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Brewers outfield preview: 'Little T' Tony Gwynn learning value of patience

Dennis Semrau  —  3/28/2008 3:42 pm

PHOENIX -- Ask Tony Gwynn Jr. the biggest lesson he learned while following his father, Tony Sr., around the San Diego clubhouse during the elder Gwynn's Hall of Fame career and you will get a one-word response.

"Patience," he said, breaking into a grin.

That more than anything sums up Gwynn's approach as he tries to establish himself as a Major League outfielder. Especially after the Brewers went out and signed free agent center fielder Mike Cameron in January.

"The future is now. We're not going to be developing players up here very much now," Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin said after Cameron was signed. "This is another indication that we're ready to play playoff baseball."

While Milwaukee gave infielders Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy and Bill Hall on-the-job training, Gwynn hasn't received the same treatment.

Call it simply a case of bad timing.

But the Brewers "win now" philosophy means Gwynn will have to remain patient and wait for his opportunity to play.

"Some people say give Tony Gwynn a chance and Gabe Gross and they will get their chances," Melvin said. "But we're not at the point where we can run a player out there like we did two years ago, like J.J. Hardy, and let him hit .180 for two months. Or have Rickie (Weeks) struggle in the field and we left him there. We're not to that point any more."

A big advantage for "Little T," as he was dubbed while growing up in big league clubhouses, is that Gwynn understands his situation and is trying to make the best of it.

"I learned by watching my dad and my uncle," said Gwynn, who is also the nephew of former Major League outfielder Chris Gwynn.

"My dad was fortunate to be an everyday player in the Major Leagues for a long time. My uncle knew what it was like to be shuttled back and forth between the major and minor leagues and in and out of the lineup. He has been a big help for me in adjusting to the uncertainly of it all."

Melvin said that is another reason why the Brewers are high on Gwynn's potential.

"Tony (Gwynn) can play center field. But the guys will have fun playing with Mike out there. The big thing is getting the younger players to know they have to be patient. Their time will come. Tony is a good outfielder too. But Mike is pretty established."

Milwaukee signed the 35-year-old Cameron to a one-year deal to not only help shore up the team's defense but for his offensive skills, too. Since 1999, he has hit at least 20 home runs and stolen at least 20 bases six times, and he has driven in at least 75 runs seven times.

His defensive credentials are impeccable: three Gold Glove Awards and three runner-up finishes.

But as Cameron's potential successor, Gwynn has eagerly been soaking up all the knowledge and experience the veteran is willing to offer.

"There are a lot of little things, nuances that I can share," said Cameron, whose signing also set off a chain of events that included moving Bill Hall from center field to third base and shifting reigning National League Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun from third base to left field.

"My experience, how I approach the game, my work ethic, are part of my big league pedigree. I've been able to accomplish a lot of things. I just want to share my knowledge and help us win a pennant."

However, with Cameron serving a 25-game suspension to start the season -- he tested positive a second time for using a banned stimulant -- Gwynn is the leading candidate to start in center field on Opening Day at Wrigley Field on Monday.

"There are no promises, no guarantees, but if that happens, I know I have made some progress," Gwynn said.

Manager Ned Yost acknowledged that he views Gross, who can play all three outfield positions, as an offensive player working on his defense, while Gwynn is a top-notch defensive player still honing his skills on offense.

Gwynn, who was the Brewers' second-round pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, agreed that he has always been a defense-first player. He has gradually worked his way through Milwaukee's minor league system as he has sharpened his skills on offense.

That contrasts with the path his father took to the big leagues. A 1982 third-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres, Gwynn Sr. arrived in the big leagues a year later and proceeded to hit .300 or better in 19 of his 20 seasons.

But with defense a top priority this season, Gwynn will play a key role in the Brewers' plans, especially in April.

"Tony is your prototype center fielder," Yost said. "While more and more center fielders are guys hitting home runs, there is still room for a guy who can be an ignitor. Tony has the potential to be that guy who has a good on-base percentage, steals some bases and makes plays."

After making last year's Opening Day roster, Gwynn eventually split the season between Milwaukee and Triple-A Nashville. He hit .260 with 10 RBI and eight stolen bases in 69 games during three separate stints with the Brewers.

Like most young players, Gwynn is eager to prove he belongs in the Brewers' starting lineup. But he also knows his time is coming.

"I'm just trying to remain focused," Gwynn said. "I'm here so early every morning, ready to get to work, trying to do everything I can do to get better."

dsemrau@madison.com

Brewers outfielders

Starters: Left field -- Ryan Braun (.324, 34 HRs, 97 RBIs, 15 SBs); center field -- Tony Gwynn Jr. (.273, 23 RBIs, 12 SBs between Triple-A Nashville and Milwaukee); right field -- Corey Hart (.295, 24 HRs, 81 RBIs, 23 SBs).

Reserves: Gabe Gross (.270, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs between Triple-A Nashville and Milwaukee); Gabe Kapler (.254, 2 HRs, 12 RBIs with Boston in 2006).

Suspended: Mike Cameron (.242, 21 HRs, 78 RBIs, 18 SBs) will miss most of April while serving a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant. When he returns, the Brewers plan to install the three-time Gold Glove Award winner as the everyday center fielder.

Point to ponder: Hart had a breakout season a year ago, becoming the fifth 20-20 (home runs and stolen bases) man in franchise history. Hart also led the Brewers and ranked seventh in the NL with a .339 average with runners in scoring position.

He's b-a-a-ck: The 32-year-old Kapler returns to active duty after retiring for a year to manage Class-A Greenville in the Boston organization. A career .270 hitter with 64 home runs and 302 RBIs in 850 games, he played for Detroit, Texas, Colorado and Boston in parts of nine seasons from 1998 to 2006. He also played briefly in Japan in 2005.

Keep an eye on: Joe Dillon, a 32-year-old journeyman, has seen action in the outfield, at first base, third base and second base. He hit .317 with 20 home runs and 73 RBIs in 94 games at Triple-A Nashville in 2007 and .342 with 10 RBIs in 76 at-bats at Milwaukee.

On the horizon: Matt La Porta, who was a first baseman and catcher in college, moved to left field after the Brewers made him their top pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. He will also play right field this season. At Class A West Virginia last season, he hit .318 with 10 HRs and 27 RBIs in 23 games.

Did you know? Braun's .634 slugging percentage in 2007 led the National League and was the highest by a rookie in Major League history, breaking the record held by Mark McGwire of Oakland (.618 in 1987).

Dennis Semrau  —  3/28/2008 3:42 pm