Growing up on the Caribbean island of Curacao, the baseball prodigy was fortunate to get in a couple of practices and maybe one game per week as a teenager. The aspiring Mariners outfielder, known for explosive natural power, figures the lack of daily repetition early might explain his current tag as somewhat of a hacker.
Improving his plate discipline and making more contact is now the 23-year-old's primary goal as he attempts to land a backup outfielder job against some stiff competition this spring.
"I'm trying to be a better contact hitter," said Balentien, who went down swinging in a pinch-hit appearance in Seattle's 3-3 tie in 10 innings with the San Francisco Giants on Thursday at Peoria Stadium.
"Every year, it's getting a little better. Last year, I stuck out 105 times and it was the lowest I've ever had. This year, my goal is to have less than 100."
Two years ago, Balentien struck out 140 times in Class AA. Three years ago, it was 160 strikeouts in Class A ball. But lingering concerns, however minor, about possible holes in Balentien's swing could ultimately be what lands him at Class AAA once again — at least to start the year.
There is more about the competition between Balentien and Michael Morse for the fourth outfielder spot, some of the drills Balentien is using to cut down the K's, and a little more on, um, Balentien.
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