If Kevin West is anything, he’s a guy that tells the truth. No, he’s not happy that things didn’t work out in spring training with the Cincinnati Reds. Yes, he is happy that his second choice is a spot roaming right field for the Goldeyes.
“I wanted things to go better with the Reds but they didn’t and I just feel fortunate that I have an opportunity to return to a team I really care about,” West said Tuesday. “I had a shot and it didn’t work out, but I’m always a happy guy. I always try to think positively no matter what the situation. Wherever I go, I do the best I can and try to be the best I can be and that’s what I intend to do in Winnipeg again this year.
West is one of the final pieces to manager Rick Forney’s puzzle. Last season, his second with the Goldeyes, he hit .285 with 19 home runs and 66 runs batted in. He also had 22 doubles and scored 58 runs and, over two seasons, has hit 37 home runs – the most over two seasons for Winnipeg since Sean Hearn hit 39 in 1998-99.
Forney, though, feels West’s greatest contribution could come not on the field but in the clubhouse, where his presence has been profound.
“He’s one of the best veterans we’ve had in a long, long time,” said Forney. “With Kevin back in the mix, we feel we have a very good group of people this year – good guys with great personalities. They work hard, they like each other and they want to win. I can’t ask for anything more than that.”
That part impresses West.
“For the past two weeks, I’ve been getting phone calls and texts from the guys all asking if I’m going to sign with Winnipeg,” West said. It’s important that a team have camaraderie because we spend an insane amount of time around each other. I care about the people in this organization and I think we’ll be even better than we were last year.
“Hopefully we can win a championship. That’s what I really care about this year. For everybody, for all the guys. We have a great opportunity.”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment