Barb Caffrey's Blog

Tonight, after watching the major league baseball game’s All-Star team (where Brewers 1B Prince Fielder hit a 3-run home run, leading the National League to a 5-1 victory with Fielder taking MVP honors), I looked up how Vinny Rottino’s doing in AAA.  To my surprise — and great pleasure — Rottino’s made his fourth AAA All-Star game and will represent the New Orleans Zephyrs in Salt Lake City, UT, on 7/13/11 (later tonight).

Here’s a link for you all:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110707&content_id=21536080&vkey=news_t588&fext=.jsp&sid=t588

I’m very pleased at this article because it gives more information about how Rottino’s doing as a defender.  Rottino is catching part-time while mostly playing in the OF, and has thrown out 10 of 25 baserunners attempting to steal.  (This is an acceptable percentage, which shows Rottino’s improved as a defensive catcher.)   Rottino’s also hitting .300 right now (is in a bit of a slump, but that’s all right; he’ll come back out of it), has stolen 9 bases (tied for the team lead, as this article says), has 5 HR, 34 RBI, and 18 doubles with a good OBP of .367.

I keep saying this, but the Marlins could do a whole lot worse than to promote Rottino to the major leagues.  Rottino works hard, is a good defender now at every position, has an excellent arm, hits well for contact and can steal bases for you.  He also won’t run you out of an inning because he’s a smart ballplayer who uses his brain and high baseball IQ to help you win ballgames.

Enjoy your 4th AAA All-Star game, Mr. Rottino — and congratulations!