Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
Elmer Serrano
Serrano, 26, who’s kicked around the BBA minors since 2036 with only middling success, slashed .296/.381/.439 to lead the Gold Sox in several offensive categories.
Although Serrano is older than the Sox generally like their Class A players to be, the organization made an exception for him after he was brought in last season via minor league free agency as an injury replacement.
“It seemed a little heartless to just cut him loose after he saved our bacon last season, so we decided to give him a shot this year so long as he wasn’t blocking any of our key prospects from getting at-bats,” said manager Roberto Solis. “He wasn’t, so we let him play.”
And play he did – well enough to earn a promotion to AA Beloit next season and continue his pursuit of getting a BBA call-up someday.
“Hey, I know I’m not anyone’s shiny new toy at this point,” Serrano said. “But surely there’s a place in the game for a dedicated minor league guy who just loves to go out and play and help the younger kids along.”
Although the Gold Sox missed the post-season this year, they were competitive all year – partly because of Serrano’s play.
“It was a fun year, but I do look forward to moving up next year and showing that I have what it takes to make the Chicago roster one of these days,” Serrano said. “And, yeah, I know the owner up there likes to give out fruit baskets, and I just want him to know that I’m partial to pears and melon balls.”