HOUSTON — When Houston Astros catcher Hank Conger was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in November, he was used to watching players like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton — established sluggers who were expected to hit the ball out of the park.
Conger knew he was not one of them. So his ears perked up in the spring when he listened to his new manager, A. J. Hinch, emphasize that his players should not worry about striking out.
“When you’re growing up as a kid, the first thing somebody tells you is if you get two strikes, swing at anything close and protect the plate,” Conger said.