LAKELAND, Fla. — Ground ball. Ground ball.
Jose Iglesias stepped away from home plate, looking slightly frustrated, and he walked over to Tigers hitting coach Lloyd McClendon.
It was Sunday afternoon at Tigertown, and McClendon offered a few minor adjustments.
“He told me to stay inside the ball,” Iglesias said.
A few minutes later, during the next round of batting practice, Iglesias started ripping the ball in the gaps. He stepped away from the plate with a decided spring in his step and smiled. McClendon put both hands on Iglesias’ shoulders, looked him in the eyes and whispered encouragement.