Padres Derek Norris enters 2016 with new approach

Derek Morris spent his first season with the San Diego Padres in 2015. He got to play plenty, but with that came a price too.

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Norris started out hot last season in April batting .313, but batted .260, .168, .230 and .277 each month afterwards. He did set career highs though with 147 games played, 14 home runs and 62 RBIs. He also did suffer plenty of nicks and bruises to his shoulder, wrist and elbow.

Despite his injuries, Norris is not making excuses.

“I don’t want to sit here and say injuries is why I lacked production, because that’s an excuse, and I’m not a big excuse guy,” Norris said following Monday’s workout at the Peoria Sports Complex. “Overall, everyone plays through injuries, but I think if it’s serious enough to where it’s affecting your performance, you need to take that extra day. … That’s probably what I would lean more towards, maybe taking that extra day.” (The San Diego Union Tribune)

Norris decided to get into better shape. He went from 232 pounds to below 215, which is the lightest he has been since high school.

“I cleaned up my eating a lot,” said Norris, who is back to just over 225 pounds, his ideal playing weight. “I feel strong, and I feel healthy. … What you put in your body is what you’re going to get out of your body on the field. Just taking that approach, and it’s worked out well.” (The San Diego Union Tribune)

Austin Hedges, Christian Bethancourt and Erik Kratz are all fighting for a backup catcher spot behind Norris.

In 432 career games, Norris has batted .248 with 40 home runs and 181 RBI’s.

Norris entering 2016 with a different approach

By Ali Siddiqui | Mar 6, 2016