Outfielder Chip Ambres could be classified as one of the “good guys” who’ve played for the Pawtucket Red Sox this decade.
Ambres, who’s In his second stint with the PawSox, had done nothing but bring a smile to the face of Ron Johnson, who was in his rookie season as the team’s manager in 2005 when the native Texan joined the organization.
“The guy has big league time,” said Johnson, referring to Ambres’ time with the Royals, Mets and Padres. “He has a good idea of what he’s doing. He gives you a quality at-bat and he gives you coverage for your major league club.
“Chip’s a professional who knows how to go about his business and he’s one of the best people I’ve ever been around in the game. He’s a good fit for the organization and can play all three outfield positions.”
As valuable as Ambres has been on the field, his off-field presence has been just as important.
“He’s a good guy to have in the clubhouse,” said pitcher Michael Bowden.. “You can lean on him. He’s a good athlete who covers a lot of ground in the outfield and is a good influence on the team.”
Ambres was enjoying a very good 2005 season, hitting .294 with 10 homers and 50 RBI, when he was traded to Kansas City in July.
Why re-sign with an organization that traded him instead of going elsewhere?
“I really enjoyed my time here with this organization,” said Ambres. “It was a lot of fun and was like a home away from home. When it was presented to me in the off season to sign again here, it almost was a no-brainer.
“There may have been an opportunity here moreso than with other clubs I was looking at, but I felt this was a good situation. Baseball is baseball. You do well and wait out the negativity and be patient.
“Things happen and you finally get that shot.”
Ambres has had three shots at the majors but has spent more time in the minors riding buses. Yet he’s managed to avoid becoming frustrated and losing his focus.
“You need that drive,” he said. “When you lose that drive, it will really show in your play and you won’t have it any more. I still have that drive and I’m still living a dream. I’m going out there trying to be more consistent in the major leagues, if I ever get (another) chance.
“You must be a firm believer in being in the right place at the right time. When the situation presents itself, you have to be able to go out there and go at it full force.”
There are few places Ambres would prefer to “go out there” in than McCoy.
“I think every stadium has its own mystique,” he said. “It’s something about playing here … the fans and just the stadium. You see murals on the walls (of former PawSox who’ve made it to the major leagues, like Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Wade Boggs, Jon Lester, etc.).
“It seems like everybody who’s come through here has gone on and made it. It’s just a special feeling playing here and being part of history. If I can etch my name here any way I can, I’ll take that, too.”
EXTRA BASES: The PawSox began Saturday’s game against the Gwinnett Braves having scored only two runs in their previous 44 innings … But with Carlos Maldonado hitting a three-run homer and Chris Carter a solo shot the PawSox belted the Braves, 8-5 …Daniel Bard worked a scoreless ninth inning for his fourth save … In the process, he hit 99 on the McCoy radar gun … Outfielder Mark Kotsay began a 20-day rehab assignment with Pawtucket … Kotsay had off-season back surgery and was placed on Boston’s disabled list April 4 (retroactive to March 27) … Kotsay was the D.H. Saturday (he was 1-for-5 with one RBI) and will play the outfield on Sunday. Then, according to manager Ron Johnson, his situation will be re-evaluated before Boston decides whether or not to have him continue his rehab assignment.
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