I find it interesting what the Rays leave out of the discussion of the trade for Yunel Escobar:

Escobar’s acquisition, along with the soon-to-be-officially-announced signing of first baseman James Loney, will improve the Rays’ infield defense while also allowing the team to take advantage of Ben Zobrist‘s talents. Zobrist finished the 2012 season as Tampa Bay’s regular shortstop. Now he will likely be used primarily at second base and right field, with occasional stints at short.

“One of the benefits here is that Yunel will obviously be our primary shortstop,” Friedman said. “This will allow us to deploy [Zobrist] in more effective ways and utilize his versatility.”

Yunel, with the exception of 2012, does a very good job of getting on base. With a .353 career OBP, he is far from an out machine. His pop doesn’t matter that much. The Rays get a solid defensive shortstop with a good OBP cheap. With Longoria next to him, right-handed batters are going to have a tough time getting balls through the infield on the left side. Loney at first allows throws from that side to be a little wild as well. It’s another lesson in how to win on a budget.

It could also help Zobrist in the MVP voting if he’s not seen as a utility player.