Everlong204 Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Pierre: Workout didn't result in fewer steals He says pitchers paid more attention to him on the bases last year. By Joe Capozzi Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Thursday, February 03, 2005 JUPITER ? When Juan Pierre's running game tailed off last year, Marlins officials wondered whether his pre-season participation in a private running school was partly to blame. Pierre didn't think so then, and he doesn't think so now. After getting caught stealing a career-high 24 times in 2004, Florida's leadoff hitter is working out again at Cris Carter's Fast Program in Boca Raton. "It's the same type of regimen. I'm just working a little bit more on my jumps," he said Wednesday at Roger Dean Stadium, where he started working out last week to get ready for the start of spring training. Pierre attends the school, operated by the former NFL wide receiver, four days a week to work on conditioning, leg strength and first-step quickness. He attended the school for the first time last off-season after leading the majors with 65 stolen bases in 85 attempts in 2003. He said he understands the scrutiny of his running game since he stole 45 bases in 69 attempts last year. But he said the school isn't to blame. "Not at all," he said. "You lead one year in stolen bases then you steal (just) 45 the next year, then (the appearance is that) something's wrong. "Last year I just wasn't getting as big of a lead as I used to. (Opposing pitchers) paid so much attention to me, I didn't get my usual jumps. They definitely tried to stop me from running." Despite the slowdown in his running game, Pierre posted his best offensive season in 2004, batting .326 with career highs in hits (221) and home runs (three). Pierre said the Marlins have not asked him to refrain from attending the school. Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis also has been attending the school this off-season. Spooneybarger progress: Right-hander Tim Spooneybarger said he felt no pain Tuesday when he threw off a mound for the first time since September. He missed all of last season while recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery and expects to compete this spring for a bullpen spot. Mecir signs: The Marlins signed right-handed reliever Jim Mecir to a one-year contract Wednesday. Mecir, 34, made $3.3 million last season while going 0-5 with a 3.59 ERA and two saves in 65 games for Oakland. Early birds: Pitchers and catchers aren't due to report until Feb. 17, but Willis and right-handers Nate Bump and Justin Wayne were among more than 25 players from the Marlins' organization who have been participating in informal workouts during the past two weeks. Non-Marlins players who have been working out in Jupiter include Palm Beach County residents ? Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, Washington Nationals catcher Brian Schneider and left fielder Brad Wilkerson and San Diego Padres reliever Blaine Neal. Pavano applauds Delgado: Pavano, who rejected a three-year, $21 million offer from Florida, said he was not insulted when the Marlins signed Carlos Delgado to a $52 million contract. "That didn't even cross my mind," said Pavano, who signed a four-year, $40 million contract with the Yankees. "I'm happy where I'm at. That guy's going to produce. It's a good move for them. But I'm where I wanted to be from the beginning. Things worked out in my favor as far as I'm concerned." Delgado deal: Barry Bonds has influenced how managers manage and how pitchers pitch. Now, he is influencing how agents negotiate contracts. Case in point: Delgado's $52 million contract with the Marlins has an incentive clause that calls for him to receive $50,000 if he finishes second to Bonds in the National League Most Valuable Player voting. "Barry basically owns the MVP award (winning seven times)," David Sloane, Delgado's agent, said Wednesday. "Carlos has had some good years. We didn't want to be in a situation where winning the MVP is going to be an impossibility not because of lack of impressive numbers but because Barry owns the award." Delgado will get $100,000 if he wins the award. He gets nothing if he finishes second behind any player other than Bonds. Delgado finished second behind Alex Rodriguez in the 2003 American League MVP voting and fourth in the 2000 voting. Delgado's four-year contract does not include a no-trade clause, Sloane said, because of a Marlins policy against such provisions. But the contract does include a special tax-equalization provision. If the Marlins ever trade him, the team acquiring him would be required to make up any differences in state and local taxes. Florida has no state income tax, but many states with big-league teams do. "All we wanted is for Carlos to net out and get the same had he remained in Florida," Sloane said. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/marlins/conte...rlins_0203.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Didn't JP say las year he did not feel comfortable taking a large lead with the leaning technique he learned at the speed camp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flag Man Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 I appreciate the Marlins' reporting of Joe Cappozi (PB Post) and also Joe Frisario (MLB.com which I check daily on the "Official Site.") It's too easy and usually unproductive to bad-mouth other "journalists," and I think it's good to compliment (and/or legitimately challenge) those who are doing the leg-work and write well and evidence no personal agenda. Both Capozzi and Frisario are available on-line and e-mail. In my experience, they are responsive. Thanks for posting this article by Cappozi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyberry Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Nice Article Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis also has been attending the school this off-season What does Dontrelle want to do :lol Start stealing bases when he gets on base :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarlinsChik305 Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 good. hopefully he does improve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ang Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Nice Article Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis also has been attending the school this off-season What does Dontrelle want to do :lol Start stealing bases when he gets on base :lol 677511[/snapback] You know that would not surprise me :lol :notworthy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skully Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Nice Article Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis also has been attending the school this off-season What does Dontrelle want to do :lol Start stealing bases when he gets on base :lol 677511[/snapback] Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The last thing a pitcher needs to worry about is running. I think he was just looking to spend some more quality time with JP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyberry Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Nice Article Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis also has been attending the school this off-season What does Dontrelle want to do :lol Start stealing bases when he gets on base :lol 677511[/snapback] Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. The last thing a pitcher needs to worry about is running. I think he was just looking to spend some more quality time with JP. 677567[/snapback] Maybe he just went to the school to learn how to be a better base runner :headscratch . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyberry Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 . Non-Marlins players who have been working out in Jupiter include Palm Beach County residents ? Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, Washington Nationals catcher Brian Schneider and left fielder Brad Wilkerson and San Diego Padres reliever Blaine Neal. I wonder where they live :headscratch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skully Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 Maybe he just went to the school to learn how to be a better base runner :headscratch . 677569[/snapback] Yeah, I guess... But he really shouldn't be worrying about how to be a better baserunner. How often is he on base to begin with? Unless, he's preparing himself for some pinch running duties on days he's not starting... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotcorner Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 . Non-Marlins players who have been working out in Jupiter include Palm Beach County residents ? Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, Washington Nationals catcher Brian Schneider and left fielder Brad Wilkerson and San Diego Padres reliever Blaine Neal. I wonder where they live :headscratch 677570[/snapback] stalker warning... :whistle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyberry Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 . Non-Marlins players who have been working out in Jupiter include Palm Beach County residents ? Yankees right-hander Carl Pavano, Washington Nationals catcher Brian Schneider and left fielder Brad Wilkerson and San Diego Padres reliever Blaine Neal. I wonder where they live :headscratch 677570[/snapback] stalker warning... :whistle 677573[/snapback] :lol :mischief2 I always wonder if any baseball players live in my neighborhood Thats why I always check! :thumbup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PBMarlin Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Last year I just wasn't getting as big of a lead as I used to. (Opposing pitchers) paid so much attention to me, I didn't get my usual jumps. They definitely tried to stop me from running." Pierre definitely shortened up his lead off by 1/2 a step last year. Can't wait to see if he can get a better jump this year......but still believe he needs to be a bit more aggressive with his leads. Perhaps he should spend some time being quicker back to the bag so he doesn't get picked off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bman8316 Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Nice Article Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis also has been attending the school this off-season What does Dontrelle want to do :lol Start stealing bases when he gets on base :lol 677511[/snapback] Maybe now we will have 3 striaght threats on base when it goes Willis-Pierre-Castillo. As for the school I dont know how much it is to blame for his poor production but I probley think just that pithcers were paying alot more attention to him last year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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