Izt ris was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an amateur free agent in 1996. He made his debut in 2001 and was traded to the Dodgers at the end of the season.
Coming from a long tradition of Venezuelan shortstops, which has produced the likes of Chico Carrasquel, Luis Aparicio, Dave Concepci n, Ozzie Guill n, Omar Vizquel, Alex Gonz lez and Carlos Guill n, Izt ris has the glove to rank in such distinguished company, but his bat is another matter. After raising some hopes by hitting .269 in his rookie season with Toronto, the Dodgers were enthusiastic to trade for him.
Izt ris was designated as the everyday starting shortstop from Opening Day of the 2002 season, and he quickly established the Dodgers' infield. But he showed no patience at plate, and the results were very few walks, great contact, and some surprises along the way. A switch-hitter, he is better from the right side. His biggest improvement came in the 2004 season when he hit .288 with 62 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 159 games, remaining as a flashy defender who makes outstanding plays routinely. At the end of the season he earned his first Gold Glove award.
Izt ris is a career .262 hitter with eight home runs, 142 RBI, 199 runs, 83 doubles, 19 triples and 50 stolen bases in 498 games.
Injured Los Angeles Dodgers shortstopCesarIzturis was surprised the team signed Rafael Furcal to replace him during the offseason, but understands why the move was made.
Izturis figures to be sidelined at least until the All-Star break while recovering from the Tommy John surgery he had on his elbow five months ago.
Izturis, who is now throwing from 40 feet, said he doesn't know what will happen when he's ready to return, but thought the team did a "great job" bringing in Furcal.
Izturis was designated as the everyday starting shortstop from Opening Day of the 2002 season, and he quickly established himself in the Dodgers' infield.
In 2005, Izturis started playing as well as any shortstop in major league, hitting.348 through June 1st and leading the entire MLB in hits, was selected for the National League All-Star team, but dipped all the way down into the.250 range.
Izturis can play second base as well, but Dodger second baseman Jeff Kent would also not be removed from the lineup.
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