Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 14, 1995 TAG: 9505150052
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK BULLOCK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Balderson, farm director of the Colorado Rockies, was in Salem this past week to check out the Avalanche during a series with Winston-Salem.
Some of what he saw reinforced his preseason prognostications for the team.
``I'm very happy with our starting pitching and with our position play,'' Balderson said. ``We're getting into a mode where we're playing well right now and we feel like we'll have a ballclub that can compete'' for the Carolina League pennant.
He also saw the team's greatest weakness exposed in two eye-opening innings, when the Warthogs hammered Salem relief pitchers for 12 hits and nine runs in breaking open a tie game.
``I'm concerned about our relief pitching, or lack thereof,'' Balderson said. ``We've got to get better second-line pitching if we're going to be successful. But you've got to remember that this is [Class] A ball, and you've got to live with some things until you can see what people can do.''
Balderson said he was impressed with the play thus far of shortstop Chris Sexton, second baseman Vincente Garcia and center fielder Edgard Velasquez.
``Velasquez and Garcia are two of the youngest guys in the organization,'' Balderson said. ``I'm looking forward to their development.''
But, he said, ``I've learned not to get too excited early in the season. It's a long season, and we'll find out a few things about all these guys and their ability to play.''
Salem's starting pitching has been solid, Balderson said. He cited Jamey Wright and Doug Walls as pitchers ``who have come a long way.''
Patience is crucial when dealing with youngsters who are only one or two years removed from high school, Balderson said.
``This is a major jump for some of these kids,'' he said. ``They have to learn how to adjust to this level'' of baseball, and that sometimes takes awhile.
One of the adjustments Balderson has been watching is the development of Forry Wells at third base. Wells is learning a new position and leads the Avalanche in errors.
``I like his bat, and I think he'll be a good hitter,'' he said. ``But we have to find out if he can play third base. I don't know if he can.''
Balderson toured the new stadium and praised the facility, saying ``there aren't many at the Class A level better than that.''
``It's an impressive facility,'' Balderson said. ``The people of Salem should be proud. The whole atmosphere is going to be outstanding.''
CONFIDENCE-BUILDER: Salem's two victories over Winston-Salem in the three-game series were a great morale boost for the club.
``This will give us a lot of confidence going into the stretch run for the first half,'' said Brian Culp, the Avalanche's starting left fielder. ``We can win the first half just as easily as anyone else.''
The Avalanche had won 10 of its past 14 games heading into Saturday night's game with Wilmington, and things seemed to be falling into place.
``We've been on a roll lately,'' Culp said after hitting two home runs in a Salem victory Thursday night. ``We got two great pitching performances tonight and we're starting to hit the ball well as a team. Things are looking good for us right now.''
IN THE SWING: Avalanche third baseman Forry Wells has been stinging the ball the past two weeks and had a nine-game hitting streak heading into Saturday night's game.
Wells had the game-winning run batted in Thursday night when he laced a single into the gap in right-center field and was 5-for-11 in the series.
``I'm seeing the ball real well right now,'' he said. ``I'm being more patient and getting pitches to hit.''
Wells said he had gotten into ``a little rut'' early in the season.
``I was getting myself out,'' he said, swinging at bad balls and being too anxious at the plate.
Since working with hitting instructors Tony Torchia and Clint Hurdle, the third baseman said he's being more selective.
``I'm waiting on the pitch better,'' Wells said. ``Now
EXTRA BASES: Salem outfielder John Giudice was tied for the league lead in triples, with four heading into Friday's games. ... Sexton was the league leader in on-base percentage (.510) through Thursday. ... Wright has lowered his earned run average to 2.63. ... Opponents are batting .204 against left-handed starter Keith Barnes.
by CNB