SS Carlos Rivero: Scores winning run
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, August 25, 2009 at 11:21pm ET
Carlos Rivero Profile
Carlos Rivero had two hits and scored the winning run in the top of the ninth inning as Akron won at Bowie, 4-3.
Rivero (.236) led off with a single to left, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by John Drennen (.277), who reached first safely. Armando Camacaro (.216) bunted both runners ahead and Jose Constanza (.276) was intentionally walked to load the bases.
Rivero scored when Jared Goedert (.228) hit a fielder's choice grounder that got Drennen at third. Carlos Santana (.284) then flied out to end the inning.
Rivero has been a bit of a disappointment to many in his first season of Double-A ball, though there are those in the Indians organization who point that the shortstop didn't turn 21 years old until this May and is still advanced for his age.
After hitting .282 with 27 doubles, eight homers and 64 RBI in 108 games at Class A Kinston a year ago, more was expected from the Venezuelan, who is more of a Jhonny Peralta type at shortstop than a slick fielder such as Omar Vizquel or Asdrubal Cabrera.
In 119 games with the Aeros, Rivero has 20 doubles, seven homers and 47 RBI, though he has picked up the pace after a very poor first half. Before the all-star break, he hit only .220 with one homer and 25 RBI in 83 games. In 36 games since, he has batted .276 with six homers and 22 RBI.
Rivero still projects as a good-hitting shortstop with power from a 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. The second-half improvement is a good sign -- as long as he continues to progress again next season.
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