The Buck stops in Midland

After a bad at bat, or an error in the field, Travis Buck makes sure to, at the very least, crack a smile.

It's not that he doesn't care, in fact, it's the opposite of that. He does care, and that's part of why he was selected to play on the United States' team in the 2006 All-Star Futures Game.

Buck, outfielder for Midland in the Double-A Texas League, an Oakland A's affiliate, has already been progressing quickly and was recognized for his effort by being selected to the Mid-Summer Classic.

"It's a tremendous honor, being my first full season of professional baseball," Buck said. "Being named to [the team] is a big accomplishment for myself and my team."

Buck hasn't wasted any time stepping into a leadership role. Sure, it's just his first season in the league, but that hasn't weighed in on his confidence or his persona.

Trace that back to Arizona State, where he played college ball, or credit his family for raising him the right way, as he does. What's most important is what he's learned in a short amount of time and how it's benefited his own game, as well as the RockHounds.

So far, so good.

"I've learned to accept failure in the game," Buck said, referring to a 0-for-4 game, or making an error. "The quicker you learn to accept failure, the quicker you succeed."

Wise words from a 22-year-old. He speaks like a veteran, acts like a veteran, and yet, isn't afraid to step up to the plate and take a chance.

Whether that chance ends up being strike three, or rocketing over the wall, he's not going to stop taking chances any time soon.

"I have to experience failure more often to get up into the big leagues," Buck said. "I'm always out there smiling, that's my way to get over it. You can't take the previous at-bat onto the field, or let it carry over to the next at-bat."

So far, Midland has reaped the benefits. In 42 games this season after being called up from Class A Stockton (where he hit .349), Buck is .296 with 53 hits, 17 of which are doubles. He's knocked in 22 runs, scored 27 times and drawn 20 walks. He's also stolen nine bases.

Defensively, through 40 games in the outfield, he has yet to commit an error.

Midland hitting coach Webster Garrison has been impressed with the youngster's approach to the game, especially because it is so early in his career.

"He brings a real confident attitude to the team and to his approach," Garrison said. "That's where the smile comes from, because he's a confident."

He is confident, but he doesn't hit for power -- at least not yet. Buck said some of the biggest criticisms he's heard have been about the lack of power, mostly becuase he's only hit four home runs this season.

Again, though, that doesn't ruin his swagger. He's obviously doing something right, and that's exactly what he's going to keep doing.

"I'm not going to try to be someone who I'm not," Buck said. "I'm going to hit for average. People say that's the weaker side of me now, but the more at-bats I have, the better I'll get."

Garrison agreed and has been impressed with the way Buck has handled the criticism, mostly because when a player starts hearing critics demand power, they start swinging for the fences.

That's when they get into trouble.

"He will eventually hit some long balls," Garrison said. "He needs to continue working on being a real good hitter."

Buck credits his entire family for what he's accomplished so far, especially because they have helped him throughout his career. Their support has helped guide him through life, teaching him dedication, patience, and most importantly, that resiliant attitude he has on the field today. For that reason, they will be in the stands in Pittsburgh chearing him on as he takes the field.

"They're pretty much more excited than I am," Buck said, laughing. "They know what I'm doing, and what I'm capable of doing, and they support me through good or bad."

So just how much potential has he shown?

Garrison doesn't have much doubt as to the future of Buck's career.

"He's on track to be a big-league ballplayer," Garrison said. "He's out there in the cage doing it early. He's gettin his work in, and he's not taking anything for granted.

"He's an outstanding kid."