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
Bound for the Braves' game, wondering about Escobar | Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
6:49 pm
[...] As promised (or perhaps threatened), here’s the column on Yunel Escobar. Five people are quoted, included Mr. Escobar [...]
Escobar Rocks
July 21st, 2009
6:49 pm
Great article on my favorite player. He seems like a good kid that just lets his emotions take control sometimes. Personally I hope he is a Brave for a long, long time.
bali smith
July 21st, 2009
6:51 pm
thank you for a very fair and indepth story on Escobar…….. I hope he will mature as he gets older and becomes one of the best shortstops in baseball as an atlanta Brave
Thomas
July 21st, 2009
6:52 pm
this guy can do whatever he wants, he’s that good
All I'm Saying Is...
July 21st, 2009
6:53 pm
“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.”
Why are you even insinuating that ‘lost cause’ was even a possibility? Why would you even say something like that? That is a perfect example of what many of us on this blog are trying to get across to you, Bradley. You should be more judicious when tossing out words like that especially those that don’t even apply for one second to Escobar.
What you should take note of is “People can’t judge someone until they know you.” and you should be ashamed of yourself that it has taken you this long to try and have a conversation with Yunel which obviously was easily facilitated by an accommodating Braves coach acting as a translator.
I’ve spent time on business working in another country and staying in a hotel where I did not know the language well at all and it is extremely frustrating all the time.
Bama Aaron
July 21st, 2009
6:55 pm
Great story Mark. Sounds like some in the media and quite a few fans have given up on Yunel much more than his teammates and coach. We should all back off and let him play. I like the Braves much more with him than I would without him.
mike
July 21st, 2009
6:56 pm
God forbid we have a player with great skills AND a personality. Atlanta fans are boring and they like their players to be boring.
Screw that. Go Escobar! Go Braves!
Bama Sucks
July 21st, 2009
6:56 pm
We need Roy Halladay.
Joe Schmoe
July 21st, 2009
6:57 pm
I am glad he is not the typical “button down” brave, other wise he would just be another Francine or Kelly. We do not need players like that. I want a player that acts like he wants to be on the field, and plays with fire. This club is so dull with boy wonder Boobi as manager, that I am suprised he hasn’t had Wren trade our best player!
LKS
July 21st, 2009
6:58 pm
FINALLY…can the AJC lay off him now. Or at least interview him when something good happens and NOT ONLY the controversial stuff? He is one of the nicest people to his fans. He loves all his fans. Every time I have talked to him he is as nice as can be and will ALWAYS sign autographs unlike some other players.
As your biggest fan Escobar know that we love the way you play and your FIRE!!!
Steven
July 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
Good blog Mark! I believe Escobar is as good as any shortstop in the league. His defense is solid. His hitting is only going to get better with more reps, and he has some intangibles that can really help out a team. I remember how impressed I was when he came up and how he wasn’t afraid to hit in pressure situations, you can’t really teach that. You either have it or you don’t. He and Martin Prado seem to get it. Whereas KJ and Frenchy (later on in his career) didn’t.
Jt
July 21st, 2009
7:04 pm
At this point in his career, the Braves would be danged fools to give up on this kid. He even drives me crazy sometimes, BUT then he does something that shows just how talented he is. He not only drives in runs, he plays great defense. If the Braves feel like they need more offense then they would have to get two offensive weapons in a trade that included Escobar-one to make up for losing his bat and glove and another to add to what they have. I don’t think Wrenn is foolish enough to trade this kid-not at this time.
mike
July 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Did anyone else just see the double play he just turned? Hell Yeah.
Geoff Frenchcoeur
July 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
Great little write – up Mark! Now, let this thing die before it becomes a distraction.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:27 pm
Thanks for the kind words, folks.
And that was a splendid double play — Prado made a great stop and Escobar did the catch-jump-and-throw part. And pretty important, too. If the ball gets through, it’s 1-0 San Fran. As it stands, it’s 1-0 Braves. McCann with an RBI double.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:29 pm
Yunel and I had a conversation last season, you should know. (Or at least a bit of one.)
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
Another terrific play: Bare-handed a Matt Downs chopper — it was the only play — and threw him out.
RJ in KS
July 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
I really enjoyed your piece on Yunel. Have you asked him how much less pressure there is on him as he’s batting lower in the order?
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
We pick on him becuase he’s ours to pick on…it’s baseball!
Neat bare handed pick by our little possum.
Bama Aaron
July 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Defense looks good tonight. Yunel has made a couple of outstanding plays already and that stop by Chipper wasn’t easy either!
Bama Aaron
July 21st, 2009
7:44 pm
Mark, I’ve had to watch the last couple of games homes and I have a question about the difference in coverage if you know. Last night on Sportsouth they had this nice camera view of directly over the pitcher giving you the best look at the strike zone. Tonight on Peachtree they’re using an “off the shoulder” view from left center which skews the zone a little.
I had just assumed that camera setup was the same for each of the home games. Do different networks get to choose which camera locations in the stadium they’ll use?
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
7:46 pm
I don’t know the answer, Bama. But I’ll ask someone in TV.
RHR
July 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
Good job by yourself and the beat writers to try and bridge the gap, now for the love of god leave the kid alone. Unless he has a 3 hit night…
jcwfalcon
July 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
Its amazing how much these blogs (from the readers) change based on how the wind is blowing.
I dont know if Escobar is a future All Star caliber player or not. I certainly like what I have seen the last couple of days, and I hope he keeps it up. Lets hold off on printing the SI’s with “The Natural” on it.
However, I think I remember Chipper saying Kelly Johnson was a future All Star as well. Not a knock on Chipper or Kelly, but they are what they are, until they are.
The guy who I know has talent but is frustrating to watch this July is McLouth. He seems like an auto out right now…and his batting average is getting down near Frenchys. I thought we had a pretty good lead off man when we stole him from the Bucs.
Daniel
July 21st, 2009
7:56 pm
see.. hers not that guy. End of story. Let him play ball now.
Brett
July 21st, 2009
7:58 pm
Nice article Mark. The kid has lapses of mistakes or lack of concentration but when the game is on the line, he’s as clutch as anyone we have.
I would be terribly disappointed if we were to move him. It’s not easy to find a top 7 fielding SS, to go along with a .300 BA, 17 HR, and 99 RBI’s which is roughly his pace.
I hear alot of Braves fans clammering for the Braves to make a move. If we do, it needs to be a minor move, acquiring a bench bat (however, KJ can fill this role) or a solid bullpen arm.
We’ve made our best moves already getting McLouth and Church, moreover, getting rid of dead weight.
Since the beginning of the year:
McLouth for Shafer
Prado for Johnson
Diaz/Church for Francouer
All huge upgrades and winning 8 of the last 11 is showing it. I think our best chance is the wildcard though. The Phils are going to be tough to catch the way they are playing and they are most likely to upgrade before the deadline.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
8:02 pm
Escobar just had an RBI single. Braves up 4-0.
jcwfalcon
July 21st, 2009
8:03 pm
I agree. No need for moves…
Getting Hudson and Infante back soon will help them compete if they can stay hot.
Its gonna be tuff. The Phillies are good, and VERY hot. And the Wild Card has some stiff competition.
Oh well, win as many as you can. More good nights than bad is always a plus.
TS
July 21st, 2009
8:08 pm
I saw an interview with someone attributing Escobar’s flair to the Cubans, saying watching the Cuban national team is like watching the Harlem Globetrotters. The only problem I have with the way he plays is that he doesn’t have Furcal’s range. But there’s nothing wrong with his bat and his arm is a cannon, so I don’t mind the flair at all.
Lawrenceville Dave
July 21st, 2009
8:13 pm
Has it been discussed that Yunel is no longer flipping his bat after getting hits? I first noticed that last Thursday against the Mets. Yunel is coachable and great player.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
Hadn’t noticed, Dave. But what I had noticed — that’s what we in radio call a “segue” — that the Braves are destroying the Giants. McCann with a threejack. It’s 8-0 in the fourth.
PHIL
July 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
To me, Escobar doesn’t play with enough “flair.” Chipper can’t talk fast enough to be exciting. When he was in Rome we loved his whistling his enjoyment of the game. Now the pouting stuff needs to go but even our dear Chipper yells at the umpires. I love how he plays the game and I believe him 100% when he says he doesn’t talk much because he doens’t know how to say what he wants. Put yourself in his position.
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
I think one of the big reasons for Escobar’s perceived difficulties with the media is that DOB is not exactly a warm and fuzzy guy and I could see where his problems communicating with the primary Braves beat writer get blown up into a frenzy.
Although I think Escobar is a bit of a hot dog, which isn’t for everyone, my only concern is whether he’s an a$$hole. And my sense is that he’s a cocky Latino but not necessarily an a$$hole. Kind of an innocent until proven guilty thing.
And if he hits .300/.400/.500 with that kind of defense, I don’t much care if he’s an a$$hole either. I don’t have to live with him.
I just live in my camp, eat roadkill and read books.
TommyP
July 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
So he won’t talk to DOB….is that what you’re saying? ‘Cause he has pretty much continued on with the Yunel talk ad nauseam.
Drixie
July 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Mr. Bradley: I appreciate your article, but is there something we Braves fans don’t know about Escobar? He is young, has a cannon for an arm, plays with passion, and not only can hit for average but can hit in the clutch. And, he’s a righty hitter. Since Bobby Cox is known as a “players’ manager” it seems odd that all of a sudden Yunel is in the doghouse and is being discussed in trade rumors. I have been a Braves fan for most of my life but I do not understand what’s going on here. Yunel already is one of the top shortstops in the league and has a chance to be a very special player. Why is he catching so much flack, and why isn’t Bobby supporting him?
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
For all DOB’s talent, he ain’t the warmest, fuzziest reporter on the beat. I know DOB is a pro, but perhaps there’s a little ambivalence between the two of them.
Chuckles
July 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
It’s funny.
Similar comments were made about a young cuban pitcher 40 some-odd years ago.
“he’s a showboat”, “tough to talk to”, “needs to dial it back”.
Luis Tiant left Cleveland with 21 wins and a 1.6 era one year – 9/20 with a 3.6 the next.
He “wore out his welcome” in an era before free agency. The Red Sox seemed to enjoy his game just fine. Now, Loo-eee is an elder statesman of the game, having won 240 games and is on the verge of perhaps being a Hall of Famer.
Patience, folks. Don’t be Cleveland.
rhynster
July 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
That’s an understatement about DOB. He’s a bit of an ass.
I know he has his fanclub over there, but alot of people will be happy when he’s gone.
Watching The Braves Since '66
July 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
I’d trade Chipper or Bobby Cox before I’d trade Escobar. He’s the best player on this team and being paid the minimum. The Cox era is over. He needs to retire. Jocks don’t know when to quit.
Bill
July 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
Thanks again Mark. Escobar is a keeper, give him more time to learn English and we’ll see what happens.
Ken Stallings
July 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Insightful, but I cannot help but believe you also represent a media that is somewhat hostile to the young man because he doesn’t grant interviews on demand. Some like Chipper Jones are well known for giving frank interviews in bad times and good times equally. But that doesn’t make Jones a better quality of human being.
“Lefty” Carlton was misquoted once early in his career by a reporter in a way Carlton was convinced was deliberate and malicious. His response as we well know was to eshew the press for the rest of his Hall of Fame career. Some actually speculated his path to the Hall of Fame would be stymied some by reporters irritated by Carlton’s lack of interviews.
To that concern, I would say ban permanently every reporter who would so abuse his vote for personal reasons! Fortunately, Carlton made it but with fewer votes than one would rightfully expect.
Escobar has two legitimate issues. He made that obscene gesture and lip-read statement toward the official scorer. That was unsatisfactory. And sometimes he makes mental mistakes. But, he’s young and playing the most demanding position on the field.
Whether he conducts interviews with the press in quantity the press likes is frankly unimportant to me. I realize from you perspective, Mark Bradley, that since interviews represent quality to your profession that you may feel differently. But, I’d rather have the player perform on the field than in the locker room with a notepad and microphone in proximity!
Larvell Blanks
July 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
Yunel is the spark that makes this team go. Give me a few more like him.
Watching The Braves Since '66
July 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
I’m a native Atlantan and I love the Braves. Escobar STAYS unless he is caught fighting pit bulls. COX NEEDS TO GO. FRANK WREN NEEDS TO GO. SHER-HOLTZ NEEDS TO GO AS WELL. Wren signed Kamakaze to a 3 year contract at 8m a year!?!?! What a dumbass. Then he re-signs Chipper-I-Don’t-Think-I-Can-Play-Today to 3 years at 15MMM. Chipper is being paid like one of one top power hitters in game but his HR and RBI totals are middling.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
I kid Dave O’Brien because he had the rotten luck to go to Kansas — hey, it’s a JOKE! — but let’s not turn this into a referendum on DOB. He’s an esteemed colleague and a fine reporter who works as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen. And it wasn’t the beat writers — Mark Bowman, another fine fellow and a fine reporter himself, also covers the team for MLB.com — who advised Bobby Cox to pull Escobar from the game that Sunday in Washington. The issues Escobar have had are/were real. Even Chino Cadahia would concede that point.
And when I said “the English-speaking press” in the column above, I included myself. I’m a member of the press, and I speak only English.
Watching The Braves Since '66
July 21st, 2009
9:42 pm
CHIPPER IS NOT A TEAM PLAYER…. ALL LAST YEAR HE TRIED TO HIT FOR AVERAGE TO WIN THE BATTING TITLE… HE WAS LOOKING FOR SINGLES ALL YEAR TRYING TO EARN A BATTING TITLE TO ADD TO HIS RESUME FOR COOPERSTOWN…
JASon
July 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
Come on, dude, why would you even use the words “lost cause.” You suck
Dale Morphy
July 21st, 2009
9:57 pm
Lost in this whole discussion is Cox’s (in my view) masterful job of reigning Escobar in and showing him who was in charge. The kid is playing great and with more self control. Cox should get credit for not letting the situation spiral out of control (Milton Bradley, anyone?).
Watching The Braves Since '66
July 21st, 2009
9:57 pm
I CHER-HOLTZ…
Bogiebusta
July 21st, 2009
9:59 pm
I’m a longtime Braves fan living in Ohio and we do not get much Braves news here. I read the AJC online but for the life of me can’t remember seeing anything specific as to what this young man has done so wrong that he is being looked upon as trade material. WHAT SPECIFICALLY HAS HE DONE….or not done? He appears to be adequate in the field and a great hitter….I would take a horses ass in the clubhouse if he could play like this.
CJDawg
July 21st, 2009
10:02 pm
YUNEL—Keep plating with that same spirit. I love the way you play the game. You play with passion and alot of pride. I am one of your biggest fans. I hope you are with the Braves for 15 more years. And to the haters, if you try to tame a wold horse, you take his heart out. I just love the wild heart he has right now. Age will settle it, nothing else. We need him to win and I love watching him play. He is one of the best SS’s in the game right now. If the Braves trade him, they are losers and will lose a fan in me. Go Yunel….you are the best.
37YearBravesFan
July 21st, 2009
10:07 pm
Someone, PLEASE buy this kid the Rosetta Stone for ENGLISH!!!!!
Three years here and he can’t speak or won’t learn?? Don’t get me wrong, I like him alot and Hoss is right he’s an All Star shortstop in the making.
But I am skeptical of the coming a long way (with English), when I have no doubt there are many opportunities for him to learn before now.
It sounds too convenient.
GO BRAVES!!!
Watching The Braves Since '66
July 21st, 2009
10:11 pm
I MEANT CHER-HOLTZ… THE CHILD OF LOU HOLTZ AND CHER… FOR MAKING THE
tore
July 21st, 2009
10:17 pm
Escobar is one great player and I wish we had 10 more just like him. The problem with Cox and Wren is that they like players who are low key and don’t get overly excited. Well guess what, that is exactly why Cox has only one ring with the Braves. Low key players will not win the world series, it takes players like Yunel who play with a lot of heart and excitement.
bruce
July 21st, 2009
10:17 pm
Mark,
I think it is fabulous that you guys (the press… you, Carroll, DOB, Bowman, and maybe others) are taking the time and energy with humility to reach out to Escobar and help him communicate and begin to build his trust in the media. Your efforts will make him a better player because he won’t be distracted or concerned once he feels he can trust you to have both truth and his best interests in mind.It will also make for some great stories that he will tell you guys… Great job.
double d
July 21st, 2009
10:35 pm
At least Escobar has not been D.U.I he is a great player with lots of potential,and no one knows this more than Bobby Cox.
Rick
July 21st, 2009
10:47 pm
Baseball beat reporters need to learn to speak Spanish from now on . They are not qualified to do their jobs without it .
Mets Suck and is Philly ever gonna lose?
July 21st, 2009
11:05 pm
What has he done that is so bad. I think he plays with more emotion than any other Braves players. BTW the hit and run pitch he took was about 3 inches from his chest (Gumby couldn’t have hit that pitch) . AJC needs to write an article about whether the Braves can fix TP or BC NOT YE. YE is the best shortstop the Braves have EVER had.
Section 435 – Breaking News: Media Beats Off Over Self Importance; Escobar Continues to Kick Ass, Anyway
July 21st, 2009
11:15 pm
[...] There is not much worse in the world than when the media starts writhing around in a masturbatory tiff about their self-importance. And that’s what this whole Yunel Escobar not-talking-to-the-media enough non-story is. And yet Bowman is on it. Bradley is on it. [...]
BIG MAC
July 21st, 2009
11:18 pm
I have absolutely no sympathy for ANYONE who comes to this country, takes our jobs & money, but makes no effort to become a self-sufficient citizen. It ought to be a requirement of employment in the USA for all people to speak the official language. I was denied a teaching job in the Tampa area about 20 years ago because I was not bi-lingual and the same should apply to all immigrants today as well. If I were an employee of BMW & my job description called for me to interact with the engineers in Germany, don’t you think my boss would require me to speak the language? My 3rd grader learned to be fluent in Spanish in one year…is Escobar not smart enough to figure it out in 5 years of being in America or is he just too lazy? Shame on him AND the Braves for not fixing this problem!!
Roy Hobbs
July 21st, 2009
11:23 pm
Yunel Escobar is the MVP of this team.
chemdawg
July 21st, 2009
11:30 pm
Dear BIG MAC,
First point: it’s easier to learn spanish in 3rd grade than in your mid 20’s. Second point: How many languages do you speak? Third point: As a braves fan, I’d rather him spend his time working on baseball. Fourth point: Sure! if you were a BMW engineer and had to design cars with germans you should know german, but how is that relevant to a baseball player playing baseball. Fifth point: Trust me, we don’t need the government handing down any more mandates/regulations. Would the government “english police” go from office to office giving english tests?
your friend,
chemdawg
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
11:33 pm
Chino Cadahia made that precise point, but I cut the quote for space reasons. He said, “It’s harder to learn a language the older you are.” Chino himself learned English at 11, FYI.
RHR
July 21st, 2009
11:35 pm
Although I think Escobar is a bit of a hot dog, which isn’t for everyone, my only concern is whether he’s an a$$hole. And my sense is that he’s a cocky Latino but not necessarily an a$$hole. Kind of an innocent until proven guilty thing.
evidently, you’ve never met any pro athletes. There are more cocky a-holes than not. My only concern is what they do on the field, i dont give a damn if they ever talk to mark or dob or anyone else. I’ll take a cocky chipper jones over a friendly jeff francoeur every day and twice on sundays, how about you?
jarvis
July 21st, 2009
11:38 pm
What does the Batman Carroll have to do with this?
RHR
July 21st, 2009
11:41 pm
And to add to what Mark said, I’ve never gotten the impression that DOB doesnt like Yunel, quite the opposite actually.
Mark Bradley
July 21st, 2009
11:43 pm
DOB is fully capable of speaking for himself, as we know, but I’ve never gotten the impression he doesn’t like Yunel, either.
RHR
July 21st, 2009
11:43 pm
Classy stuff there at 11:15.
BIG MAC
July 21st, 2009
11:58 pm
ChemDawg…
I don’t deny it’s ‘easier’, but it’s also critical to be able to be self-sufficient and fit into the workplace, whether it’s making $6 as a busboy or $6 million as a ballplayer. If I can’t communicate with my teammates or manager, I can’t be the best I can be as a person or a ballplayer. I speak one language because I’m not in a situation where it is a part of my daily interactions & I don’t travel and have the issue of being “misunderstood” like Yunel is, so it’s not a problem in my eyes. As far as your last point, let’s not talk politics. Yunel is a great player, but a immature one that is not able to develop without help and again, the Braves and MLB are just as guilty for not making it a higher priority to get these Latino players better prepared for the spotlight. Remember, many of these guys were 16-18 years old when signed and probably have the equivalent of maybe an 8th grade education in many cases…they need the guidance and structure in their lives that were not available when they were younger.
chemdawg
July 22nd, 2009
12:01 am
The bloggers write about Yunel because the topic is easy/ obvious… By the way, the reason he got called for that error is because it was A-rod at bat. It clearly was a hit.
chemdawg
July 22nd, 2009
12:10 am
Don’t worry BIG MAC. I’m just picking on you because you’re ignorant. I can’t stand frosted hair hispanics either. I mean if they’re going to steal all our jobs they should at least have the courtesy to cuss us out in english. Can I get an amen?
Paul Lentz
July 22nd, 2009
12:50 am
I’ve said this on other blogs for the past 2 months, and I’ll say it here. Yunel Escobar is WAY TOO GOOD of a player………and a HUGE BARGAIN salary wise……….to get rid of. Where else are we going to get a short stop who has a cannon of an arm……who can flat out hit and drive in runs…….who is 26 years old.and still one more year away from salary arbitration?
I think that some of Jeff Francoeur’s antics were more deserving of him being benched than Escobar’s have been. Fair or unfair, when you produce like Escobar does, you have earned the right to be given some slack.
Keep up the good work Yunel. I’ve been supporting you all year (and in previous years as well). Sure, I’ve criticized specific bonehead plays you’ve made. However, NOT ONCE have I advocated you being benched. Sitting someone down for a game to “get their attention over a series of mistakes” is one thing. However I would not support benching Escobar for a number of games.
Hopefully all this talk is behind us because Yunel is just TOO GOOD to be sitting on the bench. The Braves need him to win games.
jed
July 22nd, 2009
12:54 am
all the people on the blog calling for escobar to be traded? i know them, unfortunately. they’re imbeciles.
scottbravesfan
July 22nd, 2009
2:22 am
Frank Wren is not going to trade Yunel. If you can’t tell by now Frank Wren couldn’t give a crap about anything except results on the field. If you can play he wants you on the team and if you can’t you can hit the door.
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 22nd, 2009
7:19 am
Has anyone else noticed that in the online layout the columnist above Bradley, Furman Bisher, has had the same “Braves farm system all dried up” headline for about two months? Kind of got a “Germans Bomb Pearl Harbor” feel to it.
Bradley has to blog 15 times a week. Apparently Bisher has a slightly lower threshhold. Don’t worry, Mark, in 37 years you’ll only have to blog a couple times a month and can harken back to Joe B. Hall and the glory days of Rich Brooks and Andre Woodson…
Gov. Clinton Tyree
July 22nd, 2009
7:22 am
If these Braves make the playoffs, you’ve really got to start talking about Frank Wren as executive of the year. This team was in UGLY shape last September. He made some seriously tough decisions and spent wisely.
Orlando Man
July 22nd, 2009
7:31 am
Nice article! I have kept telling my Brave fan friends that their is a huge communication gap and that’s it! Well, toss in a little immaturity but every 25 year old male has that…I live in the true melting pot of this country and there are TONS of communication issues here which lead to a lot of negative perceptions. However, it is a lot easier to deal with it when you understand that’s what the problem is. I think Yunel is a great kid! Very emotional which just means he has a big heart. As he matures he won’t be so misunderstood and will be a fantastic ball player.
Larry A
July 22nd, 2009
7:37 am
Well, now that Francoeur is gone, have to have someone else to pick on. Johnson is in AAA on rehab so can’t write negative articles about him so let’s focus on Escobar and see if we can run him out of town…
Willy
July 22nd, 2009
7:40 am
It seems the majority of the voices on this blog have it right. Escobar is a huge talent who hits in the clutch. Anyone who would like some perspective on his idiosyncracies should check out the book, “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero,” by David Maraniss. Clemente is a hall of famer who had a rough time adjusting to the American style of the game, and was known as a whiner and had a rocky relationship with the baseball press, especially in Pittsburgh. Look at his numbers, at the impact he had on his team. I’m not saying that Escobar is Clemente, but they are similar in that they had to learn a new language, adjust to a new culture and perform at the elite level. I welcome the fire that Escobar brings to the game. This town needs a baseball team that is energized and has a love for the game.
Drixie
July 22nd, 2009
7:59 am
Right on, Willy!
61 year Braves Fan
July 22nd, 2009
8:09 am
I agree with “Watching the Braves since 66″. Trade Chipper before Escobar who will become a star.
Also fire Cox and bring in Ned Yost or John Farrell (pitching coach of the Red Sox) as manager.
Curtis Jones
July 22nd, 2009
8:15 am
Did DOB and Tim Hudson ever make up?
carl
July 22nd, 2009
8:51 am
Shouldn’t those in the baseball media learn Spanish, given there are so many Latin ballplayers? Or is it easier to beyatch and moan when a translator isn’t provided? If Escobar should learn English to help him in his job, shouldn’t Mark Bradley learn Spanish to help him in HIS job? Works both ways…
Herschworld
July 22nd, 2009
8:51 am
I think I need to post a youtube video with sheets behind me and I’m crying and really upset and all I’m saying is leave Escobar alone.
Don
July 22nd, 2009
9:01 am
Enter your comments here
Don
July 22nd, 2009
9:07 am
Bobby Cox continues to ruin the team with his incompetence every year he manages – He makes terrible in game strategy moves, refuses to adjust the batting order to take advantage of hot bats, refuses to have his best players in the lineup, does a terrible job of managing the bullpen, and above all has no concept of teaching, emphasizing, demanding the most essentil thing in offense – working the count and making the opposing pitcher throw a lot of pitches. BUT NOW, SURELY they will now allow him to ruin the team for years to come by following his desire to trade Escobar, a potentila All Star for years to come.
carl
July 22nd, 2009
9:18 am
At some point Prado will cool off for at least a couple games. At that point Bobby Cox will reinsert Kelly johnson at 2b. Believe me, Cox is chomping at the bit to get “his guy” back in there despite the obvious superiority of Prado in every phase of the game. Listen to Cox talk of Prado, it is always a “he is hot right now so he is in there” type of attitude.
Arthur
July 22nd, 2009
9:37 am
Yunel is well worth keeping. He has the most raw talent of any player on the team. If Bobby Cox or Frank Wren had floated in from Cuba and not been able to speak English, their attitude might be a little different. Yunel needs understanding and help, not anger and criticism. We have many players and coaches who speak Spanish. Cahadia speaks Cuban Spanish. I see this as a management problem not an Escobar problem. Eddie, Snitker, and Cahadia need to get with the program. So do Cox and Wren. Escobar may turn out to be one of the greatest shortstops ever..
Arthur
Joey
July 22nd, 2009
9:47 am
I’m worried about that too Carl. Last night I was watching Prado handle grounders and double plays with such ease and remembered how Kelly just made you hold your breath on routine plays and never seemed to be at ease.
y2knole
July 22nd, 2009
10:01 am
There was an article in the Sunday AJC about Prado, and in it he discussed how important it was for him to learn english so that he could communicate with his teammates… Ive been thinking about that in the last few days with relation to the Braves, and the Mets who had a cultural fire in their clubhouse a year or two ago… Prado said he didnt want to be cornered into one clique cause those were the only guys he could talk to… I cant fathom defecting to a spanish speaking country and not learning the language… Why hasnt Escobar? The kid is an incredible athlete, and may be a good guy too, I dont know, never met him… but his inability to pick up English has probably got alot to do with the issues hes had. cant communicate with his teammates, his manager, the media, the club house attendants, the valet, etc etc etc… Im not gonna go on a John Rocker ‘SPEAK ENGLISH’ tirade, but it seems that he could help himself alot by picking up the language… just my $.02
Mike is back
July 22nd, 2009
10:05 am
Great piece on a Great Guy…Yunel could be the next BIG THING FOR THE BRAVO. It’s niece to hear Chipper go to bat for Yunel…he was a young hot shot himself…he know what it like being young and processing that kind of swagger.
This has caught my eye…they look like a team on the rise…GO BRAVES!!!!
y2knole
July 22nd, 2009
10:11 am
I love how the temperature in here changes. Based on comments in these blogs in June, I’d have never expected the braves to win again… Now its a team loaded with potential all stars who have no excuse for not winning a ring…
its a long grind of a season. cant get too up or too down…
bobby cox
July 22nd, 2009
10:25 am
Million dollar arm and a 10 cent brain. Regardless, way too good to trade. One of the few hitters on the team.
Leonard Parent
July 22nd, 2009
10:27 am
Escobar type players don’t grow on trees. It would be much easier to replace the manager than Esky!
John
July 22nd, 2009
10:28 am
So he’s misunderstood because of his “hair”, and he “whistles” and “claps”. I still don’t see the evidence that he’s this bad guy, thus the need to write a column to say that he isn’t.
BILLYDEE
July 22nd, 2009
10:41 am
ESCOBAR and PRADO are two of the most exciting Braves players to watch and I hope to see them play together as Braves for several years to come.
ijudgenot
July 22nd, 2009
10:45 am
I don’t know if Wren’s moves had this intent or not, but by trading gor McClueth, sending Schaeffer down,putting KJ on DL, and trading away Francoeur, he has made Cox’s job easier. Cox is called a player’s manager because he is extremely loyal to players who have started for him in the past.It took Wren’s moves to force Cox to stop pencilling in Schaeffer, Kelly and Francoeur in the lineup everyday. I too am worried about what will happen when Kelly gets back. I am worried Cox will go to a lefty/righty rotation with Prado and Kelly eventhough Prado hits right handers well. Though I think Norton is a better player coming off the bench to hit, I would rather see Blanco coming off bench to leadoff and play centerfield so McClueth could go to right for a few games and be dropped down to 7th in batting order until he gets his stroke back.
jgon
July 22nd, 2009
10:53 am
Chipper is right about the kid. Bobby sees the talent and knows he can be real good.
LivinIn AL
July 22nd, 2009
10:56 am
I would take a whole team of Escobars
Swaga1
July 22nd, 2009
11:04 am
If the braves trade Escobar they can forget about me spending another dime in that boring azz ball park/fans. I’m glad that Esky is not “button down” boring like the rest of those robots on the team. That’s exactly what the braves need is someone with a personality and fire who wants to him….god forbid a player like that playing for those business like braves….that style is outdated and stale and its time for a change. That’s the primary cause of us sweeping philly then going and losing 2 out of 3 to the nationals, the team has no killer instinct or emotion. If we lose the division u can look back to the series with the nationals.
chris
July 22nd, 2009
11:07 am
Shut up and play, that is all you gotta do. When you are the last one standing and you hoist that hardware, then you can celebrate. Escobar has more talent than anyone on the big club, but his brain is the size of a bb.
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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[...] did I mention that Yunel Escobar is playing like the All-Star shortstop Chipper Jones believes he can be? The National League player of the week last week, and now a threejack off the San Francisco [...]
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[...] and be misunderstood. Coaches Chino Cadahia and Eddie Perez, each of whom acted as interpreters, told me as much last season. But should a big-league player fail so repeatedly to perform the basic task of playing hard? The [...]