When the Braves traded Ole' reliable, shortstop Edgar Renteria, I was disappointed. Renteria, although not a 'finesse' player, had a way of quietly putting up great, consistent numbers and doing so with class- no whining or edgy comments to the press.
But then we got an unknown- a young Cuban by the name of Yunel Escobar- who sparked mix reviews by both the fans and the local press. However, only a short while after skeptical Atlanta fans, myself included, almost wrote him off, he grabbed our attention ... and I mean GRABBED! Already the 25-year-old second round amateur draft pick has starred in a highlight video of a beautiful spinning defensive play in the home opener against Pittsburgh, not to mention 7 RBI, more than the beloved Chipper and Franceour.
His presence on the Braves club, in the dugout, at the plate and in the field is just as likable as his numbers. He possesses that youthful smile and that twinkle in his eyes that just tell you as a fan 'This is OUR guy ... He is going to be a difference maker, a force that will continue to turn heads in the stadium, frustrate ace pitchers who just can't wear him out and infuriate runners who are a half-a-step behind his rocket arm.'
He will be the guy that you just can't stop ... he will battle during tough at bats, he will steal bases and he will OWN shortstop.
I love our guys- Chipper, B-Can, Diaz, Frenchy, Tex etc ...- but there is a new sheriff in town and I think I speak for most, if not all, Braves fans when I say ... Yunel, welcome to Atlanta.
