 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
| Nettles has speed to burn |
| |
By Cam Tait 6/29/2008
Cam Tait, The Edmonton Journal
Published: Sunday, June 29
When Marcus Nettles starts running, he doesn't want anyone in front of him. Just a clear base path.
Nettles has been in the leadoff spot in the Edmonton Cracker-Cats batting line-up this season.
"When I get running I don't like anyone else to get in my way," the speedster said Saturday afternoon before the 'Cats faced the Reno Silver Sox. "I like to use my speed and steal bases when I can."
And the 28-year-old from Chicago is good at it, stealing his team-leading tenth base in the second inning on Saturday night -- good enough for fifth spot in the Golden Baseball League.
In fact, Nettles is just what manager Brent Bowers ordered.
"Marcus and I teach baseball clinics in Chicago and I knew he was fast,"
Bower said. "I had never seen him play. But when I saw him in the first game, I couldn't believe how fast he was."
That speed has propelled Nettles into the league lead with five triples. His athletic ability also helps the former University of Miami standout, and 2001 San Diego Padres draft pick, on defence.
"I'm lucky I have speed," the left-fielder said, slapping his left thigh. "I can run after fly balls in the field."
After spending time in the Padres system, he was released. His next option? Independent baseball -- like the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League, where he played last year.
The five-foot-11 Nettles says independent leagues are getting a better profile.
"Independent baseball has given more guys a chance to play," Nettles stressed. "There was a time when if you didn't make it in affiliated ball, you had nowhere else to play."
He says owners saw investment opportunities to buy teams.
"It's all good for the game," added Nettles, who has enjoyed Edmonton since he arrived in May.
"When I was coming into the city it reminded me of Atlanta," Nettles said. "The skylines of Edmonton and
Atlanta are very similar."
Having played in Mexico and Canada, Nettles still prides himself in keeping abreast of American news and isn't afraid to offer his opinion on politics.
"I think Barack Obama might have a good chance to win," said Nettles. "I think he has some good ideas for the country, especially the economy."
'CAT TALES: Pitcher Phil Sobkow has been released. Sobkow was in a relieving role and was trying to get into the starting rotation ... Orlando Miller was in a 'Cats uniform for the second night Saturday. The 39-year-old spent four seasons in the big leagues with the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers in the mid-1990s.
ctait@thejournal.canwest.com
© The Edmonton Journal 2008
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
|