University of Tennessee Athletics
Vols in spring training update
March 25, 2008 | Baseball
As the spring training season winds down and teams prepare to make final roster cuts, some former Vols are finding out where they will begin the 2008 season. Highlights of the final week include a power display by a veteran along with continued solid performances from others. Below are the best performances during last week???s action:
Chase Headley (2004-05) was optioned to Triple-A Portland this week but team officials plan to see him make a return to the San Diego Padres this season. The move to Triple-A is in no way a reflection of his offensive production this spring, the coaches simply want to see him get more defensive experience as an outfielder. This spring marked the first time that Headley, a natural third baseman, saw extensive work in the outfield. Headley hit .349 in 43 at-bats with three doubles, a triple and led the team in home runs (four) and RBI (14) in 23 spring games. He hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning of Thursday???s game against the Seattle Mariners, with the Padres down 6-4, to send the game into extra innings. The game ended in a 6-6 tie.
Luke Hochevar (2003-05) was optioned to Triple-A Omaha this week as the Kansas City Royals set their opening-day pitching rotation. Instead of coming out of the bullpen for the big-league Royals, Hochevar will be in the starting rotation for the Omaha Royals. He posted a 2.25 ERA in three games this spring, while holding opponents to a .226 batting average.
Todd Helton (1993-95) has been on a hot streak of late. He went 2-for-3 with three RBI in the Colorado Rockies??? 10-10 tie with the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday. He added two more RBI in Friday???s 7-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. He had three hits, including an RBI single and a run-scoring double to the tie the game in the Rockies??? 12-11 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday. He then tripled, singled, walked and was hit by a pitch in Sunday???s 8-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the spring comes to a close, Helton ranks second on his team with a .442 average, 12 RBI and a .547 on-base percentage. He also leads the team with 19 hits and is tied for the team lead with five doubles.
Chris Burke (1999-2001) went 1-for-4 with a triple and a run scored in Thursday???s 8-7 loss to the Texas Rangers. He has played six positions this spring and is among the Cactus League leaders in most offensive categories entering the final week of spring.
Mike Lincoln (1996) is still in contention to make the Cincinnati Reds 40-man roster heading into the final week. Four players are competing for the final three roster spots.??
