If healthy, proven hitter Lind could end Brewers' revolving door at first base
PHOENIX -- Adam Lind remained out of the Brewers starting lineup again Monday, missing his fifth straight spring training game. Sidelined with stiffness in his lower back, the first baseman hasn't played since a March 4 exhibition game against the UW-Milwaukee Panthers. However, Lind's condition is improving and he says he'll be ready to take the field any day now.
"I feel way better than I did Thursday," said the left-handed hitter. "I'd like to get out there. Maybe another day or two. We'll see what happens. I feel better."
Acquired by the Brewers in a November trade that sent pitcher Marco Estrada to the Toronto Blue Jays, Lind has been hampered by back injuries recently, averaging only 111 games over the last three seasons. Still, in 2014 in he hit .321 in 96 games. And while he hit only six home runs in 290 at-bats, he had 24 doubles and notched a .479 slugging percentage.
"I've been fighting this (back stiffness) for a few years," Lind explained. I came into camp feeling great. Best I have in a few years. There's no warning signs with it. I can still hit and throw. It's really low in my back that I have tightness. Running and fielding are where I really feel it."
For their part, the Brewers anticipated Lind might have some struggles with his back.
"We figured somewhere along the line it was going to flare up. So I think it's just us learning him and him letting us know when it's a little tight and it could flare up," said Brewers manager Ron Roenicke. "We'll ease him in when he's ready. We might have him DH to start."
Drafted by Toronto in 2004, Lind, an Indiana native, was surprised at being traded to the Brewers.
"It was definitely a surprise. I didn't expect be traded here," Lind said earlier in spring training. "But I like it. This seems like a great group. Very professional and very focused. This is a good opportunity for me."
If he can stay healthy, Lind has a chance to fill a glaring need. First base has been a revolving door for Milwaukee since Prince Fielder left as a free agent after the 2011 season. In the last three years, 10 players have started more than 15 games at first base for the Brewers.
"I knew Prince was here for a while, but I didn't know too much about what's happened with first base," the 31-year-old Lind said. "But I learned a lot about it at Brewers Fan Fest in January. I heard a lot about it," Lind added with a laugh.
Signed through 2015 with an $8 million club option for 2016, if Lind can return to the form he displayed earlier in his career, he'll give the Brewers stability at first base and a real threat from the left side of the plate. In 2009, Lind took home the American League Silver Slugger award at designated hitter, batting .305 with 35 home runs, 114 RBI and an OPS of .932. If he plays a full season and only matches his career .273 batting average and .466 slugging percentage, he'll represent a significant upgrade for Brewers team that saw its first basemen combine to hit .207 with a .356 slugging percentage in 2014.
Still, Roenicke doesn't view Lind as strictly as a home run threat.
"I'm not thinking of him as a power hitter. I'm thinking of him as a really good hitter. He hits the ball to the gaps, whether they're singles, doubles or homers, I don't really care. We need a really good hitter and that's what he is," said Roenicke.
Lind's teammates also know what he can bring to the club.
"He (Lind) is a proven hitter and has been for a while," said second baseman Scooter Gennett. "He's been successful at this level and can do a lot here. He's a great addition and can help a lot."
If Lind can find his form again, he'll provide protection for Carlos Gomez, Ryan Braun and Aramis Ramirez, who are all likely to hit in front of him. And as a formidable left-handed hitter, he could also force opposing managers to make difficult decisions with their bullpens.
For now, however, Lind and the Brewers will be happy just to see the first baseman back on the field.
