Robinson still awaits regular work

The former Cardinal is again playing a bench role with the Padres.

By R.B. Fallstrom ~ The Associated Press

ST. LOUIS -- Even in a new city, Kerry Robinson is waiting for a chance at regular duty that never came with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Robinson was demoted to Class AAA Memphis three times last year by the Cardinals before he was traded to the San Diego Padres near the end of spring training. So far, he's a spare part with that team, too -- on July 4 he was outrighted to Class AAA Portland by the Padres.

Robinson was among the Padres' September callups, and thus is ineligible for the postseason. At least Robinson got a chance to return to his hometown, where he still lives, and visit his family.

"Ever since the trade I looked at these games on the schedule," Robinson said. "Luckily I was able to get called up at the right time."

With the Cardinals, he was a valued man off manager Tony La Russa's bench. With the Padres, he did not play in the first two games of a three-game series against the Cardinals and was one of four left-handed hitting reserves on the bench headed into the finale Thursday night.

Robinson was traded to the Padres for minor league outfielder Brian Hunter after losing a battle for the left-field job to Ray Lankford. During three partial seasons in St. Louis he often expressed his dissatisfaction with a reserve role, and that likely factored into the trade.

Robinson said La Russa told him before spring training began in 2003 that he'd probably never amass 300 to 400 at-bats while he was managing. La Russa said it was natural to want more, but he just couldn't accommodate Robinson.

Robinson batted .250 in a career-high 208 at-bats last year with one homer, 16 RBIs and six steals. His busiest month was also his most productive: He batted .356 in 59 at-bats in August.

"You never begrudge a guy who wants to play more," La Russa said. "But while you're waiting for that you can help yourself put together a productive career."

But Robinson has no regrets about what has transpired.

"I wouldn't really change anything," Robinson said. "I had a really good spring training and they chose to go with Ray. When I came here I produced, then I went to the minors and produced.

"From my end, I did everything I could, but I can't control what other people think about me and how they use me."

Robinson hopes his production in Portland, a .297 average with two homers, 19 RBIs and 24 steals in 41 games, bodes well for next year with the Padres. If not, there's always another team that can use an outfielder with speed for the bench, even though it wouldn't be his preference.

"All I can do is get out there and produce," Robinson said. "Hopefully, that opportunity will come."

Along with the switch in cities came a switch in uniform number. After wearing 0 for the Cardinals, he's wearing 2 for the Padres.

"They told me I could have zero but I told our clubhouse guy I wanted a change," Robinson said. "I was changing cities so I kind of wanted to start off fresh and new."