Sun, Feb 13, 2005 at 12:00am

NATS LAND ESCOBAR

The Washington Nationals acquired outfielder Alex Escobar from the Chicago White Sox for outfielder Jerry Owens.

What does it give the Washington Nationals
Alex Escobar is the quintessential prospect that never was. There were few bigger prospects in the game in 2001 when the Mets traded him to Cleveland. But the five-tooler wasn't able to catch on there, so the Tribe dumped him on the White Sox last year and the Sox are now making him the Nats' problem. He could always make a big turnaround, but for now he'll try to catch on as a fourth outfielder.

What does it give the Chicago White Sox
Owens, a former UCLA wide receiver, is speedy and athletic, making him a strong base-stealer. He has a good line-drive swing, though he has little power to speak of so far, and has shown the patience to take a walk, but he's still at least a couple of years from getting a shot at penetrating the White Sox's outfield.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Washington Nationals

Alex Escobar OF

Chicago White Sox

Jerry Owens OF