DODGERS SPRING TRAINING NOTEBOOK : CASTRO WAITS IN THE WINGS.Byline: Kevin Acee Daily News Staff Writer Juan Castro's words were measured three weeks ago as he spoke of competing for the Dodgers' starting second-base job. There is now a sparkle in his eye and the words flow freely. The tone is confident. Castro was never really a factor in the race for second base. But it appears he will start the season on the major-league roster for the first time in his career. ``This is a dream come true,'' he said. Castro, 24, might have the best glove in the organization. But his offensive contributions have been minimal in two major-league stints - at the end of 1995 and most of last season. In 136 big-league at-bats, Castro is batting .199 with five doubles and three triples. Dodgers hitting coach Reggie Smith ``He's worked on things,'' Smith said. ``The more at-bats he get, he gets more experience, more confidence. All he needs is at-bats.'' Castro, responsible for starting the first Dodgers triple play in 57 years last June 15 at Atlanta, vowed at the start of the spring to work hard in the cages. He has spent hours sharpening his skills against the curveball. He has made the most of his 17 at-bats in spring games. His .412 average is tops on the club. ``It's more quality work,'' he said. ``I try to concentrate more.'' He started to feel strong at the plate in winter ball. It was his sixth straight year of winter baseball in Mexico. ``When I was playing there I felt good,'' he said. ``When I came here I kept working on the little things. . . Every time I used to go to the plate I would think, `I've got to get a base hit. I've got to make contact.' Now I just go up there more comfortable and relaxed.'' The other guy: If Castro has indeed locked up a spot on the roster - joining fellow infielder Chip Hale Walter William Hale (born December 2, 1964, in San Jose, California) was a Major League Baseball designated hitter, third baseman, and second baseman. He is an alumnus of the University of Arizona. , outfielders Billy Ashley Billy Manual Ashley (Born July 11, 1970) in Trenton, Michigan, is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. Ashley was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 3rd round of the 1988 MLB Draft. He started his professional career with the Gulf Coast Dodgers in 1988 and 1989. and Wayne Kirby Wayne Leonard Kirby (born January 22, 1964 in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA), is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues primarily as an outfielder from 1991-1998. , and catcher Tom Prince as nonstarters - that leaves one spot open. Chad Fonville Chad Everette Fonville (born March 5, 1971, in Jacksonville, North Carolina) was a Major League Baseball infielder. Drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 11th round of the 1992 MLB amateur draft, Fonville would make his Major League Baseball debut with the Montreal has gone out of his way to let everyone know he will accept a utility role. At the beginning of spring he considered himself the favorite to win the second-base job. ``Chad Fonville can do a lot of things for you,'' Russell said, alluding to the third-year player's speed and ability to play five positions if needed. The other players left in the big-league clubhouse are infielder and pinch-hit specialist Nelson Liriano Nelson Liriano (born June 3, 1964) was a Major League baseball player born in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. He played for various teams from 1987 to 1998 batting a career average of .260 over those 11 seasons. , infielder Jeff Berblinger and outfielders Roger Cedeno, Karim Garcia and William Pennyfeather. Spring Training '97 DODGERS in VERO BEACH Vero Beach (vēr`o), city (1990 pop. 17,350), seat of Indian River co., E Fla., on Indian River (a lagoon and part of the Intracoastal Waterway); founded c.1888, inc. 1919. , Fla. FACT: Yes, the Dodgers have had five straight Rookies of the Year. But they also have on their roster a few players who have been named the best player in the minor leagues. The Sporting News named Karim Garcia its top minor-league player in 1995, USA Today USA Today National U.S. daily general-interest newspaper, the first of its kind. Launched in 1982 by Allen Neuharth, head of the Gannett newspaper chain, it reached a circulation of one million within a year and surpassed two million in the 1990s. tabbed Billy Ashley as its top minor-leaguer in 1994, and Todd Zeile was USA Today's choice in 1989. Garcia, an outfielder, will start the season in Triple-A Albuquerque. Ashley will be on the Dodgers bench. Zeile will be the starting third baseman. NOTES: Chan Ho Park allowed five hits, walked one, struck out four and allowed an earned run as the Dodgers beat the Houston Astros 4-3. . . . The Dodgers scored all of their runs in the third inning. Raul Mondesi and Eric Karros hit RBI RBI abbr. Baseball runs batted in Noun 1. rbi - a run that is the result of the batter's performance; "he had more than 100 rbi last season" run batted in singles and Wilton Guerrero's double scored two. QUOTE: ``The focus should not be on who will be the sixth Rookie of the Year Rookie of the Year may refer to:
- Eric Karros. CAPTION(S): Photo, Box Photo: The Dodgers' Raul Mondesi draws a wild throw on a pickoff pick·off n. 1. Baseball A play in which a runner is caught off base and is put out by a quick throw, as from the pitcher or catcher. 2. Sports An interception, as in football. attempt as Houston's Craig Biggio can't make the save. Associated Press Box: Spring Training '97 (see text) |
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