Speedy Jemile Weeks quickly establishes himself as fan favorite

The latest speedster to fill the River Cats' leadoff role doesn't steal bases like Eric Patterson or do back flips like Corey Wimberly.

Jemile Weeks, 24, just plays with passion, his speed, hitting ability and defensive skills enough to carry him to within a step of the major leagues.

And, like former River Cats Patterson and Wimberly, the 5-foot-9, 161-pound Weeks has already become a fan favorite.

What's not to like? The second baseman is hustling, making plays and hitting .391.

"He comes to the park every day to play with passion," said River Cats manager Darren Bush, who also managed Weeks at Double-A Midland last season.

"You can't substitute anything for that. It's fun watching him out there."

Weeks said he's enjoying playing at Raley Field.

"There's a different atmosphere here with the fans," he said. "Just knowing you're at that next level, knowing you're near a big-league team, is just an inspiration."

Weeks, who lives in Altamonte Springs, Fla., grew up playing baseball with his older brother, Rickie, the Milwaukee Brewers' second baseman. While their age gap (nearly 4 1/2 years) prevented them from playing on the same team growing up, there was plenty of playing catch.

"It's a big help," Weeks said of his brother's success. "It was always a little bit of competition."

Weeks, a switch hitter, said playing hard was an emphasis when he was younger. "I think it shows in my play and my brother's play," he said. "That's what we were taught from my parents."

Jemile Weeks was first drafted by Milwaukee in the eighth round of the 2005 draft, but he opted to play for the University of Miami.

The A's chose him in the first round in 2008.

Speed is a big part of Weeks' game. But injuries have kept him in check.

He strained his left hip twice while running to first base, once in 2008 with Class-A Kane County, and once last season with Midland.

So he hasn't developed into a consistent base stealer, at least not yet. He's stolen 31 bases in his three previous seasons (176 games).

"He wants to (run)," Bush said. "I hold him back a lot. But he's very capable of doing it."

Weeks knows his speed is a big reason the A's selected him.

"It's something that's going to help me get to where I want to go," he said. "The key for me is to try to stay healthy, use my speed when I can. I feel real confident I can get bags."

Weeks, who has good power for his frame, said playing for Bush has been a blessing.

"He keeps you fired up," Weeks said. "But when things don't go your way, when things jump the wrong way, he's not there to jump down your throat. He's there to help you. He keeps you going."

Hopefully all the way to Oakland.



(sacbee.com)