Matt Joyce Trying To Be Pirates' Fourth Outfielder
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Coming off a career-worst season, outfielder Matt Joyce is trying to be the Pirates fourth outfielder when camp breaks next week.
The 31-year-old Tampa native hit .174 with the Angels last year, but has had five seasons in the majors with double-digit homers including 19 in an All-Star 2011 season with the Rays.
An eight-year veteran, Joyce admitted he was nervous and uncomfortable at first after joining the Pirates as a free agent this off-season. Joyce has picked it up in the last week, raising his spring average to .241 with homers in two of his last four games. He's also stolen two bases and owns a .405 on-base percentage.
"Anytime you can go out, square a couple of balls up and have some good at bats, see the ball well, drive a couple of runs in." Joyce said. "It's great, to show a little of what you can and what you are capable of."
Joyce said he's trying to commit to a process to get ready for the season, while working on his swing. Joyce said he'll talk to anyone about hitting, players, coaches and specifically Andrew McCutchen and Francisco Cervelli.
"I just love it," Joyce said. "I really enjoy the game. I really love and am passionate about hitting and become obsessed about it occasionally. I just have
to remind myself sometimes that it's just a game and it's meant to be enjoyed."
There are some decisions coming for the Pirates, specifically with how they want to shape their bench. Do they keep a fourth outfielder or use Sean Rodriguez, Jason Rogers, Michael Morse, Cole Figueroa or Pedro Florimon as emergency outfielders?
"I've done a fairly good job of just trying to focus on what I need to focus on," Joyce said of roster cuts coming. "It's something I had a first class lesson with the Rays. Control what you can control, focus on what you have to focus on and everything else will take care of itself."
"Worrying doesn't do anything for anyone, so there is no sense in worrying. You just focus on your plan and your approach and what you have to do to get better that day, and go from there."
