[rpriske]

Spring Training is VERY different this year.

Last year I just wanted to show the organization that I was a real player in the making... and instead I made the team!

The year I want to develop my hitting. If I can get on base more, I can help the team more.

March 3rd, 1986

It is our first Spring Training game and wouldn't you know it, we're facing the Dodgers.

We get to see Dennis Eckersley for us for the first time.
The Dodgers are pitching Orel Hershiser.

But I'm not in the lineup! Nestor is going with Fran Mullins at short.
That's okay. It i shout spring. Not all the regulars are playing today.

We ended up losing 4-1.


March 4th, 1986

Today it is the Expos.

We are using Atlee Hammaker. The Expos have Bill Gullickson.
Today I am starting and back in my lead-off spot.

I got in on the action right away, throwing out Toby Harrah for the 2nd out.

I led off the bottom of the 1st by working a walk. Lee Mazzilli smacked a single behind me and I went to 3rd. One of the minor leaguers in camp. Steve Stanicek, grounded out but I was able to cross.

Giants lead 1-0.

I came up in the 3rd with none out and Atlee on 1st.
I did the worst possible thing - I hit into a double play.

The Expos tied it up in the 4th when Chris Bando doubled home Bill Moore.

Game tied 1-1.

Frank Williams came in for the 5th. He pitched one and when he was due up in the bottom half, Mike Aldrete pinch hit for him and blasted three-run homer!
I was up next, facing a minor leaguer named Eric Mustad. He struck me out.

Giants lead 4-1.

Randy Morse was the next pitcher for us.
I got the 1st out for him, taking a Danny Heep grounder. A couple of batters later I was the turn on a Rabb - Priske - O'Malley double play.

I was lifted for Hal McRae in the 7th, about as expected.

We ended up winning 5-2.


March 5th, 1986

We are taking a look at another new pitcher today as Bruce Ruffin takes on Erik Hanson and the Phillies.

I have the day off... until the 8th anyway, when I came in defensively... at third! The order never came back around to me and we lost 3-2.


March 6th, 1986

Terry Mulholland is in to face Scott McGregor and the Padres.

I'm not starting again.
It seems that Nestor doesn't think he needs to see me play as much as Fran Mullins, but I need my reps!

I never got in the game and we won 9-7.


March 7th, 1986

Today it is Eric King facing the Cardinals and Dave Masters.

Fran Mullins is starting again.

What is going on?

I didn't get in the game. We lost 11-4.

I went to talk to Nestor. He assured me that I am still the guy.
I am spending lots of extra time with Antonio Lucero, but I need game time!


March 8th

Today it is the Pirates. Colin Ward vs Bob Walk.

And I am in the line-up!

So, of course I fly out to start the game.

In the bottom of the 1st Keith Moreland smashed a three run homer.

Pirates lead 3-0.

I got the last out in the 2nd, snagging a liner off go Kirk Gibson's bat.

In the 3rd I got the 2nd out off a Dale Berra grounder.
The Pirates truck again that inning as Sam Khalifa pushed Moreland across with a single.

Pirates lead 4-0.

I led off the 4th by smacking a double into the left field corner. It was the first hit of the game for us and my first hit of the spring. Lee Mazzilli walked behind me. With two out, one of our minor leaguers, Scott Bradley, singled and I scored. Lee scored on an error as well.

Pirates lead 4-2.

In the bottom half Tony Pena hit a two run double to restore the margin. A rough outing for Colin as he didn't even finish his scheduled for innings. Randy Morse took over for him. He almost gave up another run but Lee gunned Pena down at home.

Pirates lead 6-2.

I came up in the 5th with none out and Brian Harper on 2nd and Morse on 1st. Dan Spillner got me to hit into what looked like a double play, but I outran it and turned it into a fielder's choice. Lee walked and loaded us up. Steve Stanicek hit into another fielder's choice, but this one scored Brian from 3rd.

Pirates lead 6-3.

I got eh 1st out of the bottom half, off a Khalifa grounder. I then got the 3rd out on a Dusty Baker grounder.

More of the same in the 6th as I took a Free Lynn grounder for the 1st out.

I was lifted in the 7th as planned.

We ended up losing 7-3.

I shouldn't have to go asking for playing time.