Gilberto Roca proved versatile over 6 seasons, made AAA
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On loan to the independent Miami Marlins from the Pirates in 1988, Gilberto Roca became a versatile part of the club, according to The Miami News.
So when the Pirates called him back, the team was sorry to see him go, The News wrote.
"When you lose a guy like Roca that can play second or shortstop, it's hard to replace him," Miami manager Jose Santiago told The News.
Roca was in his fourth season as a pro that year, playing mostly at catcher. He saw two more seasons, for six in all. He topped out at AAA.
Roca's career began in 1985, signed by the Pirates as a free agent out of his native Venezuela.
Roca started with the Pirates in the rookie Gulf Coast League and at single-A Macon. He hit .214 in 31 games.
He returned to Macon for 1986 and hit .232 in 90 games. He hit an eighth-inning go-ahead triple in a July game.
That August, The Pittsburgh Press called Roca an "outstanding catching prospect," as they wrote of an odd play at the plate where he was slid short and was tagged out.
Roca played 1987 at single-A Salem, then 1988 between Miami, Salem and AA Harrisburg. He saw 40 games at Harrisburg and hit .159.
He moved to the Mets system for 1989 and played at single-A St. Lucie and AA Jackson. He hit .266 in 61 games that year.
Roca then played eight games at Jackson in 1990, along with 24 at AAA Tidewater. He hit .230 in 24 games at Tidewater. That season marked his last as a pro.
- Pittsburgh Press, Aug. 10, 1986: No minor deal
- Miami News, Aug. 20, 1988: Loss of key players leaves Marlins as the FSL's resident cellar dweller
Made the Majors:1,475-31.7%
Never Made Majors:3,172-68.3%-X