Alexi Amarista

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #19 prospect in 2012
  Amarista slashed, bunted and ran his way into the Angels' plans in 2009, hitting .319 to win the low Class A Midwest League batting title. He hasn't replicated those gaudy numbers in two years since, but he did earn his first big league callup last April 25. He filled in for injured utilityman Maicer Izturis, who like Amarista hails from Venezuela and is listed at 5-foot-8. Amarista profiles as a lesser version of Izturis because he lacks the veteran's defensive versatility and ability to switch-hit. He has the hands and range to handle the middle infield, but his fringy arm strength fits best at second base. He played every outfield position for Triple-A Salt Lake last season as the Angels broadened his defensive portfolio. Amarista could stand to tighten his strike zone and not give away as many at-bats, but he likes to jump on the first fastball he can handle. His power grades out well-below-average, his swing can get loopy and he doesn't hit the ball the other way well. He's an average runner who draws praise for his high energy level and all-out hustle. Los Angeles sees Amarista as a pesky, offensive-oriented backup who can play four or five positions. He'll head back to Triple-A to wait for his next callup.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #18 prospect in 2011
  Generously listed at 5-foot-8, Amarista was easy to overlook when he played mostly outfield in the Arizona League in 2008. Back then, he hit .332 with 22 stolen bases, and he hasn't stopped hitting or running since. Evaluators really took notice when Amarista moved back to his natural position of second base in 2009, and one year later managers in both the California and Texas leagues rated him their circuit's best defender at the position. He's more average than exemplary, however. While his arm is light for shortstop, it's adequate at second base. Because he's undersized, Amarista understands the value of constant hustle and motion. A lefty hitter, Amarista takes an aggressive swing and gives away too many at-bats, but he also does a lot of things right at the plate. He's short to the ball and can produce occasional gap power. He runs and bunts well, though he'll need to improve his stolen-base efficiency, which has hovered at 66 percent the last two years. Few prospects have extensive winter-ball resumes to match that of Amarista, who played for Caribes in the Venezuelan League in each of the past three offseasons. He brings a well-rounded game to the table--everything but power--and as a result will continue to earn chances in the system. He finished 2010 in Triple-A at age 21 and should return there at some point this season, perhaps on Opening Day.
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  Ranked Los Angeles Angels #17 prospect in 2010
  Amarista hit .319 last season to become the first Cedar Rapids player to win the Midwest League batting title since Howie Kendrick hit .367 in 2004. He signed in January 2007 and hit .340 in his pro debut in the Dominican Summer League. Amarista showed more power than expected for a player listed at 5-foot-8--and he may be a full three inches shorter than that--ranking second in the MWL with 39 doubles and 10 triples. He makes a lot of hard contact and knows the strike zone, wearing down pitchers for walks if he gets nothing to hit. Amarista is an average runner who stole 38 bases in 2009 but was too aggressive, getting thrown out 20 times. He sports a poor 66 percent success rate in three pro seasons. MWL managers recognized Amarista as the league's best defensive second baseman, though his range and arm are just average and prevent him from playing on the left side of the infield. He played center field in 2008 and ultimately might fit best as a utility player. The high Class A California League awaits.