Escobar Trade Paying Early Dividends

Tyler Clippard traded to Oakland this winter for Yunel Escobar

Flexibility. That's what Yunel Escobar brought the Washington National's on paper. Earlier this year, the National's traded set-up man, and all-around solid reliever Tyler Clippard for Escobar, whose primary position is shortstop. Clippard, whose sports glasses have become iconic in Washington since he was acquired from the New York Yankees, was not easy to part with. But, with the addition of Tanner Roark in the bullpen, and the already stellar rotation, the benefit Escobar outweighed the loss of Clippard.

It's clear what Escobar brought the National's on paper. Escobar has already played great at third while Anthony Rendon recovers from a sprained MCL suffered in March, recording only one error to date. He'll slide into the second base spot once Rendon returns, and offers the ability to grant off days to both Ian Desmond and Rendon without forcing reserves Danny Espinosa or Dan Uggla to play out of position. Escobar even gives the Nationals flexibility in the coming offseason. If Desmond walks in free agency, Escobar will still be under contract for another season, giving Washington the opportunity to look for a new second baseman or shortstop.

Pleasantly however, Escobar has provided some much needed pop in the line-up as the Nationals try to get 100% healthy. Already with a lead-off home run, and Tuesday night's walk-off home run in the 10th inning, Escobar is hitting .280 with an OPS just below .800. A career .276 hitter, Escobar has shown the ability to come up big in the clutch, including his two-out, three RBI double in the 3rd inning of last nights game with the St. Louis Cardinals. Coming up big in the clutch will be huge in the playoffs if the Nationals are to live up to their preseason billing.