Cleveland, OH
Relegated to coming off the bench for most of his five-year career, Cleveland Indians utility player Shelley Duncan is anxious to prove he can be an everyday player in the Major Leagues.
Duncan's hot streak of six homers and 21 RBI during September may afford him the opportunity.
"I hope so," he told MLB.com. "But I also go along with the role they give me. I hope that if another team feels I'm better than that -- and this organization doesn't -- I hope another team pushes for me to become that player. If none of that happens, I know how to be a better role player."
After being moved a few lockers down from legendary slugger Jim Thome, Duncan got everyone, including Thome, to take notice. Wasn't long before the city of Cleveland noticed Duncan's talent, coming from a thorough baseball family with brother Chris and father Dave major leaguers in their own right."
"(Duncan) can be a monster," said Thome in a late-season press conference. "It was really special to see what he did. He has done a lot to improve."
Duncan, 32, could be seen early at the batting cages before a long chat with Thome and/or hitting coach Bruce Fields about how to improve his approach. Whether at first base, in the outfield or at designated hitter, Duncan came to the ball park ready to contribute.
Injuries to their outfielders and struggles from their up-and-coming everyday position players led to the Tribe calling Duncan's number more and more often, and he responded.
The Tuscon, AZ native belted .293 with a .942 OPS over his final 43 games, enjoying one 23-game stretch where he belted seven home runs and collected 23 RBI.
As the season ended, it became clear only Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana and Matt LaPorta were shoe-ins for 2012 starting roles. With the Tribe batting order virtually a clean slate, Duncan will compete with players from up and down the organization for spots at first base, DH or the outfield, where he may find his permanent home.
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