Stars welcome 21-year old sensation at shortstop

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, April 14, 1998 | 10:05 a.m.

WHILE ATTENDING Colegio Redentol school in Bani, Dominican Republic, Juan Melo attracted interest from major league teams like the Florida Marlins and Detroit Tigers.

But there was never any doubt where the smooth-fielding shortstop would sign.

"My father (Juan Sr.) is a scout with the San Diego Padres," Melo said. "I knew I'd sign with them."

Family ties aside, Juan Melo Jr. has turned out to be quite a free agent signing for the Padres.

Entering his first full year of triple-A at Las Vegas, the 21-year-old Melo is already rated one of the top four prospects in San Diego's organization by Baseball America. That publication also ranked Melo as the organization's best defensive infielder and also possessing the best infield arm in its Best Tools survey.

If he progresses as expected this year with the Stars, Melo could challenge Chris Gomez for San Diego's starting shortstop job in 1999.

"He's hit really well and played better defensively than he did last time he was called up," Stars manager Jerry Royster said. "There's never been any doubt about his ability to go and get balls, but last year he had some trouble making the routine plays. But so far this year he has been very solid defensively."

"He's good," said Dave Hajek, the Stars' veteran second baseman who forms a potent double play combination with Melo. "He has great skills. He has all the tools to be a great shortstop. He has a big body, a strong arm and good hands."

Melo started 1997 at double-A Mobile where he ranked fifth among all shortstops at that level in hitting, batting .287. He played 12 games at the end of the year with the Stars and hit .271 with one home run and six RBI.

Melo hit safely in his first four games with the Stars this season and carries a .273 average into tonight's 7:05 p.m. homestand finale with the Calgary Cannons. He also has made a handful of sparkling defensive plays.

"I think everything is going fine," Melo said. "I just want to work hard every day and continue to get better."

"He's a more mature person than I thought," Royster said. "I didn't know him that well before. He's on top of things out there. You can tell his father was a scout. He's pretty sharp on how the game is supposed to be played."

Royster is not a big fan of baseball publications that are already touting Melo's appearance in the big leagues next year.

"Juan's ability will eventually take him to the major leagues," Royster said. "He doesn't need the extra pressure those publications put on him. But his career is progressing nicely."

Melo believes he can make the jump to the Padres in 1999.

"I hope I am in the big leagues next year," he said. "I've worked hard every year. I know that I can play there."