ANGELS NOTEBOOK: IZTURIS `AS BILLED,' EARNING ROLE FOR SELF.Byline: Gabe Lacques Staff Writer TEMPE, Ariz. - The Angels would be thrilled if shortstop Maicer Izturis Maicer Izturis (IPA pronunciation: [maɪsɛr ɪs'turɪs]) (born September 12, 1980 in Barquisimeto, Lara State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball infielder who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. matched the great-glove, decent-hitting ceiling his brother, Cesar, reached last season with the Dodgers. Some think Maicer could go beyond it. ``People down there say he's better than his brother, that he's way better offensively and defensively,'' Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez Francisco Rodriguez may refer to:
The Angels are more guarded, but as spring training unfolds, Izturis' chances of breaking camp with the club seem to increase. He has acquitted himself well with the bat, hitting .400 (8 for 20), and has been solid defensively, as expected. Third baseman third baseman n. Baseball The infielder stationed near third base. Noun 1. third baseman - (baseball) the person who plays third base third sacker Dallas McPherson's back problems could create a domino effect to produce a role for the slight but speedy Izturis. ``He's as billed,'' manager Mike Scioscia
contingent upon, dependant on, dependant upon, dependent on, dependent upon, depending on, contingent him forging a role and being in position to help us win.'' On Friday, Izturis made his first start at second base, an indication the Angels want to see him all over the infield. They'd also like to know if his career arc will mirror his brother's, though with Orlando Cabrera Orlando Luis Cabrera (born November 2, 1974 in Cartagena, Colombia) is a Major League Baseball shortstop who plays for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He bats and throws right-handed. signed for four years and $32 million at shortstop, Izturis' future with the Angels could be in a utility role. Cesar Izturis won the starting job for the Dodgers in 2002 with his glove, but was an offensive liability for two years until '04, when he upped his average to .288, scored 90 runs and stole 25 bases while winning a Gold Glove. Maicer Izturis had a strong Triple-A season in Montreal's organization (now the Washington Nationals This article is about the current Major League Baseball team. For other uses, see Washington Nationals (disambiguation). The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington DC. ), hitting .338 with 30 strikeouts in 376 at-bats; he hit .206 in 32 games with the Expos. ``I'm a similar player to my brother,'' Izturis said. ``But hitting is part of the game too, stealing, scoring runs. I'll try to do my best (to make the team) and see what happens.'' Friday's effort didn't hurt. Izturis, the second-fastest on the team behind Chone Figgins Desmond DeChone "Chone" Figgins (born January 22, 1978 in Leary, Georgia) is a Major League Baseball utility player for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Despite the unusual spelling of his first name, "Chone" is pronounced as "Shawn. , tagged up from first to second on a fairly routine flyball to center and scored the tying run in a three-run seventh. --Colon looking strong: Bartolo Colon's 4 2/3-inning, five-strikeout shutout performance Friday inspired a rare dose of brevity from Scioscia. ``Bart was great today,'' Scioscia said, before he could be asked. ``Are we done?'' Colon, hoping to be more efficient this season, achieved that goal in his second Cactus League start, needing just 52 pitches to complete nearly five innings. He declared himself far ahead of last year's spring pace as he prepares for a widely-assumed Opening Day start. ``I feel like I'm controlling the strike zone better, both sides of the plate, and ahead of the schedule for last year,'' he said through an interpreter. ``I've felt real well all spring.'' CAPTION(S): box Box: BEYOND THE BOX SCORE |
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