Through October 1, 2000
YR
2000 |
G
130
|
AB
427
|
R
78
|
H
136
|
2B
30
|
3B
2
|
HR
21
|
RBI
70
|
BB
69
|
SO
69
|
SB
5
|
CS
2
|
OBP
.418
|
SLG
.546
|
AVG
.319
|
Profile
& Scouting Report
Height:
6-1
Weight:
200 lbs.
Throws:
Left
Bats:
Left
Positions:
First Base, Designated Hitter
Born:
March 13, 1964, New Orleans , Louisiana
Drafted:
Selected by the Kansas City Royals in the fourth round of the 1982 free-agent draft; did not sign ... Selected by the San Francisco Giants in the first round (second pick overall) of the 1985 free-agent draft.
Pre-Majors Highlights:
Named the designated hitter on The Sporting News college All-America team in 1984 and first baseman in 1985 ... Named the winner of the Golden Spikes Award from USA Baseball in 1985.
Scouting Report
1999 Season
When Texas signed Will Clark as a free agent in 1993, it forced Rafael Palmeiro's exodus to Baltimore. Five years later, the Orioles were shocked to lose Palmeiro to the Rangers as a free agent and settled on Clark as his replacement. Though Clark came cheaper at two years and $11 million, his signing didn't work out as Baltimore hoped. He got off to a fast start in April before bone chips in his left elbow started to hinder his swing. He did his best to play through the pain, but gave up in late August when he couldn't even straighten his elbow.
Hitting
Because of his age and elbow problems, Clark has become more of an opposite-field hitter in recent seasons. Two elbow operations in the past three years have cost him bat speed, resulting in less power and more line-drive singles to the opposite field. Clark struggled against lefthanders in 1999 but should rebound once he's fully healthy.
Baserunning & Defense
Clark is an intelligent but slow baserunner. He's an average first baseman who makes the routine plays but rarely the spectacular ones. He struggles at times with bunts toward first base and slowly hit groundballs. His arm strength has been diminished by his elbow injuries, but he still makes accurate throws. Clark works well with catcher Charles Johnson, who likes to throw behind the runner at first base.
2000 Outlook
Clark had successful elbow surgery to remove the bone chips and is expected to be ready for spring training. He struggled with scar tissue after his first elbow operation in 1996, and can be expected to do so again. He has topped 20 homers just once in the past eight seasons, unacceptable production for a first baseman. He may start getting more of his at-bats at DH this season.
Scouting Report Source: STATS, Inc. Copyright 2000 STATS, Inc.
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