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2002 season Position change
could be Clark's ticket to the big leagues Jermaine Clark may not be the biggest, most athletic player on the field, nor the most talented. But the 26-year-old infielder / outfielder, acquired by the Texas Rangers in August from Seattle, possesses skills that can't always be taught.
"He's got baseball instincts," remarked Razor Shines, Clark's Arizona Fall League manager with the Peoria Javelinas. "That's one of the better things I can say about the kid." Shines also raved about Clark's influence on his teammates. "The one thing that he brings to this team is an attitude," he continued. "Jermaine comes to play every single day ... he's one speed --- 'all out.' I've seen his energy level pick up other kids that were down." Clark, a native of the Bay Area in Northern California, is learning to play the outfield this fall after spending the bulk of his baseball career as a second baseman. The added versatility only increases the odds of making the team out of spring training. "They say that's where I have an opportunity to play with Texas ... in the outfield," said Clark. "The role of the utility man has become a hot commodity in major league baseball. If you can be one person and take up three or four positions, you become a very valuable person. Being able to move around helps my chances greatly." Shines agreed, stating, "He'll be the type of player who can fill in as a utility player, and who will play where he's needed and when he's needed. His attitude and makeup can handle that role." Clark is known for his leadership skills both on and off the field. When asked whether it's like having another coach on the team, Shines answered, "He definitely understands the game, and it's good to have those types of players in your lineup. There are times when situations occur or you make certain moves ... it's not that he questions the move, but he always wants to know why you did certain things. I think that's beneficial." Originally drafted in the 49th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers after his high school career was over, the 5'10", 175 pound Clark chose instead to attend the University of San Francisco. It's a decision he's never regretted. "I definitely benefited a lot more by going to college," Clark stated. "First of all, I wasn't ready out of high school ... I was a 17-year-old kid. I wasn't ready to compete against guys from around the world. I became a better player. I became bigger, stronger and faster. On top of that, I got three years of my education out of the way." Drafted again in 1997, this time in the fifth round by the Seattle Mariners, Clark hit .337, .324, .315 and .293 in his first four minor league seasons and stole a combined total of 133 bases. Clark had the opportunity to make the big leagues two years ago when the Detroit Tigers selected him in the 2000 Rule 5 draft. In fact, Clark broke camp with the big league team and appeared in three games at the beginning of the 2001 season. After 19 days with Detroit, he was cut from the roster and returned to the Mariners organization. Despite not making it with Detroit, Clark believes he received a fair opportunity. "I broke camp with the team and I was there for 19 days," he stated. "That's 19 more days than most people will ever see in this game. I'm fortunate to have those days. This game is also a business and things just didn't work out. All it did was make me hungrier. I feel I had a fair shot. I got my opportunity to get on that big league field for the first time and I hope to get back up there again." After returning to the Seattle organization, Clark played the rest of the 2001 season and most of 2002 with the Mariners' AAA affiliate in Tacoma, Washington until he was traded, along with pitcher Derrik Van Dusen, to Texas for pitcher Ismael Valdes.
Texas immediately tried Clark in the outfield, and he finished the season strongly with the Oklahoma Redhawks of the Pacific Coast League. The Rangers may turn out to be a good fit for the speedy left-handed hitter. "They're looking for some speed," Clark said about the needs of the Texas team. "I know that, one through nine, they're not where they should be with speed ... fortunately, that's something I can do, I can bring some speed. They have a pattern of bringing in guys to fill that utility role ... hopefully, I can do that." It's also a good time for Clark to get a fresh start, with the Rangers recently hiring a new manager in Buck Showalter. "I met Buck a couple of weeks ago," Clark said. "We had a brief conversation before a game. He just told me to come in and do what I can do, and try to bring some versatility and speed." Clark is not concerned about soon advancing past the age where he'll no longer be regarded as a prospect. "In this game," he answered, "there are a lot of guys who get their shot at 26, 27 or 28. I don't care how old you are, if you can play, you can play" He continued, "At 26, I feel I'm right where I need to be." Clark is planning ahead for a career after baseball. "I want to be a broadcaster in sports, either radio or television," he said. "That was my major in college ... hopefully, when my big league career is over, I can go into the booth. It's not difficult to picture the articulate and well-spoken Clark sitting on the set of Baseball Tonight or Sports Center. But that's in the future, as Clark clearly states, "I want to make a career in the big leagues. Hopefully, it's going to start in 2003." --- Bill Mitchell All photos on the Arizona Fall League Report are credited to Bill Mitchell, unless noted otherwise, and are not to be used for any other purpose without express permission.
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