What could be better than spending the final day in the Cubs’ spring training camp chatting with outfielder Sammy Sosa, the budding superstar?
The ultimate praise for a position-player is when you are known as a five-point player–one who can hit for an average, hit with power, possesses good speed, has a strong arm and is capable of making the outstanding catch. Cubs coach Billy Williams, a Hall of Fame outfielder, says Sosa has reached that level.
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What has been the most difficult task for Sosa?
“Hitting,” he said. “Defense too. I let other people decide where they put me. I work on everything every day.”
It has become increasingly apparent Sosa has become a more disciplined hitter. He has learned to lay off the breaking ball off the outside corner.
“They used to get two strikes on me and then they’d throw the ball low and away and I was gone. I did that, but not anymore. I hope not,” he said with a laugh.
It took him a few years to learn that discipline.
“I found out that the only way I could improve is to lay off the bad pitches,” he said. “I have become more of a right-center-field hitter.”
Sosa always has had a strong arm, but his judgment and accuracy were in question. There was a time when he constantly was throwing over the head of the cutoff man.
“I have worked on that,” he maintained. “And I’m a better baserunner. I’ve been playing this game a long time. This is going to be my 12th season as a professional. I’ve learned the basics. I’m beginning to feel I have everything under control.”
Of Sosa’s 40 home runs last season, about 15 were to right field. This spring, he has hit three of his seven to right. That’s another mark of a good hitter.
“Yes, I’m trying to use the whole field,” he reported. “There’s a lot of room out there.”
If Sosa had maintained his pace last season, and hadn’t missed the last five weeks because of an injury, he would have hit 52 home runs. Can he hit 50 if he stays healthy?
“Why not?” he replied.
What about 60? That’s Babe Ruth and Roger Maris country.
“You never know what could happen,” he said. “I’ll let you know after the year is over. I don’t want to say too much.”
Have you ever heard of Hack Wilson?
“No, I don’t think so,” he said cagily.
It’s an unusual coincidence, but Hack Wilson played for the Cubs and owns both the National League one-season power records–56 home runs and 190 runs batted in.
“I wish I had known him,” said Sosa. “He must have been a great hitter.”
He was a great hitter. He’s in the Hall of Fame. But he set those records in 1930, when the ball was juiced. The entire National League batted .309. If someone starts saying today’s sluggers have the advantage of the lively ball and inferior pitching, that fact should be pointed out.
“I’ll remember that,” said Sosa.
Sosa is having a great spring training. His seven home runs are seven more than Albert Belle and Frank Thomas combined. Cubs General Manager Ed Lynch said last week Sosa might be the first player to have a 30-30 season in spring training.
“He was joking,” Sosa said, “wasn’t he?”
Yes, he was. But you get the idea. He said he couldn’t recall anyone having this kind of spring.
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“It’s nice of him to say that,” Sosa said.
Sosa said he’s convinced the Cubs can win their division.
“Yes, we can do that,” he said. “If our starting pitchers can give us six or seven strong innings, it would help us get ahead. It’ll give us a better opportunity to score runs. We’re going to have a good bullpen. (Mel) Rojas is new to the club and will give us a strong closer. He can do it.”
Sosa likes Chicago and his agent has been talking to the Cubs about a five-year contract extension.
“I’d like to be a lifetime Cub,” he said.
According to the published numbers, he’s earning $5.3 million a year. With Albert Belle and Barry Bonds jumping into the $11 million bracket, it’s correct to assume he wants to join them in the salary parade.
“I believe I belong up there with the top five,” he said.