Fresno’s Pill hopes power, patience have Giant reward

Obsessing over a possible call-up to the major leagues can be like watching a pot of water while waiting for it to boil.

Sometimes things take longer when stressing out over them, and Fresno Grizzlies first baseman Brett Pill knows the idiom well.

"Last year, I thought about (being called up) a lot," Pill said. "I had some injuries and was hoping to go up all the time, and I think that affected how I played. This year, I really don't think about it. I just try to come every day, have fun, not look at the stats and try to play the game like you did when you were 5."

The relaxed approach has led to a breakout season for the 26-year-old slugger, who has become a terror for Pacific Coast League pitchers, batting .309 with 24 home runs and a PCL-leading 101 RBIs.

Pill went 1-for-5 and scored a run in Fresno's 8-7 win over the Las Vegas 51s in front of 8,271 to open a four-game series Saturday night at Cashman Field.

Pill was solid last year, batting .275 with 16 home runs and 84 RBIs while spending the entire season in Fresno. But the cleanup hitter has taken a big step forward this season, ranking second in the league in hits (150), extra-base hits (62) and total bases (263).

"He's had a consistent year for us, from the very beginning," Grizzlies hitting coach Russ Morman said. "He's gone over and played some second base, learned another position, and that's a credit to him as a player. He didn't let that affect his offense; you see that with a lot of guys when they have to learn another position."

The 6-foot-4-inch, 210-pound Pill has succeeded thanks to a patient approach at the plate, having struck out only 52 times in 531 plate appearances. It's the same patience in waiting for the elusive call-up to the San Francisco Giants that has been Pill's friend.

"They've got a lot of guys up there who can play first and outfield, but all I can do is my part and keep putting up numbers, so I might put pressure on them to make a move," Pill said.

Morman has noticed Pill's raised focus on the game rather than the transaction wire.

"That's the whole game, understanding that the only thing you can control is your at-bats, controlling the strike zone and your effort," Morman said. "He's done a really good job with that."

A former Covina (Calif.) High School star, Pill made a name for himself at Cal State Fullerton, which he helped win the College World Series in 2004.

Then a redshirt freshman, Pill came up with a pinch-hit triple to start a rally over Texas in the final as the Titans won their first national title since 1995.

"That's No. 1 so far," Pill said when asked where the experience ranks in his career. "We started practicing in August in college and played all the way to June. To be at the top at the end of the year, you can't explain it."

The Giants eventually plucked Pill in the seventh round of the 2006 draft.

Pill won the Grizzlies' Most Valuable Player and Iron Man awards last season after he played in a league-leading 140 games. He's the leading candidate for both honors again this year, having played in a league-leading 123 games.

"He plays the most games of anybody. It's his durability," Fresno manager Steve Decker said. "He's been rock solid playing day in and day out."

Pill called leading the PCL in RBIs an "awesome" feeling.

"I try not to look at the numbers and stuff, but you see them on the scoreboard," he said. "It's cool any time you're on top of anything in this league.

"I'm probably looking for pitches to drive instead of just hitting the pitcher's pitch. This year, I'm more relaxed, just trying to have fun. I think that's helped me out."

■ NOTE -- The Toronto Blue Jays assigned starting pitcher Kyle Davies to Las Vegas after signing the right-hander on Friday. The Kansas City Royals released the 27-year-old, seven-year major league veteran on Aug. 10.