Mel Rojas Jr. was honest when asked about his first few games as a professional baseball player: He thought it would be harder.
A third-round pick (84th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates this past June, Rojas signed his contract July 15. The 20-year-old was assigned to play with the State College Spikes, the Pirates’ short-season Class A affiliate, and made his debut July 18.
Rojas, who is the highest Pirates’ 2010 draft pick to sign a contract, has batted leadoff and played centerfield in all four of his games thus far. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound switch-hitter has five hits in 17 at-bats with four runs scored, and has already flashed his leather a few times in the outfield.
“I’m glad to be here,” Rojas said after his home debut Tuesday night. “My agent was talking about waiting until [the Aug. 16 deadline to sign 2010 draft picks who have not exhausted college eligibility] to get more money but I told him no because I just want to play. I don’t care about the money.”
Rojas’ natural talent was evident in his one year at Wabash Valley Community College. After batting .398 with 12 home runs and 71 RBI, he was named the 2010 Great Rivers Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year. The Dominican Republic native hit for extra bases 29 times, including 10 triples, and scored 94 runs. He stole an outstanding 61 bases in 64 attempts.
During the time between the June 7 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft and when Rojas signed, he was playing summer ball in New York to keep fresh. Upon joining the team, Rojas is the highest draft pick on the roster, aside from 2009 second-round pick Brooks Pounders.
State College manager Gary Robinson had nothing but great things to say about his new outfielder.
“He can absolutely fly,” Robinson said Tuesday. “He can go get the ball in the outfield. You’re going to see a guy who can bunt for a hit, you’re going to see a guy who can also hit a ball in the gap. He hit the crap out of one in Auburn. He’s going to be a pretty good addition.”
Rojas showed off his speed and prowess on the basepath Wednesday night. Leading off the bottom of the first inning, Rojas took an 88 mph fastball to right center field. What would have been a single for most players was not enough for Rojas, though, as he motored around and slid into second base for a double. He moved to third on a passed ball and then unexpectedly tagged up on a foul ball caught by the first baseman in front of the Spikes’ dugout. Rojas slid home safely, and helped his team tie the game.
Robinson said there will be a transition period for Rojas as he has to learn how to hit changeups and breaking balls, and the Spikes’ positioning package in the outfield. The manager said that hitting coach Brandon Moore has been working with Rojas.
In his Sunday night debut, Rojas went 1-for-4 and made a catch in center field that saved a run.
“He had two where quite honestly his routes weren’t good, but he runs so well, he’s just got great catch-up speed, he was able to get to it,” Robinson said.
On Monday, Rojas led off the game with a double to right field and eventually scored, giving his team a lead it would not give up.
At one time, Rojas said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to sign and was considering going to school for another year. His father, who has the same name, advised him against it. The elder Rojas was a Major League relief pitcher for 10 seasons, spending most of his time with the Montreal Expos. The father and son speak after each of Rojas’ games.
“He’s proud of me,” Rojas said of his father. “I was talking to him about one more year of school and he was like ‘No, you should sign because you’ve got a very good chance with the Pirates to make it quick to the big leagues.”
The Rojas’ are also cousins with the Alou’s. The Spikes outfielder said he occasionally calls Jesus or Moises Alou, a six-time All Star in the majors who was also drafted by the Pirates, for hitting advice.
The newest Spike has already caught the eyes of his teammates, too.
“He’s a great guy,” infielder Walker Gourley said. “Seems like a good player just looking forward to continuing to play with him. I think he’ll be a good addition to the top of the lineup with his speed and being a switch hitter that’s always a good thing.”