Grass "Greener" in Julian

With the start of the regular season just a week away, the Julian Javelina haven kept a steady eye on short stop Khalil Greene through out spring training - and they like what they see. Greene, who is a notoriously slow starter, has been swinging a hot stick in exhibition play, particularly in the last week or two. The young short stop is hitting .390 in Cactus League play to go along with 4 home runs and 14 rbi. Perhaps even more impressive, Greene has been using the whole field.

"Early in his career, Greenie was so focused on driving the ball that he spun off of the plate," explained GM Jamie Hoyle. "As a result, he couldn't reach the slider down and away, and the outer half of the plate became a hole in his swing."

Not anymore. Greene has shown improved patience this spring, keeping that front shoulder in and spraying the ball into right center field. He's also exhibited increased focus with runners in scoring position, and has made an effort to make more consistent contact when presented with RBI opprtunities.

"Another big thing for Khalil has been picking and sticking with one approach at the plate, rather than changing his stance or hand position from one at bat to the next," said Hoyle. "He's worked hard at staying consistent, and it's paid off - we just hope it carries over into the season."

Diminishing returns notwithstanding, there is no questioning Greene's potential as an offensive weapon at short. He has, after all, averaged 15 home runs and 65 RBI over the last three years despite never having played more than 140 games. And after last June, when he hit .361/.400/.619 with 5 HR and 12 RBI, it's clear he is capable of carrying a team for weeks at a time.

"I think the important thing for me is just staying healthy," said Greene. "I have a bad rap for being brittle, or soft, but these have been fluke injuries that all came from playing hard. It would be different if I was lazy in the field and pulling muscles, but I'm playing hard. Just give me 145 games, that's all I need."

Hoyle and the Javelina are hoping for just that - a long, healthy, productive season for their young SS.

"There is no question that if he stays healthy, he'll produce. He may never hit .300, but there is nothing wrong with a SS who hits .270 with 20-25 home runs and 80-90 RBI, is there? I think we'd take that, or something close to it, without much complaint."

Swings and misses...
Along with Greene, there are several other Javelina having solid springs...Josh Barfield is hitting .364, Ervin Santana has had several solid outings, and Brad Hawpe looks like he's ready to take the next step...Javelina brass are excited about the spring training performance of Dan Haren and feel he could take a step toward being a legit #2 starter this season...Hoyle identified the order of the starting rotation with Johan Santana making the Opening Day start, followed by Aaron Harang, Dan Haren, Ervin Santana and Jake Westbrook...Josh Barfield figures to lead off.