Jim MANDELARO
for SZ

FORT MYERS, Fla. - This is a short story about a shortstop.

He is the smallest player in pro baseball. He is in the "low" minors, and yes . . .

"He does all the little things,'' Minnesota Twins farm director Jim Rantz says, stifling a laugh.

 No one is laughing at Chris Cates, though. Listed at 5-foot-3 and 150 pounds, he admits to being "5-2 1/2 without spikes" and is beginning his second season in pro baseball after a stellar career at the University of Louisville. [More]

Erik VAN DYCK
for SZ

BELOIT, Wis. - In baseball, height equals power. Pitching, hitting and running all benefit from height. Longer legs and arms mean more torque, longer strides and a greater reach. Add tremendous natural athleticism and a desire to continually improve, and you will find 7’1" Ludovicus Jacobus Maria Van Mil. He goes by Loek for short, Van to his teammates. [More]