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BY GARY HAWKINS
Staff Writer 05/09/2008

BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

Greg Creek reported to the Mississippi Braves this season with modest goals.

After injuries curtailed his past two minor league seasons, the Maranacook Community School and University of Maine graduate just wanted to stay healthy this year. He reported to the Atlanta Braves' Double-A affiliate in Pearl, Miss., without a starting position, prepared to battle for playing time.

So far, the season is turning out better than expected. Creek latched onto a starting position early in the season when third baseman Van Pope sustained a hamstring injury.

"I was a little uncomfortable at first," said Creek, who usually plays first base. "I played 30 or 40 games (at third) my first year of pro ball. They've been good about taking it slow with me."

Creek still plays a little first base "depending on what day of the week it is," but at either position he's continued the hit the ball well. Following Wednesday night's game Creek was batting .287 with 16 RBIs (2nd on the team) and a team-leading 49 total bases.

"It's coming around," Creek said of his hitting. "I have good days and I have bad days. It's a good learning experience. It's the first time I got to play every day."

Patience at the plate has paid off for Creek. Minor league hitting coach Leon Roberts suggested he lay off pitches not in his hitting zone. That included strikes, unless he already had two. It's paid off as Creek has driven the ball more consistently to the power alleys. So far, he's got eight doubles, three triples and two home runs.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Creek pointed out the triples were not a result of blazing speed but rather hitting to the right spot in big ballparks. The left-hander batting Creek pulled one of his home runs and hit the other to the opposite field. "They are just trying to make me hit my pitch a long way," he said.

He's not conscious of his stats, he said, and the only time he ever sees them is during a game on the scoreboard. "I've been conscious about not looking at the stats," he said.

Creek has no lingering affects from offseason wrist surgery. "Just the aches and pains of playing every day," he said. "It's new but I'm liking it."

Pope is scheduled to come off the disabled list fairly soon, but as Creek points out, "If I keep doing what I'm doing, they're going to find at-bats for me."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

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