January 20, 2006

Willie Joe Ronda Joins ASG Family

Willie Joe Ronda

All Star Group is proud to announce that Willie Joe Ronda, the Cincinnati Reds third round pick in the 2003 draft, recently retained the firm for his professional representation.

Originally drafted as a shortstop out of Gabriela Mistral H.S. in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ronda was selected in this past December's minor league phase of the Rule V draft by the Florida Marlins. The Marlins, who have coveted Ronda since his high school days, plan on converting the twenty year old to catcher, where his strong arm and sweet left-handed swing should be of value.

After his selection in 2003, Ronda wasted no time in establishing himself as a top prospect, hitting .301 with twenty-six R.B.I., sixteen doubles and fifty-two hits in forty-seven games in the rookie level Gulf Coast League. Ronda's performance garnered him the 29th spot on Baseball America's list of the organization's top thirty prospects.

While injuries slowed his progression somewhat the past two seasons, Ronda is fully healthy and should figure into the Marlins future plans behind the plate.

Photo courtesy of Billings Gazette.