For
the week of :
September 2, 2002
Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.
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Boise's
"Batman" having a breakout season
Kevin Collins came into the 2002 season with something to prove to the Chicago Cubs' organization. The left-handed hitting first baseman and designated hitter from Land O' Lakes, Florida had just spent two years, plus the 2002 extended spring training season, with the Cubs' rookie level team in the Arizona League. Having just turned 21, Collins was ready to prove his worth to the Cubs' brass. Assigned to the Boise Hawks of the short season Northwest League, Collins proceeded to have a breakout season. The stocky, muscular slugger finished the regular season with a .342 average, .668 slugging percentage and 13 homeruns in 187 at bats. This performance came after Collins, a 24th round "draft and follow" choice in 1999, hit .244 and .280 in his two Arizona League seasons. What's most notable about the change in Collins' batting style is the drop-off in the number of walks drawn from his two previous years. Does this mean that becoming a more aggressive hitter paid off for Collins? "Definitely," Collins replied. "I'm seeing a lot better pitching this year and I had to become a more aggressive hitter, swinging at balls when they're there. I've finally put everything together." Tom Beyers, Boise's hitting coach, agreed, stating, "I'm sure he's being more aggressive. The walks are something that are going to have to creep up as he goes along, because once you get the reputation as a power hitter, pitchers are going to make it a little more difficult for you. The discipline comes with experience. Right now, it's just good to see him put some numbers up." Collins credits Beyers and Chicago minor league hitting instructor Richie Zisk with helping him make the necessary adjustments to his swing. "Richie worked with me on a new stance," remarked Collins, "I think that really helped me cover the outer half of the plate more so that I can hit the ball with power to the other side." Beyers also had something to say about Collins' improvement in his hitting mechanics. "Two years ago he had a very inconsistent swing and couldn't hit the fastball very well," said the Hawks' hitting coach. "He's come a long way in understanding how his swing works." The move out of the Arizona League, in which all games are played in relative solitude at the teams' training complexes, has been good for Collins.
Beyers stated, "It's nice to see these guys come up here to play and get out of the complex baseball. You get a better read on the players." Having a loyal fan base, something that doesn't exist in the complex leagues, made the 2002 season experience all that much better for Collins. He couldn't say enough about the fan support in Boise. "People look forward to coming out and watching us," said Collins. "It's just a great place to play baseball. I really like it." Collins became a fan favorite at Boise Memorial Stadium, earning the nickname of "Batman." "One time they put it up on the scoreboard ... 'Batman Collins,'" he said with a laugh. The long bus rides throughout the northwest were an adjustment for Collins and his Boise teammates. "We had some real long trips," Collins remarked, but then added, "But everything went pretty well. We all get along well, watch movies on the bus and find a way to sleep." When asked his opinion on the team's favorite movie of the season, Collins smiled and answered slowly, "Happy Gilmore or something like that. Just something stupid." Even though he put up some very impressive offensive numbers in 2002, Collins knows that his game still needs considerable improvement. "I need to work on my defensive skills," Collins said, "play the field more often ... that will definitely help me." Collins acknowledged that most of his emphasis was the offensive side of his game this year, stating, "I think maybe hitting did become a priority for a while, but I know I need to work on my fielding." Beyers was pleased to hear that Collins identified the improvement of his defense as the top priority for next year, saying, "That's half the battle right there." He added, "He's got to get himself out on the field. You can't go through the system as a DH. It's an area that he needs to take a little more pride in and get better." But for now, Collins is satisfied with the way the 2002 season turned out, even though he missed playing time due to a knee injury. He remarked, "I had a good season here. I struggled towards the end a little bit, but I feel pretty good right now." The next logical step in the Cubs' system for Collins in 2003 would be to progress to the low class A affiliate in Lansing, Michigan. His preference though would be to move up to the high class A team in Daytona, Florida, not far from his hometown. If the "Batman" keeps hitting the ball like he did this season, that move might not be out of the question for Collins. --- Bill Mitchell
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