Alcides Escobar wows again with long distance backhand flip

Take a moment of your time to marvel at the latest defensive wizardry exhibited by Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar.

Escobar, who much like Atlanta Braves Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons is quickly building a reputation for his defensive prowess, added to his highlight reel on Friday with a diving stop and backhand flip that was stunning in both its resourcefulness and flawless execution.

To set the stage, the Cardinals had a runner on first base with nobody out and Matt Adams at the plate. As many teams like to do against Adams, the Royals employed an extreme shift by moving third baseman Mike Moustakas to the right field side of second base, leaving Escobar all alone to cover the left.

Not a problem, says Alcides.

When Adams’ surprisingly bounced a grounder to his left, he reacted with a dive. Then, from near the outfield grass while on the seat of his pants, he launched a long distance backhanded flip to get Matt Holliday, the lead runner.

It’s not a play that’s practiced and it’s certainly not one that’s taught. It’s a matter of instincts, awareness and above all confidence in ones own ability to execute. Esbocar has those attributes in abundance and did not hesitate to flaunt them. 

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But that wasn’t the only time he taunted the Cardinals with his defensive skills on Friday. Back in the first inning, he covered a ridiculous amount of ground to chase down Kolten Wong’s popup with a sliding grab in foul territory. 

On its own merit, that may have been the defensive play of the day if not for Escobar’s flip. 

As it is, the flip wins out, just as the Royals did 5-0 behind two home runs and five RBIs from Kendrys Morales. 

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813