Big Hopes

With arms as thick as tree stumps and body-builder type muscles, Brad Fullmer, the 23-year-old Montreal Expos’ rookie first baseman, is a hitter destined for big days.

“He’s going to be a wonderful ballplayer,” Expo manager Felipe Alou said.

Fullmer, who starred at Montclair Prep in Van Nuys, is in town this weekend for a three-game series against the Dodgers. He spent a couple nights at his parents’ Chatsworth home. His mother, Judy, made him his favorite dinner--pot roast and chicken fajitas.

A little home cooking is what Fullmer could use to boost his batting average. He has been in a slump, hitting .250 after starting the season with his average well above .300 as the Expos’ cleanup hitter.

“He just needs time,” Alou said. “He’s a fearless kid, very powerful mentally and physically. He’s battling a lot of things right now--lack of experience, the time he missed [with a shoulder injury], a new position, batting cleanup. We really are asking this kid to do too much.”

But Fullmer has shown he’s ready to play in the majors. Last month, against the Cubs’ 20-strikeout pitcher Kerry Wood, he went two for two with a two-run double. He has struck out only 14 times in 132 at-bats and has 13 doubles.

“It was very exciting to get here,” Fullmer said. “Every day you have to appreciate the fact you’re here. But being all excited is over with. I try to have fun, but it’s my job. I’m trying to do the best I can.”

Fullmer said he’s a perfectionist who must learn to leave the game at the ballpark. When he has a poor day at the plate, he doesn’t let it go without contemplation.

“It’s true,” he said. “I guess it would be better not to [think about it]. It’s not like I’m going to use the excuse I’m a rookie and just happy to be here. Sure it’s nice, but I know I can be a good player if I keep working to where I need to be.”

During the off-season, Fullmer lifted weights six days a week to build his sturdy 6-foot-1, 218-pound frame.

“I feel strong,” he said. “I have to watch not to get too big. During the season, I’m still trying to find out what I need to do and how much lifting I should be doing.”

Last September, he became the 74th player in major league history to hit a home run in his first at-bat. It came off Bret Saberhagen of the Red Sox. This season, he has hit one home run.

“I’m going to hit some home runs,” Fullmer said. “I just have to be patient.”

Alou said Fullmer displays the skills and temperament that should be beneficial in the future.

“In high school, he was a dominant hitter,” Alou said. “But in the big leagues, there are many, many dominant pitchers and players. You’re going to get beat sometimes, but you have to get back up and fight again. I think he’s right there.”

Said Fullmer: “I don’t feel pressure that I have to prove I belong here. I think I’ve proven I do. I know what I can do, and I want to be the best. That’s what I’m working toward.”