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Speedy Podsednik trying to regain footing with 51s

Speed always has been the strongest part of Scott Podsednik's game. But the 51s outfielder has been slow to recover from a bout of plantar fasciitis that cut short his season last year.

Podsednik, 35, was shut down by the Dodgers on Sept. 9 after batting .297 with 35 steals in 134 combined games for Kansas City and Los Angeles, which acquired him from the Royals on July 28.

After declining a $2 million option to return to the Dodgers this year, Podsednik signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, and his foot problem flared up again, causing him to miss all but one game in spring training.

Activated from the disabled list on April 22, Podsednik, who has led off and started in center field for the 51s in their past five games, said the plantar fasciitis no longer is a problem.

"It's feeling good. I feel like I've turned the corner on it. I'm not having any issues with it," he said Saturday before going 0-for-4 with a stolen base for the 51s (9-14) in their 5-4 loss to Sacramento (14-9) at Cashman Field. "Now it's just a matter of getting my timing down at the plate and getting some reps in."

Podsednik has struggled mightily at the plate, batting .095 (2-for-21). But he said he feels fine running.

"My body feels great," he said. "My rhythm and timing just overall out there isn't where it needs to be. I still need some reps and still have some work to do. This is kind of my spring training, so to speak."

A late bloomer, Podsednik spent eight years in the minors before making his major league debut with the Mariners in 2001. He didn't play his first full season in the big leagues until 2003, when he hit .314 and scored 100 runs for the Brewers, finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting.

He led the majors in steals, with 70, in 2004, and in 2005 he helped lead the White Sox to the World Series title.

Named an All-Star in Chicago's championship season, Podsednik batted .290 and had 59 steals and excelled in the playoffs, belting a two-run, walk-off home run in Game 2 of the World Series.

His numbers dipped in 2007 and 2008, but he bounced back with two solid seasons the past two years, batting .304 with 30 steals for the White Sox in 2009 and hitting .310 with 30 steals for the Royals in 95 games last season.

When healthy, Podsednik, who has hit .279 and swiped 301 bases in parts of 10 big league seasons, said he believes he's still at the top of his game.

"I've had two of my most consistent and best years these last two, at 33 and 34," he said. "I think I still have enough ability to make an impact out there with my legs. That is my game, so I'm trying to get my rhythm and timing at the plate to where I can get on base and help some clubs. I still feel like there's a little bit of gas left in the tank."

Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354.

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