SAN DIEGO -- For the first week and a half of the season, Austin Hedges didn't hit much of anything. For the last week and a half, he's hit just about everything.
Through his early struggles -- and now his recent hot streak -- Hedges hasn't wavered behind the plate. In the long term, there are still plenty of questions about Hedges' impact at the dish. There are significantly fewer questions about his impact behind it.
Pitching coach Darren Balsley has raved about Hedges' defense and his ability to handle the Padres' staff. In fact, Balsley already trusts Hedges enough that he's allowing the 24-year-old to essentially run the pregame meetings with that day's starting pitcher.