April 17, 2008
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THURSDAY, APRIL 17- 12:54 PM
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MR. EVERYTHING
David Macias is a prime example of why baseball players return for their senior season.
Halfway through the conference slate, The Woodlands, Texas, native just may be Vanderbilt’s most valuable player.
Known more during his first three years for his stellar defensive play in centerfield, Macias has shined at the plate in his final season, ranking fourth in the SEC in hitting (.394), while leading the Commodores in hits (61), runs (43), total bases (88) and slugging percentage (.568).
Macias has also shown an extra pop in his bat, a nice surprise for a leadoff hitter in a lineup full of big sticks. Entering 2008 with only one career homer, he’s ripped six long balls so far, the second most on the team.
“He thrives on getting hit, walking, or doing something to drive the other team crazy,” said head coach Tim Corbin. “I think the element that he’s added to his game is his ability to hit for extra bases. He’s driving doubles and hitting the ball out of the ballpark. He’s doing it from both sides of the plate. He’s become a very potent, dangerous offensive guy.”
During the Commodores seven-game winning streak, the SEC Hitter of the Week has an eye-popping .545 average (18-for-33) with a double, triple, homer and four RBI with 11 runs scored. Macias credits his success to changes he made to his swing in the off-season.
“As a leadoff hitter I’m just trying to get on base,” Macias said, “and fortunately I’m getting good pitches to hit and a couple of home runs have happened here and there.”
But don’t be fooled.
Just because his offensive production has increased doesn’t mean that there’s been a drop off in the field. Macias has recorded five assists this season and made a couple of jaw-dropping catches at Mississippi State last weekend to show why he’s the best at his position in the SEC.
“He plays centerfield as well as anyone in this conference,” stated Corbin. “It’s not because he’s a flyer out there. It’s because he’s got good instincts. He makes good reads on the ball. He’s alert. He can throw runners out.”
“I just go out there in the outfield and play as hard as I can in practice,” added Macias, “that way it carries over onto the field to help our pitchers out.”
Corbin credits Macias’ practice habits and energy level as the main reasons for his achievements at the plate and in the field.
“Here is a guy that has played in the SEC for four years and he’s never slowed down one step whatsoever. He’s still laying out during batting practice when nobody is in the stands. It’s what he is use to doing. He carries that same mentality to the games.
“He’s hitting home runs, stealing bases, driving in important runs and making great catches… He’s doing everything.”
MORE ON MACIAS:
Here are a couple of extra tidbits on Macias from Monday’s media day.
Taking the beanball
Those that follow Commodore baseball know about Macias’ uncanny ability to get on base in a variety of ways, including being able to draw a high number of hit-by-pitches during his career (46 to be exact).
So… Does he practice this art?
Macias: “To tell you the truth, when I hit in the cages, I tell the pitchers to hit me sometimes so I don’t get out of the way when it comes to game time. I guess sometimes it is something I work on. I’m the leadoff hitter so I do whatever it takes to get on base to get those guys behind me to drive me in.”
The clubhouse joker
During the preseason last fall, a couple of players commented about David being the funniest guy on the roster. So what did Corbin and Macias think about it?
Macias: “I just go in the dugout and locker room and be myself and I guess they think it’s funny and they enjoy it.”
Corbin: “Macias’ funny, but I don’t think he tries to be funny. He says things that are so innocent and out there that he catches people off guard, and they start laughing. He’s one of those guys that says something funny, and he’s not laughing, but then when he sees everyone else laughing, he starts laughing. He’s a piece of work.”