|
2007 After an impressive pro debut in 2003 (.312/.379/.413 as a 19 year old in the Sally League), Spann couldn`t do anything like it in two years of High-A ball, though a lingering knee injury certainly played a part. A Portland reunion with hitting coach Russ Morman, who tutored him at Augusta in 2003, helped Spann regain his stroke and earn Eastern League All-Star honors. As his K/BB ratio shows, his approach at the plate still needs refinement, but he`s back on the right path. 2006 A terrific 2003 season propelled him up the system`s prospect lists, but he has not returned to that level since. He`s still young and showed some power last season, exemplified by his two-out, walk-off grand slam in Portland`s 5-3 win over Trenton in the first game of the Eastern League playoffs. The Red Sox might move Pinckney past Spann on the third base depth chart this season. 2005 After an impressive 2003 in low-A ball, Spann was hitting well in Sarasota before badly injuring his knee, knocking him out for two months, an injury that bothered him even when he returned to the field. There are some concerns about him hitting too many balls on the ground, a problem that could worsen if his knee injury costs him some speed in the long run. He's still young, but how he plays when healthy in 2005 will do a lot to determining his future with the club.
|