Woods Chopping Down Competition
Posted by Scott Stanchak on May 12, 2008
Don’t fault Michael Woods for the Lancaster Barnstormers 5-11 record, worst in the Atlantic League. After all, the outfielder is third in the league in batting (.367) and first in stolen bases (9) — strong qualities for a leadoff man.
“I don’t feel a lot of pressure as far as I have to be the one to get this hit here or I have to hit a bomb because we have guys more than capable of doing those things,” Woods said. “My main focus is just getting on, whatever it takes to get on base, whether it be working the count or putting the bat on the ball.”
“He’s done a terrific job so far,” Barnstormer manager Von Hayes said. “He’s relishing in the leadoff spot.”
Woods, a former second-round pick of the Detroit Tigers, is in his second season with Lancaster. Last year, he hit .294 with 71 runs scored, 41 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 100 games. It was a good enough showing for Hayes, the team’s new skipper, to offer the 27-year-old a contract to return.
“I enjoyed my time here last year. This is a fun league to play in and gives me a great shot at getting back,” Woods said.
For five seasons, Woods split time between the Tigers’ Single-A and Double-A clubs. After a release at the end of Spring Training 2006, Woods took the year off.
“I wanted to start playing again so my cousin made a few calls for me,” Woods said, referring to former Newark Bear Maleke Fowler. “He talked to some people, the Barnstormers brought me in and didn’t know what to expect, but it’s been good.”
Hayes considers Woods one of, if not the, fastest guy in the league. Woods smiles when asked about it, but modestly rattles off several other players who he considers speedier.
“Von’s a great guy,” Woods said. “He’s not too demanding, but on the other hand, you know what’s expected of you and you go out and do it.”
So far this season, Woods has been doing it well.
“He hasn’t missed too many (fastballs) when he’s looked for them,” Hayes said. “When he’s looked for it and gotten it, he’s hit it well.”
Not a bad combination when you’re locked in in the batter’s box and on the base paths.
