The
Rookie of the Year from 2000 has grown into probably the most famous
player in the league. People just love Darnell, and he gives them
no reason to change their mind. He can also play a good game, adept
both with a bat and on the mound. After two seasons of playing for
a weak Road Warriors team, Darnell's licking his chops at what his
team is now. And he has every reason to.
At the plate
he has excellent fundamentals, but can sometimes be caught pulling
his head. He likes the ball down but not in. He can hit for power,
and is a very good thinker. He definitely finds more success when
he's not the center of attention as a hitter. He regained his lost
form when Dave Cain joined the team late in 2002, and don't be surprised
at eye-opening numbers as he plays every game with Dave and two
other competent hitters.
Darnell's always
been known as a talented pitcher, and with good reason. He's very
smart up there on the hill and is developing a nasty slider into
an out pitch. He has excellent accuracy (only 9 BBs in 43 IP last
season) which can sometimes be a problem. He'll occasionally leave
the ball up, but really...that's just nit-picking.
Sadly, Darnell
is a notoriously weak fielder. He can handle the "can o' corn"
plays (usually), but asking him to handle anything more is asking
for disappointment. Still, he has the heart and will lay out with
the best of them. Better to stick him in the field with your better
pitcher though. |
