Yunel Escobar: “I don’t believe I’m that person”
Three days in the life of Yunel Escobar: On Saturday he didn’t swing on a hit-and-run and told inquiring reporters: “Talk to me when I get three hits.” On Sunday he got three hits and declined to speak. On Monday he was named the National League’s player of the week and did, with coach Chino Cadahia translating, speak with reporters and come across as a nice enough guy.
And that’s Escobar. (Or, as Cadahia calls him, “Esky.”) He makes you want to curse, and then he makes you believe he is, as Chipper Jones said Tuesday, both “an All-Star shortstop in the making” and “a great kid.”
Is this 26-year-old with the streaks in his hair a typical buttoned-down Braves? Well, no. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t worth keeping. Chipper again: “You do not want to get down on Yunel Escobar. He’s way too good.”
His mistakes and excesses, voluminously chronicled, aren’t solely a function of youth. There’s also a cultural disconnect. He’s Cuban, and he speaks only a bit of English. (He’s much better at reading English.) On Monday, according to Cadahia, Escobar told reporters “99 percent of his problems are due to language.”
Cadahia: “He’s got to continue to try and [improve his English] … But he has put tremendous effort into it. He’s come a long way … A lot of the stuff that happened probably wouldn’t have happened [if Escobar was fluent in English]. Reporters are hesitant to approach him.”
Have we in the English-speaking media been unfair to Escobar?
Cadahia: “That’s not for me to answer. There is a distance between him and the press. But he talked to Carroll Rogers [of the AJC] and Mark Bowman [of MLB.com] yesterday, and I saw that as a bridge over that distance.”
Said bullpen coach Eddie Perez: “If he could speak English, it’d be a way different story. He likes to talk about the game … But sometimes he doesn’t say things [on the field] because he doesn’t know how to say them.”
Asked if he communicates with his partner on the left side of the infield, Jones said, “Not much.” Think about that. Think how it would be if you were plopped down on a soccer pitch in Milan, and asked to coordinate the back four without knowing a word of Italian beyond “mamma” and “mia.”
Chipper: “He can play, but sometimes the antics that come along with that rub people the wrong way. But that’s the way Cuban players are. They play with a flair.”
Cadahia: “He’s always whistled. He’s always clapped his hands when he’s gotten a game-winning hit. He shows his emotions. But we’ve cut that down a lot over the years we’ve had him.”
It’s believed Escobar and his manager don’t get along. Not true, Bobby Cox said. “He’s a real good kid. I want him to be the best shortstop in the National League. I try to make players better.”
Loading ...Cadahia: “I know for a fact he’s not a bad guy … He’ll say, ‘Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. Do I regret them? Absolutely.’ But he has learned from them and is better for it.”
After batting practice Tuesday, Escobar responded to this question: Is it frustrating when you see yourself portrayed in a negative light?
Escobar (via Cadahia): “I don’t believe I’m that person. People can’t judge someone until they know you. The thing that frustrates me is that my mother [who lives in Miami] hears what people say.”
The belief here is that Escobar is not nearly a lost cause. The belief here is that, if the Braves can just be patient, we’ll soon hear only good things about Esky.
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130 comments Add your comment
George
July 22nd, 2009
11:11 am
The Braves should pay for english lessons in the off seasom. If Escobar is serious he will learn and if the media is serious they will try to work with him going forward. A young kid; great talent but from a completely different culture. Not to be kept “At all cost” but should be given ample opportunity. If you can’t play for Bobby Cox I am afraid you can’t play for anyone.
Dorothy Davis
July 22nd, 2009
11:14 am
Why is it that sports writers like controversy so much? Hopefully you will quit picking on Escobar and give him the respect Chipper Jones gives him. Such a huge talent, even if his comunication skills are lacking due to the language barrier. He plays with an attitude because of his youth and passion for the game, which some other Braves could learn from. He is definately MVP material and could possibly lead this team to the playoffs this year. Lighten up and give him his due.
Hobo
July 22nd, 2009
11:16 am
Mark, respect for the Oguchi Onyewu/Milan reference.
Singeon Hawk
July 22nd, 2009
11:17 am
Hey Braddo, lets be honest here: if you really liked Escobar, you would have never written this story. Why do you want to run off another great Brave? ESCOBAR IS AN AWESOME SHORTSTOP, AND WILL BE FOR A LONG TIME. I think you’re in a writing slump, or at least I hope so, cuz if you keep putting Escobar on the media chopping block, you’re only hurting yourself as a writer. Let ESPN do that. I always thought you were better than that. I hope for your sake I’m right.
Algenis (Fron NYC)
July 22nd, 2009
11:19 am
I understand where Escobar is coming from. I myself come from parents who are spanish (dominican republic) and it is not easy. Sometimes my mom for example wants to say something but can’t becuase she doesnt know how to say it in english and people sometimes take that as an insult. As other latin players, we play the game very differently then everybody else. We play with emotions becuase we love the game of baseball so much. For some of them or the majordity of the latin players, it’s there only way out of poverty. That’s why 9 out of 10 latin players point to the sky after every hit or play thanking the lord for giving them the ability to not only play the game of baseball but to be financialy free. Players sometimes take that as “showing the other team up” when they clap there hands or the way they throw there bats after a hit and it bothers me when I hear that becuase you(media and players) automactially are talking the love and joy away from the players.
Look at Joba from the Yankees. Joba is an emotional player and gets very excited when he gets a big SO or makes a good play. And just becuase it’s not the norm you(media and players) refuse to accept it. The old saying goes, if you don’t like it, hit him.
People have to realize that the game is changing. There’s a lot of latin, Japenese, Itlians, Candians, players in baseball today and very soon will have an abundance of players from all over the world with different backgrounds. MLB and the players will have to accept that and adjust to it.
THE BEAR Illegitimi non carborundum
July 22nd, 2009
11:20 am
Learning a second language is not easy but can be done with sufficient effort. I moved to Taiwan to start up a business in 1985 and I began studying Mandarin Chinese even before I moved over. I hired a driver who was also a talented linguist and he taught me a lot of Chinese. Within about a year I could converse fairly well.
It will all depend on how much Escobar wants to learn to speak English. In the meantime I am going to continue enjoying watching him play ball for the Braves although some of his bone headed miscues caused by not paying attention, do bother me.
Braves Fan Since "80
July 22nd, 2009
11:43 am
Escobar is not 18 years old so he has to be his own man….. I both hate and love the flair. Escobar needs love, a bigger paycheck, and some understanding……
Chipper showed displeasure when Escobar caught everyball on the infield last year so this year when the ball drops chipper looks at Escobar…..some leader
If you look at the last 30 days Prado and Escobar are the key to the teams rise (assuming we take the starting pitching for granted and ignore the relief corp 4 stumbles) Escobar has more chances than any shortstop in two fewer games. I call that range
We hear of all the prospects but this guy is here and was probably hurt at the thought of being traded this off season and plays like they do not care about me…. Prospects from Terry Harper to Brandon Jones have produced 3 or 4 outfielders Andruw, Justice, The white Sox RF and hopefully Francouer (someday) never produced a star quality first baseman and since the 80’s limited position players Horner, Murrphy Vinny, Derosa, Chipper, McCann and most developed after the Braves or had short tenures. When was the last time we had a left fielder? We develop role players and above average pitchers. My point a brave in the hand is better than prospects on the farm…. Escobar needs to be at 3rd base both physically and mentally but Chipper blocks that move and slows the Braves transition If Chipper were a two year guy we would want a replacement….. Quite Frankly we should have unloaded chipper last year right after TEX….. Oh yeah he was hurt…… Escobar is the future Chipper is the past! Bring some power and speed around him and he will be the centerpiece….. Yes we have the potential…. Schaffer grows up, Mcclouth to Left Heward does not disappoint…. we could live with 1st and 3rd….. Give escobar and the braves a chance!
rebar
July 22nd, 2009
11:48 am
We Atlanta fans want our sports figures to play like Superman, but act like Clark Kent.
Frustrated Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
Here’s the point. The media can’t bash on the Braves since they are playing so well of late. So they have to write about something to create interest on their blogs. So they come up with a story that Escobar is a problem in the club house and not getting along with Cox. Even if Cox came out in support of Escobar what are the odds that the AJC or anyone else in the media would write about it. I think Cox has a problem supporting latin players, prime example is Prado and Kelly Johnson. Why did it take Cox almost a year and a half to Prado in over KJ. When the rest of new what Prado was all about since last season and KJ was continuously put int he line-up. Now all of a sudden Cox looks like a genius for putting Prado in. Please spare me the hipocracy.
Matt
July 22nd, 2009
12:13 pm
Speaking of soccer in Milan. Mark, one of the best teams in the world, AC Milan, is in town, and all the AJC comments is that there is going to be a lot of traffic.
DaculaJones
July 22nd, 2009
12:46 pm
He’s a great player and maybe the Braves keep him when his arbitration runs out. But all I can say is: “Bobby Bushea”
OptimisticInTexas
July 22nd, 2009
12:59 pm
Yunel, quiesiera poder ayurdarte. Eres un gran jugador y todos los fanaticos estamos atras de ti. Me gustaria ser tu traductor, ya que veo que no tienen uno. Creo que puedes arreglar tus asuntos para ser aun un mejor jugador de las Grandes Ligas. Soy periodista, y me comunico en ambos lenguajes. Tengo entendido que tu mismo lees estos comentarios, asi de que mandame un correo y pues aver si se puede hacer algo para mejorar tu carrera. Saludos desde Texas! (er_iii@hotmail.com)
Patrick
July 22nd, 2009
1:03 pm
I think the media needs to back off Escobar. He may be a little flashy but I’ll tell you this. The Braves have NO SHOT at making the playoffs without him. I personally love the way he plays.
Mark Bradley
July 22nd, 2009
1:21 pm
I was indeed aware that A.C. Milan is playing tonight at the Georgia Dome. I pull for A.C. Milan. (When I’m not pulling for Man U.)
Mark
July 22nd, 2009
1:30 pm
Escobar stays at short. He is a five tool player who works hard at his game. He hates to lose and he supports his teammates. He hates to make mistakes, and sometimes that causes him to be emotional. However, those emotions are a tool. People that hate to make mistakes focus on not making them.
Go back and watch the at bat where Yunel missed the sign. He knew what had happened but he was still at bat and wanted to win. While the announcers where focused on the mistake, Yunel had to finish the at bat and he drew a walk. Was he happy? No. But he continued to battle and he didn’t compound the error by wasting the rest of the at bat.
I have come to enjoy watching every Escobar at bat just as I enjoy watching Chipper’s. They both are always working it. They don’t focus on the last pitch, they focus on the next one. These guys are competitors and that requires emotion. If they show it, you hope they don’t embarrass themselves, but that is for Cox and the coaches to manage (and they do it well) while not removing the competitiveness.
As an aside, for some reason people like to blast Cox. Cox appears to basis his decisions over time and not spur of the moment issues. The baseball season is long and players slump. You can’t simply give up on them and not worry about tomorrow. That isn’t managing. Its showboating.
Cox will go into the hall of fame as a manager, and many players have expressed that he is great to play for. Simple rules; Be on time, do your job, and show respect to the fans, your teammates, and the game, and he’ll have your back. Beyound that, produce and you will play.
Look at the Johnson, Prado situation. Prado is too hot to sit but you can bet that Cox hasn’t given up on Johnson, and Johnson shouldn’t give up either. The Braves will need their bench to produce and Prado may falter. Both are opportunities for Kelly to contribute or show he doesn’t belong.
wes covington
July 22nd, 2009
1:32 pm
Would I be wrong to compare him to Dave Concepcion? That’s how much talent Escobar has………
John Adcox
July 22nd, 2009
2:04 pm
Escobar is, quite frankly, the kind of player that makes me want to buy tickets, and spend some of my valuable time watching this team. He’s a joy to watch.
SC Ace
July 22nd, 2009
2:15 pm
Please blog about the AC Milan / Club America game tonight. Give the beautiful game some love!
SC Ace
July 22nd, 2009
2:17 pm
And please ask why MLS continues to avoid the deep South, with its huge Hispanic population, huge youth programs, and solid NCAA programs (thinking of several schools in the ACC and even the Southern Conference that play good collegiate soccer).
david
July 22nd, 2009
3:13 pm
The news people(?) want to drive him out because he does not kiss there butt.I believe they did the same to Steve Carlton.The sports reporters in atl are so biased any way.
Chris
July 22nd, 2009
4:31 pm
95% of the Escobar ‘controversy’ is purely media-generate for the purpose of filling talk radio time and generating website page views.
Without Escobar, the Braves are toast. The guy is a beast and he is the without a doubt the best shortstop that they have ever had in Atlanta. What is he hitting like .500 since the all-star break??
come on end this nonesense already.
david
July 22nd, 2009
4:43 pm
DITTO,CHRIS!! Got that Bradley.
CharlieAlphaBravo
July 22nd, 2009
5:16 pm
Think how it would be if you were plopped down on a soccer pitch in Milan, and asked to coordinate the back four without knowing a word of Italian beyond “mamma” and “mia.”
We could try asking American defender Oguchi Onyewu, who just signed with Italian super-club A.C. Milan. He’ll be making his debut tonight in Atlanta, coincidentally. Surely you will be there to cover the match, right? 55,000 fans can’t be wrong…
Coach (2010 or Bust)
July 22nd, 2009
5:29 pm
Considering that our Braves actually contemplated trading both Escobar and Soriano in the off season, I have to question the intelligence of Both Frank Wren and Bobby Cox.
Escobar plays the second toughest defensive position on the team and he is their best athlete. Rafael Soriano is good as gold as the Braves closer.
Like I said, management is in question, not the players.
Nelson
July 22nd, 2009
5:48 pm
I’m always in favor of Escobar, but certainly there is not excuse at all he still doesn’t speak at least some English to communicate with his teammates about the game.If this is the real problem, there are plenty of solutions available, so coaches please help him and force him to learn, the Braves can’t afford to lose a player like him.
bfred
July 22nd, 2009
6:39 pm
Wren is saving Cox from himself. Putting Johnson on the 15-day, sending Schafer down, trading Franceour = taking the keys from a drunk. Now that he can’t keep running those guys out despite their struggles and has to play Prado, Church, etc. the Braves are producing some offense. Between that and the brutally tough but clearly correct calls Wren made on Smoltz and Glavine, I’d say he has done a tremendous job.
Brian
July 22nd, 2009
8:17 pm
What’s the issue? I don’t get it. He’s really good and he wants to win. As for showing emotion– he wants to win and he cares. A team with twenty five players with his talent and desire to win goes to the postseason every year.
james labarrete
July 26th, 2009
3:25 am
what is escobar’s song? when he comes to bat
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