Perfect swing? Carroll just wants to hit ball hard.

 

6-26-05

 

By Bill Hass, Staff Writer

News & Record

 

Sometimes Brett Carroll lets his mind take over instead of just playing baseball.

 

"I'm pretty observant and I like to take a moment and step outside the everyday box," says the Greensboro Grasshoppers outfielder. "But I can overanalyze things and deep-think too much.

 

"I want to be able to lay out the perfect swing when I just need to get in the batter's box and swing like I did when I was a kid and hit the ball hard."

 

Carroll has had mixed results this season. He's hitting .267 and showing power, with 14 doubles and 15 home runs. But he only has 32 RBIs for the Grasshoppers through Friday's game.

 

Fans at First Horizon Park probably are surprised at his home run total because he has hit only two at home and 13 on the road. That remains a mystery to Carroll.

 

"The ball carries well here," he said. "Maybe I'm swinging too aggressively. I'm fouling some balls back that I should hit hard. I seem to be more relaxed on the road."

 

That might translate into a good performance Tuesday night at the South Atlantic League All-Star game in Augusta, Ga. Carroll will start in center field for the Northern Division team, which includes teammates Chris Mobley and Craig Molldrem, both pitchers.

 

Carroll, from Knoxville, Tenn., was drafted in the 10th round last summer after his junior year at Middle Tennessee State. He made a deal with his mom that he'll finish his degree in organizational communications, even if he makes the major leagues.

 

The Florida Marlins believe he has a chance to do just that. Brian Chattin, the Marlins' director of player development, likes Carroll's power, speed and arm. This is his first full season playing the outfield after spending his college career as an infielder.

 

"He's got an above-average arm, covers a lot of ground and looks like he's been playing out there for years," Chattin said.

 

Carroll played some third base at Jamestown last year, but wasn't surprised when Marlins officials told him of the switch.

 

"I feel like I've found a home out there," he said. "In the infield, you can make some exciting plays, like laying out and getting dirty. That's the part I miss. In the outfield, you pretty much go get the ball and hit the cutoff man."

 

Carroll's chance for an exciting play now comes in throwing out a runner trying to take an extra base. He has done that a few times this season.

 

The Marlins want to see more consistent contact from Carroll and more RBIs. Corner outfielders need to be run-producers.

 

"He does some things in batting practice that open your eyes," Chattin said. "He works hard and is making good progress."

 

Carroll is aware of his shortcomings.

 

"It's odd, not having more RBIs with my home runs," he said. "It's my fault. I haven't taken advantage of the opportunities. There's still a lot of work to do."

wierd that i haven't heard of this guy......sounds good, hope he continues improving

oh, can he play center???

I think he's a Derek Wathan Jack Of All Trades But None Exceptionally Well type player.