This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Francisco Matos was shocked to discover Salt Lake's power shortage at Spring Mobile Ballpark.
The Bees have gone deep 41 times this season, but 31 of the team's home runs have been in 28 road games. The 10 home runs are second fewest hit by a home team in the PCL.
"This is supposed to be a hitter's park," said Salt Lake's newest hitting coach, bumped to Triple-A from Double-A Arkansas, where batters in Little Rock toil in a park that favors hurlers.
"I was shocked, especially with the guys on this team. I guarantee that will change when the weather warms."
Cory Aldridge's solo blast Monday wasn't enough to heat the Bees' offense as Salt Lake lost for the sixth straight game, 6-2 to visiting Las Vegas.
During the recent spring training, Matos, 43, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, good-naturedly chided Salt Lake hitting coach Jim Eppard.
Matos, who had been with Arkansas as hitting coach for four seasons, complained that he couldn't move up unless Eppard got a big league job.
Both men then prepared for their seasons, knowing Los Angeles' hitting coach Mickey Hatcher was entrenched with the Angels. That changed May 15, when Hatcher was fired.
Eppard, who had been with Salt Lake for 10 seasons, was headed to the big leagues. And Matos had his Triple-A job.
"First of all, I don't want anybody to lose their job," said Matos, who coached a good portion of the Bees' hitters who passed through Little Rock. "It's part of baseball. We all know it is a business. It's hard because we're in the middle of the season.
"I'm sad for Mickey, but I'm happy for Ep."
As a batting coach, Matos continues the Angels' direction of teaching situational hitting. It's a philosophy stressed during batting practice.
Matos has also approached his job with tentative steps.
"For me, it's all about trust," he said. "That's why for the first few days I've been watching, trying to get to know the hitters. And for them to know me, too."
The result will eventually speak for itself.
Twitter: @tribmarty —
Storylines Salt Lake loses 6th straight
R Salt Lake outfielder Cory Aldridge hits his third homer of the season.
• Salt Lake is held to six hits and one earned run.
• Las Vegas' Moises Sierra drives in three runs.