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PHOENIX -- Prince Fielders departure from Milwaukee is Mat Gamels big chance. Ahmad Bradshaw Colts Jersey . The 26-year-old converted third baseman is slated to become the Brewers starting first baseman this season. "Im not trying to replace him," he said of Fielder. "Im not trying to be in his shadow. Im just trying to come do what I do." So far this spring training, hes looked promising. Gamel was drafted as a third baseman, but moved to first base last year for two reasons: He wasnt a particularly good defensive third baseman and Milwaukee was preparing for the possibility of Fielder leaving as a free agent after the 2011 season. With Fielder in Detroit, first base is Gamels job to lose. "When he was a third baseman, he was OK with third base, the throwing got him in trouble more than anything," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said. "But, as far as moving and catching the ball, hes always been pretty good at that." Roenicke acknowledges that there is still pressure on Gamel, though. "I think there is," Roenicke said. "Its hard to imagine a young guy whose going to take over that position to not to feel a little bit of pressure there. "Were trying to make it as easy as possible for him because its not fair to put the pressure as though youre stepping in for Prince or you going to be able to handle it, thats not fair to do that to him" Prior to the 2011 season, Gamel had started five career minor-league games at first. "I know last year, they were happy with his progress there, and he was improving all the time," Roenicke said of the reports he was getting. "What Ive seen down here (is) pretty good." Roenicke added the more experience Gamel gets, the better the team will be there. "The only thing about Prince is, he paid attention. He had the experience of being there. He wasnt caught out of position very often which comes with experience that Gamel doesnt have." If Gamel can help make up for the offence Milwaukee lost when Fielder signed with the Tigers, what he does in the field might not matter much. A left-handed hitter like Fielder, Gamel had four previous stints with the Brewers, who drafted him in the 2005. His longest stretch was in 2009 when he appeared in 61 games. In the minors last season, he batted .310 with 28 home runs and 96 RBI in 128 games. As a major leaguer, he has a .222 average with five home runs and 23 RBIs. Two other spots on the Brewers infield have new starters this season. The Brewers signed free agents Aramis Ramirez to play third and Alex Gonzalez shortstop. Heading into the season, Ramirez, Gonzalez and second baseman Rickie Weeks have 31 years of major-league experience to Gamels one. "Just from practice, it seems like we all work well together," he said. "So, its just going to take time us playing together, and getting used to how each other plays." Just in case, the Brewers are having 6-foot-6 right-fielder Corey Hart play some first base during spring training. Gamel understands that and doesnt view Hart as a threat. He might sit against a tough left-handed pitcher. "Why should it bother me?" Gamel said. "Its just another position for him to work at. Im not approaching it like hes coming in trying to play first base or hes coming over here to potentially take a job from me." NOTES: Roenicke said that right-hander Shaun Marcum would be backed off a day on his throwing routine due to a touch of bursitis. Roenicke added that it was not as bad as it was last year. "He says he has it every spring," Roenicke said. Marcum said it wasnt an issue and wouldnt disrupt anything. "Nobody needs seven starts to get ready, usually five or six is plenty," he said. "I think everybody gets aches and pains and soreness. Its just part of the job. Its not a problem. Were just being cautious. No need to try to be a hero." Reggie Wayne Jersey .C. -- The Charlotte Bobcats said head coach Steve Clifford underwent a successful procedure Friday to have two stents placed in his heart. Trent Richardson Jersey . Gooden is expected to sign the deal and join the team in time for Thursdays game against the Toronto Raptors.Invited to camp on a professional tryout after posting back-to-back 10-goal seasons, Mason Raymond was looked at as someone who could hopefully fill a bottom-six forward role. After 21 games, Raymond has not only proven to be one of the Leafs biggeest surprises but also one of their top players. Jonathan Newsome Colts Jersey. He joined TSN 1050 on Wednesday to talk about his hot start and the mindset he has playing without the security of a long-term deal. Raymond on his hot start, contract status cheap jerseys cheap jerseys from china ' ' ' |
