Not many of the 2012 Princeton Rays played four years of college baseball. Players from Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and Australia are signed at young ages and typically developed through various summer leagues before playing in America. Most of the remaining Rays roster is composed of talented high school picks. But Rays' outfielder Willie Argo is not one to be accused of inexperience.

A four-year member of the baseball program at the University of Illinois-Champaign, Argo was a impactful player throughout his career in the Big Ten Conference that has seen it's respect level due to its competitiveness soar in the past couple seasons.

From his first game sophomore season forward, the speedy outfielder started every game the Illini played. His junior campaign he was selected to the All-Big Ten Third Team and hit leadoff for a squad that won the Big Ten Tournament. Argo finished his career with a bang, compiling 22 stolen bases and batting .318. Argo was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team and was a two-time All-Academic Big Ten selection. The Rays in the 22nd Round of this year's draft picked him.

Despite the needed quick acclimation from college baseball to extended spring training in Florida and then professional baseball in Princeton, Argo feels comfortable with his transition into the Rays system.

"It's not much different from what our college team did," said Argo. "We like to run and put pressure on the defense and that was exactly our strategy in college. I think that's why the Rays took me. That's the way I play."

Argo has already shown to his teammates and coaches that he has a sure glove in the outfield, playing primarily right field. His greatest strength in college and so far in Princeton, has been his speed that fits perfectly with an aggressive base-stealing strategy.

"I like to run and it wasn't a secret in college. I think after a few weeks here it won't be a secret either," said Argo on base stealing. "It's my game and that's the way that 'MJ' said he wants us to be. I think that will be one of my trademarks."

Along with outfielder Andrew Toles, Argo brings his collegiate experience to the outfield coupled with an arm that has been described as a 'cannon' and by some seen as the best in the Appalachian League.

"These guys here that are younger have great talent. Me being the crafty veteran, there's something to be said for that too," acknowledged Argo. "You learn the ins and outs and I'm going to try helping those guys. I want to pass on some of that knowledge playing four years of college baseball to them. Hopefully I have something to teach them."

After a slow battle offensively out of the gate, Argo has since improved his hitting that now compliments his otherwise fantastic defensive prowess. Through the P-Rays' first 18 games, Argo has hit for a steady (13-for-52) .250 batting average while leading the team in doubles and second in both runs scored and stolen bases. He still is proving to be a solid force in the middle of the Rays' lineup.

To get more immediate and breaking information year-round on Princeton Rays Professional Baseball as it occurs, do not forget that the P-Rays are now on Facebook. Be sure to check out and "like" our Facebook section on our website at www.princetonrays.net. Don't miss your opportunity to sign up for this free service! ANOTHER FREE OPPORTUNITY for you to keep up with your P-Rays is to follow the team on "Twitter" at @princetonrays or by accessing www.twitter.com/princetonrays.