When starting shortstop Aaron Ledesma gets up in the morning, he doesnt hear
any of his bones creak. During the offseason, no one is around to call him
Grandpa, and he doesnt have a favorite rocking chair. Yet at 27 years old,
former 2nd round free agent pick Ledesma is the Mustangs elder statesman.
"Yeah, well, the guys tease me a little, by calling me Gramps and such." says
Ledesma, "The ask how much my pension check is each month."
In fact, Medina's youth movement has made Ledesman the fourth oldest player in
the whole system.
"We are a young team, arent we?" comments owner/GM Randy Reese, "Well, thats
part of the plan. The average age for all of our teams, including the farm
teams, is only 23.77 years old. The idea is to have all the players mature
together. I suppose we should stop trading soon and let these players play
together for awhile."
Recent trades have brought some new faces to Medina, including the leagues 2nd
rated shortstop prospect Dennis Abreu. That doesnt worry Ledesma, though.
"You have to go out and play the best you can, everyday." said Ledesma.
Playing everyday is exactly what he is doing. Through 71 games, Ledesma has
played in them all. He is batting a respectable .282 with 25 doubles. He is
hitting .341 vs left handed pitchers. He has yet to hit a homerun.
"Well, I've never had much power, but when you are leading off, the key is to
get on base."
The future is still cloudy for Ledesma. He'll be 30 by the time many of the
other players have only started to reach is peak.
"In this league, 30 is at peak, "says Ledesma, "I plan on still being around.
I can play any other position. Wherever they need me, Ill be. Now, if you'll
excuse me, I need to rub on some BenGay!"
