It’s definitely bittersweet, but I’ll make the most of it – C.J. Cron
Bee fans and Salt Lake natives were excited to hear the news on Monday night that former Bee and University of Utah baseball player C.J. Cron was being optioned by the Angels down to Triple-A. Everyone couldn’t wait for the familiar face, who spent 49 games in Salt Lake last season, to make his return — everyone except for Cron.
“It’s definitely bittersweet, but I’ll make the most of it,” he said of his return.
Experiencing a whirlwind of emotions after the demotion, Cron took it out on the ball, and certainly made the most of his return in Wednesday night's 6-2 win over Oklahoma City. After stepping into the batter’s box for his first at-bat as a Bee since 2014, Cron took the first pitch he saw and sent it over the left-field wall for a solo shot.
The Salt Lake first baseman wasn’t done there either. Later in the third inning, Cron stepped up to the plate for his second at-bat and hit one deep to right. This time, the ball ricocheted off of the wall, but determined to prove his worth to the Angels, Cron rounded second and slid safely into third for a triple.
“I’m just gonna work hard, get my swing right and hopefully get back up (to Anaheim),” Cron said.
While being optioned is typically negative for these players, it could be a lot worse for Cron. Salt Lake City was home for the former first-round draft pick during his collegiate career as Cron terrorized Mountain West opponents for three years as a Ute up on the hill.
And because the Bees offer their ballpark for the U. to host its home baseball games, Cron knows Smith’s Ballpark like the back of his hand. With limited snow covering the Wasatch Mountains in the backdrop, Cron claims that the view is one of the things he missed most about playing here.
“It’s always cool to come back,” Cron said. “I wish there was still snow on the mountains. That’s probably my favorite part, but it is what it is.”
On Wednesday, Cron was in the Bees' lineup for the first time this season after spending time with the Angels for the first 45 games of the campaign. There, the first baseman struggled to find playing time, and when he did, the inconsistency caused Cron’s timing on his swing to be a bit out of sync.
“I didn’t get many at-bats in the recent stretch and for me, mostly, my swing is fine. It’s just the timing aspect of it,” Cron said.
Just like Salt Lake team manager Dave Anderson always says, there’s a transition period for any of the athletes when they move from level to level within the farm system, and it was no different for Cron this season. After seeing success last season in an Angels jersey, Cron struggled towards the end of his recent stay in Anaheim, registering just five hits in his last 40 at-bats.
Growing up as the best player on the field — usually — Cron has been forced to develop more of a secondary role when he’s up in Anaheim. With a roster that consists of the likes of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and David Freese, it can be hard for anyone, including Cron, to stick out.
“It’s difficult, but that’s no excuse. That’s my role,” Cron said. “That’s the reason I’m up there. I mean, we have a star-studded lineup, so there’s really nowhere for me to go right now. I need to get better at that role.”
Cron hopes his stay here in Salt Lake is short-lived, but understands that a call-up probably won’t happen until he shows improvement in the areas the organization wants.
“Not very long, but at the same time I’ve got things I have to work on, so whenever they feel is right for me,” Cron said of his stay.
In the meantime, Cron will continue to work on those weaker aspects of the game while the Bees will continue to enjoy the luxury of having a player of Cron’s caliber in the dugout.
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GAME NOTES: Kyle Kubitza hit a solo shot in the first inning to get things going for the Bees. … Between the two teams, there was a total of four home runs. … Drew Rucinski registered his first win on the mound on the season. … The attendance was 3,510. … The Dodgers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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BEELINES: Salt Lake 6, Oklahoma City 2
Starting pitcher Drew Rucinski picks up his first win of the season as the Bees park two home runs in their 6-2 win over the Dodgers.
Record: 22-24
Next up: Oklahoma City TBA at Salt Lake LHP Andrew Heaney (5-0, 3.02), Thursday, 12:05 p.m.
Twitter: @GriffDoug