Fort Lauderdale, Fla. -- In spring training, early batting practice is known as "pitching practice" because it's not designed for the guys holding the bats. The pitchers are being evaluated as they throw from behind a protective screen and simulate game conditions for the first time.

Kevin Millar had no interest in leaving the bat on his shoulder yesterday. He launched the second offering from reliever Jim Hoey over the tall screen in left field, the ball bouncing onto one of the back fields. He gave the same power treatment to another reliever, Greg Aquino. Big swing, big fly ball.

It was such an impressive display of hitting that third baseman Melvin Mora coaxed a loud ovation from fans by waving his arms behind the batting cage and yelling, "Big clap for Kevin Millar."

Millar smiled as he walked to the dugout and held the bat over his head with both hands.