Fort Worth Star-Telegram from Fort Worth, Texas • 99

Section Page 6 Star Telegram I Sunday March 2 1997 Baseball Patterson impresses Oates i TR SULLIVAN -N I4TAl BASEBALL REPORT i'''7 'Z'e I' 't i i t' it' i (I 11 ii't 4e (t4-r-i 7 tr jI -f t- iI---i- '1 11-r i 1 ri-ri- I- '-'1 i 1 -1 i-11''r i I '-1 :1 1 i' 1 'i -t--' 11 1 i J-- 1 1 1 -1 i It-1) i i1-1 i I i ti i I -i--4 41 1 i 1 I i -IL --t-! 4) ti L- 11i 7- 4 It -'1---i 1 -1-1---J 1 11 1 1 i I df 1 1 481) Li LI -4 itSiAt i nyi e'------N 0 'I 7N I 'ci 71 i iii 1 1 I iii o(c ii 4 Al At 'ci 7 7 I rt 1 li kt 1' 1 1 11 1 1 2 i LI- 1 rt 7: I 'AA Ii- 1 ir i A 0) 1 Ii A4' ft 1) Star-Telegram I OLAF GROWALD Rangers manager Johnny Oates watches right-handed pitcher Danny Patterson's performance and is impressed by what he sees The Associated PresS 4 upset that second baseman Erie nds overweight has threatened to PS Nr I Oates said "He can get to a few bats" Patterson will get to a few more bats this season although those 812 innings in 1996 proved invaluable' to his development he said "It let me know that I was ready Even though I thought I was ready you still have to prove it to yourself and others that you're ready" Patterson said "I think I did that" He has convinced Oates "I saw him throw five pitches and liked him It doesn't take long to watch him to like him" Oates said "He's got a good heavy fastball that sinks well a good changeup and a decent breaking ball It was just a matter of time" Pitcher's two-seam fastball has broken a few bats and earned the respect of his manager BY JOHNNY PAUL Star-Telegram Staff Writer SARASOTA Fla Rangers manager Johnny Oates last year witnessed the 8 innings accumulated by right-handed pitcher Danny Patterson He witnessed enough "There are guys you can't make a decision on if you saw them throw for 50 innings That's because they're so mediocre" Oates said yesterday "This guy is not mediocre" Most former 47th-round draft selections would consider "mediocre" a compliment from a major-league manager Most former 47th-round draft selections do not possess Patterson's two-seam fastball which best explains why this 26-year-old will observe a significant increase in his 24 days of major-league service time "Danny Patterson in my mind will be handling a very important role on this ballelub It won't be just a cameo appearance" Oates said "I think he's going to be an outstanding major-league pitcher" Credit Patterson's two-seam tastball It possesses life It moves It sinks Most of all it succeeds Patterson whose role in the bullpen this season remains to be determined used the pitch almost exclusively during two brief stints in 1996 with the Rangers Right-handed hitters produced only four base hits in 20 at-bats and Patterson emerged with an earned-run average that was unblemished in seven appearances covering 8 innings "I went after the hitters and I don't even think I was fooling them" he said "I think they knew what was coming I threw fastball after fastball at them I just think I have a dominating sinker That's Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez signs autographs for fans hanging down in left field during yesterday's exhibition victory against the White Sox in Sarasota Fla BY JOHNNY PAUL Star-Telegram Staff Writer Clark painless: First baseman Will Clark spoke of gain and not pain Clark who underwent surgery on his left elbow Oct 11 lined two singles into right field during the Rangers' 12-8 exhibition victory yesterday at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota Fla Clark pulled an inside fast-ball off left-handed pitcher Wilson Alvarez and lined a breaking ball down in the strike zone from right-hander Danny Darwin during his two at-bats Clark who has yet to regain full strength in the elbow also drew a third-inning walk from Alvarez "It just feels good being out there and feeling no pain" Clark said Wift convincing: Right-hander Bobby Witt who threw only 20 pitches during his first two innings convinced manager Johnny Oates to alter his two-inning30-pitch limit "Bobby said 'I haven't even really got loose yet I need to get loose' Oates said "I told him 'Ynu've got 10 pitches Go do it'" Witt who spent this offseason refining his changeup threw the pitch only once during his 28 deliveries yesterday The changeup induced a weak ground ball from White Sox right fielder Tony Phillips for the third inning's final out Witt surrendered only two singles 1 and issued one walk during his three scoreless innings "AZ! opi irt i 7 el 'Nt '''4 A A I 1 4 Gains and losses Players show up to spring training in one of two physical conditions Condition No 1: "I've gained some weight this year because I wanted to be stronger I thought I wore down a little at the end of last season This is the best shape I've been in in my career" Condition No 2: "I've lost weight this year because I wanted to be quicker and more flexible This is the best I've ever felt coming into a season" However Colorado manager Don Baylor is unhappy that second baseman Eric Young came to camp 10 pounds overweight and he is threatening to send Young on all spring training road trips Said Young "Hey we eat a lot of Kentucky Fried Chicken after those games It might be better for me to just come here and do my work than make all those road trips" Yankees pitchers David Cone and David Wells each reported to camp 10 pounds overweight Said Cone "Did I pick the right sport or what? I'm a fat white boy making $6 million a year" Kevin Mitchell showed up at the Indians' camp weighing 260 pounds and couldn't finish the 850-yard Warrior Run a series of long sprints He fell 200 yards short the first player in five years unable to complete the drill Unrealistic goal One rite of spring is Jose Canseco showing up late to camp then announcing he wants to achieve "40-40" again hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases Canseco achieved his signature feat in 1988 when he was selected American League Most Valuable Player Barry Bonds Canseco who duplicated the feat last year for San Francisco is the only other player in baseball history to have accomplished it But CansecO hasn't stolen more than 15 bases in a season since he swiped 26 in 1991 He had three for Boston last year and has a total of 34 during the past five seasons Canseco also hasn't hit more than 31 home runs since finishing with 44 in 1991 Said Oakland general manager Sandy Alderson "He clearly wants to play the outfield he wants to steal bases I told him my concern was getting him 600 plate appearances It's unlikely he'll be the starting right fielder We want to keep him healthy It's dangerous out there" Exchanging barbs The Athletics' Alderson was upset that the Giants gave Bonds a $229 million contract extension calling it "more evidence of a very disturbing trend" Alderson also took a shot at Bonds saying "They haven't negotiated his salary yet That's just a bribe to keep his mouth shut" Giants general manager Brian Sabean fired back saying "The A's have to worry about the A's They're not doing well enough to worry about everybody else in baseball" Pitcher's luck Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield was the major leagues' only player to win an arbitration case this winter but he's even more thrilled that he is alive Wakefield was hit by a car toi Jan 5 while jog- ging near his 'e home in Mel- bourne Fla "The thought of my career being over ran Wakefield through my head The thought of dying ran through my head" Wakefield said "God was watching over me that night I'm very happy to have my life today and still have my career Since then I've been able to take a step back and really appreciate where I'm at I'm blessed to be able to put on a major-league uniform" Random news opinions The Indians and the Mariners have some interest in Rickey Henderson who is being shopped by the Padres Both have an opening in left fY 'k i' 'i 1 Al 71 RA 04 I It i V4' Alba ilk 1'111 10 l' 2 my No I pitch" Patterson complements the fast-ball with an above-average changeup he calls a "Vulcan splitter" where he grips the ball between the middle and ring fingers "I get a lot of outs with it and I don't give up too many hits on it" he said "I can throw it for a strike when I want or I can make it dip out of the strike zone just like a forkball" Patterson continued his development of a slider but the fastball remains his source of success and subject of respect "I'd be willing to bet that last year he broke more bats per batter faced than anybody on our staff" RANGERS Notes Box score Rangers 12 White Sox 8 Texas -AS Bi Chicago AB 111 Buford of 4 1 1 0 Phillips rf 3 0 0 0 Fries ss 2 0 0 0 Machado 2011 Rodriguez 3 1 2 0 Martinez of 2 1 2 0 Roberts of 1 1 1 0 Martin 2b 3110 Clark lb 2 0 2 0 Thomas lb 3 0 0 0 Gallagher lb 1 2 0 0 Abbott If 2 0 0 0 Tettleton dh 3 1 1 0 Belle If 3 1 1 0 Browne dh 2 1 0 0 Valdes lb 1 0 0 0 Newson rf 2 3 2 4 Ventura 3b 2 0 2 1 Diaz 2b 2 1 1 2 Cameron of 3 0 0 1 BRipken 2b 3 0 3 4 Baines dh 2 0 0 0 Sagmoen rf 1 1 1 0 Lieferdh 2 1 2 1 Cedeno ss 4 0 1 0 Durham 2b 1 1 0 0 Bell 3b 1 0 1 0 Mouton rf 2 1 1 1 Tabs 3b 3 0 1 2 Karkovice 2 0 0 0 Brown 1 0 0 0 Snopek ss 2 1 2 1 Little If 4 0 0 0 Guillen ss 1 0 0 1 Vessel If 1 0 0 0 Norton 3b 2111 Totals 40 12 17 12 Totals 38 8 13 8 Texas 013 035 000 Chicago 1AI 000 116 000 8 1 Chicago 2 7 Chicago 6 2 Newson Diaz BRipken Tatis Machado Martin Ventura Liefer Mouton Sno pek (It Roberts Taxes IP ER BB SO Witt W10 3 2 0 1 0 Album 2 2 1 0 0 Bailey 2-3 7 5 0 0 Davis 2 1-3 2 0 0 2 Patterson 1 0 0 1 1 Chicago IP ER BB SO Alvarez 101 3 4 4 4 1 DDarwin 2 5 3 1 3 TCastillo 1 5 5 1 1 Simas 1 1 0 0 1 Hernandez 1 2 0 0 1 CCastillo 1 0 0 0 1 A-3249 "Bobby Witt threw the ball very well and got good results" Oates said A shaky start: Right-hander Cory Bailey a candidate for one of only two likely available spots in the bullpen took a step backward The White Sox hit Bailey hard and often during his 23 of an inning Bailey surrendered seven hits including five doubles "It's not a good start but you get more than one arbund here" Oates said i'f 0 ----1 :41) itIA: i i i "hr? -r' 1 ItirsW' CI-14 --44 4 tN 1 14-1- a 4 i Rockies manager Don Baylor Young reported to camp 10 pou send Young on all spring road tri Rangers' heroes Players whom the Rangers say were their favorites while growing up: Jose Alberro Nolan Ryan Roberto Clemente Cory Bailey George Brett John Burkett Willie Stargell Will Clark George Brett Mike Schmidt Benji Gil Cal Ripken Rusty Greer George Brett Xavier Hernandez Pete Rose Ken Hill Jim Rice Danny Patterson Nolan Ryan Lee Stevens George Brett Mickey Tett leton Johnny Bench Ed Vosberg Willie Mays Matt Whiteside Nolan Ryan Ozzie Smith Bobby Witt Carlton Fisk field The Mariners who would rather start Jose Cruz Jr in the minor leagues desperately need a leadoff hitter But they want the Padres to pick up some of Henderson's $2 million salary The A's Alderson in USA Today also weighed in with an opinion about Albert Belle's reluctance to talk with the media: "He's been very talkative but usually it's been under oath" II Royals manager Bob Boone was asked if he had any sympathy for Pittsburgh manager Gene Lamont whose team was stripped by trades in the off-season Said Boone: "Not one ounce I've been through it I understand it I don't feel for him For one thing there is no pressure on him I wish I could play him every day and beat his brains out I want to win 10-0 every day I want to laugh at you every day I want to dominate you every day and not feel sorry for you one bit" The Angels were smart getting outfielder Tim Salmon locked up for four more years He's one of the great overlooked offensive players in the game The Dodgers are trying to trade pitcher Tom Candlotti because they expect Chan Ho Park to be their fifth starter Former RaATers pitcher Jose Guzman who hasn't pitched in the majors since 1994 is in the Athletics' camp on a minor-league contract trying to win a spot as their fifth starter Mets second baseman Carlos Baerga who fell out of condition last year and was dumped by the Indians told Newsday that he has turned his life around: "I don't drink anymore I came back to the church I stopped doing a lot of the things I was doing before because I want to be the player I was before It's going to be a big change I'm a Christian born again I'm going to make a lot of adjustments I want the people in New York to believe in Carlos Baerga" Phillies outfielder Lenny Dykstra who underwent back surgery in July said he won'e11' I play this year: "My goal righeJ I now is to be the Comeback Playoo' 1 er of the Year in 1998" 1" Dodgers manager Bill Rue- 11 -) sell said one problem with pre2 I 1 decessor Tommy Laserda was vz-! i that he played favorites "ThisN1 I isn't a knock at Tommy" Russell I said "He was close to Brett Butler He was close to Mike )1 3 Piazza He was close to Eric 3 Mertes But he didn't treat' everybody the same Walter I-- Alston ran the team his way and '1 I Lasorda ran the team his way I'll run the team my way" 1 I Butler on Russell vs Lasor- )1' da: "I don't think this camp will be as laid-back It will be more '') I structured more of a focus The past few years have been kind ofv 1 lackadaisical Let's face it we lost six playoff games in a row If it's not eating at someone it's I eating at me" I -) Russell got a trading card iri'ri the mail from a fan seeking him' to sign it But it was a card of lu Boston Celtics Hall of Fame bas' i ketball player Bill Russell "111 i guess it's easy to mix us upt'd I Russell said s' Minnesota pitcher Mike I Trembley celebrated his nevV0) 1 two-year contract by buying hi' wife a vacuum cleaner Trombleyl said "Well yeah it doesn't sound IP like much But it's not the kind that IL takes dirt off the top of the It's the kind that sucks it out of the IL bottom How about that?" ))17 MI Minnesota designated hittet I' Paul Molitor 40 on his 20th spring training: "I rememberli being a 21-year-old kid noi'' knowing what I was doing calPur ing my teammates Mister NovVI they call me Gramps not Mistermm The Dodgers' Piazza react r' ing to rumors that his success hag'il: been because of steroid use told The Sporting News: "It's crazy If it's not one thine' then it's some It thing else eng alThewayre Ocrialr detractors That's'' I Th the price you pay T- when you're lei )1: 11 A the public eye i CdeN "I think if' people saw hov I Piazza much I work andry) I put in thiV game I think those rumors would I stop When I was in 10th grade II couldn't even lift 135 pounds I1 was embarrassed I told myselfTh one day I'd be able to press 300 9' pounds" Montreal catcher Darrin'a Fletcher was asked to evaluateq' the Expos' starting rotation "We' have Pedro Martinez and he's one of the best" Fletcher)! said "He really wants to win and'ic he's a great competitor" Fletche then stopped thought for ti l' moment and asked "Who's Not i'i! TR Suilivan's Baseball Reputt appears eaeli Sunday 4 0 tn1 Star-Telegram OLAF OROWALD Briefly: Outfielder Warren Newson a left-handed hitter who likely will begin this season in a platoon with Mike Devereaux in right field until Juan Gonzalez returns went 2-for-2 with an opposite-field three-run home run and a run-scoring double The Rangers expect Gonzalez to return to camp early next week The hard cast from his left thumb (torn ulnar collateral ligament) will be removed then and replaced with a splint which will allow him to begin his rehabilitation program Infielder Bill Ripken executed a second-inning hit-and-run despite a high inside pitch from Alvarez Ripken lined the ball into left field which allowed Newson to reach third base safely "He's a guy you can do a lot of things with at the plate" Oates said "He does the little things and he knows he has to do the little things" Infielder Tom O'Malley whose vision remains blurred missed the Rangers' second exhibition game in addition to the intrasquad games Wednesday and Thursday O'Malley required four stitches under his left eye after a ball hit him while he was fielding ground balls before Wednesday's intrasquad game "It's still suspect" O'Malley said of his vision Infielder Lee Stevens and outfielder Mike Simms remained in Port Charlotte Fla yesterday with straindd quadriceps muscles.