Mike Aviles named Minor League Player of the Month by "El Vocero"
May 16, 2008 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release
Minor League Player of the Month (April): Mike Aviles
(#13) SS; Triple A; Omaha Royals (Royals)
First Month of Play: .344 Ave; 25 R; 14 2B; 5 3B; 6 HR; 26 RBI
Regardless of the situation he's in, Mike Aviles seems to always be under control. Being named Kansas City's 2007 "Minor League Player of the Year" begs one crucial question for the New York-born shortstop: is there any pressure to repeat, or improve upon, last year's numbers? His response was a reflection of his natural poise: "I feel no pressure at all. My goal as a player has always been to meet or exceed whatever expectations the Royals demand from me. So to answer your question, no" replied the well-spoken Aviles, "there is no pressure. It is simply part of the game." Undoubtedly, this kind of maturity has served Mike well during his time at the plate, where he has overcome most of the challenges he has faced this year.
The talented 27 year-old opened the month of April on an offensive tear, and has yet to look back. Be it for power, or for contact, Aviles continues to produce big numbers. Just as important, however, is the fact that most of his at bats, including the ones that result in outs or strikeouts, tend to be of high quality and well fought. This was a focal point for Aviles entering the 2008 season. As the Royals' prospect explained, "I wanted to make good contact, make strong outs, and avoid ever looking lost at the plate." So far, the strategy certainly seems to be working.
As the first month of play in the Pacific Coast League (AAA) came to a close, Aviles found himself at the top of all the major offensive categories. He was top 3 in doubles and triples; top 10 in runs scored, hits, and runs batted in; while also figuring in the top 15 in batting average and homeruns. As if that wasn't enough, Omaha's 2-spot hitter put together two very impressive streaks: a 15 game hitting streak, as well as a string of 20 games where he reached base at least one time. It comes as no surprise, then, that Mike Aviles would be the clear-cut choice for April's Minor League Player of the Month.
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 16, 2008
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- Beavers win seventh consecutive home game - Portland Beavers
- Rainiers score early and late to down Sidewinders - Tacoma Rainiers
- Phelps, 'Birds slug RedHawks - Memphis Redbirds
- Branyan Belts Three Homers, Sounds Win 10-8 - Nashville Sounds
- Branyan drills three home runs in Z's loss - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Sadler Called Up From Double-A - Round Rock Express
- Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
- AutoZone Park ready to see pink - Memphis Redbirds
- Mike Aviles named Minor League Player of the Month by "El Vocero" - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Buckner, Timely Hitting Lead Sidewinders To Win - Tucson Sidewinders
- Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Eat, Drink and Be Merry Over Savings - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Dropkick Murphys Come To Mccoy Stadium On July 12 - PCL1
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