That's where Crowley comes in. He and Pie have been almost inseparable since the outfielder reported to camp late after having passport issues in the Dominican Republic. It started for Crowley with getting to know Pie and gaining his trust. It continued with working on Pie's swing, which scouts say is far too long, and his approach, which is criticized for being undisciplined. Pie, who has speed and power, is a .299 career hitter in the minors but batted just .223 in limited opportunities the past two seasons with the Cubs.
"In the last 10 days or so here, I would not classify it as a long swing," Crowley said. "It's been shortening up. He's plenty quick, but we have to get him a little more balanced and slow everything down a little bit so he has a little better pitch recognition. He's coming along great. He's at the stage now where he has to actually learn a little more about hitting, and I'm pretty sure he would tell you that in the last 10 days or two weeks, he's learned more about what it takes to hit at this level."
Pie, who is also trying to make the transition from his natural position in center field to left, entered today's game against the St. Louis Cardinals hitting .259 and showing glimpses of the tools that made him such a highly touted prospect. In his start against the Red Sox on Saturday, Pie was 2-for-2 with a homer and three RBIs.
"I'm starting to feel more comfortable," Pie said. "When I got traded, I said that this is like my new career. I've never had an opportunity like [the one] I have now. I know here, I'm going to play every day. All I have to do is play hard and do my job."
Pie's work ethic has impressed team officials. One day last week, he was in the batting cage by 8:30 a.m. He later took regular batting practice on the back field as Crowley stood behind him and offered encouragement and advice. When he was done, Crowley put his arm around the new Oriole, praised his batting-practice round and reminded him to "have fun" as Pie trotted out to the outfield to shag fly balls.
About an hour later, Pie started in the intrasquad game and got four at-bats but wasn't satisfied. He approached Crowley after the game and asked whether they could go back to the batting cage to get in some more swings.
"I think I'm going to learn a lot," Pie said. "This is the best thing for me. I think this is the best thing to happen."
