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2004 season "Regular guy" Repko ready
to build on his "I'm a regular guy," answered Los Angeles Dodger outfield prospect Jason Repko, when asked for insight into his personality off the field. "I love life and I try to do anything to help anyone in the world." What Repko helped the most this past year was his baseball career.
"This has definitely been my breakthrough year," said the 23-year-old outfielder. "Besides my rookie ball year, I had some injuries that held me back." Repko had pretty much dropped off the prospect radar in the five years since being chosen by the Dodgers in the first round (37th overall) in the 1999 draft. He continued to move up the organizational ladder in his first five minor league seasons, but hadn't done anything to distinguish himself as a future big league contributor. A switch from shortstop to his more natural outfield position helped Repko feel more comfortable on the field. "Out of high school, outfield was my natural position," stated the right-handed hitting Repko. "I played both center field and shortstop. It just so happened that the Dodgers needed a shortstop. I tried my hardest to improve at shortstop before I moved back to the outfield." "That's my most comfortable position," reiterated the Washington state native. After batting only .240/.317/.370 at AA Jacksonville in 2003, Repko returned there in April ready to prove that he still had a major league future. In 46 games at the AA level, he hit .291/.341/.466, with six homeruns and 10 stolen bases, earning a promotion to AAA. Repko performed even better with Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League, batting .311/.355/.493, with seven homeruns and 13 stolen bases, in 75 games. It appeared as if Repko was taking his game to a higher level as he continually faced better competition. "I definitely think it's maturing," Repko replied. "Just being around the game and understanding the game ... for the most part, it's mentally maturing." Repko came to the Arizona Fall League with something to prove to the baseball world. "When I came here, I wanted to work hard and showcase what I can do," he said, "because I believe in myself ... I can play alongside these guys and be in the big leagues."
Repko continued his upward trend during the AFL season, hitting .291/.368/.590 in 31 games. He shared the league lead in homeruns with eight, tying Scottsdale teammate Conor Jackson in the last week of the regular season. Desite the unexpected power surge, Repko doesn't envision himself as someone who's going to be known as a big time homerun hitter. "I know I do have a little pop in my bat," he stated, "but that's something I never really tried to focus on. It comes as a little bit of a surprise ... I'm going to just keep going out there and hit the ball hard. If I hit homeruns, I hit them. But if not, I don't think that's the type of hitter I am anyway." Repko impressed AFL fans and scouts even more with his defense. Standing out in particular was one early Fall game when he gunned down two runners at the plate with strong throws from left field. He played all three outfield positions for the division champion Scorpions. With a fine season under his belt, Repko, who was recently added to the organization's 40-man roster, is looking forward to contending for a spot with the Dodgers in 2005. "I'm just going to keep working as hard as I can," Repko said. "I'm going to go out there and play as hard as I can every day, and hopefully get the best out of things." He also believes he has a good handle on what he needs to do to get to the next level. "I feel I can improve in all aspects of the game," commented Repko. "My biggest focal point will probably be better plate discipline ... don't strike out as much, walk more, and get a better on-base percentage." In the meantime, Repko was eager to return home to Washington after a long season. "Everybody's ready to go home and see their families," said Repko. "I'm huge on my family. They support me in every way. When I'm off the field, I'm always doing something with my family." --- 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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