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Colamarino defies odds to prove
Moneyball critics wrong Oakland Athletics first base prospect Brant Colamarino first came to the attention of the baseball world with the publication of "Moneyball."
The book, authored by Michael Lewis, focused on the groundbreaking scouting tactics of the Athletics organization and specifically of general manager Billy Beane. The physique of Colamarino, who was selected by Oakland in the seventh round of the 2002 free agent draft, was described in the book in some not so flattering terms. The University of Pittsburgh product believes that his selection in that renowned draft is about to pay off for the Athletics. "From day one they were supposedly pretty high on all of the Moneyball guys," said Colamarino. "I knew I had to work had to prove to them that I was a prospect." He also believes that being one of the players from that draft, along with current big leaguers Nick Swisher, Joe Blanton and Mark Teahen, has helped to motivate all of them. "It helps remind us of what we were a few years ago," said the 24-year-old Colamarino, "and it always reminds us of how good everyone through we were and to keep working." Immediately after the 2002 draft, one Athletics executive was quoted as saying, "Colamarino might be the best hitter in the country." That statement was a bit of a stretch, but Colamarino has proven that he's well on his way to being a productive big league player. The left-handed hitter batted .277/.361/.434, with 44 homers, in the first three full seasons, advancing from Short Season A to AA. He returned to AA Midland for the start of the 2005 season, hitting .321/.377/.594 with 10 homeruns in 187 at bats, before earning a promotion to AAA Sacramento just after appearing in the Texas League all-star game. The 5'11", 205 pound Colamarino has batted .253/.305/.456 in AAA. While his numbers aren't as good as he'd like, he believes he's making progress.
"I started off ... pretty well and then went into a little struggle," Colamarino remarked about his performance thus far in AAA. "(There are) different styles of pitching up here ... different counts on the pitches. Lately I've been feeling a lot better. I'm seeing the ball a lot better." While he hasn't met his personal goals, Colamarino is satisfied with what he's learned at the highest level of minor league ball. "It's a work in progress; it's not going to happen overnight," said Colamarino. "It's going to take time. I understand that. Hard work and dedication off the field is going to help you on the field." Colamarino, of course, bought into the Athletics patient hitting approach right after joining the organization. "Pitch selection in my game has helped me out tremendously," said Colamarino, "... from a free swinger in college to picking what pitches I want to hit." He is also honest about where he needs to improve to make it to the big leagues. "You always need improvement in every part of the game, whether it's fielding, base running or hitting," said Colamarino. "Overall, it's my hitting. People say I have decent numbers through the years, but to me I think I can get a lot better. My defense is good enough were if I can get my bat to come along I'll have a good chance." With rookie first baseman Dan Johnson doing well in his first season with Oakland, it may be difficult for Colamarino to find a spot in the Athletics lineup. Johnson has Colamarino's enthusiastic support. "You can't worry about what other guys are doing. You never wish bad on a person that's above you," said Colamarino. "He (Johnson) is working hard just like I am; that's good for him. I'm sure it's a great experience for him up there. He's doing well as of now. Let's hope he keeps it up." "That's every guy's dream and you can't wish bad on someone's dream." --- Bill Mitchell
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