The tease of talent

Kelvim Escobar has always been a VERY talented pitcher. You'd read/hear from all the pundits and experts about his "stuff", except each plaudit carried a caveat: "if healthy". And now we hear he might have a torn shoulder. Possibly a career ender. Such a shame but goes to explain why the durable aces are so sought after and well-compensated: there aren't many of them.

Pitcher Kelvim Escobar, an 18-game winner for the Angels last season, revealed Wednesday that he has a tear in his shoulder, an injury that could require season-ending surgery and, possibly, end the veteran right-hander's career."I'm concerned, I don't know what's going to happen ... I don't even know if I'll be able to pitch again," said Escobar, 32, who is in the second year of a three-year, $28.5-million contract.

Escobar has bounced from starter to reliever, once saving 38 games for the BlueJays in 2002. He started 33 games in 2004, his first year in Anaheim, winning 11 with a 3.93 ERA. He then missed much of 2005. In 2006-07, he started 30 games each year, winning 18 games last year with a 3.40 ERA. He seemingly put it all together the last two years but the future ain't looking so bright for him.

If he goes under the knife and is devoted/motivated to get thru the nasty rehab, he is young enough (32 years old now) to make a successful return to the game. Except in reading his comments, maybe he doesn't want to go thru all that:

"I'm still young, but retirement has gotten into my head. It's hard doing the rehab. You get frustrated. You want to get out there and play. And I know I've done everything I can to stay healthy. I work pretty hard, take care of my body. What else can I do?"