Where's Shane Spencer?

Apparently injured. Sore left thigh?

He injured his left thigh in a practice match. Okada was not pleased. Incidently, Daily Sports gave him a very low rating in the training camp.

Saw three of his ABs against Rakuten today. Struck out in his first two trips to the plate and then drove a ball hard to center, looked gone off the bat but it dipped late and was caught near the track. He needs a couple of hits, looked low in confidence, and wasn't patient at the plate today.

Maybe cirrosis of the liver? Rehab? In a sake bar?

Harsh for sure, but this was the guy's last chance. If the manager was peeved at him over the injury, I'm sure it wasn't over a simple accident. Spencer has the potential to do great in Japan, but if he dogs it or is hitting the sauce, he's useless.

Spencer had a 3 for 3 game against the Fighters with one RBI yesterday. By all accounts a good game for him, and the press is now begining to warm to him.

Spencer's stats as of March 10th:

3 GP, 4 for 8 with 2 doubles, 1 RBI, and 2 K's.

He has been used as a DH. However, looking over Hanshin's roster, were is he going to play ? Your outfield is already loaded and Sheets is your first baseman.

Hey Tiger fans, what are they saying about how he will be used this season?

Analysts are tipping him to share the right field position with Hiyama for the first few weeks. Hopefully a bit of competition will bring the best out of both players.

I'm guessing he's insurance if Sheets fails miserably.

It is hard to see where Spencer fits in. The only way I can see him starting would be at first - with Sheets moving over to third. But I doubt this will happen.

As a fan, I'm pretty disappointed with the Tigers' moves this off-season. They had gone after Tyrone Woods and Kevin Beirne, but wound up with Sheets and Spencer. Nothing against those guys, but the Tigers needed to improve their rotation more than their batting lineup.

Spencer, if he plays, will be used in the outfield instead of Hiyama. The other two outfielders are Kanemoto and Akahoshi - both certain to play every time.

First base is likely to alternate between Kataoka and Sheets, though Kataoka will also be available to fill the pinch hitting and third base roles depending on Okada's current whim.

I just saw Daily Sports - Spencer is starting in the right field position on April 1st against Yakult. Sheets will be at first base, and the surprise is Imaoka at third.

Right field - oops. Left field I meant.

I have managed to get confused. Spencer will start ahead of Hiyama in the right outfield position. Kanemoto will, of course, occupy the left outfield positon.

I guess I don't understand that logic. Hiyama is a pretty solid performer, and doesn't need to be immediately replaced. Even if he did, I'd rather see Hamanaka get a chance if he's finally healthy.

I hope first base doesn't alternate between Sheets and Kataoka, as Sheets has performed substantially better over the last two years. Kataoka might still have some value at third, if he can hit again. Still, I'd rather see Sekimoto have a shot at third full time.

I predict that Sheets will do well and Spencer will go the way of Mike Kinkade and so many others.

Kataoka has played first base and is a proven match winner so it's logical. His match winning triple against Nippon Ham recently demonstrates a return to form.

Sheets is a good performer as well but may not add that little extra - however he has done enough to be starting at first.

To be honest I am surprised that Imaoka is going to be tried at third ahead of Sekimoto. Last season the talk was of him moving to first.

If any outfielder was going to go it was going to be Hiyama. Not even Okada was going to drop Akahoshi or Kanemoto and he wants to try Spencer out. Spencer impressed by going 3 for 3 against Nippon Ham.

If Spencer has his head on straight, he is the best hitter on the team. Can hit 40+ home runs. The problem is that he models himself after Mickey Mantle off the field. Hopefully he will realized that this is his last chance to get back to the majors.

Well, I guess they'll need a guy with 40+ HRs to win a pennant. I wish they'd show some loyalty to Hiyama, though. His numbers last year were very solid.

Poor Hamanaka. I don't know if he'll ever last a full season.

Dude,

You don't know Shane like I do, but you all hit it on the head. The guy can quit baseball, pick up a fishing pole or a set of golf clubs, and never have to work a real day in his life. You should have seen him run the football in high school. The White Barry Sanders lives!

When does the regular season start? What websites do you recomend for information, box scores, etc.? Since Shane has left the States, none of his buddies can get a hold of him.

Thanks for whatever you've got!

- When does the regular season start?

The regular season starts at the beginning of April.

- What websites do you recomend for information, box scores, etc.?

Borisov's Pro Yakyu 2005 site is a excellent site for box scores of NPB games.

A white Barry Sanders. I know Barry, and Shane was no Barry!

Is Marc still playing for the Yokohama BayStars? Have not seen any new information on him since he signed a one year deal in November 2004.

- Is Marc still playing for the Yokohama BayStars?

Yes, Kroon is still with the BayStars. Kroon pitched a scoreless inning and two thirds on March 26 against the Yomiuri Giants in a spring training game. [Box Score] [Profile - in Japanese]

That is great to hear that he is still doing great at what he does best. He will be a great assest wherever he goes.

When does the official season start and how long does the season run?

On opening night, Spencer came so close, yet was so far from making it 1-0 for the Tigers in the early stages of the game. With Spencer on first, Toritani hit to left field and Spencer sprinted around the bases. The third base coach signalled to stop, but Spencer ignored him and headed for home. In the end he was easily out, but I agreed with the TV comments man (former Tigers "God of Pinch Hitters" Hiroshi Yagi) who said that the decision to round third was a close one, and he could understand Spencer's decision to go, as well as the coach's decision to tell him not to. If Spencer had stopped (making it two outs with runners on second and third), the Swallows would have walked Yano and taken the easy out with pitcher Igawa.

Last night Spencer hit his first home run of the season - a solo effort in the Tigers' defeat of the Swallows. So far it looks promising for him.

So far Spencer has played in three games, has 3 RBI's,a home run, a double, a walk, and 2 singles. Doesn't sound too bad to me. He and Sheets were named players of the game on Sunday. Sounds like a promising start to me. Maybe everyone should cut the guy some slack!

He added another double tonight and was batted in by Toritani.

Another hit tonight, too. Not too shabby for a guy with 'alleged' sclerosis of the liver, huh "Duke"?

Hanshin fans have remarked about how, so far, Spencer has been the mirror opposite of Mike Kinkade. I.e., Kinkade was red hot in the pre-season, but was injured and relegated to the farm by mid-season last year, and never heard from again; Spencer had a horror pre-season, but has enjoyed robust form in the opening week of the season proper.

Still, it's early days yet; let's wish him the best and see what happens.

Good to know that some are looking out for Shane Spencer. I am also a big fan after his Yankee days. Mickey Mantle off field and all.

Can we get the games in the U.S.? And is anyone interested in forming a fan club if one does not exist?

- Can we get the games in the U.S.?

KIKU-TV showed Yomiuri Giants games last year in Hawaii, and TV Japan [Program Guide in English] (a joint venture between NHK and the Itochu Group) on satelitte TV station shows some games occassionly. Unfortunately at this time, neither ESPN nor FOX has showed interest in showing games in the United States. I think it would be great to see NPB games in the United States. For more on this, read the "NPB Needs to Stop Sending Players to MLB."

Hey, that's a good one. Shane Spencer - a Mickey Mantle off the field. Too bad he's not a Mickey Mantle on the field.

Cheers!

Why is Shane not in the lineup everyday? He is having a very solid year so far and there is no reason to ever bench him. How has the Japanese media and fans taken to Shane? Is he behaving or is he hitting the sake?

- Why is Shane not in the lineup everyday? He is having a very solid year so far and there is no reason to ever bench him.

He is vying for right-field with Shinjiro Hiyama. Hiyama is a Hanshin veteran, a solid player, and universally liked by fans. Spencer was brought in to put pressure on Hiyama to maintain his performance; it seems to be working so I can't see what's wrong with the arrangement, especially given that the position is effectively Hiyama's to lose to Spencer rather than the other way around. And things will become even more complicated for Spencer and Hiyama with the long-awaited return from injury of Osamu Hamanaka.

That said, Spencer is performing well (particularly in light of his disastrous pre-season), with some well-placed hits and a bit of nifty base-running in the past few days.

- How has the Japanese media and fans taken to Shane?

It appears that his reception has been tied to his performance. In the pre-season when he was injured and under-performing, there were mutters about him being a repeat of Mike Kinkade, but Spencer's satisfactory performance since the season opener seems to have put a lot of people on his side.

First of all, to The Duke, I am sure everyone of us is guilty of making a mistake, thousands of people get DUI's everyday, but unfortunately for him, his mistake is spread all over the country for people like you to sit around and rag on. He's off to a great start, why don't you find something else to talk about other than his past? His future looks pretty good right now, why not talk about that.

And, to Homerun Dispencer, from what I can tell, the Tigers' management has been playing Hiyama against some right handed pitchers that he has good numbers against. I think they are happy with Spencer, they just don't want to not play a well respected player. Even thought Hiyama has been really struggling. Maybe they want him to play and get a few hit's so he feels more comfortable in a pintch hitting siutation.

Now that inter-league has started, it will be interesting what they do with the DH.

DH is Hamanaka. So far Hiyama has played in the pinch hit role. Spencer has been doing well.

I wish Shane Spencer well. The DUI though, was only one of 3 alcohol related incidents (the last), the first being the drunken altercation with the pizza delivery boy and a badly cut foot after breaking a glass at another party. It was enough for him to get kicked off the team, likely on owner's orders.

I don't dismiss DUI as an "everybody makes a mistake" sort of thing. DUI kill innocent people. Everyday. Spencer was a big enough clown to get himself all over the papers. He didn't need guys like me to say he was washed up and untouchable in MLB.

If he becomes a star in NPB, wonderful. Maybe it will be his renaissance or a result of mediocre pitching.

Duke,

First of all, I recognize the effects of a DUI, but like I said, can you honestly tell me you have never got behind the wheel after consuming even 1 alcoholic beverage?

Second, the altercation with the Pizza boy was a "drunken altercation" with Karim Garcia. Admittedly, Garcia was drunk and urinated in front of the pizza establishment. The Pizza kid's story changed every time he told it and there were never any charges filed. To me, it looks like Spencer was just protecting his teammate.

Third, Spencer attended a team charity function with his wife the night his foot was cut on glass. Calling this an "alcohol related incident" is a bit far fetched. Once again, his blood alcohol level was not in question, I could step on a piece of glass in my kitchen.

I think it is funny that you refer to Spencer as "washed up." As of his release in August, he was at .281. That doesn't seem "washed up" to me. That was August not April. It seems ironic that they would release Spencer.

When I have even one drink, my wife drives. A DUI requires many drinks. For a guy the size of Shane, maybe 3 per hour. He was behind the wheel doing 98mph on I-95. Blottoed.

He had been drinking heavily in the bar when he cut his foot. It was reported he didn't even feel it or notice it until he left the bar. Blottoed.

Garcia and Spencer were blottoed in Florida. Spencer got physical with the pizza boy. Spencer's wife drove Shane away. Yes, the pizza boy's story changed (probably lamely seeking monetary comp), but there was enough evidence to make the Mets uncomfortable.

After the DUI, a week before his release, a Mets official said Spencer would never play for the Mets again. Spencer was hitting .281 in August on a putrid Mets team. That's a pretty good bat. In order to release him, the Mets had to go through the trouble of getting an agreement with the Commissioner's Office and the Players Association. They all agreed. Think about that? Why would the Mets release a .281 outfielder when they could have used the bat? What does that suggest to you?

The Yankees picked him up off waivers, but he never played in MLB in 2004. Maybe Shane went for the money, but most MLB players prefer a shot in MLB than to go elsewhere. My use of "washed up" may be imprecise. In this use, washed up means he's scared MLB teams off due to his judgement lapses and alcohol problem. He was untouchable this year. He was damaged goods. As he was (without personal change), he was washed up as a MLB player, because the league and the teams are very sensitive now to any kind of substance abuse, alcohol, steroids, or drugs.

I wish him no ill. I hope he overcomes his alcohol problem and regains his health and some credibility as a ballplayer. Maybe there's a double standard in that if he played like Mantle, some bad choices might have been overlooked. But he was too public in his behavior and embarassed the team. Frankly, he might have partied like Mantle, but didn't play like Mantle.

If he has a good season in NPB, he might get another chance in MLB - if his drinking problem is under control. Or, he might like Japan and stay. However, I see no reason to defend the guy or make excuses for his past behavior. If he stays sober and cleans up, then it's a new ballgame. Everyone deserves a second chance if they recognize their problem, realize that it is harmful, and proactively change.

I never made the reference to Mickey Mantle, but I know Yankees fans used that reference in 1998 when he first got to the Big Leagues. I think the comparason was more the physical aspect than the talent aspect (blonde hair, all-American look). I am not sure where you are obtaining these so called "reports," Duke, because much of your information is inaccurate.

For instance, it wasn't reported he was drinking heavily in the bar when his foot was cut. He was at a bar, yes, but "drinking heavily"? Were you there? Other Mets players and staff were. The bar called the paramedics, the bar also paid Spencer's medical bills because it was through their neglegence the glass was on the floor.

As for the incident in Florida, there was never a report of Spencer being intoxicated, only Garcia. Garcia's wife was driving Garcia's Hummer, and if the Mets were so concerned, then why did both players make the team that Spring? The Mets did their own investigation, Gary Pettis, the hitting coach, was there as a witness, he told the Mets exactly what happened and the Mets were satisfied. As was the Port St. Lucie police when they talked to the Pizza Boy. He didn't have a single mark on him, and he didn't even know they were Mets players until after the altercation when a New York Post writer, looking for a better story, informed him. His story changed each time he told it, the first time he said Garcia hit him, then it was Spencer, then they both did. Let's not forget the Pizza boy was mad because Garcia urinated in front of the Pizza establishment. Spencer was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In my opinion, Wilpon is old school, the Mets have sucked for years, and I think he was trying to make an example of Spencer. The Mets needed much more than one more bat in the line-up!

I read that Kansas City, CWS, and the Yankees were interested in Spencer his off-season. I am sure he would rather be playing MLB, but I would take guranteed $$ for my family and future anyday. One can only play baseball for so long, you have to get what you can out of it.

The Yankees signed Spencer in 2004 because they were worried about Sheff's shoulder, turns out they were going to use Spencer in the post season, even made a roster spot for him, but he had an MRI and he had shoulder surgery himself in October.

Like Tom FDNY said, if you think that the majority of MLB players are not out all the time drinking and partying, you are very naive. I also think it is unfair for you to say Spencer has an "alcohol problem" and a "drinking problem" because last year he got a DUI and had some bad luck at a bar? You don't know him. Who are you to say he has a "problem"? Do you see him on a daily basis? Have you heard of any other problems since the DUI? Just because somebody likes to go out and drink doesn't constitute a "problem"! If that were the case, almost every player in MLB has a "problem"! Even more, I must have one too!

And another thing, I know a very well known MLB player who personally told me this off-season he was driving home after some drinks and was pulled over. The officers recognized him and instead of hauling him off to jail, they gave him a ride home! I am positive this happens more often than you think. I guess Spencer got pulled over by the wrong cops, or maybe they weren't fans of his either.

Sorry. I was not done yet.

The Mets didn't Release Cedeno after his DUI, nor did they release Grant Roberts after not 1 but 2 times testing positive for Pot!

It seems to me like some guys have bad luck. Yes, Spencer has made mistakes, like we all have, but to call him "washed up" is premature. And if you think he couldn't have found a job in MLB you are crazy. The fact is, he is getting paid better in Japan, so why not? I couldn't pass up guranteed money.

All this talk about my personal friend is very annoying. Shane and I went out on many occassions to hang out. But so did all of his other team mates. All the big names would also be out every night. Don't point fingers at only Shane, he just happened to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. I have been trying to e-mail him and his wife, but it hasn't gone through. He is not done with baseball, yet. He still has a lot of talent.

Hey Robert Howe,

I'm a friend of Shane S. also from New York City. I am having trouble getting in touch also. I tried their e-mail, but no response. I also know Brandon Knight who is with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, but can't get in touch with him either. How do we communication with these guys?

Are Shane's wife and kid living in Japan with him? Also, how's his drinking buddy Karim Garcia doing? I think Shane will be back in MLB next year. He's better than 95 percent of the 4th outfielders currently in the majors.

- I tried their e-mail, but no response. I also know Brandon Knight who is with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, but can't get in touch with him either.

Your best bet on contacting players is to write to the team hoping that they will pass the message onto the player. For the Fighters address, read the "Team Contacts" topic.

I just happened to catch a game in Tokyo on Sunday the 21st of August, the Swallows versus the Tigers. I had no idea Spencer was playing in Japan. He pinch hit a 2 run homer to win the game for the Tigers.

Hi Tom.

This is Brandon's wife. Brandon would like to get a hold of you and will give your e-mail address to Shane, too. I'm not sure how you want to go about giving us the e-mail address. If you're comfortable posting it here, then go for it. Otherwise let me know how you want to do it.

I'm so excited you are reading this. I hope this really is BK's wife. I'm not sure how we can get in touch without giving my e-mail address over this. Maybe you can give me the address to his team and I can send a letter to him with my e-mail address. If you don't think he will get it, write back and say so. I'm going to think of other ways to get it to him for now.

Is Heidi with Shane? I have their old e-mail address. The one that they had about two years ago.

Hi BK. I have been trying to get in touch with you for eight months. Write back. Good luck!

He's laughing right now. Haha

Ok here's the address for the field here:

Nippon Ham Fighters
Chiba-Ken, Kamagaya-Shi
Nakazawa 459
273-0118
JAPAN

Yes, Heidi's with Shane. He just talked to him today.

Your letter should take about a week to get here.

OK. I just wrote a letter. Hope you get it. If you don't get it in 10-12 days, please write back on this.

Wow, my boy BK. Great to hear from you and your wife. Been wondering what the heck you and Shane have been up to.

Later.

Any success getting in contact with Shane Spencer? I'm stationed in Okinawa and the Tigers had their Spring Training right outside our base. Unfortunately, anytime I went by the stadium I never did see him. Yanks could use him right now!

I wouldn't be surprised if Shane tries to get out of his contract and sign w/ the Yankees. They could really use him right now with all the injuries and poor outfield play. Shane can't be happy with his part-time role with Hanshin. I don't think he went to Japan with the intention of being a part time player. He could have stayed in MLB and done this with any other team.

Your best bet on getting hold of Spencer is to write to the Hanshin Tigers and see if they can pass a letter on to Spencer:

There address is:

1-47 Koshien-cho
Nishinomiya, Hyogo-ken 663-8152

http://www.japanesebaseball.com/forum/thread.jsp?forum=2&thread=2

Spencer's future with Tigers is in the balance. An average of .237 with only 8 HRs is marginal at best. I would like to see him be given another chance because his attitude and application were very good.

I agree, it must be so difficult to find a groove not getting regular game time. Now with Hamanaka is healthy, you've got 3 guys going for that spot in right field. For this reason, I believe he'll be the odd man out next year.

I think he's shown enough commitment and dedication to at least get another chance in Japan, perhaps with another team where he can be an everday player.

Shane hit home run #9 Sunday.

Spenser is history. He dogged it in the pre-season, melted down on the field on strike three calls, and never has gotten on track. He dissapointed in the MLB, and the same is true here. He is going back to the U.S. in a few short weeks.

He just went arms into the catcher against Hiroshima tonight and both benches cleared. I didn't get a good enough look at it to see if it was a dirty play or just hardnosed, so I can't really judge. If there is lingering controversy, he's finished as a Tiger.

Could turn out to be nothing. If anybody else got a better view please enlighten us!

No, no, no, this was a great play. Spencer came in hard, and the catcher was in the way. Anyway, this would've made him more popular with both the fans and his teammates. You may have missed it, but Yano, the Tigers' catcher, had just been taken to hospital after being hit on the head with a nasty 140 km/h pitch, so I suppose you could say it was payback. I thought Spencer did a great job.

Yano got beaned by a fastball straight to the head after hitting a home run in his previous at bat. That's always going to draw speculation, and emotions ran high, so you can consider this payback.

For the record, Shane realizing that he was likely to get thrown out at the plate, steamrolled the catcher hard in an attempt to pop the ball loose. In saying that, I'd be lying if I thought there was no malice in the hit. Spencer went hard and high, but hey, you throw at a guy's head.

Stop harassing the guy. He's the man. September to remember.

Umm, I think they have stopped harrassing him. This discussion took place last season.

Any update? Is he still playing baseball anywhere?

I'm interested myself. Always loved him.

Also looking for him are friends from high school. Is he back in the States? It sure would be great to see him and the Giles brothers playing together again in San Diego. Any update?

I'm curious as well. He sure lit up the majors when he first came up with the Yankees. I'd like to see him get back into baseball if he can.

I just heard that Shane was named the hitting coach for the Lake Elsinore Storm, just north of San Diego.

[Very old thread alert.]

Is Shane Spencer playing baseball in Japan or North America in 2007? Mystery man with potential?

I realize that this is an old thread, but I just need to add this.

I just found Shane Spencer's name on the roster as batting coach for minor league Lake Elsinore Storm baseball.

Thank you very much! We were just talking about him and thanks for your knowing.

I realize that this is an old thread, but I just need to add this.

Shane is my sibling and he is retired now and is a hitting coach in San Diego for the Padres - minor league that is.

He is now a coach with the Lake Elsinore Single-A ball club.