Yunel Escobar Stats & Scouting Report

AB	5315
AVG	.282
OBP	.35
SLG	.386
HR	90

Full name Yunel Almenares Escobar
Born 11/02/1982 in Havana, Cuba
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Matires De Barbados
Debut 06/02/2007
Drafted in the 2nd round (75th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2005 (signed for $475,000).

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Escobar is one of five Cuban defectors who had sought entry into the 2005 draft, ostensibly to get around the visa restrictions that were expected to hamper players from foreign countries. While the visa problems have since been remedied, Escobar and his cohorts are still in the draft, and he was rumored to be one of the players the Red Sox could take among their six selections in the first 59 picks. Scouts said Escobar stood out from the group because of his defensive polish, stature and strength. They said he has the bat speed and the strength in his hands to drive the ball from gap to gap, and they expect him to have enough of an offensive upside to go in the first five rounds pick on the strength of his bat alone. He pushes himself higher with his defensive skills, including a strong arm and plenty of range. Scouts were judging Escobar off games he was playing at Braddock High against recently released players, junior college players and other semi-pros. Escobar also will have to overcome the language and cultural obstacles that have felled other Cuban defectors.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

A Cuban defector who was a childhood friend of Braves catcher Brayan Pena, Escobar went in the second round after becoming draft-eligible just a month before the 2005 draft. He spent his first full season in Double- A, shifting between second base, shortstop and third base as part of a three-man infield rotation with Luis Hernandez and Martin Prado. He represented Cuba in the Futures Game last summer. Escobar has solid tools across the board. His smooth swing produces line drives from gap to gap. Though aggressive at the plate, he has good plate discipline and pitch recognition. He has consistent hands and a strong arm that's a plus at any infield position. Escobar hasn't shown the ability to drive the ball that many scouts projected before the 2005 draft. His modest range could prevent him from playing shortstop in the majors. He has just average speed and is a tick below-average for a middle infielder. A year ago, Escobar figured to be in a tight battle with Elvis Andrus as the Braves' long-term answer at shortstop. Because second baseman Marcus Giles was non-tendered, Escobar's best shot will probably come at that position or as a utilityman. He's ready for Triple-A.
Escobar was the most coveted of five Cuban defectors who entered the 2005 draft, causing teams to scramble when he declared himself eligible in mid-May. Atlanta was able to gain additional insight on him because he was a childhood friend of Braves catcher Brayan Pena. After signing for $475,000 as a second-round pick, Escobar had no problems handling low Class A. Escobar has solid all-around tools, featuring a steady glove, strong arm and a potent bat with budding power. He also has a large athletic frame that allows him to play a physical brand of baseball. He possesses strong hands and wrists as well as above-average arm strength. He made just six errors in 48 games at low Class A Rome. Escobar's range isn't remarkable. He's not as fast as most shortstops, though he has average speed and fluid actions. He's still adjusting to living in the U.S. and away from his family. Escobar could quickly develop into the Braves long-term answer at shortstop, though Elvis Andrus will have something to say about that.

Minor League Top Prospects

When Edgar Renteria went down with a severe ankle injury in August, the Braves turned to Escobar and got more than they expected: a disciplined .300 hitter with steady defense. Prior to that, the 24-year-old native of Cuba had filled in at second and third base, helping to keep Atlanta's wild-card hopes afloat. Escobar's best attribute is that as a hitter he doesn't have any holes. Though he's aggressive at the plate, he hits breaking balls as well as fastballs, balls in on the hands as well as balls three inches off the plate. Ideally, he'd work deeper counts to see more pitches to drive, but Escobar's high-contact, high-average approach works for him. It does handicap his power potential, which is below-average. He doesn't run well, either, and is just average under way. Escobar plays shortstop with flair and solid instincts; his range is solid-average and his arm strong. The Braves have worked with Escobar to tone down his flashiness, though they also recognize that his confidence is part of what defines him and allows him to take adversity in stride.
A Cuban defector who entered the draft process, Escobar is far from the common prospect. His chirping and constant chatter at shortstop take some getting used to, but most observers liked his unabashed passion for the game. That zeal comes through in Escobar's fluid, sometimes flashy play at shortstop, where he has above-average arm strength and range. What makes Escobar a prospect, though, is his bat. He has strength and power potential, and his consistent swing and approach helped him hit safely in 37 of his last 42 games before a wrist injury ended his pro debut a week early. "He does everything right," Savannah manager Randy Knorr said. "He's not trying to pull the ball and shows you power the other way. He's a natural leader and can really play shortstop."