The Diamondbacks thought they got a steal in Owens, and he didn't disappoint by reaching Double-A in his first pro summer. But the hype turned to mystery as Owens struggled in his return to El Paso last season and continued to struggle after a demotion to South Bend. Owens' offensive problems carried over to his defense as well. The Diamondbacks are concerned that Owens has lost confidence after not tasting success for the first time. They're hoping he'll get back on track and perhaps hit for more power. The one improvement he did make at the plate in 2000 was increasing his ability to draw walks, though that was somewhat negated by his inability to make consistent contact. He'll start this year at Lancaster with the hope he can revisit El Paso and recapture his 1999 form.
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