Top 5 Padres Moments Of 2014

Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

#5 “Little Ninja” Saves The Day

A few years ago, an under the radar trade happened between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the San Diego Padres. Padres gave up bullpen-ace Ernesto Frieri, who was key in the Padres 2010 bullpen until their late-season collapse cost them a playoff apperance. So whom did they receive in return?

A little-known utility player by the name of Alexi Amirista, and when I say little, he is little, but has a heart of gold. He wasn’t much of a name at the time, but he’s provided some nice depth for a few years as the Padres have had injuries all over the infield, mainly with disappointing shortstop Everth Cabrera. He’s even served in the outfield with his lightning quick speed. The only thing he hasn’t done yet is pitch or catch, which would be pretty interesting to see I think.

Anyway, back on August 6^th versus the Minnesota Twins, Amarista playing center field that day saved the game with a late diving, “Willie Mays” type of catch in the bottom of the 9^th to keep the game tied at 4 heading into the 10^th inning, in which the Padres went on to win that game 5-4 when Seth Smith a.k.a. “The Missing Piece” hit a towering home run to take the lead. Amarista will continue to be a fan favorite and will serve the Padres well into the future, but he still belongs on the bench utility role.