Baltimore Orioles’ reliever Luis Ayala pleased to represent native Mexico in Caribbean Series
Baltimore Orioles’ relief pitcher Luis Ayala is happy to be a part of his native Mexico’s team in the current Caribbean Series. The pitcher has played for various ball clubs in his seven years in the Majors and 2012 season was the first one with the Orioles
for Luis.
The 35-year-old is pleased to be representing Mexico and is proud to have this opportunity. He says that one of the conditions on which he signed with the Baltimore ball club was that he will be allowed to represent his country.
"For me, it's an honor to put on this uniform. I was born in Mexico and I came up in this league. One of the conditions to sign with the Orioles was that they'd let me play in this league," Luis said.
He is aware that Spring Training is just days away but he is not anxious about it at the moment. He says that for now, he is trying to give it his all when he dons the Mexican uniform.
"I'm a little more relaxed this time," Ayala said in Spanish. "I have to be at Orioles Spring Training in [seven] days, but everything else is the same -- I put on my uniform for Mexico and I give it 100 percent."
The pitcher was signed by the Orioles for 2012 season for $925,000. He did well, posting a 5-5 win-loss record with a 2.64 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Both the numbers are lower than his career average. He was a part of the club in 66 games as a relief pitcher
and also made a single save and 11 holds.
Luis has a career 36-46 win-loss record with a 3.35 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. His best year thus far in the majors has been his first year where he posted a 10-3 winning record with five saves and 19 holds for the then Montreal Expos in the 2003 season.
The Orioles picked up their club option worth a million dollars on Luis during the off-season and he will very much be a part of the ball club in the 2013 season. The pitcher knows that he needs to remain fit for his Major League ball club.
Ayala himself sees the winter ball as an important aspect of his game and believes that the winter leagues have helped him stay fit and make it to the big leagues.
"Part of my success in the big leagues has been the work I've done in the winter -- the work I do to be active and stay active," said Ayala.
Luis Ayala has been one of a few good relievers the Orioles had last year. If he can continue to perform well and hopefully improve upon his last year’s performance, the club will certainly be pleased and it will be an important aspect of the club’s success.
Tags: