This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Hank Conger would be a little less than human had he not felt disappointed about his demotion to Salt Lake. Still, the former first-round draft pick understands the reasons.
The 23-year-old catcher started well for the Los Angeles Angels, but he struggled the past two months, managing only 12 hits in 77 at-bats since late May.
Friday, he doubled home two runs in losing cause as Salt Lake (42-58) dropped a 7-2 decision to Tacoma (51-49) at Spring Mobile Ballpark.
"I was a little hurt, getting sent down," said Conger, who had thrown out only 8 of 56 base stealers. "But I kind of looked back and thought, 'This is what I really need.'
"They told me what I need to work on, and I know I need to work on those things behind the plate."
What the Angels need is a catcher with some punch at the plate, which is part of the reason Conger is wearing a Bees uniform. Jeff Mathis is hitting less than .200, while Bobby Wilson hasn't played enough to really make a judgement on his offensive ability.
Conger played in 50 games, starting 42, and hit .214 with five homers and 16 runs batted in.
"No doubt, his upside is as an everyday catcher," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia about the demotion. "But it's tough to learn on the fly in the major leagues."
And Conger hasn't sulked. Instead, he has hustled behind the plate.
"The way I see it, you have two options when you are sent down," he said. "You can either pout about it and let the rest of your season go to waste, or you really need to evaluate yourself and do what you need to do not only to go back up but to stay there."
In a way, Conger was on borrowed time with the Angels. He wasn't supposed to start the season in Los Angeles. Injuries to Mathis played a role in Conger breaking spring training with the Angels.
Conger also jumped out to a hot start. He lived the dream of playing in front of family and friends in the same park where he spent his youth.
"I remember last year when I got called up and got a taste of [the big leagues]," Conger said. "The whole offseason I busted my butt to put myself in a position to make the team.
"It was really enjoyable to me. I didn't take anything for granted. I had fun."
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Pioneer League
Owlz 5, Mustangs 4 • First baseman Frazier Hall had three RBIs to lead host Orem to a win against Billings.
Voyagers 8, Raptors 4 • Host Ogden outhit Great Falls 14-13, but fell apart in allowing five eighth-inning runs. —
Highlights
R Tacoma scores two runs in the first inning on a wild pitch.
• Tacoma pitcher Anthony Vasquez allows two runs and four hits in 72⁄3 innings.
• Salt Lake starter Bear Bay scatters 11 hits and allows three runs in 61⁄3 innings.