Atlanta Braves Baseball: Same Old Yunel

Once again, I know that I should never write when I'm mad. But part of me believes my best stuff comes out when I do.

The other part of me thinks that is why I was passed over on becoming a B/R Featured Writer for the Braves, although the two guys picked (Cameron Britt and Brett Kettyle) are superb writers and deserve the slots. But I digress.

Once again the Braves found the banana peel on Saturday. The blame can and should go all the way around on this one.

Everyone from Bobby Cox (for putting Manny Acosta in a one-run game in the ninth) to Nate McLouth (0-for-5, and a strikeout with the bases loaded) to Greg Norton (does anyone understand how he is still on this team?).

I, however, am going to place this one squarely on my personal whipping boy, Yunel Escobar.

Every time I get upset with him and write about it, I usually face plenty of pro-Yunel fans. You have your place and some of your points are valid, but this time I vow to eat you alive if you come in here spouting off random threats and curses.

My disdain for the young Cuban is well documented. I love the raw talent he brings to this club. His hitting and fielding are top of the line.

It's too bad he's about the dumbest player in all of baseball. Saturday was the fourth game this season that Yunel cost the Braves with a mental error in a clutch spot.

The previous three times were in the field. This time he screwed up at the plate. After a Chipper Jones eighth inning HR to bring the Braves within one, Brian McCann got a single. The Braves had a runner on first with no outs, and Yunel Escobar at the plate.

I'd be remiss if I didnt mention that Escobar is one of the most clutch hitters with men on base--hitting over .400 with men on.

Bobby Cox replaces the slow-footed McCann with Diory Hernandez. Yunel tries to bunt twice and gets the count to 2-0. Then Cox put the hit-and-run on.

Needless to say Yunel missed the sign and left Hernandez out to dry at second. I know what you will say. The ball was high and inside. That absolutely does not matter. If Yunel swings the probability that Hernandez is safe at second goes up exponentially.

That singular play zapped the momentum. Braves fans were on their feet, the Mets were reeling. And a missed sign by the moronic Escobar absolutely killed them.

Sure, they still had their opportunities. The Braves left the bases loaded in the seventh and eighth. Bobby Cox inexplicably used Manny Acosta in a clutch situation and he proceeded to give up three runs in the top of the ninth.

The bottom line, however, is that Yunel Escobar continues to undermine this teams chances to win games. This is the fourth loss that can in part be attributed directly to him.

It wont happen during this season, but the Braves need to cash out on Yunel Escobar while he has any inkling of value to other teams.

I love raw talent, but the Braves are not a haven for that type of player. Bobby Cox demands a high baseball IQ, Escobar simply does not have that.

The Braves can only hope to take game four of this series against the hapless Mets. Now they'll have to get up off the ground after losing another one in a most sickening fashion.