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Iwamura Finding A Comfort Level

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By MARC LANCASTER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 18, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Akinori Iwamura's first day of spring training last year was something of a circus, with numerous Japanese media members blanketing the Naimoli Complex and the Rays not quite sure what to make of the new celebrity in their midst.

Sunday morning, Iwamura was greeted as if he were a long-lost brother by teammates, coaches and clubhouse attendants alike. Hugs, handshakes and (mostly positive) critiques of Iwamura's new, stylishly long hairstyle ruled the day. There weren't even any reporters from his home country around, though a couple showed up later.

This time around, Iwamura felt comfortable from the beginning.

"Last year I was real nervous because I didn't know anybody or anything about the team, but this year I know what to expect," Iwamura said through his new interpreter, Tateki "Bori" Uchibori. "I'm more relaxed this year."

That will help, as Iwamura has a significant challenge ahead of him before Opening Day. Preparations for his move from third base to second base dominated Iwamura's offseason. He said he worked strictly on defense throughout November and December before resuming batting practice in January.

He appeared to have slimmed down a bit from last season, knowing he'll have to cover more ground this year.

"Playing second base takes more range, fielding-wise, and it could be good for me because it'll make me stay in shape," he said.

The Rays aren't too concerned about that, nor much else related to Iwamura's move across the diamond after an entire career spent at third. They have no doubt he will be able to make the transition, and Iwamura's session on the field Sunday helped reassure any doubters.

"After working with him today, he seems to have a pretty good idea over there," infield coach Tom Foley said. "His athleticism, I think, is going to take over and he'll be able to do the things he needs to do. I think there's a lot of plays over the course of spring training games he'll see that he's never seen before."

Iwamura said he was most concerned with turning double plays and getting used to the ball coming off the bat at a different angle. Repetition should help him get a better grasp on those aspects of the position, but Rays manager Joe Maddon said Iwamura's first priority should be developing a rapport with shortstop Jason Bartlett.

"I just think that marriage between second base and shortstop, that's going to be primary," Maddon said. "Just to get those guys on the same page and kind of become like one heartbeat in the middle."

Solidifying the middle of the infield should be a huge help for the Rays, who never got settled at either position last year. They started four different players at shortstop and six at second base, including Iwamura's cameo at second in the season finale. The players who got the vast majority of time up the middle in 2007 have either moved elsewhere (B.J. Upton) or moved on (Brendan Harris, Josh Wilson, Ty Wigginton, Jorge Velandia).

Bartlett is known for his defensive prowess and Rays officials are confident Iwamura's skills with the glove - his .975 fielding percentage was tops among big-league third basemen last year - will play at second. Iwamura is similarly certain of his abilities, and he illustrated it with a good-natured jab at a former teammate.

"It's a challenge to me, but I know I can do it," he said. "Wiggy can do it so I can do it."

Yes, Iwamura is just one of the guys this time around.

Reporter Marc Lancaster can be reached at (813) 259-7227 or mlancaster@tampatrib.com.

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