Yunel Escobar can be, well, unpredictable. His nightly adventures on the base paths range from bold to obstinately asinine. His smattering of English concedes to a repertoire of colorful expressions, facial and physical, that give us clues to his temperment at the moment. So, when his trademark wide eyed look of incredulity flashed across his face in the first inning after being called out on strikes (via a caught foul tip), I actually said to myself, “Good night, Yunel.” To my surprise, however, he reined in his emotions, having risen only to a simmer, and walked back to the dugout. The replay seemed to prove he had no legitimate beef, but then, intuitive logic isn’t typically his modus operandi. Next time, he may flip a bat, point at third base, or cast an inexplicably belligerent glare at the catcher before getting tossed.
Yunel Escobar can be unpredictable.
Unless, of course, you’re talking about driving in runners in scoring position. In that respect, there are death, taxes, and Yunel.
His .411 average with men on second or third leads the Braves, and lead the Braves is what he did tonight against the Pirates, taking the second game of the four game series, 4-3. With Kelly Johnson and Matt Diaz at second and third respectively, Yunel nearly tore the seams off a Jesse Chavez fast ball, scorching it into left field, scoring both runners and putting the Braves in front. It stayed that way, after another masterful 8th and 9th inning of relief from Mike Gonzales and Rafael Soriano, who are fast becoming an interchangeable late inning two headed monster.
Yunel has but one head–and when he keeps it, good things seem to happen.
Like runs.
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