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Padres News: Alexi Amarista and Rico Noel Advance To The Caribbean World Series

By David Warren

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With pitchers and catchers set to arrive for the start of spring training in 17 days, there are still two members of the Padres’ organization making an impact in the Caribbean League before they head to Arizona.

Both infielder Alexi Amarista and minor league outfielder Rico Noel play on league championship teams which are set to play in the Carribbean World Series running from Monday-Sunday.

Amarista has been batting third and playing second base for the Anzoategui of the Venezuelan Winter League where he has put solid numbers since joining the Caribes, posting a .388 OBP, with 10 runs scored, a homer and seven RBIs after arriving for the final 16 games. 

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The 25-year Amarista will have an opportunity during spring training to start at shortstop for the San Diego Padres. The arrival of Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers, and Derek Norris this past December has left some holes at the top of lineup, giving him the chance to land a spot in the starting lineup come April, but he’s not a lock.

On the other side, the 26-year old Noel was impressive in the five games during the best-of-seven series against Jalisco going 6-for-20, with two doubles, a triple, four runs scored, and three RBI for Culiacan in the Mexican Championship game. Noel played the entire season leading the Mexican League with 28 stolen bases, while finishing second in walks and third in runs scored.

Noel played 109 games at Triple-A El Paso last year, and batted .258 with 32 stolen bases and posting a .343 on-base percentage last season. Most likely, he will be invited to spring training, but he is not expected to make the Padres roster, but his speed and ability to get on base could turn some heads this upcoming season in El Paso or Double-A San Antonio.

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