TONY ALVAREZ

Outfielder
Pittsburgh Pirates

Bats: Right Throws: Right
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Born: May 10, 1979, in Caracas, Venezuela.

 YEAR

PROFILE:
Tony Alvarez attended Instituto Privado Boyaca High School in Columbia. He was discovered and signed as a non-drafted free agent by Pirate scout, Jose Luna, on September 27, 1995. After demonstrating success in the low minors, Alvarez went on to become the New York-Penn League’s MVP in 1999; that season he also stole an organizational-high 52 bases. Offensively, Alvarez has all the required major league-caliber tools. He possesses a terrific combination of power and speed. At this stage he exhibits raw power, but with more experience and maturing many scouts feel that he could hit 30 homeruns a year. However, this will be contingent upon him getting physically stronger and on developing a better knowledge of the strike zone, which is about his only offensive weakness right now; he simply swings at too many bad pitches. Tony can hit for power and average, but still strikes out too much, consequently, the Pirates are working with him to cut down on his swing a bit. On the base paths, Tony has good, but not blazing speed; however, he is a very good base stealer. This being said, he is a poor base runner; he oftentimes, runs into too many outs. For a young player, Tony has a good grasp of situational hitting. Defensively, Alvarez is a slightly below average center fielder, but this is not due to a lack of hustle. Alvarez goes all out and always gives 100 percent, but he was originally a third baseman, and then a left fielder before moving over to center field. He is acrobatic and a bit unconventional in the outfield, but he usually manages to make the play; he possesses an average throwing arm. As mentioned, Tony was named the New York-Penn League MVP and an All-Star in 1999, and a South Atlantic League All-Star in 2000.

FINAL ASSESSMENT:
Alvarez was not originally expected to see action with the Pirates until 2004. However, the Pirates were so desperate to find a center fielder that they gave him a trial last September. In his brief cup of major league coffee, Alvarez performed well. The Bucs have said that, if possible, they would like to sign a major league free agent center fielder this off-season. With the new major league revenue deal in place, the Pirates may actually have some free agent money to spend this year. Though he has his shortcomings, Alvarez is the type of player that quickly wins over fans. He has the type of talent that definitely deserves to be given a long look and shot at an everyday major league job. He should go in one of the higher rounds of the upcoming NABL draft.