Bigger and stronger, Astros OF Pence set for 2010

Mar 3, 2010 - 8:12 PM KISSIMMEE, Fla.(AP) -- Houston right fielder Hunter Pence showed up to spring training looking bigger, stronger and hungry for more success.

Though he's getting to be more of a household name, Pence is still the same affable, energetic kid who turned heads with a .322 batting average as a rookie three years ago.

Last season, the 26-year-old earned his first All-Star selection by hitting .282 with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs. He's had 25 home runs in each of the last two seasons, and he increased his batting average by 13 points and his on-base percentage by 28 points from 2008.

"I'm still trying to get better," Pence said. "I feel like I had a great season last year. I learned a lot. There's a lot more I can do better to help this team win. Not getting to the playoffs is something that eats at me and drives me even more. It motivated me to work harder in the offseason."

The Astros have certainly taken notice of his consistent production, as shown by the significant raise they handed him this offseason. The Astros avoided arbitration by signing Pence to a one-year, $3.5 million deal back in January. That's a far cry from the $439,000 he made in 2009.

"I think he has a chance to be our leader for a long time here," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "From the skill standpoint, I said this time last year that he's about to enter the All-Star phase of his career and he made his first All-Star team. It'll be the first of many."

The money is nice, but it's of equal importance that the native Texan is living his dream, playing the game he loves in the state where he's spent his entire life. Pence was born in Fort Worth, went to school at the University of Texas at Arlington and lives in Houston during the offseason.

"It's phenomenal," Pence said. "I couldn't ask for more. As a kid growing up, I was a big fan of all the Texas teams. The opportunity to be in my home state, to be close to my family and where I grew up - it's remarkable. I'm very fortunate."

Pence is a throwback to a generation of hard-nosed baseball players of years past. He wears his socks high and his hat low, he runs out every ground ball, he hustles and gets his uniform dirty, he leads by example.

"I'm very impressed with his work ethic," said Jeff Bagwell, the former Astros slugger and current special assistant to the general manager. "He goes as hard as anybody I've seen. He's in the weight room and batting cage every single day during the offseason just trying to get better. You have to appreciate that from a kid his age."

Pence's success early in his career has elevated expectations among fans, the organization and his teammates. Veteran first baseman Lance Berkman says he's anticipating bigger power numbers from the young outfielder in 2010.

"I'd like to see him become more of a run-producer," Berkman said. "I'd like to see him hit a few more home runs and drive some more guys in. I think that's the next step in his evolution, is to move from that 70 or 80 RBI plateau up to 100 RBIs and be a consistent 30 home run hitter. I think he's capable of doing it."

Pence embraces the raised expectations.

"I know what my potential is," Pence said. "I don't worry about pressure or expectations. I probably have higher expectations for myself than anyone else. I use it drive myself."

NOTES: OF Carlos Lee will not be in the lineup on Thursday or Friday because he has headed back to Houston to attend to some business matters. Mills approved Lee's absence and says Lee will be back in the lineup on Saturday. ... Roger Clemens was on hand to watch his son, minor leaguer Koby, play in the Astros intrasquad scrimmage.