MARYVALE, Ariz. -- A lot of people in baseball believe Richie Sexson will be the next 50-plus home run guy.
The Milwaukee Brewers' first baseman knows that, but says he is more concerned about contributing to a winning team.
"It's okay people are saying that," Sexson said last week. "I don't want to make it a disappointing season if I don't hit 50. If I hit 40 and we win, I'll be really happy."
{INSERT_RELATED}Sexson tied the Brewers' franchise record with 45 last season, but he admits some of the luster was taken away by the fact the team won only 68 games.
"It was tough last season," he said. "We had so many injuries that you didn't know who was going to take the field each day.
"We have to have Geoff (Jenkins) healthy. He is such a big part of what we can do on offense. We have added some other guys like Eric (Young) who should give us a different look too.
"My main thing is doing what I can to help this team win. If that means hitting a homer, that's what I want to do. If I can help as much with a single or sac fly then that's what I want to do."
One of the main things he wants to not do is strike out as often. Sexson contributed 178 Ks to the Brewers' major league record last season.
"I can tell you I'm working on it," Sexson said. "I'm trying to cut down on my swing with two strikes and make adjustments.
"We do have to cut down on strikeouts as a team. Almost every team in baseball has a guy or two who will strike out 160 to 170 times, but last season we did it so much as a team that I think it all got emphasized.
"Again, we will have a little different look this season. I don't think we'll be as much all or nothing."
Sexson said working with new hitting coach Gary Matthews has been a good experience this spring.
"I loved Rod (Carew) and think he helped me a great deal," Sexson said. "I think the main difference is that Sarge comes right to you and is more vocal. You had to go to Rod a little more.
"In all honesty, I have never had a hitting coach that I didn't like. I think the main thing a hitting coach has to do is know what Eric Young, or Richie Sexson, looks like when he is going well. Then, when you get in a slump, he can help you get back to what you were doing right."
Let's get back to the 50 homers. Sure, you want to win, but c'mon Richie you know that the sluggers get the spotlight in today's game.
"Sure, it would be great," Sexson admitted. "Personally, it would be a great accomplishment. Just what you have to do to hit 50, stay healthy, throw it out there every day.
"But, losing is no fun. I really do want to win. I think we can win with the talent we have here. The whole key is staying healthy."
