Fate hasn’t smiled on patient Merchan

After compiling a career year for the now-defunct Tucson Sidewinders in his first Triple-A season in 2008 -- his 10th year in the minor leagues -- it appeared Jesus Merchan finally was going to get his shot to play in the majors.

But in a couple of cruel twists of fate, the 51s infielder never got the call to the big leagues.

When Arizona needed a replacement for Orlando Hudson after the second baseman suffered a season-ending wrist injury in early August, Merchan was on the disabled list after getting hit in the eye by a pitch.

When he recovered, Merchan -- who set career highs in nearly every offensive category that season, including batting average (.339) and RBIs (72) -- expected to be a September call-up. But the Diamondbacks went with a proven veteran instead and acquired David Eckstein in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Once you get to this level, you've just got to be in the right spot at the right time," Las Vegas manager Dan Rohn said. "It's all about timing."

Now in his 12th straight season in the minors, Merchan said he's never considering abandoning his quest and still hopes to achieve his ultimate goal.

"There's always a chance," the 29-year-old said. "It's been a long time, but I still love this game, I still love coming to the ballpark and working hard every day to make my dream come true."

Merchan is having a solid season for the 51s. He's third on the team in batting (.315) and second in doubles (14) and has 12 RBIs in 39 games.

He doubled in his second at-bat Saturday at Cashman Field to extend his team season-high hitting streak to 14 games and finished 1-for-4 in the 51s' 17-9 loss to Tacoma.

"I try to have a good at-bat every time I go to the plate," Merchan said. "I always have a plan for what pitch I want to see, and I try to be patient."

A career .294 hitter entering this year, Merchan batted .306 in 43 games at three levels last season in the Cleveland Indians farm system.

He missed most of last year after having surgery to repair a sports hernia. He also suffered a sports hernia this year in spring training but didn't require surgery and missed only a couple of weeks.

"His biggest thing is he's had an injury bug the past couple of years," Rohn said. "He's got to somehow shake that rap and stay healthy for a whole year."

Merchan, who has split time between second base and shortstop this season, grew up in his native Venezuela idolizing former Cincinnati Reds star Dave Concepcion. But Rohn said Merchan, who is tied for the team lead in errors, with nine, needs to improve his defense.

"He needs to increase his range a little bit," he said.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Twins in 1999, Merchan joined the Blue Jays organization this year with the hope he'd make the parent club.

"They appeared to be a team that needed middle infielders," he said. "If something (happens), I might get a call."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.