STL Today - St. Louis Cardinals Tyler Greene fights for 3B job

St. Louis Cardinals Tyler Greene fights for 3B job

May 16, 2009 - Cardinals shortstop Tyler Greene dives to catch a line drive off the bat of Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun to end the top of the first inning during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Milwaukee Brewers. (Chris Lee/P-D)

BY JOE STRAUSSST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH02/10/2010

JUPITER, Fla. — Drafted, developed and initially exposed to the major leagues at shortstop, Tyler Greene reminds people that he isn’t tied there.

Greene is the first position player on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster to reach the team’s spring training headquarters at Roger Dean Stadium. Part of the explanation for his early arrival is logistics. Greene recently purchased a home in the development that includes the complex. Another part is urgency. The former first-round draft pick badly wants to build on the impression he made last season as an athletic but admittedly inconsistent rookie.

“I know there are some open spots and there are some set spots,” Greene said after an afternoon workout. “During spring training I want to compete for a starting spot. Whether that’s realistic, that’s my main goal. I want to fight for that spot, fight for a spot on the team, fight to break camp in April in whatever role I’m needed.”

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Brendan Ryan won acclaim for playing Gold Glove-caliber shortstop while making 95 starts there and, barring a spring meltdown, is rated a strong shot at holding the job.

General manager John Mozeliak has proclaimed third base as rookie David Freese’s to lose. But Freese has only five major-league starts at the position — two less than Greene — and has endured a harsh winter complicated by a December DWI arrest. Greene represents potential depth at shortstop and third base, maybe more.

“I know last year they platooned at third for a long time,” Greene said, recalling a season-opening mix that included Freese, Brian Barden and Joe Thurston. (Only Freese remains with the organization.) “I know that’s realistic to get inside that platoon and get hot at the right moment. I’m going to compete as hard as I can and make it as tough on them as I can at the end of spring.”

Part of Greene’s workout features taking ground balls from his knees at third base. Greene’s quickness is not in question. Consistency is the issue.

“Everybody wants experience at that level,” said Greene, who hit .222 with seven RBIs in 108 at-bats spread over 75 games last season. “I did some good things early, then struggled late. Every player wants the opportunity, if they do struggle, to have a chance to rebound and show the club it was just a bump in the road. Consistency is the key to it all.”

Greene became a father last September and elected not to play winter ball. He instead began working out at Roger Dean Stadium in November and has put 12 pounds of muscle on a wiry frame.

Whatever adjustments that third base may require, Greene insists they are less demanding than if he were moved to the opposite side of the infield. Veteran Julio Lugo probably eliminates that need, since he platooned with second baseman Skip Schumaker against tough lefthanders last season.

“Third is more a reaction position,” Greene said. “The angles to the balls on the right side and the left side are two different things. At least you’re still on the left side of the infield (at third base). The reaction to balls and judging the speed off the bat is tougher. You’re closer. From the time I played third last year, that was the biggest adjustment — the reaction and the speed of the ball. But playing second base is a bigger adjustment, in my opinion.”

Greene hit 24 home runs in 595 Class AA at-bats spread over two seasons before hitting 15 home runs in 340 at-bats at Class AAA Memphis last season. After positive early returns, Greene’s swing lengthened and his production ebbed. He was one for 24 with 11 strikeouts in his last 16 games and failed to make the postseason roster.

“The experience I got up there last year really has prepared me for this spring,” Greene said. “Now I have an insider’s view of what it’s really like. Last year I didn’t know all the details of being on the team. That has to be a help in terms of confidence and preparation.”

The addition of Mark McGwire as hitting coach will become part of Greene’s preparation. Greene came away impressed by McGwire following a one-hour session held in conjunction with the Cardinals’ recent Winter Warm-Up. Regardless of McGwire’s outsized accomplishments, Greene found him approachable and generous.

“I’m always looking to gain an edge, gain knowledge and get that much better. Whether it’s a little or a lot, the goal is to constantly advance,” Greene said. “I’m looking forward to talking with him. He’s very open. It’s easy to communicate with him. I think a lot of players, not just me, will benefit from that.”

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