NATIONALS NOTEBOOK
Maxwell Back With Nats, and This Time Hopefully for a Longer Look
Outfielder Justin Maxwell, shown in a February spring training game, has well-known fielding ability but must make the most of his hitting opportunities to win a spot in the big leagues.
(By Jeff Roberson -- Associated Press)
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Tuesday, September 1, 2009
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 31 -- The first time Justin Maxwell was promoted to the big leagues this year, he lasted eight days. The second time, he lasted nine days. All told, he played in 13 games and batted 24 times. After three hits and 11 strikeouts, he was returned to Class AAA Syracuse, and implored to improve the former by cutting down on the latter.
"He had way too many strikeouts," General Manager Mike Rizzo said. "That was a point of emphasis for us."
When the Nationals on Sunday traded infielder Ronnie Belliard to Los Angeles, a roster spot -- and another critical opportunity -- opened for Maxwell, who returned to the big leagues before Monday's game in San Diego.
Though Maxwell will come primarily off the bench, sometimes starting against lefties, the center fielder faces a critical test. In November, he'll turn 26. He has already proven, beyond any doubt, his skill as a fielder. There's one thing left to demonstrate.
"If we can get him going with the bat," interim manager Jim Riggleman said, "we've got a special guy there."
Maxwell's season totals with Syracuse are underwhelming: a .242 average and 13 homers in 384 at-bats. But in July, Maxwell shortened his swing and closed his stance. Those changes were designed to help him cut down on his strikeouts. In August, he hit .273.
"For me, [coaches] just told me to put the ball in play and let my speed do what I can," Maxwell said. "That's what I've been trying to do."
Guzmán Out
Cristian Guzmán, dealing with a nagging foot injury, could miss this three-game series, Riggleman said, though the shortstop will be available to pinch-hit. Guzmán has been troubled on and off this year by bunions. "I think we just need to let it calm down for a couple days," Riggleman said. . . .
Class A catcher Derek Norris was named the South Atlantic League's most outstanding major league prospect.
Norris, who is batting .288 (423 at-bats) with 23 home runs and 83 RBI, was also named to the league's annual all-star team along with Hagerstown teammate Stephen Lombardozzi.
Call-Ups Delayed
Though rosters expand on Tuesday, the Nationals will delay most of their call-ups until Syracuse's season ends on Sept. 7, Rizzo said.
The Chiefs entered Monday 2 1/2 games behind Scranton for first place in the International League's North Division.
Rizzo was unwilling to disclose which players the Nationals will bring to the big leagues, but said that "the main crux of the call-ups will be pitching."
