Catcher Bryan Holaday looking to spend offseason in Lakeland – MLB Detroit Tigers News
For those who wanted to ask when the Detroit Tigers’ catcher Bryan Holaday would report Spring Training, they are too late. The right hander has already begun working out at the Tigers’ Spring Training facility, reports freep.com.
Apart from the personal trips, he is planning to spend majority of his time there, the source further claimed. Holaday missed most part of the last season. However, in the six games he played, Holaday hit .250 with .250 on base percentage.
Holaday made the decision after Gerald Laird revealed that he has signed a deal with the Atlanta Braves last week. With Laird leaving the Tigers, Holaday will have an excellent chance to prove his talents. In an interview, he said for the first time he is
feeling like a Major League catcher. Holaday is likely to be the backup catcher behind Alex Avila.
Avila hit .243 with nine home-runs and 48 RBI’s last season and it will be interesting to see if Holaday can outperform him with the bat to secure a permanent spot on the Tigers’ big league roster.
"It doesn't my change mind-set about what I was going to do this off-season," Holaday said of Laird's exit. "I prepare myself every off-season to be in the big leagues. I know that anything can happen at any given time. I'm as ready as I can be. That's all
I can do."
According to sources, Tigers’ strength coach Javair Gillett had advised Holaday to spend the offseason in Lakeland, preparing for Spring Training. Since Holaday wants to revive his MLB career, he did what he was advised to do.
Of course, there are a lot of benefits of being in Lakeland. Major Leaguers like Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder, Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez are also expected to join the training facility in a few weeks time.
Practicing with some of the best hitters, Holaday will have a great chance to polish his skills. Right now, he is working on his throwing and swing techniques. Many players report to Spring Training but most wait until the New Year. Holaday will be hoping
to reap the rewards of starting his training before anyone else.
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