By Mark Gonzales
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- With a miserable 2009 season behind him, Alex Rios looks forward to a rebound year that would erase questions about unfulfilled potential.
"It's a new year," Rios said Wednesday. "I expect myself to have a good year and help the team win some games. And next year in spring training, we're going to talk about this past year, how good it was."
After an Aug. 10 waiver claim from Toronto, Rios batted .199 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 146 at-bats and said he let too many things affect him. That included the expectations of trying to help a team get to the playoffs, adjusting to a new city and being engaged.
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- With a miserable 2009 season behind him, Alex Rios looks forward to a rebound year that would erase questions about unfulfilled potential.
"It's a new year," Rios said Wednesday. "I expect myself to have a good year and help the team win some games. And next year in spring training, we're going to talk about this past year, how good it was."
After an Aug. 10 waiver claim from Toronto, Rios batted .199 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 146 at-bats and said he let too many things affect him. That included the expectations of trying to help a team get to the playoffs, adjusting to a new city and being engaged.
"If I say anything (about last year's woes), it will take days," Rios said.
Rios seemed prepared for plenty of questions about his struggles.
"It's part of the game," Rios said.
Rios also didn't mind that teammate Andruw Jones, 32, said he would try to win a starting job. Jones is a 10-time Gold Glove Award center field whose best position is occupied by Rios, 29, who is expected to play center on a full-time basis.
"(Jones) deserves the opportunity to win a job," Rios said. "I was a big fan of his when I was growing up."
Rios seemed prepared for plenty of questions about his struggles.
"It's part of the game," Rios said.
Rios also didn't mind that teammate Andruw Jones, 32, said he would try to win a starting job. Jones is a 10-time Gold Glove Award center field whose best position is occupied by Rios, 29, who is expected to play center on a full-time basis.
"(Jones) deserves the opportunity to win a job," Rios said. "I was a big fan of his when I was growing up."
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