Matt Williams provided advice during fall season
Andrew Baggarly - MercuryNews
The Giants haven't sent a homegrown position player to the All-Star Game since Matt Williams in 1996. Hard to believe, but Williams is also the last Giants farm product to hit at least 25 home runs in a season.
Outfielder Nate Schierholtz might have the best shot at ending those streaks. And if he taps into his power, guess who deserves a share of the credit?
None other than Williams, who gave Schierholtz some important advice while filling in as his manager in the Arizona Fall League.
"We talked about getting in counts to hit, and when it's 2-0 or 2-1, really letting it fly," Schierholtz said. "If I swing and miss, big deal. He told me that if I take a half-effort swing just to make contact, I'm not doing anyone any favors. I'm really just cheating myself."
Schierholtz swung the bat with authority during the fall, hitting .348 with four home runs, eight doubles and a triple in 23 games for the Scottsdale Scorpions. His batting average ranked fourth in the prospect-rich league.
He played the first dozen games under Williams, whom he idolized while growing up in Danville. Williams subbed for Diamondbacks third-base coach Chip Hale as Arizona made its playoff run.
"It was definitely a cool experience," Schierholtz said. "My main objectives were to be more selective and drive the ball. I know I have the potential. I think I've shown I can do it in batting practice."
Uh, yeah. Two springs ago, Schierholtz hit the now-legendary drive that sailed over the netting and broke a window in an adjacent apartment complex. The tenant rushed to the stadium office, assuming Barry Bonds must have hit it. Schierholtz's other memorable spring blast came in 2004, when he was called up from minor league camp for his first Cactus League game and hit a resounding pinch homer off Seattle's Shigetoshi Hasegawa. The ball cleared the berm and landed on a walkway at Peoria Sports Complex. Schierholtz's main goal the past three years has been to make consistent contact. He cut down his strikeouts from 132 to 81 to 77 over the past three years. He also looked far from overmatched last season in his big league debut, hitting .304 in 112 at-bats. Now he's ready to take on the next challenge. He hit 12 home runs in a month at Fresno late last season "That second half at Fresno lit a fire under me to play the way I'm capable of playing," he said. Schierholtz, 24, shouldn't have to wait long for his first major league homer. But if he hits too many, he might get his idol in trouble for helping a division rival. Lest anyone forget, Williams is a special assistant in the Diamondbacks' front office and even owns a small stake in the team. • Dave Roberts had one of those "I'm glad he's on my side" moments when facing Tim Lincecum in live batting practice. Lincecum threw a scorching fastball that Roberts couldn't handle, and he whooped back at the mound in protest. "He and (Matt) Cain both have that thing, that late life," Roberts said. "The ball gets on you." Lincecum's stuff had everyone smiling around the cage. "For not throwing a lot in the winter, we thought he'd be behind," Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said. "But he feels good, threw all his pitches and had great stuff." • Former big league shortstop and all-around ebullient presence Shawon Dunston spent his first day in uniform as a special assistant. Unlike Robb Nen or J.T. Snow, who have more specific duties, Dunston is here to help out wherever needed - as long as he resists the urge to take fungoes or hit in the cage. "My wife gave me the best advice," Dunston said. "She said, 'Shaaaawon, You're going to help. You don't play anymore.' I know it, but I'm jealous of these young guys." • Catcher Bengie Molina played catch on a back field but didn't participate in other work because of a strained left quadriceps. He might miss another day or two.
No comments:
Post a Comment