Andrew Romine's major league stats don't exactly jump off the page. Of course, the sample size isn't too large.
Though, anytime a minor leaguer gets the call up, it is a reason to write home.
"It's a dream come true," said Romine, one of four Salt Lake hitters to reach safely in Las Vegas' 3-0 victory Thursday at Spring Mobile Ballpark.
Officially, in two trips to the Los Angeles Angels this season, the 25-year-old Salt Lake infielder has nine at bats and one hit for a .111 batting average. Romine was basically on the Angels' bench for depth during a run of injuries.
Romine last went up Aug. 2 and appeared in just five games before being returned to Salt Lake on Aug. 16.
Yet, something must be said about what the experience, no matter how limited, did for Romine. Is it just a coincidence that since coming back to the Bees the fifth round draft choice has been banging the ball at an alarming rate?
"He's always been a strong finisher," Bees manager Keith Johnson said. "He's taken all the things he's learned during the course of the year and applied them going into the off-season."
Romine, who is enjoying his best offensive season of his professional career, is hitting .441 through the month of August. He was 10-of-18 on the Bees' last road trip and hit safely twice more Wednesday.
"I'd be crazy to say I'm seeing the ball well," Romine said. "There are things you can learn by watching. At the same time, there's no substitute for hitting."
For the season, Romine, also a solid glove man, is batting .291 with a .369 on-base percentage.
As for his short stay with the Angels, well, nothing can compare with achieving a dream.
"I've been to New Yankee Stadium and the new [New York] Mets stadium," he said. "Just being with the guys."
Plus, someone else carries your bags.
"You're not allowed to," Romine said, with more than a hint of pleasure. —
51s 3, Bees 0
R Salt Lake starter Matt Palmer pitches seven strong innings, allowing four hits and two runs.
• Las Vegas scores single runs in the fourth, fifth and ninth innings on six hits.
