Alcides Escobar Cards—Sell ‘em if you’ve got ‘em

Posted by Jeremy on January 25, 2009 under Readers Mailbag | 2 Comments to Read

 

It is not every day that I receive letters in the ol’ mailbag, and it’s an even rarer day that I receive them from people connected to major league players or prospects.  Tonight, however, I did receive a letter from someone very close to Milwaukee Brewers SS phenom Alcides Escobar.

While I do not feel that it is completely appropriate to share the verbatum contents of the letter, I will impart to you that it was a scathing letter that, to me, casts serious doubts about Mr. Escobar’s emotional preparedness and fortitude to play at the major league level at this time.  The letter detailed some maturity issues and lapses in integrity that has reportedly led to Escobar’s dismissal from his Venezuelan Winter League team.  I looked all over the internet to confirm this, but came up empty.

Whether or not this story has teeth, news like this makes me wary.  Escobar is a young player (turned 22 in December) with top tier talent, but players with dubious character issues and problems with work ethic become prime candidates for failure at higher levels.  My gut tells me that he may struggle a bit at AAA Nashville this season.

Note to all sports fans: The men that wear the jerseys of the teams that we live for are, indeed, just men.  Some may be able to throw a ball faster than a Ford Focus or be able to outrun an El Camino, but in the end, they are as human as you and me.  None are worthy of our worship and all are flawed in more ways than one.

My best wishes and thanks to the person who wrote me that letter.  May the One worthy of worship and praise bless you richly.