Angels schooling Latin American players on Arizona’s new law

Abe Flores simply shrugged his shoulders.

The Los Angeles Angels Director of Player Development was asked about Arizona's impending immigration law and how if could affect his organization. His response was surprisingly matter of fact.

“It won't affect us at all,” he said.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels lost to Clinton last night at Memorial Stadium, 8-4. Their parent club, the Angels, conduct spring training in Arizona and have an Arizona Rookie League team in Tempe that's in its second week of play.

There are 12 players on the AZL Angels roster from Latin American countries or who are Americans of Latin descent.

Arizona's law, officially titled SB 1070, goes into effect at the end of July.

It allows law enforcement officials to ask anyone stopped for any crime for proof they are in the country legally.

That could include basic traffic stops. The only caveat is “where reasonable suspicion exists.”

“Definitely it is racial profiling, and there is something wrong with it,” said Cedar Rapids Kernels catcher Carlos Ramirez, who lives in Tucson and whose grandparents came to the United States from Mexico.

“I don't really know a whole lot about it to say anything. I guess if it's something that happens to me, then I'll learn more about it. But right now, I just think it's racial profiling.”

Teammate Jose Jimenez agrees. He is from the Miami area and his parents were born in the Dominican Republic.

“We were actually talking about that (recently), Jimenez said. “You can just stop anybody. And if they don't have papers on them ... It's tough. Especially where I'm from, you've got a lot of Cubans and Haitians and all that.

Out there in Arizona, you've got a lot of Mexicans. This is definitely something that affects a lot of people. I think it's pretty crazy.”

Flores said the Angels tell Latin players to carry their passports. Those playing in the Arizona Rookie League or spending significant time at the Tempe complex are required to get an Arizona identification card and carry that.

They also are given three phone numbers: one for Flores, one for AZL Angels Manager Tyrone Boykin and one for the guy who runs the Tempe complex for the Angels. If problems arise, give one (or all) of them a call.

“It's that simple,” Flores said.

It's all about accountability, Flores said. Part of learning to be a professional baseball player also comes off the field.

“There are lessons to be learned,” he said.

“We don't want to be so in charge of their lives.

You've got to learn these lessons; they've got to learn them on their own.

They need to be responsible. If there are any consequences, that's part of life, you know? We can't baby-sit them because we're not teaching them anything.” The Kernels (3-4 second-half record) were outhit, 14-8. Starting and losing pitcher Stephen Locke (3-2) was ejected in the seventh inning as Clinton's fifth run scored, presumably for saying something to home plate umpire Javier Cantu about a previous potential strike-three pitch that was called a ball.

An inning later, pitching coach Brandon Emanuel was ejected by Cantu after sprinting onto the field following another close pitch that was ruled a ball and screaming at the umpire.