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MLB

Infield Set After Alfaro Gets Reassigned

Two new names lead to switches in the Chukars' infield
By John Hadden
June 18, 2009

The Kansas City Royals have informed the Chukars that right-handed infielders J.D. Alfaro and Jason Taylor will play in Idaho Falls this summer. The Royals also confirmed that catchers Juan Graterol and Miguel Moctezuma and infielders Tito Espinosa, Angel Franco and Deivy Batista are all on the final roster, while expected Chukars Jason Morales and Yeldrys Molina were sent to Burlington, North Carolina instead of Idaho Falls.

J.D. Alfaro was one of the most productive players on the Chukars' roster in 2009. The native of Fort Worth, Texas was among the league leaders with 55 RBI (4th), 22 doubles (T-5th), 5 triples (T-6th), and a .504 slugging percentage (10th). Alfaro was selected in the ninth round of the 2008 draft after leading Grayson County College to the Junior College World Series (NJCAA). After coming in as a pinch runner on two occasions early in the season, Alfaro played 57 games at shortstop for the Chukars last summer. Alfaro, who is generously listed at 5'10", struggled defensively at the start of the season, committing 12 errors in his first 29 games at shortstop, but went on to commit only three in his last 28 games there. Alfaro started with the full-season Burlington Bees (A) in the Midwest League in 2009. With only two errors in 27 games, his defense has continued to impress this season, but with a .168 batting average as of late May, his playing time had become limited.

Jason Taylor also last played for the Burlington Bees, but that was in 2008. Taylor is a second round selection from the 2006 draft who did not break camp with a full-season team in 2009. The Virginia Beach, Virginia native hit .258 in 56 games with the Surprise Royals in 2006, but did not play in 2007. Last season with the Bees, Taylor hit just .242, but he led the Midwest League with 81 walks, and also placed in top ten in with 79 runs (T-2nd), 40 stolen bases (4th), 17 home runs (T-6th), 127 games, and a .372 on-base percentage.

Catchers: Juan Graterol, Miguel Moctezuma

Infielders: J.D. Alfaro, Deivy Batista, Tito Espinosa, Angel Franco, Jason Taylor

Outfielders: Julio Aparicio, Allen Caldwell, Chanse Cooper, Shawn Griffin, Hilton Richardson, Carlo Testa

The Chukars are currently selling season and single game tickets. Fans can also purchase discounted tickets for group outings or through Bonus Books and the REDICARE Junior Chukars Club. Call the Chukars office at (208) 522-8363 for more information on tickets and go to www.ifchukars.com to see the full promotional schedule or purchase tickets online.