OF Jose Constanza: Two more steals
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, August 19, 2009 at 10:20am ET
Jose Constanza Profile
Jose Constanza sparked Akron to a 12-3 win over Bowie out of the leadoff spot on Tuesday night.
Constanza (.280) went 1-for-4 with two walks, three runs and two stolen bases.
Constanza will turn 26 years old on Sept. 1 and many in the organization believe time is running out on the speedy, slap-hitting Dominican who came into this season with a .306 career average and 189 stolen bases, but only six homers and 200 RBI in 542 games in the minors.
The switch-hitter, when he maintains his focus, can be an offensive threat simply because of his speed. He's the best bunter in the entire system and one of the best in the entire minors. There are times when he gets on base with a hit by simply outrunning a slow ground ball hit to an infielder. Then he can be a disruptive force on the bases, too.
But there are some who question Constanza's dedication to baseball, saying he is enjoying life in America after ballgames a little too much at the expense of truly taking advantage of his athletic gifts.
The 5-9, 150-pound switch-hitter has gone 117-for-418 at the plate this season and continues to be strictly a singles hitter. Despite his blazing speed, he has only 10 doubles, no homers, but does have seven triples, with 78 runs, 38 RBI and is 35-for-44 in steal attempts. He has improved his patience at the plate, drawing 58 walks as opposed to 57 strikeouts.
Back in his second pro season with the Indians' team in the Dominican Summer League in 2004, Constanza hit .444 with 72 runs in 64 games. Since coming to America in 2005, he has been inconsistent -- going on streaks where he gets on base and causes havoc for a couple of weeks, then slumping and appearing disinterested.
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