Reds' Casey regains prowess at the plate

CINCINNATI (AP) -- There's a big difference in Sean Casey this season.
After two years of limiting injuries, the Cincinnati Reds first baseman has regained the stroke that made him one of the majors' top hitters from 1999-2001.
"I don't think he was 100 percent any time last year," manager Dave Miley said Saturday. "Now he's driving the ball to all fields and feeling good."
Heading into Saturday's game against Houston, Casey led the National League with a .368 average. Casey thinks it's mostly a matter of health.
The two-time All-Star had his worst season in 2002, when he tore muscles in the back of his left shoulder. He kept playing but had no strength, and it showed in his swing.
Surgery repaired the tear in September 2002. He was playing six months later, but still not hitting the way he could.
"I think it takes a little longer than six months to come back from shoulder surgery," Casey said. "But there's no excuses. I think I had a pretty good year."