Maicer Izturis, a Venezuelan infielder, played in Major League Baseball primarily as a second baseman and third baseman. Born on September 12, 1980, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Izturis began his professional career when he was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent in 1998. His journey to the major leagues was marked by steady progress through the minor league system, where he honed his skills and developed a reputation for his defensive capabilities and contact hitting.
Izturis made his MLB debut with the Montreal Expos in 2004. During his time with the Expos, he played in 32 games, showcasing his ability to handle multiple infield positions. His tenure with the Expos was short-lived, as the team relocated and became the Washington Nationals in 2005. However, Izturis did not make the move with the team, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim before the start of the 2005 season.
With the Angels, Izturis found a more stable role, spending eight seasons with the team. He became known for his defensive versatility, often filling in at second base, third base, and shortstop. Izturis' ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset for the Angels, who utilized him in various roles throughout his time with the team. Offensively, he was known for his contact hitting, maintaining a respectable batting average and contributing to the team's lineup with timely hits.
One of Izturis' standout seasons came in 2009, when he played in 114 games and posted a .300 batting average. His performance that year helped the Angels secure a playoff berth, and he played a role in their postseason run. Although not known for his power, Izturis occasionally contributed with home runs and extra-base hits, adding depth to the Angels' offensive lineup.
In 2012, Izturis signed a three-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. His time with the Blue Jays was marred by injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness on the field. Despite these setbacks, Izturis continued to provide veteran leadership and experience to the team. His final season in the majors was in 2014, after which he retired from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Izturis was recognized for his defensive skills and ability to adapt to different infield positions.
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