Spring Training is coming to an end, we have seen nothing but talent and improvement. It seemed crazy to recognize just one player for their hard work and dedication, but then realized there has to be one player that has stood out for me, and there was. Juan Carlos Linares, a dedicated person in all aspects of life. Some of you may be familiar with the Heidi Watney interview with Juan Carlos where he had Marco Scutaro translating his rough journey from Cuba. However, several players come from Cuba, so what makes Linares so special?
Juan Carlos has shown tremendous dedication throughout his journey to America. Linares traveled through alligator infested waters just to pursue a better life for him and his family. When traveling from Cuba to Mexico, the boat he was traveling in broke down in the middle of the ocean, but will his head held high and the same dreams of a new life, him and his family lasted two days without food while awaiting rescue. This story is truly intriguing, if you were to watch him play for a little while you would have had no idea that a few years ago he was playing baseball for eight dollars a month in Cuba. In that same interview he stated that not only did he want a better life money wise but he also came to America to fulfill his dream of becoming a major league baseball player. Linares must feel a huge amount of accomplishment at this moment, with his successful spring and his progress rate as high as it is, he could easily be helping the Red Sox win by 2012!
Juan Carlos Linares is an inspiring player, I have nominated him this week because I believe that he is going to be the big league star he wishes to be. Not only does he have the talent but also the key word in this article – dedication.
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