Hardy Injury- Is Alcides Escobar ready for MLB Pitching?

[Klements Bratwurst]

I wanted to start this thread for all of you fans that have seen Escobar play either in the minors or in Cactus league action. With Hardy's current injury status up in the air with that same surgically repaired left shoulder, the prospects of seeing Counsell getting a lot more playing time seemed to have increased greatly. With that said, Alcides line of .332/.370/.449 in 274 AB's this year in the pitching strong Southern League is certainly impressive. The old adage usually says if you can handle AA pitching, then you have a good shot to progress to MLB.

 

We know that Alcides glove is pretty much ready for the Bigs, but at 21 years of age, what do you think his numbers would be if they were transferred to MLB? Could he start 4 days a week for the Brewers and not put up J.J. Hardy type numbers that he did when he first got his call up? Preferrably it would be best to let Alicides climb the ladder slowly, but can he help the big club now?

[dadofandrew]

I have little doubt he'd struggle, maybe .300/.310, but he'd likely get the call and split time with Craig.

[JohnBriggs12]

The guy's been at least 2-3 years younger than average for every league he's ever played in and he's never really been completely overmatched. Though I've only seen him in a game or two on tv in spring, I wouldn't think he'd be overmatched against big league pitching either. What he does results wise good or bad over a 2 week stretch isn't going to determine a whole lot, but my guess is he'd do ok.

[craigharmann]

Wouldn't you think that they would call up Chris Woodward before they'd call up Escobar? He'd probably be the guy to platoon with Counsell. Not saying I like it, but I think that would be more the likelihood. Why start Esco's arby clock early?

[JoeHova]

craigharmann wrote:

Why start Esco's arby clock early?

 

 

You just answered your own question when you mentioned the phrase "call up Chris Woodward". Plus, the arby clock would be pretty irrelevant at this point in the season, especially considering that he would be sent down again once JJ was healthy.

 

If JJ was to go on the DL, Escobar is the guy I'd like to see. If nothing else, it would allow the Brewers (and us) to see how his defense translates to the majors.

[battlekow]

Wouldn't you think that they would call up Chris Woodward before they'd call up Escobar? He'd probably be the guy to platoon with Counsell. Not saying I like it, but I think that would be more the likelihood. Why start Esco's arby clock early?

Nope.

If anything happened to shortstop J.J. Hardy in the long term, Yost said he wouldn't hesitate to summon Escobar, whether from Class AA Huntsville or Nashville.

[craigharmann]

If anything happened to shortstop J.J. Hardy in the long term, Yost said he wouldn't hesitate to summon Escobar, whether from Class AA Huntsville or Nashville.

Awesome. I'd much rather have Esco, but I wasn't sure how slow they would be in progressing him. Now I sorta want JJ to be on the DL. Is that wrong?

 

[brewcrewfan08]

Got to see him in spring training, and his defense during the game I saw was amazing. He made a play that J.J. wouldn't have even been able to touch, but his 13 errors (I think) this year kind of worries me to how consistent he is. He is batting amazing this year and I hope that can translate into the majors soon.

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

I'd have no problem with Escobar being our every day SS if Hardy goes on the DL. The guy can play and in my opinion he will be a better overall player than Hardy. It will be interesting to see if Escobar can develop a little more power, but he makes good contact and he already has as many walks at this point this year than he did all of last year. You have to like that kind of improvement out of one of your top prospects.

[BrewPackBuck]

Didnt some people on this site say they didnt like Escobar as a prospect and didnt think he would amount to anything? Now I see people say they want him called up if JJ hits the DL. Now I dont know if that was any of you guys that replyed to this thread but I thought Id throw that out there since some of people where saying that.

[uwisfan]

hmmm, so some (or one?) people on a big message board said they doubt he would make it (no doubt after looking at his batting stats alone), while others think the should be inserted? hmmm, must be the same person

[JoeHova]

Escobar has become more likely to be a major leaguer merely by playing pretty successfully in AA. It's natural to have skepticism about any prospect until they at least show they can handle the higher levels of the minors. Thus, I don't think any lack of adulation for Escobar in the past was necessarily out of line.

[BrewCrewForever]

If Hardy goes on the DL I would like to see Escobar get the call. Not to play everyday but split time with Counsell. This would allowe Craig to play 2B as well so we don't have to play Hall there everyday.

[sheetskout]

I would also like to see Escobar get the call. I think they could actually lead him off and hope for contact hits....

[TuesdaysWithRillo]

I wonder if Escobar can lay down a bunt because Hardy sure can't.