Zaun Takes Arencibia Under His “Wing”
Zaun Takes Arencibia Under His “Wing”
Get it? Since Zaun is a Jay and Blue Jays have wings? Yeah I think it is clever too.
JP Arencibia, one of the Jays 2 first round picks (taken 21st overall behind #16 Kevin Ahrens), is in camp with the Jays currently in Dunedin. Arencibia is a Catcher/First baseman who attended the University of Tennessee up until his draft day selection by Toronto. He profiles as an offensive minded catcher that possesses plus power with a slightly above average arm. He also sports a nagging back injury that puts off most scouts, but not the Senior JP (Ricciardi). The authority on scouting, Keith Law, is not in love with him as a pick however that didn’t stop Gregg (the extra g is for god-like) Zaun with showing him the ropes at spring training.
Since I know Zaun personally, I can’t say that this comes as a surprise. So far this spring Arencibia has been behind Zaun or has worked with Zaun everywhere he goes.
“He’s treated me like a big brother kind of thing,” Arencibia said. “That means the world to me, to have someone that’s been around and been a catcher and knows what he’s doing. He certainly helps me with working with me and talking to me and showing me the ropes.”
Despite being used to owning “best-player-on-the-field” status, JP knows he will be relegated to the minor league camp before long and is here to learn. Thus far, Zaun likes what he sees in the kid.
“It’s exciting to see a kid that’s drafted as high a him not come into camp with a big fat melon thinking he knows everything and asking a lot of intelligent questions,” Zaun said. “You can definitely tell he wants to learn.”
What better way to learn than from a stud like Gregory Owen Zaun.
Arencibia hit .254 with three home runs and 25 RBIs in 228 at-bats last season at Auburn (A level ball).
February 22, 2008
What’s the deal with Thigpen? Are they giving up on him after 100 ab?
February 23, 2008
Nah, he just needs more seasoning at AAA. They are talking about changing his position too.
April 24, 2008
He might ask smart questions but he doesn’t have the complete pakage. No speed, arm is average, his temperment needs improvement. He can’t run with the big dogs. They wasted $$$$ on him.