Posted on: Thursday, October 10, 2002

Agbayani to sharpen his game in Mexico

• Agbayani youth clinic Nov. 16 at Mililani High

Benny Agbayani heads to Mexico today to play offseason baseball. Advertiser library photo • Feb. 14, 2002

Benny Agbayani's next at-bat will be in a foreign country.

The former St. Louis School and Hawai'i Pacific University standout leaves today to play for the Los Mochis Caneros of the Mexican Pacific League, which opens Saturday. It is one of a number of offseason leagues that major and minor leaguers play to keep their skills sharp.

"A lot of players do this to get ready for spring training and to get some at-bats," said the Boston Red Sox outfielder. "It's not an uncommon thing."

Agbayani had 154 major league at-bats between playing for the Colorado Rockies and the Red Sox. He hit .227 with six doubles, four home runs and 27 RBIs.

After clearing waivers, he was traded to Boston from Colorado. He also had 164 combined at-bats with the Rockies and Red Sox Triple-A clubs. He decided to play in Mexico after he was sent to Colorado Springs, the Rockies Triple-A club.

Agbayani said he played in the Mexican league in 1998 and 1999. He said he will be a starter.

"I got a good amount of money, so I don't think they'll be sitting me on the bench," said Agbayani, who would not disclose the amount, but added, "It pays very well."

Before being traded from the New York Mets last offseason to Colorado, Agbayani signed a one-year deal. He said Dec. 20 is the non-tender date for a new contract.

"My agent wants to talk to them right now because there's some teams interested (in me) in Japan," said Agbayani, who turns 31 on Dec. 28.

Agbayani said he wants "a good contract where I'm going to be satisfied." He said a multi-year deal would be ideal. He said being a starter is not an issue.

"You never know what's going to happen during the course of the year," he said. "Someone may get hurt and then you become a starter. It's more just being on the team and see what kind of contract I can get from them and see what's in the best interest for me and my family."

Otherwise, Agbayani's alternative is playing in the Nippon Professional League. He said at least six teams are interested in him.

"If (the Red Sox) aren't going to do something, then I at least I have a backup plan," he said.

Agbayani said he would have no problems playing in Japan.

"Just as long you have money coming in that pays the bills and also you have a chance to play, that's the main thing," he said.

Agbayani said that he was surprised at being traded to the Red Sox because it came late in the season. Also, at the time, Boston still harbored hopes for a wildcard spot for the playoffs.

"I thought somebody was joking when they picked me up," he said. "I was surprised when Boston picked me up and gave me a chance. When you're in the (postseason) hunt, you hope teams pick you up for the September run. My agent told me that they wouldn't have picked me up if they didn't think I could be as asset to the team."