Thanks to commenter RJS who pointed this out to me.
According to the Clippers website, OF Alex Escobar has been released.
No idea why, especially in light of Wily Mo Pena’s shoulder injury.
I’ve asked a couple of questions to see what additional information I can find out.
jon | 14-Jul-08 at 4:31 pm | Permalink
well, crap. my secret favorite underachieving National. why, would we do this? unless he asked for it.
Brian Oliver | 14-Jul-08 at 4:34 pm | Permalink
Still nothing.
Pure conjecture on my part, but OF Tommy Murphy had an out clause in his contract allowing him to opt for free agency if he was not called up to the majors by June 30 (I believe that is how it was presented).
I wonder if Escobar had a comparable clause centered around the All-Star break.
Ric | 14-Jul-08 at 5:12 pm | Permalink
Brian - that’s possible, but at the same time, Escobar has been seriving primarily as DH this year, has an injury history, and is around 30 years old. The Nationals are scheduled to have 3 or 4 players coming off the DL after the break or soon thereafter (Zimmerman, Estrada, Wagner and Boone). This will require corresponding moves, probably some of which will involve returning players (Orr?, Casto? Shell?) to Columbus. Also, Frank Diaz is supposed to be returning soon for Columbus from injury, and the team seems committed to letting Bernadina (CF) and Davis (LF) play. It might have been simply a move of a known quantity to make roster space for players who have a potential future with the team.
Best of luck to Alex Escobar in any event.
Sec 204 Row K Seat 1 | 15-Jul-08 at 8:02 am | Permalink
I am sorry to see him go. If not for injuries, I beleive he would have been a great player for the NATS.
Mark | 16-Jul-08 at 6:51 am | Permalink
Alexis a nice guy but not major league material anymore, good luck to him, hopefully Mike Daniel will be at Nationals Park soon!