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Minor-league slugger thrives when not hurt
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Wednesday, Feb 27, 2008
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: It was only an intrasquad game, but you couldn't help but notice Michael Aubrey, who doubled and drove a three-run homer deep over the fence in right field at Chain O' Lakes Park.
Because it was only practice, it would be unwise and premature to make too much of Aubrey's display of explosive power. More important than his Tuesday afternoon of slugging is that he didn't break anything, tear anything, strain anything or bruise anything.
''Every day, that's the first question I get,'' Aubrey said, referring to inquiries about the state of his health.
Aubrey was the Indians' first-round pick in the 2003 draft, the 11th player chosen overall. Almost from the first day he stepped on the field at Class A Lake County that summer, he confirmed the Tribe's judgment of him as a professional hitter.
He only played 38 games that season but batted .348 with five home runs, 13 doubles and 19 RBI. Of his 48 hits, almost 38 percent went for extra bases. Moreover, he played slick defense.
It wouldn't be long before Aubrey played first base in the big leagues. That was the conventional wisdom.
But a sprained quadriceps sustained only three days after he signed his contract — which cost
him the first month of his career — foreshadowed what was in store for Aubrey the next four years.
In 2004, despite missing five weeks with a strained hamstring, he was named the Indians' No. 1 prospect after batting .339 with 10 homers and 60 RBI in 60 games at Single-A Kinston and compiling a .283 average with five home runs and 22 RBI in 38 games for the Double-A Aeros.
Aubrey's most disabling injury occurred in May 2005, when he was limited to 28 games for the Aeros and none after June 10. Initially, the injury was labeled lower back inflammation. Later, Aubrey learned he had suffered a stress fracture.
In 2006, Aubrey confirmed that if he didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any at all. His season was limited to 14 games, not only because he was still rehabbing his back, but because he strained his right knee.
Last year, Aubrey was relatively healthy. For him. He missed 11/2 months with a strained right hamstring and was sidelined for eight days with a left abdominal strain. But he managed to play 68 games for Kinston and the Aeros.
What more can go wrong for Aubrey? Maybe nothing. Maybe the health issues that have plagued him during his career have run their course.
''I felt good finishing up last season and for the six weeks of the Arizona Fall League,'' he said. ''What's tough is getting back out there and performing at the same level after missing time.''
Maybe that's why at the age of 26 and with five years in the Tribe organization, Aubrey has yet to play a game at the Triple-A level. Even so, he has a combined minor-league average of .301 with 39 homers and 178 RBI in 906 at-bats.
After missing so much time because of injury, it's a wonder that Aubrey doesn't play at half speed in an attempt to avoid further mishaps.
''When you're out there, you go on instinct,'' he said. ''You go hard until the play is over. It's part of being competitive, part of being an athlete. Plus it's hard to know when it's time (to back off).''
Despite the constant interruptions in his career, Aubrey never seriously thought he should quit the game.
''I'm a baseball player until someone tells me I'm not a baseball player,'' he said. ''You have to have a lot of discipline. You can't let that kind of thinking creep into your mind. But after so many things happen, it's hard to keep them from creeping in.''
Aubrey has every reason to have faith in his ability. He has hit well virtually everywhere he has played. And even though he will play his first Triple-A game this spring, he might be ready for a shot at the big leagues.
Does he think he's ready?
''Absolutely,'' Aubrey said. ''I am confident I can play baseball and play at the highest level. My goal for this year is to be a middle-of-the-lineup guy (at Triple-A Buffalo), drive in runs and be consistent at the plate. The rest will take care of itself.''
''Aubrey is still young, and he has big-league ability both offensively and defensively,'' Indians manager Eric Wedge said. ''He's just had trouble staying on the field. What he has to do is believe that he will stay healthy this year. He's just been snakebit.''
Wedge said he would give Aubrey a chance to show off his skills, at least early in the exhibition season.
The Indians do not have a current need for a first baseman, but you never know when another club will come calling.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: It was only an intrasquad game, but you couldn't help but notice Michael Aubrey, who doubled and drove a three-run homer deep over the fence in right field at Chain O' Lakes Park.
Get the full article here.
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