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Wells Makes First Spring Appearance

The Associated Press

The 30-year old, two time All-Star reinjured his left hamstring during workouts in February.

By SCOTT BUTHERUS | TBO.com

Published: March 20, 2009

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DUNEDIN - When the Toronto Blue Jays signed Vernon Wells to a 7-year, $126 million extension before the 2007 season, the team expected him to be the type of impact bat that could shoulder the Jays' offense. The stress of carrying the weight of the American League East pushing his team down towards the cellar has been almost more than his legs could handle.

Wells went hitless in his two at bats as the designated hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays, grounding into a 6-4-3 double play in his first at bat and flying out to center in his second. It was his first appearance of the spring after straining his left hamstring during workouts last month. It is the same hamstring that hobbled him late in the season and limited him to only 108 games for the Jays.

Even though he was hampered by injuries, Wells hit .300 with 20 home runs and 78 RBIs in 2008.

"They wanted me to be cautious since we're in Spring Training," Wells said. "If this was during the season, I would've been playing a week, week and a half ago."

Wells hopes to return to the form that earned him the extension in 2006 when he batted .303 with 32 homeruns, 106 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.

He will get his first chance in centerfield on Saturday against Houston.

Along with right fielder Alex Rios, Wells makes up the heart of a lineup that is dotted with question marks. Third baseman Scott Rolen has been dealing with a balky back this spring, first basemen Lyle Overbay and Kevin Millar are on the downside of their careers and youngsters Adam Lind and Travis Snider haven't been tested over the course of a full major league season.

That core will be asked to compensate for a young pitching staff that has been decimated by injuries and free agency and keep the team competitive in perhaps the toughest division in baseball.

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