Offseason work, inseason reward

Upon reflection, Donovan Hand admits he might have gotten a little complacent last season after being called up from Single A to the Double A Huntsville Stars at midseason.

An all-star in the Florida State League, Hand couldn't keep up the pace with the Stars, where he finished with a 3-4 record and a 5.09 ERA.

"I didn't do what I needed to do to carry over the success I had," the former Hatton and Jacksonville State standout said earlier this week after being selected to pitch in the Southern League All-Star Game. "I think I was just happy to be (in Huntsville.)"

In the offseason, Hand dedicated himself to getting in better shape in an effort to return to the form that helped him climb the ladder quickly to Double A. He joined a gym, shed some weight and started working on some pitches he is confident will help him continue his climb to the major leagues.

The efforts have paid off. Hand is 6-1 with a sparkling 2.39 ERA for the Stars.

"I got out of shape last year," he said. "It's a long season and I realized what I have to do to keep myself fresh. I worked hard in the offseason. I lost about 10 or 12 pounds, saw a nutrionist and started eating right. I got my body fat down. It was a good offseason, and it's paying off."

Hand said the transition from high school and college baseball to the minor leagues is a tough adjustment.

"You go from playing 30 and 60 games with plenty of days off to playing 140 games in 160 days," he said. "It's a big shock to your body. I didn't realize it last year. You have to put your work in early because you are going to get tired."

Hand also spent the offseason and spring training tinkering with his pitches and his mechanics.

"I'm trying to learn to control a 12-to-6 breaking ball, and I've been throwing a cut fastball that's kind of like a mini slider," he said. "It's a constant thing - trying new grips to see what works and what doesn't."

Hand said the Stars, which are affiliated with the Milwaukee Brewers, don't have their pitchers on strict innings counts like many organizations.

Hand will pitch for the North team in the Southern League All-Star Game on july 13 at Regions Park in Hoover.

Gregg Dewalt can be reached at 740-5748 or gregg.dewalt@TimesDaily.com.