The next cornerstone for the future of the Atlanta Braves? Quite possibly.
David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution seems to agree with most everyone on the issue…except of course Baseball Prospectus.
The heartiest laughter in the early part of Braves camp came when some Braves players and team officials saw a website scouting report that characterized Yunel Escobar as a glorified utility infielder who “peaked” as a major-leaguer in 2007. – AJC
That is funny!
In his major league debut last season, all the 25 year old Escobar did was show up to Atlanta and hit an amazing .326 .385 .451 w/ 5 HRs and 28 RBI in 319 ABs.
“For me, he could make the All-Star team” – Bobby Cox
He has shown up to camp this spring with an added 12 pounds of muscle to an already stocked frame.
He sounds like he means business too!
“I’m going to try and do the same job as Edgar did but, in my mind, I’ve got to work harder to be the best player I can be” – Yunel Escobar
“Escobar is one of the best players I have ever seen. What he did last year was phenomenal. That wasnt a fluke. He’s the real deal” – Brian McCann
“I’m not worried about him at all…at all” – Chipper Jones
Other News: Mike Hampton seems to be doing well so far this spring. Can you just imagine a healthy Hampton in the same rotation as Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, rounded out by either James or Jurrjens?
Regarding Mike Hampton:
“They all have been thrilled with him. He’s on top of his game” – Bobby Cox
Aahhh spring time. It could be a good year!
Im pretty excited about this season…everyones buffed up it seems, Yunel, Frenchy, Kelly and others..
Look for even better def/off from Kelly this year now that he actually had a offseason to rest and that hes comfortable with his new position.
Blaine Boyer seems to be rehabbing great, as his fastball is now regulating around 96 ((all time high- also spent time working out this offseason)) and Hampton is finally coming around…knock on wood.
Everything in our lineup and defense is great- we have the keys to go all the way- but one thing is in the way: the rotation.
Will Smoltz hold up? Will Huddy crack after a great year last year? Will Glavine hold up? Will James’s shoulder stay healthy? Will Jurrjens adjust well? Will Hampton even be around?
Its too iffy…but if it all goes good and everyone plays like I know they can, then we have a damn good team. GO BRAVOS!!