Friday, April 06, 2012

A GREAT ATTITUDE SAYS A LOT ABOUT THIS JOURNEYMAN WHO STARTED IN INDEPENDENT BASEBALL

I wanted to write something about Anthony Seratelli all during spring training because it is easy to like someone who understands his strengths--and weaknesses--and just goes about his business.

That seems to fit the 29-year-old Kansas City Royals farm system hopeful to a tee.

"I don't ever see myself in a position of (Kansas City saying) 'Let's call him up to be the everyday shortstop or the everyday..." Seratelli told MLB.com prior to spring training when the versatile infielder-outfielder still was without a non-roster invitation to the major league camp in his sixth season in the organization. "My career is going to be a utility guy at this point, and my break will be when they need a guy to fill in at a couple of spots--or if someone gets traded."

That opportunity will wait even longer, but Kansas City seems to appreciate him because the team brought Seratelli over from the minor league camp with frequency during the Cactus League season.

Seratelli was used in nine major league games, going 3-for-9 with one run batted in and a stolen base. Undrafted out of Seton Hall University, Seratelli first signed with Windy City (Crestwood, IL) in the Frontier League to play the middle infield in 2006. He joined the Royals' organization the next season, and in 2011 was given the Willie Wilson award as the best baserunner in the farm system after he stole 35 bases in 40 attempts for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. While he does not hit a lot of long balls, Seratelli homered five times during the postseason in helping the Naturals win the Texas League title. The switch-hitter also led the Texas League team during the regular season in runs (91), walks (75), on-base percentage (.392) and hit .282.

"I'm not the guy that's super at one thing," he told MLB.com."I try to do it all. I think that's my best opportunity."

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