"The Magic Juan. A defensive genius who can roam the outfield with anyone. He won a Gold Glove in 1977. He can also play the infield.
Juan developed into a much better hitter in Texas than he was with Boston. He credits the fact that he's now playing regularly.
'I don't like the bench.' Born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, Juan was traded to Texas in November 1975 for Fergie Jenkins. The Yanks got him for Sparky Lyle.
A good-natured speedster, Juan stole 36 bases in the past two years."
-Phil Pepe and Jim Hawkins, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1979 Edition
"Over the winter, Juan Beniquez was acquired from the Texas Rangers in a multi-player package. Outstanding defensive ability and strong hitting potential are his long suits and the main reasons the Yankees sought him.
As a product of the Red Sox organization, Juan started as an infielder, being transferred to the outfield in his first big league season. Always a great fielder, Juan hit a surprising .291 in Boston's 1975 drive for the pennant.
From 1976 through 1978, Texas became home for Juan. He made a name for himself in the South by winning a Gold Glove in '77, committing only four errors for a .988 fielding percentage, along with 10 assists. Last year he continued his fielding brilliance with a .972 fielding percentage and eight assists. He also collected 50 RBIs and 11 home runs, his best home run total ever. Besides the defense, the Yankees feel Juan can provide some special depth on the basepaths with his fine speed. If his past performances are a prelude to his future, Juan will be a welcome to the Yankee squad."
-The New York Yankees Official 1979 Yearbook
"Beniquez, an eight-year major league veteran, is rated one of the top defensive outfielders in baseball. Juan won a Gold Glove in 1977 with a .988 fielding percentage, committing just four errors in 325 chances, and had 10 outfield assists. Last year he had a .972 fielding percentage with eight assists. Originally an infielder, Juan was transferred to the outfield his first year in the majors, with the Red Sox.
Juan batted .260 last year with 11 home runs, a career high, and 50 RBIs, tying his big league best. After hitting just eight homers in his first five years in the majors, Juan has shown some power lately, hitting 21 the last two years.
Beniquez had joined the Rangers in November of 1975, coming over from the Red Sox in the Ferguson Jenkins deal. He came up in the Red Sox organization, making his pro debut in 1969 at Winter Haven, and his major league debut in 1971. He plays winter ball for Santurce in the Puerto Rican winter league, where he has consistently been a star."
-New York Yankees 1979 Media Guide
No comments:
Post a Comment