Indians’ Jose Trevino plays position of influence

The Texas Rangers are still deciding whether Jose Trevino fits in better at second base, third base or catcher with the Spokane Indians.

It might be best not to muddle the picture by pointing out that Trevino pitched two perfect games as a senior in high school.

When told of Trevino’s mound exploits, Indians manager Tim Hulett didn’t require proof.

“I don’t doubt that at all,” Hulett said. “He has a good arm.”

Trevino laughed about the “old news” during the Indians’ last homestand, while reflecting on topics such as his first professional homer, which had come moments earlier. He won’t pitch with the Indians, but he sure knows how to make a pitch.

“Seriously, Tim, if you’re hearing me right now, you can throw me out there (on the mound),” Trevino said. “I promise.”

Trevino has quickly become a fan favorite with the Indians because of his upbeat personality and his offensive abilities, whatever position he plays.

“I don’t think (the Rangers are) totally sold on which is his best position,” Hulett said. “But I think his best position is when he’s in the batter’s box. That guy just has great balance in there. He has a good plan, very instinctive.”

“It really doesn’t matter,” Trevino said of shifting positions. “Just give me a glove and I’ll go out there and play as long as I can hit.”

Through Wednesday, Trevino led the Indians in games played (19), hits (24), doubles (six) and homers (three) while hitting .308 with 12 RBIs.

Trevino, 21 years old, helped lead John Paul II High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, to state titles in 2010 and 2011. He tied the Texas state record with 25 homers in 2011, hitting the 25th during a five-inning playoff game in which he pitched his second perfect game.

“They have it on YouTube or something like that,” Trevino said. “Everybody is always like, ‘Hey, you’re that guy.’ ”

Trevino played baseball at Oral Roberts University for three seasons, selecting the Tulsa, Oklahoma, college over Oklahoma State, Texas Christian, Oklahoma and Missouri.

Trevino started all 63 games for the Golden Eagles during his freshman season of 2012, leading the team in five offensive categories and tying for the home-run lead with 13. His numbers dropped during his sophomore season, when he primarily played catcher, but he had eight homers, 32 runs and 37 RBIs.

Playing shortstop this past season, he hit .359 with a team-leading 10 homers, 43 RBIs and 113 total bases. The numbers impressed the Rangers, who selected him in the sixth round of last month’s Major League Baseball draft with the 186th pick overall.

Trevino’s brother Victor was in attendance on June 22 when Jose hit his first pro homer. Victor and his girlfriend drove up from Texas with Jose’s truck.

“Victor played in college,” Trevino said. “He’s taught me a lot of things. It was good for him to see that. He’s always believed in me as I’ve gotten older.”

Trevino would like to arrange for his mother Patsy to see him play in Spokane.

“We’ll see what happens,” Trevino said. “It’s kind of expensive, but we’ll see what we can do for mom. Anything for mom, for sure.”

Trevino also has two sisters: Sarah, who lives in Alaska, and JoAnn, who is preparing for her wedding in Las Vegas.

“I’m going to miss that, but they know what I’m doing out here,” Trevino said.

Trevino, batting third in the lineup, has played a big role in the Indians’ 15-5 start.

“We just have the ability to score runs at any moment,” Trevino said. “Boom, somebody’s going to get a hit and we’re going to score a run. That’s just the way it is.”