL! He actually adds some firey excitement to the Braves. Watching Cox get thrown out gets old afterwhile. We need excitement on the team…not sleepy players.

Reality

July 2nd, 2009
2:01 pm

My opinion – Yunel is another of the countless examples of a tremendous athletic talent with a two-cent head on his shoulders. How in the world do you have a groundball hit your way in the majors when you’re NOT PAYING ATTENTION???? He’s a total headcase who has made it this far because of his unbelievable natural talent. He will continue to frustrate himself, his coaches, his teammates, and his hometown fans wherever he is because he’ll never live up to his potential (see Andruw Jones). Get rid of him now while his stock is high. He’s a talent, but not a winner, and he certainly doesn’t inspire others through his leadership or his effort. The Braves have had a real hard time without him the past couple of nights against the division leaders, haven’t they?

MasterQ

July 2nd, 2009
2:01 pm

I think someone like Jerry Manuel (born Hahira, GA) might could handle Excobar. He’s doing real good with the Havana, I mean, Mexico City, I mean the New York Mets.

I’m only funnin’. Jerry’s toast in NY. Too much spanglish being spoken on the spMets. Poor communication.

coach k

July 2nd, 2009
2:01 pm

Torre seems to be able to handle the head cases, why can’t Bobby. Tired of looking at players as scapegoats, hey LSU has it, throw that riduculous Brave manual away and get me someone on the bench that can instill some agressiveness not wait and see what happens and hope your pitcher throws a no hitter, and since I am from New Orleans congrats those LSU Tigers on the National Championship, maybe our coaching staff should have watch any any game in the Series , its fun to watch baseball how it was meant to be.

Legend of Len Barker

July 2nd, 2009
2:01 pm

In the Boston series, there was a pop up that fell between he and Chipper. Yunel got all of the blame; Chipper got none. Jones deserved at least some it as a) the ball was closer to him and b) as the veteran, he has to call that one.

He’s been chastised because of his errors, yet Chipper has made more. Escobar’s are dumber at times, but his overall baseball acumen may be the best on the team. Prado may have him beat, but I don’t think anyone else does.

As much as I love Joe Simpson as an announcer, I think there has been a time or two where he had (purposefully or not) looked to find a fault with Yunel. The vulgarity directed as the official scorer in particular. Escobar didn’t exactly pull a Milton Bradley and go personally talk to the scorer. He wasn’t happy and he cursed. There aren’t many of us haven’t done that.

I think Escobar felt a bit betrayed when they traded away Brayan Pena last year. They had been friends for years and Escobar felt the brunt of it in Cuba because Pena defected first. I wonder if there was more to the story than just simply trading him away.

Is it any wonder that as Cox has gotten older, the Braves have, too?

KennyP

July 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm

supes – good talk about KJ. He has been benched and would possibly be traded if he was batting .300. One of Bobby’s boys – a white guy benched for a Venezuelan. Escobar makes those same kind of mistakes, only he holds trade value – ship him while his value is high.

Horner's Corner

July 2nd, 2009
2:02 pm

Lucas, that’s why you’ll never be a GM. Your whole “Just give me a team of guys with heart and no talent” is pure Disney crap. I think you’ve watched Rudy too many times.

Skeezix

July 2nd, 2009
2:03 pm

TRADE VASQUEZ?! TRADE VAZQUEZ?! Hope Tony’s wrong and Wrongway Wren isn’t considering trading Vazquez. I mean are you kidding? Now my blood pressure is going up…..gotta go take a heart pill.

Rick S

July 2nd, 2009
2:03 pm

I do not believe Escobar is happy in Atlanta and as soon as his current contract is complete he will pursue other teams for the “big bucks”, so I say trade him and Franceour for a good left fielder and right fielder and let’s improve the outfield on defense and offense!

jay

July 2nd, 2009
2:03 pm

I don’t get the trade talk on Escobar. It’s almost as though someone in the front office (or media? Mr. Bradley, is that you?) is trying to set him up. And, it’s not Cox’s nature to take his problems with players to the media. Everything I have heard Bobby say publicly indicates that Yunel’s failure to play is the hip. I think Bobby sent his message with the benching after the scoring incident, and now, some lame media sources (Olney, for chrissakes!) are trying to create something, and our redneck fanbase sees an opportunity to bash a guy who doesn’t look like them. These people are still cheering KJ and saying how great Frenchy is when he goes 1 for 4.

Somehow, I don’t see Yunel as a destructive clubhouse force, I think he’s destructive to himself, and that’s what Bobby is trying to teach – that you can not let things like scoring impact your play.

MB – diff subject – has anyone done a study of current hitters stats from the “steroid” period and compared them to the last coupld of years, since MLB’s gotten a lot tougher on drug testing? Be interesting to see who’s performance is off the most, wouldn’t it? I admit – I’m too lazy to look myself.

Pepe Frias

July 2nd, 2009
2:04 pm

If he goes, I will gladly come back. Gracias.

Larvelle Blanks

July 2nd, 2009
2:06 pm

At our age, Pepe, we’d better platoon.

Rafael Ramirez

July 2nd, 2009
2:07 pm

“Because KJ and Jeff are ‘Bobby Cox’s boys’.”

Dude, they sent Frenchy to the minors last year, and KJ just got benched. Yeah, but they’re untouchable. Great argument.

edward

July 2nd, 2009
2:07 pm

Temper and passion are great. But immaturity is another thing. 26 is not a kid anymore. Time to grow up and handle things like a man. He makes money doing something everyone would love to do and he throws a tantrum in the middle of the field cause he didn’t think he should have gotten an “E”??? Keep your head in the game and be a professional.
The fact that he keeps missing days is pretty telling. If you manage your way into Bobby’s doghouse you must be pretty hard-headed. If he has a tear in his hip why isn’t he on the DL?? Sounds like BS. The Johnson benching was a good move and I think so is the Escobar benching. Sounds like a pissing contest between him and Bobby and history shows Bobby wins.
If he thinks he deserves the job he better think again. He got it becasue Infante got hurt. He was a bench player for a reason. Well, he is now showing the reason

John Tucker

July 2nd, 2009
2:08 pm

trqade Escobar to the Whitesox for Gordon Bechham who can play shrtstop.

WIn-win trade, as Ozzie Guillen is a manager who speaks Spanish and can communicate with Escobar; and the braves get the best hitter (not just the best hitting shortstop) to come out the college ranks last year.

or, trade him to the Cards for Khalil Green whose conficence will quickly be rebuilt by Bobby Cox’s Grandfather style.

Or. trade Escobar to the Padres along with Kelly Jphnson, Casey Kotchman and Jeff Francouer for Adrian Gonzalez and whatever middle infielders we can get. Clears the Braves rosrter of a lot of underachievers and brings the Braves the best hitting firstbaseman in the league behind Pujois.

omar Infante will be back in a few weeks to man shortstop, if we can’t get better help from the Padres..

bravesfan

July 2nd, 2009
2:10 pm

Escobar is no Manny Ramirez. Manny was worth the headache because you know you are getting hall of fame numbers out of him. Escobar doesn’t produce like Manny yet thinks he is a superstar. He doesn’t hustle, he pouts, and he doesn’t get along with the coaches or players. The guy is a me first player who by the way isn’t that young anymore.

If you need to find out more about Escobar and his transgressions on the field go to Sportscrack.com and type in Yunel Escobar in the search function. There you will find out plenty about Escobar including video footage of his pouting.

jay

July 2nd, 2009
2:10 pm

Len – I don’t know what happened on the pop-up, but it’s not Chipper’s because he’s the veteran. It’s Yunel’s because he’s the shortstop. Everything else you said, though, right on target.

As for Pena, look, he was going nowhere as a Brave, and isn’t going anywhere as a Royal, either. That’s just business, and I hope Yunel understands that. If he doesn’t, he just has to man up.

Horner's Corner

July 2nd, 2009
2:10 pm

Reality- Is this the way of Jesus? Do we turn our back on our brother or do we offer him a hand?

And if the Braves quit on Escobar, aren’t they just quitters? And who wants to watch a bunch of quitters?

Paul Lentz

July 2nd, 2009
2:12 pm

Escobar is not going anywhere…that is if Frank Wren is the GM that I feel he is. Bottom line, I could care less if Escobar is moody or not. When dude is on the field, he makes plays and drives the ball in clutch situations. Sure, it gets annoying to see him muff an easy play or commit a base running blunder at times. However, he’s a work in progress. I can “tolerate” his errors (both mental and physical) because he more than makes up for it with his overall play.

When Escobar is healthy, he’ll play. I’m not one to say that a player is “dogging” it because there is “speculation” in the media that he doesnt want to play while hurt. Escobar wants to get paid. He still has one more year before he is eligible for salary arbitration. It would not make sense for him to “dogg it”. If he had a big contract, then maybe. However, I just dont buy it. Dude is hurt and wants to heal his hip before going back out there.

Escobar has a pretty violent swing. I’m sure that his hip being hurt affects his swing. Some of you might want to use a little common sense before ripping Escobar to the point where you want to trade him.

Legend of Len Barker

July 2nd, 2009
2:14 pm

Rafael Ramirez:

Frenchy went down for about three days. Though he was called back up because of someone else being injured, Frenchy learned **nothing**. His stint wasn’t long to enough to punish him. We could have easily promoted someone else to fill the void and give the message that we’re serious about him improving. We didn’t.

I don’t see Kelly being as much Cox’s boy as Chipper is. Chipper is never blamed for anything, is not nearly as good defensively as he used to be, has just as many bad at-bats as everyone else, and half the time, some mysterious malady befalls him for a week at the time. His toe, his finger, etc. Chipper wants to you know when he’s “gutting” it out.

bravesfanforever

July 2nd, 2009
2:14 pm

How about Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, and another player (preferably a slugging outfielder) for Escobar, Johnson, and Vasquez. Texas has never had any pitching so it may be a good deal for them. Only issue is that Kinsler is hitting .199 on the road. Hope that doesn’t translate into “can’t hit outside of the friendly confines in Arlington”. He had a lot more homers away from Arlington in 2008 so maybe he can hit elsewhere.

It would be good for the Braves because they get Andrus back and they get a ton of hitting–depending on who that outfielder is. They also save a lot of money.

Just noticed that Kinsler has a really good contract for the club… Oooooooo… Well, Texas may never trade him but they have made some pretty dumb moves over the years so who knows?

Horner's Corner

July 2nd, 2009
2:16 pm

Poor Escobar, he just doesn’t know how to play the white, i mean right way.

Diamond Dawg

July 2nd, 2009
2:17 pm

I would get rid of Anderson first! I’m tired of watching im loaf all around the outfield. Can’t cut off balls in gap, can’t throw, and cant hit either. Play Matt Diaz everyday and give up Anderson. As for Escobar, he’s a pro and should know how to conduct himself on the field. Making errors is one thing, but being a “baby” is something else. He’s not that great of a hitter either. Wonder who the hell ya’ll be watching. Slow bat!

Reality

July 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm

“The way of Jesus?” I’m not sure the axiom of WWJD applies to managing a baseball team. I don’t think Jesus would tolerate charging $5.50 for a hot dog either, but you didn’t ask. Totally bizarre question, but funny.

RHR

July 2nd, 2009
2:19 pm

In today’s world of Manny being Manny, Milton Bradley being Milton Bradley, Elijah Dukes having a traveling bouncer to keep him in line, Phillies relievers punching out fans and players going to the DL for “social anxiety” aka “I suck right now” the Yunel Escobar “situation” is very minor, IMO.

Unless it gets to the level mentioned above the Braves would be incredibly stupid to trade away such a talented and CHEAP player. Furthermore, I think the media needs to back off this story so the fans will shut up about it. I hope this isn’t the new Francoeur story.

warning track

July 2nd, 2009
2:21 pm

Did someone just say Yunel Escobar has “good defense”…?

Did you watch him play AT ALL last month? More errors than you can count!!

Beavis Braves

July 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm

As of today, Yunel has 11 errors at SS, third most in the Big Leagues. As a season ticket holder, I keep I keen eye out for many things, to include each player’s alertness on the field. In my opinion, Yunel seems to “daydreaming” at times when on defense. The guy can hit though. He just needs a reminder from Cox to keep his head in the game at all times. No doubt that if he does that, Yunel can easily become one of the top 3 at the SS position in the Big Leagues.

stamper

July 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm

can we trade Anderson, Johnson, Francoeur for GOOD draft beer? That’s what Turner Field is REALLY missing.

Lucas

July 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm

Escobar Rocks: He’s been benched. the injury lets him save face.

Geo

July 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm

Keep him!
1.) Offensively – Yunel is one of our bigger bats. Diory needs to develop further as a batter.
2.) Defensively, Diory may be able to edge him out.
3.) Maturity, Still needs to play out but Diory being a quiet player thus far is better then Yunel’s tomfoolery.
Edge goes to Yunel – He is still young and maturing and his BIG bat is what we need right now.

Nativebird

July 2nd, 2009
2:24 pm

heck No don’t trade this guy, he’s one of the last true homegrown players we have out of our farm that can truly hit!
When focused, he’s a heck of a SS too; cannon for an arm. “Hey here’s idea….lets COACH the young lad, yes, I believe I’ve read that somewhere. I believe as Managers and Coaches in the Atlanta Braves organization, it is incombent among us to make Major League ball players out of the young men that are entrusted to our care. Yes, it’s all coming back to me know.”
– Col. Nathan R. Jessup, United States Marine Corps. edited.

Escofan

July 2nd, 2009
2:24 pm

Short of trading Escobar for a bona fide All-Star who can hit AND play shortstop, getting rid of him because he’s not as boring as most of the Braves are would be nuts. The team has enough Kelly Johnsons and Jeff Francoeurs to satisfy the All-American boy quota as well as occupy full-time spots on the All-Suck team. Maybe his lack of English skills may be making positive communications more difficult, but the guy has emotion, fire and a butt-load of talent – something the Braves as presently constituted are sorely lacking. Maybe he’s as tired of being lectured by Bobby Cox as he says he is tired of speaking with Escobar time and time again. Moreover, I have yet to read about anybody from the AJC actually sitting down with the guy to see what his story is rather than just getting the usual speculation and company line. Baseball history is replete with outstanding players who weren’t consummate clubhouse guys or somebody to bring home to meet the parents, but did the job on the field. The guy is a player, just leave him alone and let him do his thing.

Lucas

July 2nd, 2009
2:25 pm

and to be clear, I DONT think that escobar’s absentmindedness is something thats incurable. Im just stunned to see how lacksadasical his baserunning was the other night after sitting for a week… The season is a long grind, its gotta be incredibly hard to be 100% focus for all 9 innings of 162 games. I dont think Escobar should be traded, he just needs to wake up and get his head out of his arse.

Atticus

July 2nd, 2009
2:26 pm

I told you, I am here to keep you honest

Tomahawk Ale

July 2nd, 2009
2:26 pm

Beavis Braves and stamper: classy guys that actually pay attention to baseball!!

Are you listening, Bobby Cox (and Turner Field concessions staff)??

MasterQ

July 2nd, 2009
2:27 pm

Jerry Manuel had the same problem with Jose Reyes when he took over the NY spMets from Randolph. Little different situation because Reyes was being taken out as a precaution to injury and he complained. Excobar complained about the scorer because he’s a second rate defensive infielder.

HERE’S THE ARTICLE ABOUT JERRY MANUEL AND JOSE REYES.

Excobar’s just an immature punk. Reyes, for all his complaining, just wanted to play.

Different players. Trade Excobar.

Braves326

July 2nd, 2009
2:28 pm

Listen to trade offers, but I hope the Braves don’t complete anymore trades this season.
Personally, I prefer Yunel at SS instead of Diory, but they’ve both been good.
We just need everyone to get healthy. Let’s hope the Braves can make a nice move in the division race before the break.

Herschel Talker

July 2nd, 2009
2:32 pm

Mark: In light of your column a weekd or so ago about Cox not being the right manager for this team, isn’t this a perfect example? Escobar needs a manager who will kick him in the a$$ and not coddle him. Even though Cox pulled him a few weeks ago, it may have been too little too late (and Cox doesn’t get credit for Yunel not playing on Tuesday; Yunel pulled himself out of the lineup on Tuesday, not Cox). Once a guy like this gets far along in his attitude, it’s hard to reverse it.

wayn-o

July 2nd, 2009
2:32 pm

Kawakami doesn’t speak english. but that didn’t stop them from getting someone who can speak Japanese. Language barrier is not a reason to trade someone. MB had it right, he’s not Rocker. Maybe Cox should stop whining. “ugh… Frank (wren) you need to get rid of Yunel, he just doesn’t listen to me” said Cox in a 14 year old girls pouty voice.

kirkinga

July 2nd, 2009
2:33 pm

The problem is that Yunel has made unnecessary, absent-minded errors that have cost runs in critical games, hasn’t run out ground balls, and generally appears to have his head up his butt.

Rafael Ramirez, I think it is you who has not been watching. Fair minded people do not excuse Escobar’s mistakes, but they also don’t hold him to a different standard than any other player.

The fact that you are only able to see Escobar’s errors and absent-minded play I think speaks to there being more than a little cultural and ethnic bias going on. I’m even more convinced of this reading all these comments about his language barriers. To say that only Escobar has cost the Braves runs and games is so false it hard to believe any right thinking person would suggest such a thing.

I bet he speaks and/or understands English much better than he let’s on. Many people who aren’t native English speakers understand that there are certain advantages to pretending you have more difficulty with the language than is actually the case.

It allows them to learn the language at their own pace because people don’t engage them as often. They are also able to observe and learn about people. When people don’t think you speak their language, they can and will say things they might not say if they knew you could understand them. Those they trust they let know of their secret and will engage them. Those they don’t trust, or have heard say things that are disrespectful, they keep pretending not to speak the language.

DawgDad

July 2nd, 2009
2:34 pm

He’s a keeper, at least for now. Despite the events of the past week, Escobar is NOT the problem with the Braves. Trade him, you need to be able to fix the position he vacates AND fix another position in return. I’m not convinced Hernandez is ready to step in, and Infante and Prado are not everyday SS material.

Escobar is still a very raw talent. He makes mental errors in the field and on the bases. He’s also a highlight-reel defensive shortstop, consistent quality productive hitter, and a spakplug of energy. Two more Escobars for LF/RF and we’re raising another Division flag.

I like the Braves chances moving forward because of their pitching and overall defense, if they get and stay healthy. Infante coming back might effectively add a bat, McLouth provides speed and power in CF, Prado adds spark at 2B and offers postive options for the 2-hole. Who knows? Maybe Johnson gets hot, too. The team is still short on power overall but it should in the race to the end as presently constituted.

AndyC

July 2nd, 2009
2:34 pm

Mark

Way to go bringing up the Tex trade for 1,432nd time. You guys at the AJC have that ready to go anytime you need to stir up trouble.

KennyP

July 2nd, 2009
2:35 pm

How about this for an article, Mark – I am not positive about this, but if we trade GAnderson, I dont think we will have a black person on our team. Seeing how many in here are pulling the race card out on trading a Hispanic player, what do you think the repercussions would be on that?

Phil

July 2nd, 2009
2:39 pm

woodie,
Moron Cox has said recently he feels good and his mind is sharp as ever. Doesn’t sound like he’s going to retire anytime soon. Wishful thinking on your part. We’re stuck with this clown for several more years I’m afraid.

Reality

July 2nd, 2009
2:40 pm

Yes, kirkinga – I’m sure you’re right. Yunel doesn’t run out groundballs or pay attention when he’s in the field and curses (in English) at the official scorekeeper because he DOES speak English and he knows that all the English-speakers are actually out to get him. The logic is so clear. Thank you for the enlightenment. I’m dizzy from the contradictions and need to go lay down now. Yikes.

Tom

July 2nd, 2009
2:40 pm

He is mentally lazy .Get rid of him

JD

July 2nd, 2009
2:41 pm

Why is it that every time I try to vote on one of your questions you tell me that I have already voted, when I have’t?

JD

July 2nd, 2009
2:42 pm

Enter your comments here

John

July 2nd, 2009
2:42 pm

What to do with Escobar? Put him in the lineup! (if he is healthy of course.)

Andy

July 2nd, 2009
2:43 pm

There ain’t a player on the roster right now who’s capable of hitting 25 hrs and/or knocking in 100, except maybe McClouth. That’s sad. I’d trade Yunel in a heartbeat for anybody with a pulse…that can hit for power and knock in 100. There are a few guys like that available. We can live without Yunel. Heck, we’ve made it this far with Johnson and Schafer combining for 400 at bats and hitting .210 collectively. We can live with Hernandez or somebody else filling that position.

Reality

July 2nd, 2009
2:45 pm

Thank you, Andy. Well-said.

The Dude

July 2nd, 2009
2:45 pm

Kirkinga,
That’s one large, steaming pile of ignorant dung you’ve just left on this blog, not that you’re the only one.

George

July 2nd, 2009
2:45 pm

It’s time to trade Yunel IF we can get anything of value for him. The same goes for Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur. Yunel is Manny reincarnated!! I’m sure there are thousands of you who would like to have Manny, but I stop being a Braves fan if that ever happens (and I’ve been one since 1954). I said the same thing about Barry Bonds. The Braves don’t need those types of attitude.

STRETCH

July 2nd, 2009
2:46 pm

Andy, they’ve made this far with KJ plus the entire outtfield hitting about 10 hrs.

Rafael Ramirez

July 2nd, 2009
2:46 pm

“The fact that you are only able to see Escobar’s errors and absent-minded play I think speaks to there being more than a little cultural and ethnic bias going on.”

You should try to have an idea of what you’re talking about before you say it. I have an Escobar jersey. I love the guy and just want to see him be the player he can be. He has 11 errors through half a year, even though he’s missed a bunch of games. His baserunning has been bad too. He’s not playing like he did like last year.

Probably his two most egregious mistakes were throwing home instead of completing the double play in Baltimore, leading to a four run inning early in the 11-2 loss, and not noticing the runner scoring in the 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh. Both were mental focus problems, and both may have cost us games.

I am on the side of keeping Escobar (and would like to see us try something else in right field), but claiming that Escobar is not having a mistake-riddled, problematic year is sticking your head in the sand.

The Dude

July 2nd, 2009
2:50 pm

I pretty much watch every Braves game that comes on TV… which is all of them, but I was still astonished when Chip announced last night there’s no Brave (McLouth doesn’t count, 9 of his HR came with Pitt) with 10 homers going into the Allstar break. If there’s a way to get a guy who’ll hit 20 dingers in the second half, I think that option needs to be explored.

uga

July 2nd, 2009
2:50 pm

Bobby has earned the right to stay for as long has he likes. I would take a Holliday trade for Yunel in a heartbeat. Let Prado, Hernandez, or Infante slide over to short if we could get Holliday trade to go down. Yunel is going to be great one day for us or someone but if we can get Holliday and get himfor long term at he end of the year then your outfield would be set with Nate M, Matt H, and Jeff F,/ Garrett A, with Matt D and either Jeff or Garrett coming of the bench.

Braves326

July 2nd, 2009
2:51 pm

We knew going into the season that the Braves weren’t going to hit a lot of HR’s…

THWG

July 2nd, 2009
2:52 pm

Yunel reminds me of someone… My 13 year old brother.

He has a tough time paying attention.
He throws fits when things don’t go his way.
His hyper-activity often stands in the way of getting a job done.

Hopefully, my brother will mature in the coming years. I doubt someone twice his age will mature in the coming years.

Then again, my brother doesn’t bleach his tips.

Escobar is da bomb

July 2nd, 2009
2:58 pm

escobar needs to stay, he brings fire to the clubhouse, n not a buttkisser… if anybody should be traded it should be johnson or kotchman packaged with a guy like medlen who i think has good value to teams who lack pitching, a package involving those guys could definitely land a jermaine dye in my opinion, like i said escobar should definitely stay, the guy can hit

Ralph

July 2nd, 2009
2:59 pm

Did anyone notice last night when Frenchy led off with a single, the score at the time was 3-1 braves, by no means in the tank, Hernandez followed in a for certain bunt situation with his 120 BA, had not hit a HR yet, he proceded to hit the first pitch into a double play, what does that say for Cox’s manageriel ability?

Paul Lentz

July 2nd, 2009
2:59 pm

If Jeff Francoeur was from Cuba and spoke little English……..do you think that he would still be playing for the Braves?

Missing the Braves of the 90's...

July 2nd, 2009
3:00 pm

I was dissapointed when we got rid of Renteria but excited to have Escobar move up. I have been a big supporter of him all this time, but now I am wondering about his attitude. I watch just about all the Braves games and am seeing a pattern with him. He is more into himself than the team, hustles only when HE wants to, gripes when scorers don’t see it his way, wasn’t paying attention in the Pirates game….etc…..
He is very talented defensively and an above average hitter. Thats not too debateable. His attitude scares me- I think perhaps he will be problematic his whole career. How can u not have your head in the game? You are 26 playing shortstop in the Major Leagues!!!!!! Once-shame on you, 5 times shame on us. Lets call it like we see it.
I think we need his bat and we should let this year play out, if he doesn’t come around get rid of him. I love players playing with passion- but not selfishness and stupidism!

Tony

July 2nd, 2009
3:01 pm

What about should the Braves trade Frenchy? There’s your article…

JI

July 2nd, 2009
3:03 pm

I know this is about Escobar but…

Does anyone feel like G.Anderson doesn’t want to play for the Braves? It seems like he never hustles in the OF. He is slow to the ball, doesn’t pay attention and has ZERO fire or personality on the field. Am I the only one??

wp

July 2nd, 2009
3:04 pm

Give him a little more time BUT send him to the minor leagues and tell him he needs to grow up and listen to those who know a whole lot more about the game

Escobar is da bomb

July 2nd, 2009
3:04 pm

that was a heck of a trade, i think jurrjens can be a heck of a number 2

Mac

July 2nd, 2009
3:05 pm

Right, Mark. For me the trade for Jurrjens deal finally made up for the Butler for Barker fiasco.

Rick Behenna

July 2nd, 2009
3:06 pm

Hey, they gave up a great young pitcher in that Butler deal, too, pal.

Missing the Braves of the 90's...

July 2nd, 2009
3:08 pm

Yeah JJ looked great last night!!!
There is blood in the water in the NL East and we are right there for the taking… We keep getting chances..lets hope we play the rest of the season like the last few days, even last week (pretty good against yanks and sox) and start going 7-10 instead of 1-3 in all our series.
Then we can overtake this weak division and get back to the Division Title !!

Ken K. Green

July 2nd, 2009
3:10 pm

Escobar is a kid with a chip on his shoulder. He’s not from around here and does not communicate very well right now. He can and will be an excellent ballplayer when he grows up. On another note, am I the only one who has noticed the lacksadaisacal (sp) play of Garrett Anderson in left field. The guy is a great hitter and would probably serve best in a designated hitter role in the American League. But he just seems lazy to me at times on defense and, even though we need his bat, I’m afraid his defense is going to end up hurting us. Especially if McClouth continues to be out and not in the game to cover for him.

DirtyDawg

July 2nd, 2009
3:11 pm

I agree with those that are saying that it’s time for Bobby and the Braves to earn their money. Do whatever it takes to ‘bring the kid around’…if it means bringing back his ‘closest friend in the world’ Bryan Pena as a coach or an interpreter, I don’t care. Just do what’s necessary to satisfy yourselves that he’ll cow-tow to whatever the Braves expect in a player. As for his, so-called, absent-mindedness, every instance that I’ve seen has, at least, been announcer’s shooting their uninformed mouths off without considering errors on the part of others…I’ve seen most, if not all, of the plays that have pissed some off, and in every case the fault lay with one of the other guys – or at the least should have been shared.

As one of the brilliant posters here noted somewhere, oh wait, it was me, the last thing we need is for the Braves to decide that they don’t like his attitude and ship him off somewhere for someone far worse (can you say David Justice for Kenny Lofton) only to see Esco become an all-star and us looking for someplace to dump whoever we got for him.

Work with ‘em all…get KJ some time in the outfield…let McCann give first a try for a while…send GA to whoever will have him if they’ll just pay his salary…bring the kid up for right field – not only will we find out if he’s got the goods, we’ll have our African American (from Atlanta too) that everybody’s so concerned about…play Esco at third sometime when Chipper’s got a pulled something or other…in other words, ‘manage’ the team.

The Real Don Steele

July 2nd, 2009
3:11 pm

Mark, why was Pat Corrales cut loose after all those years of superlative service?

John

July 2nd, 2009
3:11 pm

Let me get this straight, the Braves should trade Escobar because he has “blond highlights”? Give me a break.

As for the “sulking” and “temper”, those could very well be highly subjective descriptions. Anyway, if he is this big angry sulker, which I find hard to believe because everytime he’s on camera he seems to have a big smile (oh wait, is that smile his “indifference”?), who cares?

Escobar can play, what are you going to trade him for? A happy choir boy without “blond highlights” who can’t play?

Supes

July 2nd, 2009
3:13 pm

Jeff and KJ – Bobby Cox’s pets.

Yunel – Latin player who doesn’t relate to the aging white guy managing the team.

Jeff STILL not benched despite killing the Braves at the dish and his mental error against Boston on Sunday.

KJ had to make 2 mental errors in ONE GAME and drop his batting average to .209 to get benched, and that’s only b/c PRADO got hot. If Prado had went up and had an o-fer at the dish, do you BELIEVE KJ wouldn’t be right back in there?

Give me a fraking brake.

Jeff and KJ – Can get away with Murder as far as Bobby Cox is concered (as they’ve murdered the Braves’ chances offensively)

Yunel – being scapegoated by Joe Simpson (JUST SHUT UP) and “so called fans” who don’t appreciate fierce passion, competitive nature and desire to win while showing raw emotion!

j

July 2nd, 2009
3:13 pm

I think we might be overlooking the effect Escobar is having on this team. It is possible that this club, despite the fact that Esco is a very talented hitter, will play better without him. He may be holding us back, encumbering us with his poor attitude and bringing everyone else down. We have won 3 in a row without him, I think we should keep him out a little longer. Maybe not having him in there is the sparkplug this team needs.

kirkinga

July 2nd, 2009
3:14 pm

I stand by my comments and I think the responses bare witness to the truth of what I am saying about a certain segment of so-call Braves fans.

I never excused Escobar’s mistakes, I just said he isn’t the only one and there should be one standard for all players and that doesn’t appear to be the case. Of course you folks don’t deal with that because you rather try and take personal shots as a substitute for substance.

As for comments such as people “out to get him” who said that? I love how people tell a lie, and then follow it up with fake outrage over something never said in the first place!

And here’s some more “enlightenment” and “dung” for you…learn some Spanish! And while you’re at it, pick up some Mandarin, Farsi and a little bit of some other languages too. We like it when people learn our language and they appreciate the same. There’s nothing like seeing someone’s face when you let on that you understand what they are saying when they thought you didn’t!

Sorry some of you cannot deal with the realities of the 21st Century, No wonder you are so angry and spiteful. Bless your hearts.

Len Barker

July 2nd, 2009
3:14 pm

Hey, my 54th birthday is Tuesday if anybody wants to get me anything.

Josh M

July 2nd, 2009
3:15 pm

“…trade Escobar to the Padres along with Kelly Jphnson, Casey Kotchman and Jeff Francouer for Adrian Gonzalez…”

Yes, I can see the Padres just leaping to do this. Look, I want Gonzalez hitting between Chipper and McCann so bad I can taste it, but it’s going to take a lot more than that. At the very least say goodbye to Medlen and a boatload of prospects. Kelly Johnson has zero trade value right now, and Francoeur isn’t too far ahead of him.

Mike D

July 2nd, 2009
3:16 pm

With what MAY be our finally starting to come around lately, I think our best move may be to just sit and watch right now. Whatever we do, I think we HAVE to play Diaz and Prado every day. Garrett and KJ, if not expendable, can be great additions to our bench. Leave Esco alone for now, but Trade for a decent 1B or RF, if Kotchman and/or Frankie continue to struggle. I like Josh Willingham on the Nats, if they are at all willing to part with him.

Outside Robber

July 2nd, 2009
3:17 pm

I’m half and half (not the dairy product) on Bradley at this point. Half good with the review on Yunel and his importance, which I do agree and would hate to see him leave the team. Half not so good on the other side of the equation in that Cox is the main problem in getting the best out of Escobar and others on the team.

I genuinely think that AJC writers, including Bradley, are in the tank for Cox because they don’t want to lose their access, don’t want to lose their clubhouse buffet privileges, overall access in general, so they couch their comments on Cox to assure they aren’t in the cross-hairs of the old and over the hill manager.

Will an AJC writer finally grow a pair and step up to the plate with some genuine analysis and criticism of Cox? It’s called something on the order of being a journalist and not a house man. Oh, and I’ll give you a version of Bradley’s and O’Brien’s answer to my question:

“Bobby Cox has won over 2000 games for the Braves, has (insert resume’ numbers here), and his players laud his leadership. What part of that do you not understand?”

The part about being a .500 club for the past 3, going on 4 years. That part.

bvillebaron

July 2nd, 2009
3:18 pm

The more relevant question is Escobar already in Cox’s doghouse? If so, he will be gone regardless of talent. See in this regard, Jason Marquis, Adam Wainwright and others who were jettisoned and went on to become good players elsewhere because Cox didn’t like them and/or lost patience with them. Unfortunately, the guy who SHOULD be jettisoned is Cox, but we all know that that ain’t happening!

Rafael Ramirez

July 2nd, 2009
3:18 pm

“KJ had to make 2 mental errors in ONE GAME and drop his batting average to .209 to get benched”

KJ was losing at-bats to Infante before Infante broke his hand. I don’t think he’s had an especially long leash.

Bill M.

July 2nd, 2009
3:20 pm

Why should Bobby Cox learn spanish? When these players come over they should know how to speak english or learn after they get here. Escobar has been here long enough to learn english. I think the problem is more with Cuban players than others. I have nothing against any player coming over here to play ball. I thought this was America but I’m having doubt.

matt

July 2nd, 2009
3:22 pm

is it to late to have Bobby Cox learn spanish?

Ron Roberts

July 2nd, 2009
3:22 pm

1. Nobody blogging here (Mark Bradley included) knows if Yunel Escobar is a “cancer.” It’s absurd to let a keyboard jockey/armchair baseball manager bloviate here about ANY player being a “cancer.” Absurd. Mark, I’ll read; you, I scroll past…

2. Trading Yunel for a guy who can hit would be trading a guy who can hit for a guy who can it. The point? Pleasing Bobby? Please; there HAS to be a player on the planet who butts heads with Cox once in awhile that he can still coach, right? It happens in EVERY clubhouse.

3. Folks here are REAL quick to dump on Esco when he has a mental lapse, but they seem to forget when he out-thinks everybody else on the field, too. He won me over with his base-running acumen in Arizona (what, two years ago?). His defense is splendid and he’s a guy who hits for average without many prolonged slumps.

Give me a healthy Yunel Escobar with a speedy (healthy) McLouth, Chipper, BMac, Kotch, Prado, Garrett/Diaz and the suddenly relevant Francoeur, and I think our hitting woes are a thing of the past.

Bye Bye Yuni!

July 2nd, 2009
3:29 pm

Funny how so many teams win championships without the Mannys and the Yunels’ of the sports world. Yet a team, some fans (and a writer) get desperate and they would sell their soul and kiss the guy’s azz to keep him around. In case anyone hasn’t noticed, Yunel ain’t no Manny.

So Yunel has the mysterious hip injury? Sounds kinda like Manny’s knees in Boston.

Unlike Frenchy and KJ, Yunel actually has some trade value for some team who is willing to coddle him. Maybe the Dodgers need another head case!

jconservative

July 2nd, 2009
3:33 pm

Also an attitude problem when it comes to playing defense is Garrett Anderson. And there is no language barrier there.

John

July 2nd, 2009
3:34 pm

I worked in minor league baseball for 8 years. From personal experience, hispanic players can and do learn and understand English.

Many of them will only open up and speak English in a smaller setting.

That being said, Escobar is a very talented player. Jose Reyes spent two straight seasons toiling in Columbia but once he accepted that he ahd to change his mental make up and how he carried himself he thrived.

Here’s hoping the same light bulb turns on for Escobar. By your third full season in the majors, I would think Escobar would have taken the time to invest in being able to converse in English. It’s indicative to me, of a lack of commitment on his part.

Just my two cents worth.

david

July 2nd, 2009
3:35 pm

i could live with out escobar. it doesnt seem anybody on the team really likes him, prado and infante i know for a fact, and with k. johnson, infanite, and diory playing the utility spots we are pretty seton the infield. bump escobar

Missing the Braves of the 90's...

July 2nd, 2009
3:36 pm

Ron-
I agree that a lot of people jump to conclusion about players, right or wrong. And i agree with most of your points. I just wonder out loud if Yunel will get his head in the right place and go back to being the player he has been in the past.
I dont think Escobar is a cancer (right now) but don’t like the direction he is headed in. Lets hope in 2 months we are not even pondering this subject.

IDC

July 2nd, 2009
3:37 pm

I realize that Escobar is a better hitter, right now, than Kelly Johnson. So pile on all you want there. However, when you are speaking defensively, Escobar has almost twice as many errors as Johnson and Johnson has a higher fielding percentage. So defensively he’s not that great.

mikie g.

July 2nd, 2009
3:39 pm

trade him. he does more harm than good. his defensive skill is tentative at best. his actions are probably the reason for c.jones’ deterioration at third base; not being able to depend on his shortstop. trade him.

Missing the Braves of the 90's...

July 2nd, 2009
3:39 pm

Don’t look now but if Frenchy keeps improving his batting……………..we can all get back on his bandwagon!!!!
(just thought i would throw that in to get a good laugh)

bull-gator

July 2nd, 2009
3:41 pm

The Braves need to fire the manager and the coaching staff first.

Josh M

July 2nd, 2009
3:41 pm

Dadgum it, the Mets have taken the lead after being down 5-0…

Minish

July 2nd, 2009
3:42 pm

I agree. We should keep Escobar. He is too valuable for Braves. How about Tim Hudson? How valuable will be on the trading block?

IDC

July 2nd, 2009
3:51 pm

“The fact that you are only able to see Escobar’s errors and absent-minded play I think speaks to there being more than a little cultural and ethnic bias going on”

Mark, in the future would you please only write columns about players who are white, speak English and don’ treat their hair. Those everybody can bash on everyday. As to all other players, which is about 90% of baseball, no response, other than glowing affirmation, can be posed to your questions without being declared an ethnic or cultural bigot. Please also apply this to football. Hockey is totally exempt from censorship. In the NBA, each team gets to pick a punching bag player. Thanks

Esco is an ALLSTAR

July 2nd, 2009
3:54 pm

To all the people shouting Esco needs to learn English you sound REAL ignorant. First, if you want to keep your jobs in the years to come I would advise learning spanish b/c soon spanish will be the dominant language in this country. Second, majority of people from other countries are required to learn and to speak two languages in school. People from other countries that I talk to think that we are the idiots b/c we feel that EVERYone should learn our language instead of broadening our learning and learn another language. Most people know 2 or 3 languages that live other than the great ole USA.

And…for the people who are calling Esco out for not hustling up the line. HE HAS A HIP PROBLEM. Good grief people. He is not going to risk injuring it more.

Esco is one of the best on the team…he needs to be kept period!

Joe Schmoe

July 2nd, 2009
3:54 pm

Missing the Braves of the 90’s… I was never on the Frenchy bandwagon to begin with. Primadonna local golden boy. Good if he can hit now, but he will not be with the team next year.

LKS

July 2nd, 2009
3:57 pm

mikie g

That was so funny its stupid. Email that to Joe Simpson he would love to use that in his broadcast. Blame Chipper’s Errors on Escobar. Just frickin hilariously stupid!

IDC

July 2nd, 2009
3:59 pm

To Esco is an Allstar, so all these super smart people in other countries, learn two or three languages other than English, even though it is their plan to play really, really good baseball and play in the Untied States for more money than their gross national product. Yeah, they are really smart.

Joe Schmoe

July 2nd, 2009
4:01 pm

Who cares what language the guys speaks, hell he can speak Martian for all I care! He fields and bats well, more than I can say for the majority of the players on the team!

JASon

July 2nd, 2009
4:08 pm

Come on, don’t be naive. If we trade him, its not like we’re gonna get anything that much better. So he’s kind of dumb, he’s a good hitter, man.

scott

July 2nd, 2009
4:09 pm

Let’s get into the other hot button issue with the Andus/Tex trade. Some brilliant mind in the Braves management actually believed we were one top hitter away from winning, so they trade the farm. The weak pitching 2007 Braves. A 2007 team which it was obvious needed several pieces, pieces like down on the farm pieces before they could make a serious run. It was the single most bone headed trade in Braves history.

The Real Don Steele

July 2nd, 2009
4:10 pm

In France they won’t even acknowledge you if you don’t speak french. And when you speak it, it should be very good french. Oh, and all those english-speaking Germans. Why they’re everywhere.

Mike Schneider

July 2nd, 2009
4:31 pm

Floyd – Have you ever played baseball or been to a game? To indicate that Pudge Rodriquez was an average defensive catcher and Ted Simmons an average offensive catcher is mind-boggling. Are you possibly related to Robert Gibbs?

Dr. Mark Martinez

July 2nd, 2009
4:46 pm

Um, I was agnostic about the Escobar ordeal but reading the comments to this article has made me a believer. This really is about race and ethnicity more than it is about baseball. I cannot help but wonder how many of those ready to trade Escobar and make mention of his lack of English proficiency, were amongst those defending John Rocker for “exercising his First Amendment rights”?

I agree with kirkinga when he said that Escobar understands and speaks more English than what we are lead to believe. He is from Cuba, not North Korea, so he, like most of Latim America, has been exposed to English in a variety of ways. Many Latinos and Latinas learn English from music, music videos, and television shows. He also has a girlfriend who, I believe is American and likely has further assisted him with his English.

Lastly, the answer to why Bobby Cox should learn Spanish is because it makes it easier to communicate! With as many Latin players on major league rosters, one would think that the day has come where the boss has some working knowledge of the language. It is not that hard to learn a few relevant phrases. If servers in restaurants can learn a few phrases in Spanish to communicate, then Bobby Cox can learn a little Spanish to communicate with his players. Respect works both ways.

Bye Bye Yuni!

July 2nd, 2009
5:11 pm

Approach to playing and respecting the game and your team mates really knows no language and therefore should not suffer from a language barrier or even be lost in translation.

We have white American hotdogs playing the game. We have black American hotdogs playing the game. We have latin hotdogs playing the game. We also see players from all of the above mentioned groups as well as asians playing the game “right.”

Don’t care what color or nationality you are…. if you’re a dog, I want you gone……white-black-green-yellow….doesn’t matter.

Supes

July 2nd, 2009
5:44 pm

You are talking of trading a potential ALL STAR SS who is relatively cheap and under team control until 2013!

Darn, some of you have no common sense.

Find me a suitable replacement before you even MOUTH off the words “trade him”.

This isn’t fantasy baseball and hell no the Padres aren’t trading Adrian Gonzalez for Yunel (in a package with other players).

Best case scenario is possibly the Red Sox right now, but you are NOT going to be getting an infielder to replace him with (right away) so you’ll be stuck with Diory Hernadez at SS or Infante when he gets back.

All of those advocating for a trade, do you realize that Omar isn’t coming back for possibly 2-3 more weeks and that Diory is just a bench guy, not starting SS material?

How the mighty Bako made me make a U-turn | Mark Bradley

July 2nd, 2009
5:48 pm

[...] update: Since I made mention of Escobar’s blond highlights earlier today, it’s only fair that I report this: Francoeur got a [...]

Nookah

July 2nd, 2009
6:24 pm

Mark, nice blog.

No way we trade Escobar. This guy is a special talent and will be very good later on. Patience is what we need for Esco and trust me his production in the future will far outweigh the negatives. If it’s patience he needs to come along, then he is indeed with the right manager, Bobby Cox.

As far as a manager for the Braves goes, Gonzales is the man!!!

Go Braves!!!

BT

July 2nd, 2009
8:51 pm

Did Sutton really say that Mark? I certainly hope he is correct!

BT

July 2nd, 2009
9:09 pm

You are quick! Ok one hint did the guy ever throw spitters?

BT

July 2nd, 2009
9:14 pm

Man Bradley are you posting on two blogs? You are getting double pay I am sure. Are you proof reading DOB’s blog’s as well?

Scott from RVCCRBL

July 3rd, 2009
7:31 am

The rumor in Baltimore is Andino and Luke Scott for Escobar…he may be a cry baby malcontent, but Mcphail will plug that “stoagie roller” in a SS for the next 7 yrs!!!

Rob

July 4th, 2009
1:59 pm

Trade Escobar to the Redsox for Daniel Bard

Bradley's Buzz: Buster helps the Braves make a deal! | Mark Bradley

July 6th, 2009
12:57 pm

[...] the Braves are looking to trade Yunel Escobar and Javier Vazquez. (Didn’t someone we know address the Escobar issue last week? And didn’t the same someone suggest the Vazquez thing two months ago?) Since this [...]

Braves should take a trade holiday, not trade for Holliday | Mark Bradley

July 15th, 2009
10:56 am

[...] the long haul in that moment of Schuerholz weakness in 2007, and one of the key issues now — should Yunel Escobar be traded? — would have a different set of dynamics had not Elvis Andrus been sent to Texas in the Mark [...]

Braves Fan

July 16th, 2009
2:17 am

AMEN is right. Let him grow up and help him, like you said “Sometimes a little instruction is needed, sometimes even a lot of instruction”. He could be the best SS in braves history. And he has a fire that is much needed right now and always.

zak

July 17th, 2009
6:19 am

he is the best ss in the league on d trade him ur funny and he is a rbi machine!!!!!!!!!!

Kb.

July 7th, 2010
10:40 am

They should not trade Escobar. He is hot.

The Hot Button: Should the Braves trade Yunel Escobar?

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The Hot Button: Should the Braves trade Yunel Escobar?

295 comments Add your comment

About Mark Bradley

We’ve Moved!

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Search this blog

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