Andrea Mallis, Sports Astrologer, is a devoted baseball fan and writer based in Berkeley, California and raised in New York City. Andrea has a monthly column at MLB.com. Her work has appeared on various ESPN media including SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, ESPN News, Cold Pizza, Page 2, and ESPN Radio. She's been quoted in the New York Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Chicago Sun-Times, and Oakland Tribune, and was featured in "FantasyLand," a book on fantasy baseball by Wall St. Journal author Sam Walker.

September 2007 Colorado Rockies Magazine Willy Taveras Astrological Profile

Using Willy Taveras's date and place of birth, Ms. Mallis has put together an astrological profile of this disciplined ballplayer.

Born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1981 in Tenares, Dominican Republic, Willy T. (as he was called in Houston) is an ambitious Capricorn. (Other notable Capricorns born on Christmas Day include Conrad Hilton, founder of the hotel empire, and the actress Sissy Spacek.) Disciplined Capricorns are driven to prove themselves and can be overly self-critical. Their strong points are patience and tenacity.

A seven-time All Star in Japan, Kaz embodies passion and fervor. With Uranus (the planet of originality) in Scorpio next to his Sun sign, Kaz is an iconoclast. Identifying with the role of rebel, he insists on a great deal of personal freedom. The baseball lifestyle allows for spontaneity. Often feeling outside the mainstream, Kaz struggles more that he has to, often taking himself too seriously. With Mars (energy) in emotional Cancer, he's sensitive to stress. Responding quickly to challenges, physical activities that require fast reflexes and a good sense of timing make him one of the better infielders. Blessed with an abundance of energy, Kaz makes a good leader, spearheading new projects and inspiring others to act. The joy of competeting runs deep in his soul.

A pragmatist, Willie is clear-headed, detached, and objective. Not swayed by emotional drama, he's cleverly understated. Bestowed a strong Mars (planet of energy) at birth, Willie's energy is palpable. He can also be a bit hasty, but that works to his advantage with above-average speed-he stole 33 bases in 2006. His self-confidence and inner harmony draws success and benefits him in almost magical ways. His optimism wins many allies in life. Willie has abundant drive and asserts himself under pressure. Although he tends to establish demanding goals, he's more than prepared to take any steps necessary to see them constructively implemented.

On December 12, 2006 Taveras was traded, along with Taylor Buchholz and Jason Hirsh, to the Rockies (much to the chagrin of Houston fans) for Rockies pitchers Jason Jennings and Miguel Ascencio. As a member of the Rockies, Willy has enjoyed his finest season, averaging career highs in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging, while striking out fewer times. In 2007, through July 29th, he was leading the major leagues with 30 bunt hits (nearly three times that of any other batter), while 5th in the NL with 20 stolen bases, and 8th in league with a .325 batting average. He's the 42nd player in MLB history with a hit streak of 30-or-more games.

This season Kaz has the opportunity to boost his confidence and move towards goals. Career recognition plays a prominent role. Directing energy wisely, willpower serves him well. Pioneering a winning "can-do" attitude, he's more resilient to pressure and is victorious in competition. An encouraging season is on the horizon for Kaz Matsui.

Capricorns revere accomplishment and tangible results: the fruits of their labor. Willie's awards include 2005 Player's Choice Rookie of the Year, 2005 Sporting News Rookie of the Year, and he was also named to the 2006 Dominican Republic World Baseball Team Classic.

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