First off, I’d like to thank everyone who had the chance to read into our first player introduction of the offseason. Informing the fans is our number one priority here at Bleacher Report.
Now, let’s take a look at the Milwaukee Brewers’ newly added defensive phenom, shortstop Alcides Escobar.
Although you may already believe to know enough about him to get by, let me be the first to tell you that you are indeed, mistaken.
Born on December 16, 1986, Escobar was declared early on as a future baseball star. Growing up in the tiny town of La Sabana, Venezuela, helped in his early-life baseball pursuits.
Kniown for his extreme base-running speed and skills, Doug Melvin and the Milwaukee Brewers were severely interested from the very beginnings of his young career.
The 6’1”, 180-pound frame is clearly makes Escobar one of the most peculiar shortstops in the major leagues. Along with not attending any college, Escobar is certainly one of the more un-prototypical players in the league.
After being signed by Milwaukee as an international free agent in 2003, Escobar split time between Single-A and Double-A. Contributing his efforts in 63 games for Single-A Brevard County, as well as 62 games with Double-A Huntsville was Escobar’s official “commencement” time period. Hitting for a combined .306 BA, with 1 HR and 53 RBI was one of the many reasons why his talents were initially noticed by Brewers’ personnel.
On September 1, 2008, Escobar was called up to the majors for the first time of his young, promising career as a defensive replacement for then starter J.J. Hardy. In that same game, the growing Escobar recorded his first career hit.
In 2009, Escobar in the MLB future’s All-Star Game, as the starting shortstop for the World Team. Let it be known he went 2-for-4, including the go-ahead run for the World Team All-Stars.
Following his impressive performance in the Future’s All-Star Game, Escobar was called up from AAA Nashville to replace J.J. Hardy, who would later be traded to the Minnesota Twins later that season.
In 2010, Escobar was able to total up 41 RBI, 4 HR to go with a .235 batting average. However, the enphasis on Escobar is not primarily his offense, but his defense.
Formerly one of the most touted young defensive shortstops in the minor leagues, Escobar was able to maintain a .964 FPCT (fielding percentage).
Seemingly making jaw-dropping plays left and right in only his 1st season as a regular starter, Escobar is already making a name for himself within clubhouses around the major leagues.
As for his role within the Brewers in 2011, Escobar is undoubtedly the starting shortstop until further notice.
Rest assured, Escobar’s importance to Milwaukee’s NL Central title hopes is absolutely vital. He is certainly a diamond in the rough.
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