Lazaro Armenteros Shows Impressive Work Ethic

With four plus tools already in his possession, outfielder Lazaro Armenteros has been working hard to improve his only weakness.

Armenteros, known by his nickname of Lazarito, has spent the offseason trying to improve his arm. Minor league pitching rehab coordinator Craig Lefferts put together a throwing program for the 18-year-old Armenteros, who spent much of his winter working out in Florida.

The high-profile Cuban, who signed for $3 million in 2016, is potentially a dynamic center fielder with both speed and power.

“His physical tools are exciting,” farm director Keith Lieppman said. “He did a great job in (the Rookie-level) Arizona (League) last year. He has big power potential. He’s strong physically for a kid of that age. He’s dominating.”

After spending time in the Dominican Summer League in his 2017 debut, he played 41 games in the AZL, where he hit .288/.376/.474 with four home runs and 10 stolen bases in 41 games. He drew 16 walks against 48 strikeouts.

The biggest surprise for Lieppman has been the righthanded batter’s strike-zone judgment. “He’s very disciplined for a young hitter,” Lieppman said. “He’s able to take a lot of tough pitches.”

Armenteros’ best tool is his power, but he also grades above-average in terms of speed and fielding ability. At 6-foot, 182 pounds, he is muscular and still developing.

The long minor league journey has just begun for Armenteros, and he will have to conquer the challenges of a new country and the demanding schedule of professional baseball. However, the tools he has displayed early in his career provide hope that the Athletics may have landed a middle-of-the-order hitter for the future.

A’s ACORNS

• The A’s named Zak Basch their new director of minor league operations. He will oversee baseball-related operations at the organization’s Arizona training facility and at all the club’s affiliates. He will also consult on operations in the Dominican Republic. Basch replaces long-time A’s official Ted Polakowski, who left the organization.

• The A’s hired Hiram Bocachica to serve as a traveling instructor. The Puerto Rico native will will instruct in various phases of the game.