What do Ben Copeland and Barry Bonds have in common?
They both arrived in Scottsdale, Ariz., within the last 24 hours
for the San Francisco Giants’ spring training.
Copeland was one of four non-roster outfielder invitees to the
Giants’ major league spring training. He is expected to be on the
field with Bonds and the rest of the Giants at 11 a.m. EST
today.
“Training with the big leaguers and top minor league prospects
will be a great experience for me. I hope to learn a lot from
them,” stated Copeland, a Bradford High graduate who was a
three-year starter and two-time all-Big East selection at the
University of Pittsburgh.
This is Copeland’s second spring training with the Giants’
organization, but first with the major league team. Last year, he
took part in the team’s minor league spring training in
Scottsdale.
“I spent this off-season in Florida and I’m confident in my
preparation for the upcoming season,” he said.
Copeland spent the 2006 season playing for the Augusta (Ga.)
GreenJackets, which is a Single-A affiliate. The GreenJackets –
owned by Cal Ripken Jr. – led all the minor leagues with wins (92).
In addition, they won the Southern Division championship in the
South Atlantic League. The GreenJackets sported a 92-47 record.
They went 53-16 in the second half of the season.
During Copeland’s first full minor league season, he played in
135 games and ended up with a .281 batting average and an on-base
percentage of .368 with 30 stolen bases. He also hit 29 doubles, 12
triples, five home runs and had 71 RBIs.
“Last year I didn’t know what to expect going into a 140-game
season,” Copeland explained. “The most important thing I took away
from it was learning how to compete day in and day out.
“Talent-wise I know I’m capable of competing with anyone. But
what separates the men from the boys is how consistently a guy
shows up with the “get it done” mentality.”
It is expected to be a big development season for Copeland.
“I will know where I’m playing sometime in April,” he said. “I’m
expecting to be playing for the San Jose Giants who are an advanced
Single-A team.
“I hope I can get the promotion and go to Double-A. I’m looking
forward to a strong, successful and healthy season. I’m excited
about my opportunity.”
