Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has always had the physical tools to translate his minor-league success to the big-league level, and he finally thinks he has developed the mental fortitude to become a big-time producer his season.
"There are going to be some tough times in there," Belt told the San Jose Mercury Friday. "But I'm not the same player from a mental aspect. I know what to expect now. I'm going in with a lot more confidence this year."
Belt had arguably his finest performance of the spring Friday in Cactus League action against the Rockies, as he went 4 for 4 in an 11-6 win. He wound up one triple short of a cycle in the game, hitting his second home run late in the game instead. He drove in four runs and raised his batting average to .439 in 18 spring games.