Aussie Prospects in Baseball Growing

[DBAHO]

Reading this article on my local paper today about Justin Huber, and a prospect signed by the Padres, thought I'd post it here. I've long had the view that the White Sox need to start sending a scout out here as it seems more talent is becoming available by the year;

 

MELBOURNE baseballer Justin Huber has returned to the US refreshed and ready to consolidate his spot with the Kansas City Royals.

 

The 23-year-old made his Major League Baseball debut as a first baseman for the Royals last June, and is determined to become a key contributor in 2006.

After a break in Melbourne, Huber returned to the US this week for a mini-camp.

 

"They bring everyone in for about a week and see who is in shape and who isn't in shape," Huber said.

 

"Then they fly everyone home to relax again for three weeks and see their family and do the last bit of their preparation.

 

"Then we're back again in the middle of February to start our spring training and finish out the off-season and get ready for the season-opener on April 1."

 

Huber plied his trade for four years in the minor leagues after being signed by the New York Mets as a catcher in 2000.

 

He was traded to the Royals in 2004 while injured, but described his breakthrough season there as a "blast".

 

"I hurt my knee and missed out on playing in the Olympics, and I missed out on finishing the season with them last year," he said.

 

"I went to spring training this year with a new position as a first baseman and played through their minor league system before making my debut in Kansas City in June. I played 22 games and had a blast. I can't wait to get back there."

 

Huber, the 21st Australian to play in the majors, is keen to build on his record.

 

The right-hander from Beacon Hills College finished last year in the majors with a solid batting average of .218.

 

"I'm going to go flat stick and I'm backing myself and I think I've definitely got a chance.

 

"But front office makes decisions that are out of my control and you've got to be prepared for that and enjoy the learning process and take my lumps and learn from them," he said.

 

Huber said he had received plenty of ribbing about his background from teammates.

 

"You're constantly bombarded with Crocodile Hunter and Crocodile Dundee and kangaroo jokes and all those stupid Australian colloquialisms," he said.

 

"You definitely go through some growing pains and you're constantly having to fight off this barrage of weird comments. But I give it back as much as I get it.

 

ANDREW Gribbin was spoiled for choice, but went with his heart in becoming the latest Aussie to sign with an MLB club.

 

Courted by the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners, 17-year-old Gribbin signed with the Padres at the weekend.

 

"The Phillies wanted me as a hitter and the Padres wanted me as a pitcher," said Gribbin, whose contract is for seven years with a significant sign-on fee.

 

"My first love is pitching and that gives me the best chance of making the majors."

 

Having impressed with bat and ball at the recent under-18 national titles, Gribbin might be a hot prospect, but he will finish his Year 12 studies and continue playing with Cheltenham this year before joining the Padres farm system.

 

There were 110 Aussies on the books of MLB teams last year