JETHAWKS REPORT : Lanza Knows It’s a Short Stop

Mike Lanza has made the most of this opportunity, though he doesn’t really see it as an opportunity.

“I don’t think I need to prove anything,” said Lanza, the JetHawk utilityman who has played shortstop for the past week while Luis Molina recovers from a sore back.

“I’ve learned to accept my role of utility and when Luis comes back I’ll be happy to go back to that role.”

“I think Mike Lanza is a great guy for a ballclub,” said JetHawk Manager Dave Brundage. “He’s a competitor. He’s a fiery guy and he helps a team get going.”

Molina, injured on a swing April 9 at Visalia, felt better Sunday, but could barely move Monday.

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The wind makes swinging for the Hangar fences tempting, but it doesn’t worry JetHawk hitting coach Delwyn Young.

“They are comfortable with their batting averages, but if they start swinging for the fences their averages will drop and that will get them back to basics,” he said.

Brundage isn’t so sure. “I can see a lot of guys taking nothing but uppercuts,” he said after batting practice.

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Jose Cruz Jr. was named California League player of the week, for a period actually extending through the first 1 1/2 weeks of the season. Cruz hit .435 with seven doubles and 14 runs batted in.

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Tonight’s Game:

Visalia (Gary Goldsmith, 0-0) at JetHawks (Bob Worley, 1-0), 7:15.