Spring training stats are often misleading, but there are a few notables that have caught BBRT’s eye this spring. Could this be a harbinger of potential realized? We’ll be watching these spring “stars” with interest once the season opens. (Spring stats as of March 26)
Lorenzo Cain, Royals, OF
This 25-year-old is tearing it up this spring, .447, 4 homers, 8 RBI, 2 SBs in 47 at bats. After hitting .312 with 16 HRs at AAA last year and .302 in 49 game in two call ups (Milwaukee in 2010 and KC in 2011), Cain looks ready to light a fire in Kansas City.
Brandon Belt, Giants, OF-1B
At 23 going into the season, Belt still needs to show more control at the plate (.225 in his call up to the Giants last year), but he has shown some power (9 homers in 187 ML at bats in 2011). This spring, .380 with 3 HRs in 50 at bats. He may be a year or two away from making an impact, but he’s worth a watch.
Zack Cozart, Reds, SS
At 26, he appears to be ready. Hit .310 at Louisville last year, .324 in an 11-game ML call up. Hitting .452 in 42 at bats this spring. Only drawback, not much of a power stroke (although he did hit 17 HRs at Louisville in 2010. BBRT is looking for a solid BA (.285 range) with a handful of HRs (8-12) and 15 SBs.
Delmon Young, Tigers, OF
People have been waiting for years for Young to tap his potential (and he’s only 26). He seemed to find himself after his trade to Detroit late last season and the hot streak has carried into spring (.413 – 5 HRs – 19 RBI in 46 at bats.) If this isn’t the breakout year, it’s time to quit waiting and watching.
Dee Gordon, Dodgers, SS
BBRTs favorite future star. Not much power, but a nice bat and great speed. This 23-year-old hit .333 with 30 SBs in 70 games at AAA last year, then .304 with 24 SBs in 56 games with the Dodgers. He’s here to stay – and the race is on. Should be a joy to watch.
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals, SP
Thirty-year-old veteran looks to be back from elbow surgery, didn’t give up an earned run in his first 14 spring innings. Cardinals are looking for the pitcher who went 39-19 (463 innings pitched) in 2009-10 before sitting out 2011. May not top 200 innings, but looks to rejoin the NL “aces” club – and with the questions surrounding Carpenter’s health, the Cards need him.
Francisco Liriano, Twins, SP
Up and down – on the corner, off the plate – intense, distracted. Francisco Liriano is a mystery. But he is only 28, in a “contract year,” and has shown occasional signs of brilliance. BBRT is watching – and hoping the mystery is solved this year. Hope truly “springs” eternal, with Liriano working to a 2-0 record, 2.00 ERA and 23 Ks versus just three walks in his first 18 spring innings.
Vance Worley, Phillies, SP
Lost behind Lee, Halladay and Hamels, a number of observers called the 24-year-old Worley’s 11-3 (3.01) in 2011 less than convincing. They wanted more proof and indications are they may very well get it. This spring Worley has rung up 18 Ks and only 2 BBs in just over 16 innings, with a 2.81 ERA. With the Howard and Utley’s health issues, pitching must carry the Phillies. It looks to BBRT like Worley will more than carry his share of the load.
