Bill Mitchell's Minor League Ramblings

Minor League Ramblings For the week of :
August 26, 2002

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

Cintron learned the game of baseball from an unlikely source
August 29, 2002

Alex Cintron

Most professional athletes credit either their father or a coach as the biggest influence in their early development. Not so with Alex Cintron.

The Arizona Diamondbacks infield prospect is quick to point out who really helped him grow into a major league baseball player.

"My Mom," answered Cintron without even a moment's hesitation.

The native of Puerto Rico continued, "I just grew up with my Mom ... no Dad, nobody. She played softball, so I always saw her play. When I was three years old, I was running with her to right field. She could play."

Actually, the word "could" really isn't applicable. "She's 43 and she's still playing," remarked Cintron, proudly.

Mother Cintron has obviously done a good job of raising a ballplayer. Her 23-year-old son looks to have a long major league career ahead of him.

The switch-hitting shortstop was selected by Arizona in the 36th round of the 1997 draft. He's made a steady climb through the Diamondbacks system, finally making his major league debut for the World Champions late in the 2001 season.

His stock as a prospect dropped in the eyes of many scouts after a mediocre 2001 season. Despite hitting .292 for AAA Tucson, Cintron didn't show a lot of power or the ability to take a walk.

"I was a little disappointed with my season," said Cintron. "I wasn't in shape for playing every day. I didn't play good defense and I hit inconsistently."

Cintron skipped the Winter League season in Puerto Rico in order to work out with a personal trainer. "He put me in good shape, (especially) my legs," commented the 6-2, 180 pound Cintron. "That put me in a great situation this year ... I can move better and become a consistent player."

Alex Cintron

Returning to Tucson for the 2002 campaign, Cintron's off-season work obviously paid off. His numbers in the Pacific Coast League were much improved, as he batted .332 with 22 doubles in 351 at bats. His .436 slugging percentage was the best of his professional career. He also stole nine bases for Tucson.

Cintron spent a few weeks with the Diamondbacks in June, replacing the injured Junior Spivey. It was an exciting time to be joining the major league team, as the defending champions were making a return trip to Yankee Stadium during interleague play. It was on this trip that Cintron was able to meet one of his baseball idols.

"The scouts always compared me to (Derek) Jeter when I was growing up because of how tall I was," stated Cintron. "I always liked Jeter."

He was able to do more than just watch Jeter in action for the Yankees. "He talked to me," Cintron enthusiastically remarked. "I was feeling great, and I said, 'Oh my God, that was Jeter!'" Cintron went on to say that his conversation with the Yankee shortstop was one of the greatest things that ever happened to him.

But Cintron knows he isn't in Jeter's class as a ballplayer. "I don't compare myself with anybody right now," the young Arizona infielder said, "I just have to be myself."

Cintron knows he needs to play every day to gain consistency and to improve his overall game. Yet he doesn't want to return to the minor leagues next year.

"My big goal is to get to the big leagues," he continued. "I'm not thinking of coming back here (to Tucson). I just want to stay in the big leagues, no matter how ... utility or every day ... I can play short or second, even play third base."

His voice then became more assertive as he stated, "I know I can play in the big leagues if they give me a chance. I want to be there."

Cintron was called up by Arizona five days after this interview. Perhaps it's to stay this time. He's been able to contribute to the major league club during his two stints in Arizona this year, batting .255 with an impressive six doubles and eight walks in only 51 at bats.

It's quite likely that Cintron will be part of the Diamondbacks roster for post-season play. If so, then his mother may have to miss a few of her own games in order to watch her son Alex in action.

--- Bill Mitchell