A player to watch this spring is shortstop phenom Ehire Adrianza. I got the chance to see him live during instructs this year and his defense is really impressive. Quick on his feet, very accurate arm, and a great range has helped boost his visibility in the Giants system and the league as a whole. A friend of mine, who writes for Baseball America, personally likes him as one of the top 2 SS prospects in baseball along with Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs.
This quick interview was done in Spanish and has since been translated to English. It’s not a long Q & A but you can see Ehire’s thankfulness for the opportunity to play for the Giants and his desire to continue to grow.
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AZG: Thank you for taking the time to answer some quick questions for us Ehire. You have been playing professional baseball in the Giants organization since you were 16. How has your time with the Giants been the last 4 years?
Adrianza: I am truly thankful to the SF Giants for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team. In this organization I have learned to become a better ball player every day and it has been an incredible 4 years.
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AZG: In 2008, you played most of your games in the Arizona Rookie league, but also had a 1 game appearance in Salem Keizer and a 2 game appearances all the way up at AAA Fresno. Why did they move you around the West Coast for 3 games? It must have felt good to go 3 for 6 with a double against AAA pitching?
Adrianza: I definitely was not expecting it. In Salem, I remember not playing well that day but the AAA call caught me completely by surprise. As far as hitting at the AAA level, you can really tell the difference on the strike zone, ironically, it was easier to hit to me.
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AZG: Last year was your first full year with the same Minor League team in Augusta. Was it a big adjustment to play a full season of 117 games, then play Instructional league, and Winter league in Venezuela?
Adrianza: It was hard, but I thank God everything turned out fine. (without injuries or set backs) Because of playing so much last year, I know that this year, I am better prepared, physically and mentally for Spring Training and wherever I get the opportunity to play next.
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AZG: You ended the season with exactly 100 hits, where do you envision yourself this season?
Adrianza: I want to get at least 120-125 hit this season, really as many as I need to help the team win.
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AZG: You were just selected as the #8 top prospect in the Giants system by Baseball America, congratulations! Do you keep track of honors like this and does it motivate you at all?
Adrianza: It certainly motivates me. It makes you realize that you have to keep working hard every day to become a better ball player.
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AZG: Are there any players you looked up to as a kid, that you wanted to be like?
Adrianza: (laughs) Yeah, my Godfather, Ozzie Guillen.
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AZG: Wow, he’s really your Godfather? Have you seen him in Spring yet?
Adrianza: Yeah he is. No, unfortunately I haven’t seen him yet, but I know the Giants will play the Sox pretty soon, so I’m looking forward to it.
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AZG: You have been scouted as an great defender and have a good range to your left or right. You remind me of another Giants Shortstop with a great glove from Venezuela, Omar Vizquel. Have you heard of this comparison before and do you think it is a good one?
Adrianza: Actually I haven’t really heard of the comparison before. It’s just nice to be mentioned and know that I’m being associated with a great player like Omar.
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AZG: What did the Giants have you working on in Instructional league?
Adrianza: A little of everything really. Hitting, defense, bunting, and base running. It was time to really focus on elements of the game and work on skills.
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AZG: Is there anything you’d like to tell the fans?
Adrianza: Yeah of course, a big thank you to all the fans and thanks to everyone who has help me with my career in baseball.
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For more photos of Ehire, check out the shots from this year’s instructional league and stay here daily for more 2010 Spring Training coverage.
