Kawal More Experienced and Ready to Thrive, Bouchard Back in Brooklyn

June 19, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Despite hitting .302 with 14 RBI and playing sturdy defense with Brooklyn in 2007, Brandon Kawal seemed like the odd-man out in an outfield that consisted of prospects like Raul Reyes, Lucas Duda and Will Vogl. Getting lost in the shuffle as the Cyclones season ended, just two wins short of a championship, Kawal’s chances at future success in the organization seemed up in the air.

With an opportunity to be a leader on a Brooklyn team that features 16 players from the 2008 draft however, the former Concordia University star knows his future with the organization is much different than it was at the end of last season.

Rather than lament the roller coaster ride he had with the team last season (no pun intended), where he consistently found himself on the bench, whether it be in favor of Ender Chavez, the younger brother of Mets out fielder Endy Chavez, (who started the 2007 season with the team before being called up to St. Lucie) or Duda (who the team tried out in the outfield before becoming the team’s starting first baseman), Kawal still grateful for every second he spent in Keyspan Park.

“The first thing I said when I got home [last season] was ‘you were a much better ballplayer when you were in New York,’” said Kawal, the Mets 27^th round pick in last year’s draft. “Those fans will be with you every step of the way when you are on top of your game and they will force you to step it up when you’re not. It definitely toughened me up.”

Regardless of his paltry amount of playing time in ‘07, Kawal was still one of six Cyclones to play in the New York Penn League All-Star game. Coming off what could still be considered a more than successful season, Kawal should have gotten a chance to start with the Mets Single-A affiliate in Savannah. However, the left fielder got only 12 at bats over three games with the team, while most of his teammates from last season were getting extensive playing time there or with the Mets High-A affiliate in St.Lucie.

Kawal however, was sent to Extended Spring Training to work on his game.

“It was back and forth, it was quite an adventure,” said Kawal. “But extended isn’t always a bad thing. It’s actually very good. You go down there and you work on the things that you know you need to work on as a player, in an environment where you are still competing. There are a lot of coaches there that know what they’re doing and they have you there for a reason. Like I said, it was an adventure and getting to come up here, I was counting down the days to get out of there, but it was still a good experience that was positive.”

Looking back on last season, Kawal acknowledged that it was a learning experience and that this season will be a real test for him.

“Coming into last year from the draft, I learned as went along,” he said. “When you go to extended, you get into more of a routine and you focus on what makes you go as a player. When I was there, I get a better understanding of what my routine needed to be day in and day out and keep me consistent. I think that’s one thing that’s going to prove useful. Everyday is a grind and everyday we need to win; routine is going to be key. Production is the most important thing here. ”

With an opportunity to do just that this season in Brooklyn, Kawal knows it’s time to prove his All-Star nod last season was no fluke.

“I play hard all the time,” Kawal said. “I’m not flashy; I’m more of a grinder. I’m always in the dirt. I just try and get it done. I’m not going to try and woo anyone with my style. Hopefully, my numbers speak for themselves at the end.”

Notes: Those who were at the game last night in Staten Island were probably wondering why Brooklyn’s starting shortstop from 07, Matt Bouchard, was starting last night’s game. Aside from making one wonder if Reese Haven’s injury is more serious than the team originally let on, it raises the question as to what the Clones plan to do with the plethora of talent they currently have at the middle infield position, with guys like Brandon Richey, Havens and now Bouchard all capable of playing shortstop.

It could also just be a rehab/conditioning stint for Bouchard, who is hitting only .215 for the Savannah Sand Gnats through 63 games.

When more information is available on this, expect an update.

Links:

Box score from last night’s 9-4 Cyclone win.

Photo by Ron Hatcher