Escobar or Lillibridge?

by Chipper on Aug 11, 2007 5:42 PM EDT

In a recent Chop-N-Change comments section, there has been a huge debate between who the better shortstop is, Brent or Yunel. Yunel has shown his strengths in the majors, but also his weaknesses, and will probably get worse. However Brent Lillibridge is building his ceiling high, and has the tools to be an above average shortstop with many all star games. He has speed and a good glove. With Elvis Andrus gone, this leaves the door wide open for Brent Lillibridge to come in and take the job. He has a pretty good chance with the recent performances of Yunel Escobar. The question is, who will be the better shortstop? Keep in mind Lillibridge hasn't been in many Major League games, but was an all star this year in the minors, and will continue to get better. We should see him in the September call ups.

Poll

Who will be the better shortstop IN THE FUTURE?

Yunel Escobar

19 votes

Brent Lillibridge

18 votes

37 votes | Poll has closed

This FanPost does not express the views or opinions of Talking Chop.

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Comments

Here's an idea...

Assuming that Andruw Jones leaves after this year and we trade Edgar for a starting pitcher, could we move Willie to center and put Kelly back in left? Then our middle infield could be Lillibridge at SS and Escbar at 2nd. Just an idea. What do you think?

Our everyday lineup/batting order could be:

Willie- CF
Escobar- 2nd
Kelly- LF
Chipper- 3b
Tex- 1st
Frenchy- RF
Lillibridge- SS
McCann- C
Pitcher

*I like Matty D a lot and wouldn't mind him getting the everyday job out in left, but KJ has been great, so maybe Bobby would be able to platoon like he loves to do.

**I like Edgar a lot because he has been our team MVP for most of the year and I don't really want to get rid of him, but it seems like most people are talking about the possibility of him being traded in the off season.

by mvandonsel on Aug 11, 2007 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

OK

I say let Yunel be the next Betemit, only better. He'll ride the bench and be a great utility player. KJ should stay at 2nd. Brandon Jones will take LF and platoon with Diaz or Willie will go to LF to platoon with Diaz and BJ will go to CF. I think Willie will be a great glove out in CF with more speed than AJ. But BJ will more than likely be better and will play CF.

http://blabberinbraves.blogspot.com/ Come check out the videos at http://www.bravecave.com/index.php

by Chipper on Aug 11, 2007 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Jones

Brandon is not a center fielder and does not have the range to play center.

by was385 on Aug 11, 2007 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Does Frenchy?

He can play CF right? put him in CF and BJ in RF.

http://blabberinbraves.blogspot.com/ Come check out the videos at http://www.bravecave.com/index.php

by Chipper on Aug 11, 2007 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Willie

He is a platoon player at best but probably playing above his head. I doubt he will have an average over .300 if he plays a full season and with absolutely no power and mediocre base stealing ability, that is what he has to do to have any value. Besides, to say he is miserable against left handers would be a drastic understatement.

by was385 on Aug 11, 2007 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree

Willie has been great this year no doubt. But he is gonna come down at some point. I will say I am surprised that he made the adjustments when he started slumping but I don't see him hitting 330 next season. He is a good backup guy to have around though.

And I'm not revisiting the Yunel/Lillibridge debate anymore. We killed that horse on several sites over the past two weeks, no need to keep bringing it back up.

.....Matt

by yondaime4 on Aug 12, 2007 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions

_

All I can say is remember Gary Matthews?

by surge on Aug 12, 2007 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah?

what about him

.....Matt

by yondaime4 on Aug 14, 2007 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

mvandonsel

I like Willie, but I just dont see him as a Everyday Starting CF! Maybe Willie and Diaz as a platoon in LF or RF and then put Frenchy in Center! I just cant see Willie as an everyday Starter! But yeah I wish we could get Both in the Starting infield!

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 11, 2007 6:06 PM EDT reply actions

Finally

Me and was385 agree on something! Willie IS NOT an everyday player! Glad we agree on something was385! It took awhile!

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 11, 2007 6:32 PM EDT reply actions

I only said that

because I've been impressed with everything from 6 hits games to game saving catches. How can you not vote for him as AJ's replacement. He's doing better than AJ.

http://blabberinbraves.blogspot.com/ Come check out the videos at http://www.bravecave.com/index.php

by Chipper on Aug 11, 2007 6:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Chipper

He is LOWZY against Lefties! He just is not an everyday player! But who aint better than AJ this year?

braves#1

by rockybull on Aug 11, 2007 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

Three off the top of my head

Woodward
Corky
Davies

http://blabberinbraves.blogspot.com/ Come check out the videos at http://www.bravecave.com/index.php

by Chipper on Aug 11, 2007 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Lillibridge

I really like the idea of him playing all over the place in 2008..but with injurys and all the usual dealings him getting 400 at bats. He can play some SS some 2b some OF. His value and use would obviously go up if Edgar is dealt for pitching. Playing most days I think Lillibridge maybe Ryan Freel with some more pop in his bat

by NYSOX on Aug 11, 2007 9:04 PM EDT reply actions