"Jacoby knows some Navajo songs I taught my boys," she said. "He'd probably sing one for you, if you asked."
Jacoby Ellsbury is the prized position prospect in the Red Sox organization, a center fielder whose speed, defense, quick bat, and overall athleticism mark him as perhaps the most exciting player the Sox have had in their system since Nomar Garciaparra broke in as a rookie 10 years ago.
Drafted in the first round, 23d overall, just two years ago out of Oregon State, where he was named Pac-10 Co-Player of the Year, Ellsbury has validated scouting director Jason McLeod's evaluation. He hit a combined .303 with 7 home runs and 51 RBIs in 111 games split between Single A Wilmington and Double A Portland, where he helped the Sea Dogs win the Eastern League championship. Baseball America rates him the best hitter for average, fastest base runner, best athlete, and best defensive outfielder in the Sox system.
"The things he is working on now are the things that will define whether he will be a major leaguer or a very good major leaguer," said Sox vice president of player personnel Ben Cherington.
"The frosting on the cake, he's still working on. The batter is already in the mixing bowl."
Ellsbury was invited to his first major league camp this spring, and although he was among the team's first cuts Friday and is expected to begin the season back in Portland, no one questions that the big leagues are within reach. The college kid who once dressed up as Johnny Damon for Halloween doesn't need a costume to remind folks of the player to which he bears a striking resemblance skill-wise.
But one's an All-Star, the other a work in progress.
"From a development standpoint, there are things I can do better," Ellsbury said, "but I think I'm knocking on the door right now."
Navajo roots Should Ellsbury pass through that door, he will be one of the few Native Americans -- and the first of Navajo descent -- to play in the big leagues. Bobby Madritsch, who spun eight shutout innings against the Red Sox three years ago, is a member of the Lakota Sioux and wore numerous tattoos illustrating his tribal heritage. But Madritsch blew out his shoulder and is no longer in the majors.
