Shortstop Zobrist impressing at bat and in the field
Shortstop Zobrist impressing at bat and in the field
Sixth-round pick earns promotion to Class A Salem
By BRIAN MCTAGGART
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
After not being drafted following three years at Olivet Nazarene University,
Ben Zobrist decided to transfer to Dallas Baptist to give himself an
opportunity to perform at a higher level.
"I thought it might be a good opportunity to see what I'm made of," he said.
Zobrist caught the eye of scout Rusty Pendergrass, who convinced the Astros
to select the shortstop ?in the sixth round of last year's draft. Now
Zobrist is proving he can play at the professional level, too.
Zobrist, a switch-hitter, was batting .325 (13-for-40) with 13 walks and an
on-base percentage of .500 through 13 games for Class A Salem. He hit .304
with a .415 on-base percentage in 68 games for Class A Lexington before
getting called up late last month.
"He had a very good first half," Astros director of player development Ricky
Bennett said. "He's got good instincts and is always at the right place at
the right time. Offensively, he makes good contact and has a good idea of
the strike zone. Those are a few of the reasons why he's had success so far.
"
Zobrist led the New York-Penn League in hitting last year at .339 for Tri-
City.
"My best asset offensively is knowing the plate and knowing the strike zone
and taking the pitches I don't like and waiting for pitches I can drive,"
Zobrist said. "Defensively, I feel there are a lot of improvements that need
to be made. I'm pretty solid on the routine plays, but plays that stretch me
out I need a lot of work on."
But like most players in their first full professional season, Zobrist's
biggest challenge has been trying to make it through the grind of a long
year.
"I've never played this many games in a row," he said. "I'll definitely work
out in the offseason a lot more on my lower body and legs. I'll make sure my
legs are ready to make the season. I don't think I'm totally prepared to go
at it 100 percent the whole time. I wish I had been better-prepared. I
definitely will be next year."
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bb/3271780
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