Los Angeles – When Omar Quintanilla says he has idolized Fernando Valenzuela longer than he can remember, he’s not kidding.
At 23 years old, he was born into Fernandomania. His family lived in El Paso, but his father clung to Fernando’s every pitch. Omar’s room became a shrine to the charismatic left-hander, whose stardom translated in any language.
Understanding the past helps explain the scene that played out before Thursday’s game at Dodger Stadium. Quintanilla met his idol, took pictures, received an autographed ball and walked away with a smile that couldn’t have been removed with sandpaper.
“I was nervous. I didn’t know what to say, I was stuttering,” Quintanilla said. “I have been a fan of his my whole life.”
The meetings make Valenzuela feel old, but never get old. He has been impressed with Quintanilla, particularly his defense.
“He seems like a nice kid. I am more than happy to do it,” said Valenzuela, who routinely receives loud applause when shown on the JumboTron as he broadcasts the Dodgers games in Spanish. “He’s shown he can play.”
Valenzuela, whose last major-league game was in 1997, hasn’t given up playing himself. He pitched last winter in the Mexican League for the Mexicali team he owns. Valenzuela, who turns 45 in November, faced current Dodgers shortstop Oscar Robles. Rockies reliever David Cortes served as Valenzuela’s closer, performing well enough to prompt Colorado to sign him over the winter.
“Fernando was dealing,” said Cortes, using baseball parlance for pitching well.
Valenzuela, looking fit and tan, stays busy. When he’s not working with the Dodgers, he jets down the interstate to watch his son Fernando Jr., a first baseman and designated hitter for the Padres’ Single-A affiliate in Lake Elsinore, Calif. There’s still plenty of time for fans as Quintanilla discovered.
“I might tease my dad when I tell him I met Fernando,” Quintanilla said. “But I am sure I will give him the autographed ball.”
Hochevar talks percolate
The Dodgers continued negotiations Thursday with former Colorado prep star Luke Hochevar. Hochevar, according to those familiar with negotiations, is not asking for the top price based on those college pitchers who have already signed. The sides began Thursday far apart with Hochevar expected to begin classes at the University of Tennessee no later than Monday if the gap can’t be bridged.
Footnotes
Sunny Kim said he believes he should be good for 70 pitches in Saturday’s spot start. He’s eager for the opportunity since he has been a starter most of his pro career. “My sinker and slider are better now than they have been. My slider is my best pitch right now,” Kim said. …
Reliever Marcus Carvajal will attempt to throw off a mound today, and could be available to pitch this week depending how his sprained shoulder recovers.
