Noboa Faces Another Season in the Minor Leagues

Rookie Junior Noboa had an impressive season a year ago with the Class AAA Maine Guides. Even so, his chances of winning a major league job this spring with the Cleveland Indians appear to be slim.

The main obstacle to his hopes is the contract of veteran second baseman Tony Bernazard, who signed a guaranteed two-year deal with the American League team during the winter.

Consequently, the 21-year-old Noboa will probably be the starting second baseman for the Guides again this season. Last year with that team, Noboa hit .288 in 122 games.

Still, he remains filled with enthusiasm.

“It would be hard for me to make it this year, but I will try to give 110% all the time,” Noboa said. “You never know what might happen during the season.”

Noboa has been to a major league training camp before, but this year is different. He is hitting the ball with authority. Before this spring, a typical hit by Noboa was a bouncer through the infield.

In the Dominican Republic winter league, Noboa led the league in runs batted among second basemen with 28 RBIs in 51 games, and he led the league in batting average two years in a row.

Noboa has played more than was expected this spring because of a pulled hamstring that kept Bernazard on the sidelines until last week. And he’s made the most of the opportunity.

“Junior is hitting the ball harder because he’s stronger and he has been playing against better competition every year,” said Indians’ Manager Pat Corrales.