Hawai'i's diamonds in the rough

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i's Benny Agbayani is expecting more than a big year from himself and the New York Mets. Sometime during midseason, he and wife Niela are expecting a baby girl.

Sid Fernandez signed a minor league contract that could earn him $500,000 if he makes the Yankees, plus a chance to earn $150,000 in bonuses. Advertiser library photo

The 29-year-old Agbayani should know about gifts of life. It was only a year ago that his security was in doubt throughout spring training. Because of an overcrowded outfield and a prospect who was out of options, it was uncertain if the former Hawai'i Pacific University and St. Louis School star would make the Mets' 25-player roster.

But a game-winning grand slam against the Chicago Cubs in Japan started a domino effect toward a memorable season. Injuries, the release of controver-sial outfielder Rickey Henderson and Agbayani's uncanny knack of clutch hitting eventually earned him the starting left fielder's job with the Mets. He became somewhat of a folk hero here and in the Big Apple after delivering game-winning hits in the National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants and again in the World Series against the New York Yankees.

His storybook season — recapped in his autobiography, Big League Survivor — led to public appearances and a number of endorsements, including a line of Kimo Bean Coffee called Benny Bean.

Locked in as the starting left fielder, spring training was more enjoyable for Agbayani. He was injury-free for starters. As of Thursday, he was batting .366 with three home runs and seven runs batted in in 41 at-bats.

"It's the first time I'm in spring training healthy," Agbayani said. "I feel more comfortable this spring since I'm not fighting for a position."

On a team featuring marquee players like Mike Piazza and Edgardo Alfonzo, Agbayani has become an integral part of the Mets' plans. Primarily in the seventh spot of the batting order, Agbayani batted .289 with 15 home runs and 60 RBIs last year. But he has a career on-base average of .375. Mets' manager Bobby Valentine is considering using Agbayani in the leadoff spot.

At 6-foot and 225 pounds, Agbayani is not the prototype leadoff hitter. He has 11 career stolen bases and has been caught as many times. But his concern is just getting on base.

"We have the guys who can drive in the runs," he said.

The Mets are expected to battle the Atlanta Braves again in the NL East. New York is helping the Pirates break in the new PNC Park in Pittsburgh today in an exhibition game. The Mets open the regular season Tuesday in Atlanta.

"It's going to be tough this season," Agbayani said. "After last year, everyone's going to be gunning for us now."

Despite his apparent job security for now, Agbayani still needs to complete this season in the majors to qualify for arbitration. Once players play the equivalent of three seasons, they qualify for arbitration and consequently see a substantial increase in salary. Agbayani is signed for $260,000 this season.

But more importantly for Agbayani will be the birth of his daughter. During his big-league stint, Niela has followed her husband, even on the team's road trips. But not this year. Agbayani said she will stay at their New York apartment for about a month before returning to Hawai'i, where she will remain until she gives birth. Agbayani said she is due July 8.

"That's why I want to spend as much time with her as possible," Agbayani said of his staunchest supporter. "It will be rough without her, but (in Hawai'i) she'll have family with her. Everybody will be taking part to help out."

Agbayani said he already has received permission from manager Valentine to leave the team when the baby is due. He hopes to take advantage of the three-day All-Star Game break July 9-11 by spending it with his family here.

"He understands, being a family man himself," Agbayani said of Valentine. "He knows this will be my first child."

SHOW TIME

Agbayani is among three Hawai'i players who return to their big league teams from last year.

Chris Truby (Damien '92) is the projected starting third baseman for the Houston Astros. After parts of eight seasons in the minors, Truby, 27, got his big break last summer when veteran Ken Caminiti sustained a season-ending injury. Truby responded by hitting .260 with 11 home runs and 59 RBIs in 78 games.

Also back is Mike Fetters ('Iolani '83), relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 36-year-old right-hander signed a two-year contract worth $4.25 million during the offseason with a club option for the 2003 season. Fetter was 6-2 with five saves and an earned run average of 3.24 last season.

EL SID'S BACK

The surprise this spring is the return of Sid Fernandez, who retired after one appearance in the 1997 season with Houston, ending a 17-year pro career. The 38-year-old left-hander had been working out at Rainbow Stadium during the offseason. He then auditioned for eight teams in Arizona in February, before flying to Florida to do the same for the Yankees. They signed him to a minor league contract that could earn him $500,000 if he makes the Yankees, plus a chance to earn $150,000 in bonuses.

Associated Press reported Friday that Fernandez would start the season at Class AAA Columbus.

Fernandez never revealed his intentions while home, even when questioned by media during a Hawai'i Hall of Fame gathering just before spring training.

According to Baseball America, Fernandez had thought an elbow injury was causing him pain. It turned out to be a pinched nerve in his neck. He has been pain-free since 1998.

In 15 big league seasons with the Dodgers, Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Astros, Fernandez was 114-96 with a 3.69 ERA. His winningest season was 1986, when the Mets beat the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. Fernandez was 16-6 with a 3.52 ERA.

UPDATES

Former University of Hawai'i outfielder Darren Blakely, drafted in the fifth-round by the Anaheim Angels in 1998, was traded to the Yankees for Glenallen Hill earlier this week. He batted .237 with 16 home runs and 13 steals at Class AA Elmira last year.

Another former Rainbow, pitcher Scott Karl, was released by San Diego during spring training. He has yet to be re-signed. The 29-year-old left-hander has a career record of 54-56 with a 4.81 ERA.

Others who saw action in the majors last year who were given minor league assignments this spring were Detroit pitcher Mark Johnson (UH '94-96), San Diego infielder Keith Luuloa (Moloka'i '92), Los Angeles relief pitcher Onan Masaoka (Waiakea '95), Baltimore pitcher Jay Spurgeon (UH '95-97) and Texas pitcher Brandon Villafuerte (Big Island-born).