SSH2005 Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb...t=.jsp&c_id=cws Cintron fills gaps for White Sox New utility player brings versatility from Diamondbacks By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com PHOENIX -- On a recent cold and rainy Sunday morning at Maryvale Baseball Park, Alex Cintron still felt all warm inside. He quickly changed from street clothes to the black-and-silver uniform of the Chicago White Sox and headed through the raindrops to the indoor batting cages. The swings felt good, an ensuing autograph session enabled him to rub shoulders with the fans and Cintron's name was posted on the lineup card for the second time in two days since he returned from the World Baseball Classic. "They want to see what I can do," Cintron said. Cintron proceeded to go 3-for-3 against the Brewers, which simply reinforced the notion that general manager Kenny Williams has added another valuable piece to a championship puzzle. Even a team that's No. 1 needs an insurance policy in order to give itself the best shot at staying on top. That's why Williams got with his Tucson Electric Park neighbors, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and pulled off the trade that sent reliever Jeff Bajenaru to the Diamondbacks for the versatile Cintron on March 8. "This is an exciting opportunity for me to come to a championship organization in a great city," Cintron said. "I was playing for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and when the news came, I was surprised but happy. It was time for me to move on." Cintron became available because of Arizona's middle-infield logjam and Williams jumped on the opportunity to add a solid Major Leaguer who can play three infield positions or provide some pop as a pinch-hitter. A natural shortstop, Cintron provides for a level of comfort in case Juan Uribe is injured or wears down over the course of a long summer. And if Tadihito Iguchi's early spring hitting woes should stretch on, Cintron is a viable alternative at second. A crash course in second base and third base during winter ball has only enhanced Cintron's value. "The Diamondbacks are going in a different direction, with young guys who are pretty good players," Cintron said. "I wasn't in the plan there, but the White Sox really wanted me. I'm going to do whatever I can to help this team get back to the World Series." Wherever he goes in baseball, Cintron is never far from fellow Puerto Rican Javier Vazquez. The two were together with the Diamondbacks, with Team Puerto Rico in the Classic and now with the White Sox. Having Vazquez alongside makes the transition to the White Sox clubhouse that much easier. "I like it because Javier Vazquez is a really good guy," Cintron said. "We're very good friends and it's nice to still be with him. I know [coach] Joey Cora real well, and I've played with a few of the other players and against most of them. In the short time I've been here, they've already made feel like part of the White Sox family." Cintron, 27, is a career .279 hitter. Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Robin Yount worked with Cintron a couple of years ago in Arizona and expects the White Sox to get a significant return on the Cintron investment. "I like Alex because he's a hard worker and he's very talented," Yount said. "As a utility infielder, he'll be great in that role. He was always prepared and willing to play wherever you asked him." Last year, Cintron hit three pinch-hit homers, which tied him with Tony Clark and Jacob Cruz for the Major League lead. As a switch-hitter, Cintron can provide manager Ozzie Guillen with increased matchup options. "It's all about winning and that's what I'm here for," Cintron said. "With all the positions I can play and being a switch-hitter, there are a lot of things I can do to help the ballclub. By the end of Spring Training, I'm sure the White Sox will have a good feel for exactly how they'll want to use me and what my role will be. This trade was a positive for my career and I want to make it a big positive for the White Sox." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jordan4life_2007 Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 Welcome to Chicago, Alex. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iWiN4PreP Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Welcome to chicago indeed :] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YASNY Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 I think we're going to like this guy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBAHO Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 QUOTE(YASNY @ Mar 24, 2006 -> 06:54 PM) I think we're going to like this guy. Especially if can start hitting the ball like he did back in 2003. He was really highly rated back then after a .317/.359/.489 season. It's almost like the Juan Uribe trade all over again. The Sox get a guy who should fit in well in the clubhouse, and hopefully produce like he's done in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreatScott82 Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 We have 2 super subs in R. Mack and Cintron! What a bench! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Y2HH Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Awesome bench! Welcome Mack-o-wack and Cintron! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 Cintron, 27, is a career .279 hitter. Milwaukee Brewers bench coach Robin Yount worked with Cintron a couple of years ago in Arizona and expects the White Sox to get a significant return on the Cintron investment. I tell ya what. Working with one of the best hitters of all time (Yount) can really help anyone's approach at the plate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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