Spring Training Spotlight

A BRIGHT FUTURE
13 games .358 avg. 12 HR's, 24 RBI's, 14 runs

Jim Killebrew Milwaukee High Lifes Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Buffalo, MN Position(s): 1B

Milwaukee Highlife's Jim Killebrew has really hit the ground running this spring. Off to an incredible start this 22 year old 2nd year ML first baseman, out of Buffalo Minnesota, is simply tearing up opposing pitchers and running outfielders into walls. Forget Milwaukee "High Life" even "Miller" for that matter because there's a new brew in town and it fittingly begins with Kille. In 13 games Killebrew has crushed 12 homeruns knocking in 24 RBI's and is batting a .358 with 53 at bats. Tearing it up at spring training? Hardly, this aptly named slugger is "killing" it. Lucky for them it is just spring training right? Perhaps not, as one would have to wonder just how many young pitcher's hopes for a call-up this spring Killebrew has simply put to rest! Okay, killed! Keep it up Killebrew! Granted, spring training is not regular major league pitching but extend this kind of performance into the regular season and soon enough the draft beer sold at Miller Stadium may just be your own!


ANOTHER BRIGHT ONE
4 game appearances, 3.2 IP, 4 Saves, 3 k's & 0 hits allowed

Manny Song Portland Pioneers Age: 22 B/T: R/R Born: Kwangsan-Ku Songjungdong, KR Position(s): P (ClA)

As owner and manager of the Portland Pioneers Cincysteve must be well pleased with the performance of 22 year old AAA closer Manny Song. Song has climbed to the mound just 4 times and has yet to allow a hit. Although the sample size of 4 games is relatively small there is promise when a young closer can come in and consistently close out games. Last year he closed out 19 of 26 opportunities earning a whip of .110 while striking out 47 in 38.1 innings. With a great start and room for improvement, whether Song remains in the AAA this year or gets a call-up, he has made it clear that he has a "Song" to be sung. Generally it's not over until the fat lady sings but Manny's Song is just the same!


NOT SO BRIGHT, IN FACT, REALLY NOT SO BRIGHT!
6.2 IP's, 15 Hits, 12 ER, 4 HR, .455 OAV, 2.55 WHIP 16.20 ERA.

Brandon Randall Charlotte Codes Age: 28 B/T: S/R Born: Saginaw, MI Position(s): P (ClA)

Managers tend to ask very little of closers, although what is asked of them is very significant. Brandon Randall has been asked every one of these things but has done the complete opposite! The only lights in this "spot light" are the countless little bulbs that light up on the scoreboard when "B-rand-on Randall" takes the mound. He has, to say the least, been horrible thus far in spring training. With 15 hits allowed, 4 of them being homeruns, and 12 earned runs in just 6.2 innings pitched, this 28 year old closer out of Saginaw Michigan has earned a record of 0-3 and has literally been "Ran-d-all" over! Last year his performance was not much better as he closed only 11 of 19 opportunities turning in a 0 - 6 record and a 1.57 whip and .301 oav. Owner manager devonjain may have made a mistake in renewing Randall's contract but his competition must be smiling. Is it really just a coincidence that this guy has the word "ran" in both his first and last names? Or with a name like that could it be that this guy was simply born to stink and even his Momma knew it? When you see this guy climb the mound listen carefully, the emanating chant from the crowd will soon follow. "B-RAND-ON....RANDALL! B-RAND-ON....RANDALL! RAND-ALL-OVER!!"