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Florida Atlantic University Athletics
6/11/2001 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 15, 2001
FAU baseball coach Kevin Cooney is only too glad to have underestimated junior Mike Valdes.
When the Owls opened their season with a three-game series against Miami in late January, the Miami resident and junior college transfer from Dodge City Community College was not in the lineup.
"My evaluation was that he would not do as well against good pitching as he has." Cooney said. "I'm happy to say I was wrong."
Valdes was disappointed he did not begin the season as a starter, but he knew it only was a matter of time before he cracked the lineup.
"I was surprised that I wasn't in the starting lineup, and it was a big motivating factor for me,"Valdes said. "I just had to wait my turn."
As it turned out, not only did Valdes become a starter in early February, but he quickly emerged as one of FAU's best hitters.
Valdes' .385 batting average tops the Owls and is fourth in the Trans America Athletic Conference. Valdes' .484 on base percentage is the best in the conference.
He will bat in the cleanup spot when FAU plays its first-round game in the TAAC Tournament at 3 p.m. Wednesday against Stetson in Jacksonville.
"He showed me a lot with the way he handled not starting," Cooney said. "He's become one of our most valuable players. He's been a model of consistency."
Added shortstop Bobby Spano: "He's carried us for some of the season. He's put together a great year."
In the field, Valdes, a Cuban native, has alternated between first base and left field. While Valdes is not a great player on defense, he has made strides. Valdes said improving on defense is one of his biggest priorities.
"I want to become the type of outfielder who can make great plays and take singles and doubles away," Valdes said. "I'm a pretty good outfielder, but I need to make improvement and continue to progress."
When Valdes says he is going to do something, he usually does.
Cooney said Valdes is always looking for ways to make himself a better player. "I thought hitting breaking balls would be a weakness, but he's turned that into a strength," Cooney said. "Nobody outworks this kid."
The Chicago White Sox selected Valdes in the 35th round of the 1999 Amateur Baseball Draft. Valdes elected to go to junior college, and he has a chance to be drafted again this year.
"I don't think I'll get drafted high, but if I'm offered something reasonable I would consider it," said Valdes, who has five homers and 35 RBIs this season.
If Valdes returns for his senior season, one thing is a virtual certainty. Valdes will be in the starting lineup for FAU's opener next season.
"When nobody else is hitting for us, he still continues to hit," Cooney said. "He's got a number of clutch hits for us this year. I'm proud of the way he's played."
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