Alex Cintron

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #26 prospect in 2003
  Cintron ranked No. 1 on this list two years ago, but the Diamondbacks have beefed up their system considerably since then and he has not moved forward in his development. Cintron continues to hit for average, but that represents the extent of his offensive contributions because he hasn't added hitting homers or drawing walks to his repertoire. He has added 30 pounds since signing, and while he's gotten stronger the extra bulk has cut into his speed and his range at shortstop. Cintron is adequate at short, second base and third base (his regular position over the winter in Puerto Rico). He no longer is Arizona's shortstop of the future, but he does have potential value as a utilityman or injury replacement. Cintron could make the Diamondbacks big league roster if they decide to carry seven infielders, or he could play second base opposite Tim Olson in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #21 prospect in 2002
  After topping this list a year ago, Cintron hit .292 in Triple-A and even received a couple of major league callups. But he didn't convince scouts he was worthy of anywhere close to top billing again, as most now believe his skills are best suited for a utility role. He has proven to be a tough out with outstanding bat control, but otherwise his offensive profile is similar to that of the Dodgers' Alex Cora. Cintron has 13 homers and a .379 slugging percentage in 1,866 pro at-bats. He rarely walks and thus possesses mediocre on-base ability. He doesn't possess the actions of a natural shortstop and is outgrowing the position. As his legs get thicker, he's losing the quickness to make tough plays in the hole or up the middle. His arm is above-average but he has trouble reading hops. The Diamondbacks aren't strong in the middle of the diamond, though Cintron doesn't look like he'll be the answer. His ability to put the ball in play and experience at three positions give him a shot at a career as a utilityman.
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  Ranked Arizona Diamondbacks #1 prospect in 2001
  Cintron gives the Diamondbacks system hope amid the criticism it has received for all of the top draft picks who haven't panned out. He has steadily improved in each of his past three seasons, earning league all-star honors in the last two. He has become a more determined player since batting .200 in Rookie ball in 1997 after coming out of a Puerto Rico high school. There's nothing to dislike about Cintron's physical talents. He's a capable switch-hitter who has batted better than .300 in each of the past two seasons and was among the batting leaders in the Puerto Rican League this winter. He's tall for a shortstop, yet possesses exceptional range at a demanding position. Durability isn't a question, as he has played 253 games over the past two seasons. He also has a tremendous desire to learn and improve. Cintron could be Arizona's shortstop of the future, yet he had no qualms about playing third base in Puerto Rico because big leaguers Alex Cora and Luis Lopez were at shortstop and second base. But there's no masking Cintron's 32 errors last summer. He simply needs to become more consistent. He'll offset a dazzling defensive play with a throwing error on a routine play. Despite his range, he's not a blazing baserunner. Any comparisons to Nomar Garciaparra and Derek Jeter are premature because Cintron has hit just 10 homers in four years. Despite his high batting averages, his on-base percentages have been mediocre because he rarely walks. If Cintron had a year of Triple-A experience under his belt, the Diamondbacks might have traded Tony Womack this winter in an effort to strengthen their team in other areas. It's a tribute to Cintron's potential that Arizona hasn't made him yet another of its prospects included in a deal for an established veteran. If he continues to improve, he'll be in line for a September callup. Cintron was added to the 40-man roster this winter, so he'll get an opportunity to impress new manager Bob Brenly this spring. Should he establish himself as a big league regular, it would be a shot in the arm for a 1997 Diamondbacks draft that has been largely unsuccessful.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Texas League #4 prospect in 2000
  The Diamondbacks' shortstop of the not-so-distant future didn't have a breakthrough year but he still managed to embellish his reputation. Cintron's defense, alternately spectacular and erratic, ultimately stabilized and his bat speed shifted gears. "He's improved steadily all year in every aspect of his game," El Paso manager Bobby Dickerson said. "His swing seemed to come around the latter part of the year and his play in the field was much more consistent." Cintron makes good contact but needs to get stronger and more patient at the plate. Scouts tout his potential but remain worried about his lapses of concentration. "When he's into the game he's a plus glove but when he's distracted he can't make the easy plays," an AL scout said. "But the talent is definitely there."

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #62 prospect in 2001

• December, 2001 Scouting Report
  After topping this list a year ago, Cintron hit .292 in Triple-A and even received a couple of major league callups. But he didn't convince scouts he was worthy of anywhere close to top billing again, as most now believe his skills are best suited for a utility role. He has proven to be a tough out with outstanding bat control, but otherwise his offensive profile is similar to that of the Dodgers' Alex Cora. Cintron has 13 homers and a .379 slugging percentage in 1,866 pro at-bats. He rarely walks and thus possesses mediocre on-base ability. He doesn't possess the actions of a natural shortstop and is outgrowing the position. As his legs get thicker, he's losing the quickness to make tough plays in the hole or up the middle. His arm is above-average but he has trouble reading hops. The Diamondbacks aren't strong in the middle of the diamond, though Cintron doesn't look like he'll be the answer. His ability to put the ball in play and experience at three positions give him a shot at a career as a utilityman.
• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  The Diamondbacks' shortstop of the not-so-distant future didn't have a breakthrough year but he still managed to embellish his reputation. Cintron's defense, alternately spectacular and erratic, ultimately stabilized and his bat speed shifted gears. "He's improved steadily all year in every aspect of his game," El Paso manager Bobby Dickerson said. "His swing seemed to come around the latter part of the year and his play in the field was much more consistent." Cintron makes good contact but needs to get stronger and more patient at the plate. Scouts tout his potential but remain worried about his lapses of concentration. "When he's into the game he's a plus glove but when he's distracted he can't make the easy plays," an AL scout said. "But the talent is definitely there."