MARYVALE, Ariz. -- Eric Young says he hopes to be a "major pain" in the posteriors of the Milwaukee Brewers' opponents this season.
"Most teams that take the next step toward winning have a guy at the top of the lineup that can be a catalyst," Young said before a recent exhibition game with the Cubs, his former team.
{INSERT_RELATED}"I think I can play that role with this team. I want to get on base any way I can and then be a major pain in the a**. I want to set the table for the big bats in this lineup."
The Brewers are hoping the 34-year-old veteran also still has young legs.
Young was signed to a two-year deal January 16 as a free agent.
"Eric is a quality, proven leadoff hitter," GM Dean Taylor said at a press conference on January 17. "He knows what it takes to get on base and will be a valuable part of our club in 2002 and beyond."
Manager Davey Lopes said speed has been a factor missing from the Brewers' attack. "It can make a big difference, and we haven't had that option," Lopes said.
"Eric really couldn't exploit his speed entirely with the Cubs because they had Sammy Sosa. They didn't want Eric stealing and then leaving a base open, so opponents would walk Sammy. I think we will see him use his speed even more with our club."
Young will start the season ranked ninth among active players with 377 career stolen bases and had a career-high 54 in 2000. He had 31 stolen bases last season, while hitting .279 with six homers and 42 RBI for the Cubs.
"I am very happy to be here," Young said. "I'm happy to play for Davey. I watched him play as a little kid and liked the feisty kind of player he was.
"I bring an attitude to the field too. I give respect to my teammates and get it in return. I believe you do what you have to do to win a ballgame."
Young said he is pleased with how his spring has gone. "When you get a little older, you learn to place yourself down here," he said.
"I like to work on certain parts of my game. I primarily want to get into a rhythm for the game when I am here."
Young ranks as the second toughest batter in the majors to strike out, with one K in every 16.3 at bats. That's a very encouraging stat for the team that set a major league strikeout record last season.
"I can be patient at the plate, but if I'm in a groove I also believe in being aggressive," he said. "I'll go after the first pitch in some situations, but I also can be very patient and selective at the plate."
Some question Young's age, and whether he can still motor like he once did. "I feel I have kept myself in good shape," he said. "When you know your wheels are a big part of your game, you keep them in good shape.
"The main thing as you get older is to keep the flexibility and strength. My game is quickness. That's what stealing bases are all about. You run a little bit for endurance.
"But, you need to explode to steal bases. That's more about quickness than being fast. If you keep yourself in shape, you can still still be a sparkplug."
