Bill Mitchell's Minor League Ramblings

Minor League Ramblings For the week of :
June 10, 2002

Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.

Amezaga determined to make his mark in baseball
June 16, 2002

Alfredo Amezaga

Anaheim Angels infield prospect Alfredo Amezaga is very clear and succinct when asked his main goal for the 2002 season.

"Big leagues!" answers the 24-year-old native of Ciudad Obregon, Mexico.

It's this clear purpose and determination, along with an ebullient personality, that define Amezaga and his quest to make the major leagues.

The 5-10, 165 pound Amezaga got a taste of big league life three weeks ago, playing five games and batting .500 in 10 at bats. He collected four hits in one of those games, just before returning to AAA Salt Lake.

"That's the best experience I've had right now," remarked Amezaga about his time with the big club. He soaked in as much as he could during his time with the Angels, learning especially from veteran outfielder Orlando Palmeiro, who "... talked to me a lot about hitting."

Amezaga first came to the United States as a teenager, but not specifically to play baseball. "I came here to learn the language," he stated, "and then I decided to play baseball." Amezaga continued, "If you put together those two things (baseball and the English language), you're going to be alright."

The Angels drafted Amezaga out of St. Petersburg (FL) Junior College in the 13th round of the 1999 draft. The shortstop prospect has made a steady ascent through the Anaheim farm system, now ranking as one of the Angels' top prospects. A tireless worker who constantly strives to improve his skills, Amezaga plays the game with loads of enthusiasm. He is often recognized for his solid baseball instincts.

Yet the switch-hitter is still not content with his overall game. He has been lauded by many scouts as a skilled defender at shortstop, but Amezaga commented, "My defense is not that bad, but it's not that good either." It was through sheer hard work that Amezaga sufficiently improved his arm strength to remain at shortstop as he advanced through the minor league ranks.

Alfredo Amezaga at bat
Amezaga at the plate

While Amezaga's hitting has shown steady improvement during his three-year minor league career, he believes he can still make further progress in this area, especially since he has only been switch-hitting since the 2000 season. "I've got to work hard on my left side," he said. Amezaga added, "I've got to be more patient."

When Amezaga gets on base, he's a definite threat to steal. He possesses the type of speed that can put a charge into a team's offensive attack. Not coincidentally, his highest stolen base total, 73, came at class A Lake Elsinore in 2000 when he also recorded his highest walk total of 63.

Amezaga played winter ball in his native Mexico last year, leading the Mexican Pacific League in triples with five and ranking second in stolen bases with 23. He strongly believes that participating in this league helps his hitting. "They throw a lot of off-speed pitches," remarked Amezaga about the style of pitching in the Mexican winter league, "it's helping me trying to stay back."

While his batting average in class AAA (.250 in the second half of 2001 and .232 so far this year) don't match his totals from the lower levels (a combined .299 average), Amezaga continues to work hard on his hitting. "If I can hit better from my left side, I'll be alright," he stated.

Many observers believe that Amezaga's future at the major league level is as a utility infielder. But with his work ethic and determination, don't discount the possibility that this personable young man from Mexico will be a regular in Anaheim for a long time.

--- Bill Mitchell