Guest wsc425 Posted February 13, 2003 Share Posted February 13, 2003 02/13/2003 2:05 pm ET Olivo excited about opportunity Catcher is expected to win starting spot in spring camp By Damon P. Young / MLB.com Miguel Olivo (right) homered in his first big-league at-bat last season. (Ron Frehm/AP) CHICAGO -- Make no mistake, while jumping from Double-A to the big leagues is becoming more commonplace, it is never easy. Young players, more often than not, experience failure before success. Add the responsibilities associated with being stationed behind the plate, crouched down with the game unfolding in front of you on every pitch, in the heat of a pennant race that is shaping up to go down to the wire and Miguel Olivo's chances of failure are great. But, with just six big-league games behind the mask, and a grand total of 16 days in a White Sox uniform, the strong-armed 24-year-old is expected to step up in Spring Training and win the starting job. "I never think I have pressure," Olivo insisted this week from his home in Modesto, Calif. "I think we have a good team this year, and I'm excited to maybe be the starting catcher. I don't feel any pressure." Set to arrive in Tucson on Sunday for the start of camp, Olivo is excited about the opportunity. "I am very happy that (the White Sox) have confidence in me," Olivo said. "It's my chance right now. I'm going to give it 100 percent and do what I can. "I think I'm ready to be in the big leagues." And, although they haven't talked to him about their expectations, so do the White Sox. The inclusion of Mark Johnson in the Billy Koch-Keith Foulke swap with Oakland in December opened the door of opportunity for Olivo. In a matter of months, Olivo had risen from fourth or fifth on the organization's depth chart to inheriting the No. 1 label. In a matter of days, it becomes Olivo's job to walk through that door and show he's ready. "It's very difficult to bring a young catcher in and put that kind of pressure on him to start with," manager Jerry Manuel said in the aftermath of Johnson's departure. "But, he's also a guy that was a championship player and that was important to us." Olivo caught six games and went 4-for-19 at the plate after being called up for the final two weeks last season, but showed enough maturity to convince the White Sox he might be ready to make the leap. To accomplish that in such a short time says something about Olivo's ability. And it was on display from moment he arrived. On Sept. 15 in Yankee Stadium against veteran left-hander Andy Pettitte, Olivo delivered a three-run homer in his first at-bat, becoming just the second White Sox player to accomplish that feat. "When I got called up, my manager in Double-A (Wally Backman) said 'Okay, Miguel, a lot of players go up to the big leagues and hit a home run in their first at-bat. You think you can do that?" Olivo recalls. "I said I would just try to see the ball and hit it." Which is exactly the same simple philosophy he's followed throughout five minor league seasons. Last year, Olivo led Double-A Birmingham to the Southern League championship, hitting .306 -- including .346 after the All-Star break -- with a league-best 10 triples, six home runs and 49 RBIs in 106 games. Olivo's speed on the bases, a rarity among catchers, helped him swipe 29 bases, the most among all Double-A catchers and 12 more than he had during his previous four seasons. In the postseason, Olivo stepped up under the spotlight, hitting in all eight games (9-for-29, .310) with four homers and nine RBIs to earn series MVP honors. Baseball America subsequently named Olivo, who was acquired from Oakland in 2000 for pitcher Chad Bradford, the top position player prospect (No. 6 overall) in the Southern League. Despite the success, Olivo refused to take it easy this winter. In preparation for the biggest spring of his young career, Olivo went back to his native Dominican Republic to play winter ball. But after seeing limited action for Aguilas, who went on to win the Caribbean World Series, Olivo returned to his home in Modesto to continue his workouts. Even with the limited on-field time, Olivo suggests his winter ball experience was beneficial in that he learned how to pitch certain hitters and spent a lot of time charting pitches from the bench. Now he hopes to continue navigating the big-league learning curve in Tucson, with seasoned veteran and friend Sandy Alomar, Jr. serving as his guide. Alomar, traded from the White Sox to Colorado last July, re-signed with the club in December, with the sole intent of serving as the team's backup catcher. "Miguel has worked hard to get to this place and hopes to take full advantage of every opportunity, doing anything he can to contribute and help the Sox return to the postseason," says Myles Kahn, Olivo's agent and president of Somos Sports and Entertainment. "He was excited about the acquisition of Sandy Alomar who, in addition to being an All-Star caliber player, is a wonderful human being. His experience on and off the field will be invaluable to Miguel's continued development." The next six weeks will be used to see how far down the path Olivo has progressed but will not ultimately determine his potential for future success at the Major League level. "I'm ready to go to Spring Training and show Chicago I can play and take advantage of the opportunity," the rookie says with confidence. "Mentally, I think I'm ready to go." Both he and the White Sox will soon find out. Damon P. Young is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawkDJ Posted February 13, 2003 Share Posted February 13, 2003 Miguel is my favorite prospect in the organization. I think he's going to surpirse alot of people this year at how polished he actually is. I am a little worried about the jump from AA to the bigs but I think he can handle it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 thats my boy!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigHurt4evah Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 oh I see how it is hotsoxchick, moved on already... sniff sniff I think Olivo is a good prospect, but I haven't seen enough of him. A CATCHER WITH SPEED?!?! I'll believe it when I see it anyways my favorite prospect is Joe Valentine, OH WAIT hahaha. I'll catch y'all later -Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 oh I see how it is hotsoxchick, moved on already... sniff sniff I think Olivo is a good prospect, but I haven't seen enough of him. A CATCHER WITH SPEED?!?! I'll believe it when I see it anyways my favorite prospect is Joe Valentine, OH WAIT hahaha. I'll catch y'all later -Jim sorry again hon but olivo has been my boy for the past couple of seasons now.....ask anyone here... i have always tooted a horn for him........... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrandoFan Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 thats my boy!!!!!!!! Me too! Not that way, but you know...Other than Burhle and Rowand making HUGE strides in AA ball (I remember Aaron going form an unremarkable AA player to a AAA All-Star/September call-up success in one friggin' year. Work ethic paid off.) , Olivo has been most impressive. A catcher who is only starting to figure it out and who can already walk, hit for some avrage, power, steal 35+ bases (over a full season in AA) and has an arm already as good as declining Pudge...what's not to love. Have you actually see his homer of a tough Andy Petite? He hit a bomb to opposite field. The only out he made was when he went for too much trying too pull a 3-1 fatball on the hands against a tuogh Yankee reliver in his debut. Olive, along with Jimenez, Rowand and Crede will turn some heads in the bigs this year. I have never been as excited about Greg Norton, Jeff Abbott, Snopek, etc, but these guys have real (albeit different) tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 i was at miguels major league debut here... sitting right behind his wife as matter of fact for that game........i also remember mark and aaron down in double a... as matter of fact i remember going to games when michael jordan was in double a, and even before him...........thats why i go.. get to know them and their talents so i know what to expect out of them when they get here............ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 Good article, HSC. Thanks for posting that. I am really looking forward to seeing this kids play ball this year. They are all hungry and want to prove themselves. Gonna be a White Sox year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaSoxRox Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 ...this is driving me crazy!!!!!!! I can't wait any longer for this season to start!!!!!!!!! My wife and kids think I'm going a bit crazy with my constant thoughts and comments centering around our Sox....here's some actual examples of conversations I had with the wife just in the past few days.... 1. "Honey, what do you want for dinner?"....response.... "Did you hear Rogers turned KW's deal down?" 2. "What's the weather supposed to be like tomorrow?" ...response... "Can you believe pitchers and catchers report next week?" 3. "Did you give the kids a bath this morning?" ....response.... "I just can't help but wonder who's gonna get that fifth spot...." .......can't forget Valentine's.....can't forget Valentine's....can't forget Valentine's.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 ...this is driving me crazy!!!!!!! I can't wait any longer for this season to start!!!!!!!!! My wife and kids think I'm going a bit crazy with my constant thoughts and comments centering around our Sox....here's some actual examples of conversations I had with the wife just in the past few days.... 1. "Honey, what do you want for dinner?"....response.... "Did you hear Rogers turned KW's deal down?" 2. "What's the weather supposed to be like tomorrow?" ...response... "Can you believe pitchers and catchers report next week?" 3. "Did you give the kids a bath this morning?" ....response.... "I just can't help but wonder who's gonna get that fifth spot...." .......can't forget Valentine's.....can't forget Valentine's....can't forget Valentine's.......... Just think of it as Jose Day! ..... That ought to do it for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 14, 2003 Share Posted February 14, 2003 sorry yas i didnt post the article i think wsc did.....so thank him......lol.... hang in there dasox.. i know how you are feeling i am like that at work...."what are we going to do today boss?"....... "omg its only 1 more day till catchers and pitchers report..gotta see when i can get a couple days off and make a flight reservation... im jonesin bad for baseball"......lol of course you wouldnt have wanted to be in the office when i was going through my kw fits of anger..........those were some bad days....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg775 Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 good story. we sure need this guy to produce. I just do not like Sandy and hope he doesn't have to catch much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwsox Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 I just do not like Sandy and hope he doesn't have to catch much. I think we got son of a coach and future coach himself Sandy as a mentor and a reliable catcher to spell Olivo - better Sandy doing that than JP or MJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 good story. we sure need this guy to produce. I just do not like Sandy and hope he doesn't have to catch much. whats not to like about sandy....... hes probably one of the most easy goingest guys i know........he is very knowledgable of the game and the players... so if he can pass a bit of it to miguel and josh im all for him being here............... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 .......can't forget Valentine's.....can't forget Valentine's....can't forget Valentine's.......... Valentine's minor league Rolaids Relief award? Can't forget Valentine's nasty ass stuff? Can't forget (Bobby) Valentine's complaining about the Mets losing streak last year and how it was affecting his dogs? Can't for get (Bobby) Valentine's fake mustache? What's this damn Valentine's crap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 im thinking he means valentines day....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witesoxfan Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 im thinking he means valentines day....... DAMMIT I MISSED IT!!! lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hotsoxchick1 Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 ooopppppsssssss......your in trouble now........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted February 15, 2003 Share Posted February 15, 2003 sorry yas i didnt post the article i think wsc did.....so thank him......lol.... hang in there dasox.. i know how you are feeling i am like that at work...."what are we going to do today boss?"....... "omg its only 1 more day till catchers and pitchers report..gotta see when i can get a couple days off and make a flight reservation... im jonesin bad for baseball"......lol of course you wouldnt have wanted to be in the office when i was going through my kw fits of anger..........those were some bad days....... Hsc, Wsc... Oh well... I had a bad night. LOL Thanks Wsc for posting that article. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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