Playing just his second spring game after arriving to camp late, Wladimir Balentien stroked another home run Sunday in an 11-7 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Issues with Balentien's passport had kept the 24-year-old outfielder from entering the country until last week, but it hasn't seemed to matter. His three-run home run in the first inning Sunday was his second in as many days.
Russell Branyan added a solo homer and a two-run double. Ken Griffey Jr. was 1-for-1 with two walks in his first official Cactus League game since 1999.
To Continue...
Balentien appears to be on track after his late arrival, which is important because he needs to have a strong spring. He's out of options, which means if he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, he'll be put on waivers. That's unlikely given his potential, but not impossible.
He was up and down from Tacoma last year and certainly had his growing pains. At times he showed his raw power and looked like the next Carlos Lee. At others he looked more like Pedro Cerrano, chasing and whiffing at breaking balls. He hit .202 with 7 homers and 24 RBI in 71 games.
But if his brief spring success is any indication, he'll be just fine.
Reach Brady Henderson at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
Posts
