Reed prepared to return to form in '06

01/28/2006
SEATTLE -- By nature, Jeremy Reed is a confident player. But even he was humbled last season.
"I learned how to fail," the Seattle Mariners center fielder said Saturday during the team's annual FanFest at Safeco Field.
Prior to last season, Reed had developed a reputation as a hitting machine, never batting below .275 in any of his Minor League stops and impressing the Mariners with a .397 average in 58 at-bats at the end of the 2004 campaign.
But in 2005, Reed labored at the plate, hitting .254 as he struggled to adjust to the nuances of Major League pitching.
"I was kind of lost," Reed said. "Toward the end of the season, there were a lot of things I was trying to do and a lot of things people were saying to me. I was listening, because I felt a little bit lost. Sometimes it's not best to do that."
On top of that, Reed was dealing with a troublesome wrist injury that would eventually land him on the disabled list. He spent a month with the wrist in a brace and is still doing strengthening exercises.
"It's one of those injuries that probably won't be completely 100 percent," Reed said. "But I feel good."
Reed is hoping that his healthy outlook and a positive approach at the plate will reverse his -- and the Mariners' -- fortunes.
"It was a long season for all of us," Reed said. "I look forward to this year, having a year under my belt and putting the past behind."
Mariners manager Mike Hargrove has no doubt that Reed's offense can match his stellar defense.
"Last year was his first year to fail," Hargrove said. "But the one thing I came away with from last year was that even though he didn't hit the ball the way he's capable of, he didn't back away from it. He kept working at it until the day he went on the disabled list. And it certainly didn't affect his defense.
"There's a lot to be said for his work ethic, his attitude and his desire to be better. People that have that sort of work ethic and habits, if they have a small amount of talent, they are going to be better. And Jeremy has way more than just a small amount of talent."
New hitting coach Jeff Pentland has worked with Reed on several occasions this offseason, including a couple of recent sessions this week, to help get Reed's stroke back on track.
"I saw the tapes [from last year], and I saw a guy that was uncomfortable and not attacking the ball," Pentland said. "But we met and everything went well. We made a lot of progress. I think he's very hungry. I think you're going to see a very different Jeremy Reed."
Reed is thankful that it will be Mariners fans who get to see him this year, after dealing with an offseason of rumors that had him being shipped to Boston or New York.
"It was out there," Reed said of his name being involved in trade talks. "My agent loved it -- my name was flying around everywhere. But I was always set up to be a Mariner."
Those in attendance at FanFest enjoyed their opportunity to ask Reed a few questions during the "Dugout Dialogue" session, including what his favorite road stadium is (Anaheim), and what he does in the offseason.
"At some point you have to get away from the game and enjoy your life," Reed told the fan. "I like to golf and travel, and take a good three weeks off before I start lifting."
Reed has added a few pounds of muscle to his 195-pound frame, but what may be more important is the return of a mindset that seemed to be missing last year.
"Confidence is something I've always had and something I'll probably never lose," Reed said. "I've never taken it for granted when I had success, but I really feel like I'm in a different position now. I don't think I'll ever lose confidence -- I'll just have more preparation."

Source: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/