Trimmed down Sledge ready for opportunity

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Saturday, February 17, 2007 11:00 PM PST ∞

PADRES

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Padres outfielder Terrmel Sledge lost 15 pounds in the offseason.

But it wasn't the missing weight that caught his teammates' attention when he reported to camp on Saturday morning. It was the new hair.

The team's projected Opening Day left fielder arrived at Peoria Sports Complex four days early and was greeted warmly by those in camp, many of whom commented on the excess hair he was carrying.

The new 'do is one of several changes Sledge ---- who normally shaves his head ---- has made to approach the biggest opportunity of his career. Sledge, who turns 30 on March 18, also altered his diet by cutting out desserts, fried foods and pork.

"I've always been in pretty good shape," Sledge said. "But the (food) will take a toll on you over 162 games. I'm not a health nut, but I'm leaning toward that way."

The club will lean on Sledge to help replace Dave Roberts.

Roberts, who signed a three-year, $18-million deal with San Francisco in the offseason, left the Padres with a gapping hole atop the lineup and in left.

Sledge said he hasn't had any one-on-one discussions with management about taking over the leadoff role but has heard the rumors. And he's confident he can take over the spot after holding it at Cal State Northridge and Long Beach State.

One thing Sledge said he can't, and won't, get caught up in is trying to be Roberts.

"That's the thing," Sledge said. "I know I can't be him in the sense that he can steal 50 bases every year. He's part of the last of a dying breed of leadoff hitters like (Juan) Pierre, and (Rafael) Furcal. ... I'm going to miss him. If there's one guy in all my years of playing baseball, he's been a mentor to me. He was the greatest clubhouse guy you can find."

Teammate Jake Peavy said Sledge's words were encouraging. And considering what the team needs from him, it's a good start.

"He's not Dave Roberts," Peavy said. "He's a different style of player and he's got to be himself. And that's what we want Terrmel to do. We know he's going to be a good player. I'm glad that he's taking that approach and not trying to do too much. I think we'll be just fine with Terrmel."

First-year Padres manager Bud Black said he has seen a variety of reasons for why players show up early. And considering that outfielders Sledge, Paul McAnulty ---- who has been here all winter ---- and Jack Cust are here, it's not tough to figure this one out.

"It's sort of random (why)," Black said. "I've known a number of reasons. (There's) the bad weather guys and some guys who sense a challenge. That's out there. The guy wants to get acclimated, wants to get going and do whatever he can to be ready."

Sledge feels he's up to the challenge.

Last season, Sledge came over with Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young in a Jan. 4 trade with the Texas Rangers. But his chances to make an impact were reduced last spring as he continued to recover from May 2005 surgeries to his shoulder and hamstring.

The result was a slow start, a .226 spring average and limited chances in April ---- he hit .160 in 25 major-league at-bats ---- before he was sent to Triple-A Portland.

But instead of struggling with the demotion, Sledge turned it on and hit .311 with 24 homers and 73 RBIs in 367 at-bats at Portland. He also drew 59 walks and finished with a .406 on-base percentage.

The combination of power and ability to get on base has Sledge confident he can take over the leadoff role ---- if management wants him there.

"I can't ask for anything much better than this," Sledge said. "My destiny is in the palm of my hands and no one else's. ... I feel I can bring a little more power if they wanted to me be a leadoff hitter. It's a different type of leadoff (approach). That's if they have the plan for me to lead off."

There's one other vast difference for Sledge ---- he got married on Dec. 30. And his wife Emilia is already in favor of the new diet.

"I feel a lot more energetic," Sledge said, "and my wife tells me I'm not as moody."

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.