Xavier Paul Continues to Impress

The LA Times picked up on the impressive stats being posted by outfielder Xavier Paul this winter and spring. It appears he's caught Joe Torre's eye as well. From today's LA Times:

"He's emerged this spring," Manager Joe Torre said. "Last year, he caught our attention somewhat, but he was a little on the raw side. We're taking a more serious look at him this year."

Xavier credits his development this winter with working with former Giant, Kevin Mitchell on hitting while in Mexico.

Side note: I remember watching Kevin Mitchell make a bare-handed catch at the wall to save a home run...it was # 1 on Sportscenter's top plays for like 2 months!

Not that spring training stats mean anything, but Xavier leads the Dodgers in hitting thus far in spring training with 13 hits, a .406 batting average, .441 OBP (!), and 23 total bases in 13 games.

Keep up the good work, Xavier! You'll have big shoes to fill when Manny opts out of his contract at the end of the season.

The Tao of Manny

Via Yahoo! Sports:

“What happened in Boston, at this point, I don’t think it hurt me. It was a bad economy. I got a good contract. I have made my money already. I’m happy to be playing where I want to be playing. Actually, I won. I’m in a great place. My teammates love me, and the fans love me. It’s better to have a two-year deal in a place where you are happy than an eight-year deal in a place where you are suffering."