At the end of the year he was still a little short of where he was velocity-wise before he got hurt. This year we expect to match that and even surpass what he was able to do previously. Another major factor is strength. The widespread use of creatine and other supplements, as well as the evolution of year-round training programs, has created a new breed of player. Players reach their optimum strength at different ages according to their physical maturity and work ethic, and optimum strength often coincides with a breakout season.
Latin players tend to take longer to gain strength.
It's instructive to look at some of the absurd weights, often off by 25-35 pounds or more, listed for Latin players. When the strength catches up to the skills, as it did for the Royals' Carlos Beltran in 1998, it's time for a breakout year. Adjusting to playing baseball full-time after splitting time with another sport, usually football. Devil Rays outfielder Kenny Kelly will be an interesting player to watch in 2000. With some, it takes an extra year or two to loosen up the muscles and joints from football weightlifting.