Shelley Duncan eyeing a bigger role for the Cleveland Indians
Being a star hitter can have its advantages. Shelley Duncan is not known as a regular hitter or fielder for the Cleveland Indians but he has taken up the task to learn a few things from future Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Jim Thome. The player believes
he can do more for his club and he wants a consideration for a regular player at the club. He talked to the press on Friday, November 4.
Earlier, last week Thome was asked to comment on Duncan and he wasted no time in surmising the hitter’s potential in a few words.
"He's a monster," Thome said. "This guy has a chance to be really, really special."
Duncan is eager and ambitious. Those qualities sit well for a player who has the habit for shooting up hits late in the innings. However his dearth of games in the regular season is a big concern for him. He is featured on the left field, first base and
the designated hitter’s position. He doesn’t want to be used in such a way.
"Shelley is a great example," general manager Chris Antonetti said, "of a guy that, when he got an opportunity, he took advantage of it, and he continued to earn more and more opportunities and made the most of them. I think that's really a testament to
him and the way he approached things, because it certainly wasn't an easy year for him."
The player has dealt with family and career problems through his father, Dave Duncan who happens to be the St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach.
"I always try to step outside the box and understand why decisions are made," Duncan said. "As a player, your emotions get caught up in it.
The player went on to tell the press that his father provides the role of a calm supporter at times when he questions his predicament. His father is able to explain certain top management decisions. It puts the hard hitter at ease when it comes to understanding
managerial decisions.
The star hitter also told the press that the Cards pitching coach also looks at his hitting performance on various occasions. He points out errors and helps him make adjustments against pitchers. An unfair advantage he cited, jokingly.
With 2012 a long way from the offseason, Duncan can begin to work on his batting as the months close in towards the Spring Training period.
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