Sweeney trying to impress Padres> Ex-Bear is tired of being pinch-hitter

Former University of Maine All-American center fielder Mark Sweeney wanted to make a statement during spring training with the San Diego Padres.

He wanted to be more than just a pinch-hitter and once-in-a-while starter.

So Sweeney went out and led the Cactus League in hitting with a lofty .466 average, four homers and 18 runs batted in just 21 games.

But he was back on the bench for Tuesday’s season-opening 10-2 win over Cincinnati. Sweeney did get into the game in right field, going 0-for-1.

“Hopefully, I opened some eyes this spring,” said Sweeney. “I don’t want to just be a utility guy. I still believe I can play every day. I think I put it in their minds that I want more playing time.”

This is not to say Sweeney is disgruntled in San Diego. Far from it.

“They have treated me well ever since I’ve been here. This is a great situation for me,” said Sweeney, who was traded to San Diego by the St. Louis Cardinals in midseason and hit .280 between them with two homers and 23 runs batted in.

However, he had just 164 at-bats in 115 games.

He recently signed a two-year contract for $400,000-$500,000 per year and said having his contract done enabled him to relax and concentrate solely on improving his status.

“I was a little more aggressive at the plate,” said Sweeney. “I took fewer fastballs for strikes. I don’t worry about where my hands are or if my body is in the right place any more. I just focus on how the pitcher is going to try to get me out and I try to get myself better pitches to hit. I know how to make adjustments and I feel I’m learning on a daily basis.”

The lefthanded-hitting Sweeney continues to hit to all fields.

“Of my four homers this spring, I hit one to center, two to right and one to left center,” he said.

The 28-year-old Holliston, Mass., native said he would love to become a hitter in the mold of teammate Wally Joyner, the first baseman.

“He may not put up big individual numbers but he’s consistent,” said Sweeney. “I would like to be recognized as a good hitter not just a pinch-hitter. I’d like to lose that label.”

Sweeney will continue in his role as a pinch-hitter, part-time starter but he knows starting outfielders Greg Vaughn (32), Steve Finley (33) and Tony Gwynn (37) are getting up there in years. So is the 35-year-old Joyner. Sweeney can play all three outfield positions and first base.

“If somebody gets hurt and I get a chance to play regularly, hopefully I’ll show them that I can produce as an everyday player so they’ll consider using me more,” said Sweeney who added that he is hitting lefthanders a little better now.

He said he is “really excited” about the prospects for the Padres and called it a critical year for the franchise because the voters are still mulling a new stadium.

“We got Kevin Brown [from the Florida Marlins]. We have more pitching now,” said Sweeney.

Sweeney is one of three former Black Bears in the major leagues.

Mike Bordick started at shortstop for Baltimore after coming off a .236 season in 1997 as the replacement for Cal Ripken Jr., who was switched to third base. Bordick hit .221 in spring training.

Injured-plagued Billy Swift, released by Colorado last August, was healthy and compiled a 1-0 record with a 2.37 earned run average for the Seattle Mariners this spring and has earned a spot in the rotation as the fifth starter.

However, former Bear lefthander Larry Thomas just missed making the Texas Ranger bullpen. Thomas had a 2.70 ERA as a reliever this spring but veteran lefties Eric Gunderson and Scott Bailes beat him out so he will start in AAA Oklahoma.

Former University of Southern Maine relief ace Mike Welch, who had 20 saves in Triple A a year ago, went from the Mets to the Phillies in the offseason and was in the Phillies’ camp but was sent down to Triple A Scranton-Wilkes Barre.

Meanwhile, Bangor righthander Matt Kinney is in Fort Myers, Fla., at the Red Sox minor league camp and appears to be a good bet for Sarasota of the Florida State League. Kinney is one of several players with either state of Maine, University of Maine or USM ties expected to see duty in Double A or Single A ball.