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Yunel Escobar: Predicting 2009
Written by Colin on January 31, 2009 – 1:37 amYunel Escobar had his first full season starting last year and it’s time to guess what he’s going to do in 2009. Now in case you missed it, Escobar was drafted in the 2nd round of the amateur draft in 2005. He played in 2007 behind Edgar Renteria and once Renteria was traded to the Tigers, he started at shortstop last year. In his first full season he batted .288 with 10 HRs and 60 RBIs, and walked more than in 2007. He batted second 57% of the time, first 30% of the time, and batted most of the rest of the time in the third spot.
What does Escobar do in 2009? I think he bats second. We’ll throw Josh Anderson / Gregor Blanco in the leadoff slot and let Escobar hit second. Chipper is third, and it’ll go on from there. Escobar’s average jumped up .40 points batting third last year, but that’s Chipper’s spot as long as he wants it. Escobar will continue to mature as a player and hopefully we’ll see an improvement over last year – which wasn’t really a sophomore slump – but it wasn’t as phenomenal as his first year. Bobby Cox deemed Escobar a future all-star last offseason, and we hope he turns into that player in the coming couple of years.
So now the time comes to pull numbers out of my keister. Once again, don’t bet on this. I’m not qualified to be doing this, but neither is anybody else. My prediction for Yunel Escobar in 2009 is as follows:
.298 BA, 16 HRs, 73 RBIs, 55 strikeouts, 65 walks, 30 doubles, and… oh I dunno, 80 runs scored.
Go ahead, tell me how you disagree. Then pull numbers out of thin air and we’ll argue. I’m looking forward to see Escobar this coming year – I hope to see him improve as he matures. Give him another few years and we’ll see the All Star player we hope to see.
Tags: Escobar 2009 predictions, Yunel Escobar, Yunel Escobar Prediction
Posted in General, Speculation | 11 Comments »
By Jonathan on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I think a big key to helping keep Yunel successful at the plate is to keep him from batting leadoff. He always seems too overanxious when getting up their first. I'm hoping for a good year out of Yunel. He has great defensive abilities, I just hope he keeps focused on that.
By Pat from Bravescast on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I am wondering how he will react knowing that he was close to being traded to the Padres and the Braves were willing to give him up. Some young players react differently to things like that. I am still not 100% sure Yunel will not be traded before the season starts due to his current value and intrest from other teams.
By Colin Ake on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I think that while there was speculation that Yunel was part of the package, we don't know for sure that he was mentioned – plus I'd hope that he's mature enough to know that almost anyone is tradeable for the best pitcher in the game.
I don't think we'll see him traded. But we'll see.
By dave on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I am a huge fan of Yunel Escobar. I know Jake Peavy would have been a great edition, but the price was to high. I just was hoping so much the trade would not be made. I think we will be better off in the present, and the future. Due in a large part by keeping Yunel Escobar, we have one of the best shortstops in the game. I think we have much of pitching problem was solved mostly through free agency, without having to mortgage the future of the braves. I believe the numbers for Yunel you mentioned are very doable. I believe with the big league experience he has under his belt we can expect improvement this year and much more in the future. I was so impressed from the start with his abilities, what an arm. I think he will be a fixture for the Braves for many years to come Best Wishes
By Jonathan on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I was thinking about that as well, Pat. But I don't know if the Braves will consider trading him right now. I don't like any of our other options at short without him here. Anyone else that we put in the position will inevitably have to fill in for Chipper during injuries and rest this season.
By The Perez on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I've been following Yunel since his minor league days and would be very disappointed if the Braves traded him. Just by looking at him his got the arm and fielding skills of a young Furcal but the separation between the two comes at the plate. Yunel is way stronger then Furcal, he keeps getting bigger without hurting his defensive range. Over the next few years i expect his numbers to go way up and battle with Hanley Ramirez for the best shortstop crown in the NL. 2009 im projecting .295 20HR 80 RBIS, 60 Walks, 50Ks and just about 85 runs scored. If Chipper stays healthy and we do get that power bat, pitchers will have no other choice then to pitch to him at the two spot, and he makes contact.
By Tim on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
Escobar never went on the DL last year but he wasn't the same player after he had Prince Fielder fall on him and injure is elbow. His power numbers went way down from there. He'll be back to 100 percent and I'm expecting him to hit .300 with about 17 homeruns.
By dave on Jan 31, 2009 | Reply
I just cannot imagine Atlanta trading Yunel at this point for anyone. He is a rising star, and I believe a star for many years to come. We would be hard pressed to replace him, with the defensive and offensive skills he posses. His salary for now is cheap, I hope we consider a good contract for him in the future. I am expecting a great year for him, as well as the rest of the Braves. I truly believe it is going to be a great year for the Braves. God Bless
By Larry on Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
I may be way off here but Escobar to me seemed to come through in the clutch when we needed it most. He is a very special player. I remember his rookie year when he stole second when no one was looking. The pitcher and middle infield were clueless. You can't teach that type of play to players. I think him and Kelly are a big part of the future. They are both coming into their own and I like the numbers predicted.
By Larry on Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
I think the only reason he was mentioned was the Braves thought they would be able to replace him with Furcal. The only other shortstop we have is Infante.
By Tim on Feb 1, 2009 | Reply
Yes that is another thing I like about Escobar. He steps it up in the clutch. That is something you can't teach. Either you rise under the pressure and take your game to the next level or you stick your tail between your legs and hide when the pressure is on.