OF Jose Constanza: Four stolen bases
by Chuck Murr of IndiansInk.net, September 4, 2009 at 11:50pm ET
Jose Constanza Profile
Jose Constanza had another all-around fine offensive game to help lead Akron to a 5-1 win over Erie.
Constanza (.278) went 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, a walk and four stolen bases out of the leadoff spot in the order.
The speedy, switch-hitting outfielder turned 26 years old Tuesday and is in the midst of an impressive nine-game streak. Since Aug. 27, he has hit .344 (11-for-32) with 15 runs, 10 stolen bases, 10 walks, two doubles and five RBI.
In 127 games overall for the Aeros, he has scored 95 runs and gone 48-for-59 in steal attempts while drawing more walks (73) than strikeouts (64) for a .375 on-base percentage.
Constanza has absolutely no power (no homers, 15 doubles and seven triples), but can be a very disruptive force on the basepaths. He often beats out bunts or routine ground balls for singles, then is a threat to tear around the bases.
Throw out a 25-game stretch in June when he hit only .228 and the 5-foot-9 Constanza has had a very good year. His presence atop the order has been instrumental to teammates hitting well behind him. He rattles pitchers when he's on base, and hurlers are more reluctant to throw off-speed or breaking stuff -- therefore Aeros hitting behind Constanza often get to feast on fastballs.
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