Bill Mitchell's Minor League Ramblings

Minor League Ramblings

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

Rangers' Nivar brings unbridled enthusiasm to the field
June 4, 2004

Watch Ramon Nivar play baseball just one time and you'll likely come away with the same impression as most other observers --- the man loves to play baseball. Nivar's face is locked in a perpetual grin and he wears his enthusiasm on his sleeve.

The 24-year-old native of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic is in his seventh season with the Texas Rangers organization. He's been a consistently high hitter, with a .300 minor league career average and 105 stolen bases through the 2003 season. This year Nivar is batting .282 after 33 games with the AAA Oklahoma RedHawks of the Pacific Coast League.

Ramon Nivar

The right-handed hitter made his big league debut last season, appearing in 28 games with the parent club, mostly as a starting center fielder. Nivar, who more recently abandoned a brief experiment as a switch hitter, began the 2004 season with the Rangers, playing in seven games before being sent back to AAA to play every day and work on his outfield defense.

The outfield is a relatively new experience for Nivar, who stands 5'10" and weighs 170 pounds. Until last season, he had spent his entire minor league career as a second baseman. Nivar is happy with his new home in centerfield.

"I played some outfield in Little League," said Nivar through an interpreter. "But I like playing it and I've adapted to it well."

Nivar still spends some time at second base, adding to his versatility and increasing his value to the big league team.

After his first major league stint, Nivar had the opportunity to play in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .381 in 16 games with the Peoria Javelinas. It was a good learning experience for Nivar.

"I worked the strike zone a little bit better," said Nivar about his time in the AFL. "I was able to see more pitches and be ready at all times when the right pitch comes and to be able to swing at it."

Ramon Nivar

His command of the strike zone and overall plate discipline is what Nivar believes he needs to improve in order to get back to the major leagues to stay.

"I need to keep working on the strike zone," said Nivar, "and just be more selective with the pitches. Don't swing at as many pitcher's pitches, but instead swing at the pitch that I want to hit."

Nivar is obviously a fan of the game. When asked his favorite player, either past or present, he gave a surprise answer.

"Andy Van Slyke," replied Nivar, in reference to the 13-year veteran who last played in the big leagues in 1995. It's who Nivar wants to model himself after when he's playing centerfield.

In addition to his obvious enthusiasm for the game, Nivar brings a maturity and level headedness to the field. He credits marriage and fatherhood for his ability to keep all parts of his life in the proper perspective.

"It helps me both ways because I concentrate more and it gives me more of an incentive," said Nivar, "because I have a family that I have to provide for."

"I have to worry about my family as well as myself," concluded Nivar.

--- Bill Mitchell