Thread: Mackey: Defensive wiz Escobar is one to watch

Do we know that Escobar is better defensively than Florimon at this point?

Gardy might have said that he wants some pop off the bench but I expect that there will be 4 futility IF'ers (2 starting) and 3 catchers (2 starting) on the roster. Combine that with 12 pitchers and the only other hitter is the backup OF'er. BOOK IT!

Originally Posted by Seth Stohs

Minor League Numbers (7 years) - .267/.312/.348 (.660)
AAA (172 games) - .255/.293/.343 (.636)

I'm not a fan of adding up minor league numbers for young guys; it's a real apples-and-oranges problem with age and league level.

But I agree that his minor league progression, up until last year's poor numbers in a short stint at Rochester, would be completely consistent with an eventual ability to hit at the major league level, well enough for a utility job and possibly just enough to hold down a position as a regular. I was lukewarm on his acquisition, but he's better than the usual minor league infield throw-in on a deal.

But if he barely misses on such a projection, he is just another good glove in a world fairly full of them. He recently turned 24, so the next year or two become make-or-break.

Wasn't Escobar converted from pitcher to infielder not that long ago? That'd provide a legit reason to believe his offensive upside may be higher than the numbers suggest.

Originally Posted by Nick Nelson

Wasn't Escobar converted from pitcher to infielder not that long ago? That'd provide a legit reason to believe his offensive upside may be higher than the numbers suggest.

His b-r.com page shows a couple of innings as a 17-year old. Consistent with his pitching in youth leagues, but he's been a full time hitter for 8 seasons now.

Originally Posted by ashburyjohn

His b-r.com page shows a couple of innings as a 17-year old. Consistent with his pitching in youth leagues, but he's been a full time hitter for 8 seasons now.

In terms of geology, that's not that long ago.

Originally Posted by nokomismod

Do we know that Escobar is better defensively than Florimon at this point?

Who? Us? Of course not.

Originally Posted by jorgenswest

I am not sure if anyone on the current roster will be on the Twin roster in the next decade. If Escobar has the defensive skill of a Punto or Carroll, he will be a major leaguer into the next decade.

Both of those guys have some skill as hitters.

Originally Posted by FrodaddyG

In terms of geology, that's not that long ago.

They radiocarbon dated Escobar and there's still a fair amount of pitching DNA in there.

Originally Posted by Brock Beauchamp

They radiocarbon dated Escobar and there's still a fair amount of pitching DNA in there.

I understand there was a complete lack of hitting DNA though. "None whatsoever. Not as uncommon as you'd think in that organization's history" one scientist stated.