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Fowl Ball! Cesar is playing in his 14th season of professional baseball after originally being signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Oakland Athletics back in 1993. After spending his first seven seasons in Oakland's system, Cesar made it to the Triple-A level for the first time in 2001 and has played there for all or most of every season since. Considering the numbers he has put up at the highest minor league levels it is surprising that Cesar has never been given the chance to show what he can do in the majors. The Dominican Republic native has spent the last two seasons playing for Monterrey in Mexico and put up career-best numbers last year, batting .370 in 106 games, while scoring 87 runs, knocking in 72 more and logging 42 stolen bases. It is in this last category where Cesar thinks he might be able to help the Ducks most. "Of course I am hoping that I can help the team out by stealing a few bases because that is my game, the running game," Cesar says, "I just can't let it loose yet because my legs don't feel 100-percent, but after a few more games when I am back in shape and have my legs going I will be able to... run more often." The running game is definitely one area where the Ducks could use a spark since only the Road Warriors have less stolen bases so far this season. However, Dave Lapoint continues to firmly stand by his belief that with the lineup the Ducks boast, he thinks they have to remain what he calls a smart running team. "It is not like we haven't had or don't have speed, it is usually that our team is in games that we are ahead by so much that it does not dictate that we run," states the manager, "I do not want to be that aggressive with Petey (Pete Rose, Jr.) and Carl [Everett] coming up and then Fonzie (Edgardo Alfonzo) after them because we are going to let these guys swing the bats. If you have seen us all year, we run when we have to and we are pretty successful at it, but with that being said, Cesar definitely will help as he is another guy that will have the green light on the bases." The addition of Cesar also gives the Ducks far more options and flexibility in the field because he has played just about every defensive position at one time or another during his professional career. "I am used to playing many positions," Cesar says, "I started out as a shortstop then I moved all around the infield and later in my career I have been playing outfield too, so I am capable of fitting in wherever I am needed in the field." Cesar says that this versatility has opened up a lot more opportunities for him over his career because teams would give him a shot whether they needed an infielder or an outfielder. At least for now, Cesar will take over the third base spot left vacant by the injury to Rolls and will bat eighth in a deep Ducks lineup. "I don't know who I would move where so I think the eighth spot is just where he fits right now," says Dave Lapoint, "Cesar does have a little bit of pop too so if he starts showing some power, who knows, he could very well move up to the six slot, but we will wait and see how he does." After playing one game on the road, Cesar made his home debut at Citibank Park over the weekend as the Ducks opened up a series against the significantly improved York Revolution, the team they continue to battle for the league's top record in the second half. "I had heard that the Ducks always have a very good crowd and that they are really into the game so I was excited, but at the same time I was also nervous because this was just my second game," says Cesar, "It is going to take me a couple of days to get used to everything here because I was home for awhile and my swing is still kind of slow but hopefully that will change quickly after a few more games and at-bats." Cesar has not at all looked out of place in his first three games with the team after getting four hits in his first nine at-bats, including using his speed to get two doubles. Some guys might have trouble fitting in with a new team this far into the season but Cesar does not feel this will be a problem for him. "I think this is a good bunch of players and I already feel comfortable here because I have played with or against a lot of these guys in the past," Cesar says, "Plus I have done this in the past where I came to a team late and I am not a young guy, I have been playing a long time so I know what to expect and how to handle most situations."
While he admits that the salary in Mexico is a lot better, Cesar says he has heard many good things about the quality of play in the Atlantic League and especially with the Long Island Ducks. "Everybody tells me that this is a good league with a lot of major leaguers and guys who have played a lot of Triple-A, and that Long Island is a good place to get noticed by major league organizations," says Cesar, "Some guys do get signed from Mexico but not nearly as often. I guess it is easier for scouts to get out here more frequently than to Mexico." However, Cesar is really just focused on doing whatever he can to help his new team. "I came here to play for the Ducks and also to prove to the team in Mexico that I am healthy and ready to go play winter ball when this season is over," Cesar explains, "But if I somehow did happen to get signed, then hey why not, I would be happy to play somewhere in affiliated ball again." At least for now, Cesar has finally come to Long Island and the Ducks are glad to have him on board.
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