My 4th Interview with Maxx Tissenbaum

My 4th interview ran like clock work. Maxx Tissenbaum, a Canadian shortstop turned catcher for the Charlotte Stone Crabs was nice enough to interview to me for an awesome 20 minutes. Maxx is also a blogger and was named a Florida State League Mid Season All Star.  If you want to check out his blog, click HERE! Here's the recap from the interview!

Question #1

Who are some of the toughest pitchers you've faced so far this year?

Answer: Jose Berrios (J.O. Berrios) or  Daniel Norris Berrios is a power pitcher with a 94-95 MPH fastball and Norris is a pitcher with a 92 MPH fastball with a big, looping curveball.

Question #2
What are some of your biggest fears when you are up to the plate?

Answer: Try not to be afraid with an 0-2 count, I'm usually confident with an 0-2 count unlike most hitters. 

Question #3
When and where was your first professional home run?

Answer: It was my first season, 3rd or 4th game. I was with the Eugene Emeralds (San Diego Padres short season affilate) and we were playing against the Spokane Indians (Texas Rangers short season affilate) in the Northwest League. It was a line drive home run over the centerfield wall, and I assumed that it wasn't going to be a home run, but then it cleared the wall when I was about halfway to first.

Question #4
How do you change your approach against a side-arm or submarine pitcher?

Answer: They don't throw hard, so you got to wait and let the ball come to you.

Question #5
What are some of your baseball related "pet peeves"?

Answer: I don't like when the batters or pitchers have fidgets (ex. David Ortiz with the spitting into the hands and Nomar Garciaparra readjusting everything after every at bat).

Question #6
What is the biggest stereotype about minor leaguers?

Answer: That hearing "professional baseball athletes" you automatically assume that we are rich athletes. Everyone assumes that baseball players are rich, because of hearing big names like A-Rod and Pujols getting an absurd amount of money to play baseball.

Question #7
What are some funny facts that your teammates don't know about you?

Answer: I used to do movies and commericals and I play hockey as often as I can after practices.

Question #8
Your favorite pro team is...?

Answer: Ehh I might get in trouble... but a toss up between the Yankees and the Rays.

Question #9
What are your individual goals?

Answer: Get as much work as I can in as catcher and receive the ball behind the plate. SIDE NOTE: I asked who the toughest pitchers with the most signs were, he said that his roommate Kevin Brandt had the most complex signs.

Question #10
What is the coolest name in minor league baseball besides your own team name?

Answer: Omaha Storm Chasers and Durham Bulls.

Question #11
When do you believe you'll be contributing in the Majors?

Answer: In a few years.

Question #12
Who was your biggest influence growing up?

Answer: My parents. They would hit ground balls to me after school and practice with me after school.

Question #13
How many blog views do you have and what do you blog about?

Answer: I blog about our season. I have about 22,000 views on my blog.

Question #14
How close were you to sign with the Blue Jays?

Answer: Not very close at all... the Jays picked a ton of Canadian players before me and said that unless something crazy happens, we aren't going to sign you. I had my heart set on college anyways.

Question #15
What was your experience like playing in the Arizona League?

Answer: It was a long, brutal schedule and there were 115-120 degree days in the summer and the schedule was basically a three hour practice then a game. The games were usually really slow, because everyone would be tried and they would make a lot of errors.

My 3rd Interview with Gosuke Katoh

My 3rd interview went very well. Gosuke Katoh, a second basemen for the New York Yankees , is the #10 prospect in the Charleston River Dogs  organization. He is highly touted by many scouts and many said that the Yankees had a steal taking this guy in the 2nd round in the 2013 MLB Draft. Here is the recap from the interview!

Question #1
Who are some of the toughest pitchers you've faced this year?

Answer: Hunter Harvey and James Dykstra because they have so many different types of fastballs.

Question #2
What are some of your biggest fears when you are up to the plate?

Answer: Sneezing during a pitch.

Question #3
When and where was your first professional home run?

Answer: It was last year and it was my first hit for the GCL Yankees.

Question #4
How do you change your approach against a side-arm or submarine pitcher?

Answer: Sidearm pitchers usually have a lot of tail and sink on the ball so I look to go the other way and see the ball up.

Question #5
What are some of your baseball related "pet peeves"?


Answer: Stepping on the lines.

Question #6
Do you wear batting gloves and do you wear one when you field?

Answer: I wear batting gloves and I wear one for extra padding under my glove.

Question #7
What is the biggest stereotype about the minor leaguers?

Answer: Everyone thinks the Minor Leagues are miserable, but we have a great time.

Question #8
Interesting facts about you are....?

Answer: I love listening to dance music.

Question #9
Favorite pro team is..?

Answer: Gotta be the Yankees.

Question #10
What are your individual goals?

Answer: Contribute to the Yankees and win a World Series.

Question #11
What is the coolest name in minor league baseball besides your own?

Answer: Kannapolis Intimidators.

Question #12
When do you believe you'll be up contributing in the Majors?

Answer: That's not my decision, so I don't know.

Question #13
What do you plan to do after baseball?

Answer: Help others with their dreams.

Question #14
Were you a dual or single sport athlete?

Answer: I played soccer until 6th grade.

Question #15
Who was your biggest influence growing up?

Answer: Ichiro Suzuki.

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My 2nd Interview with Devante Lacy

My 2nd interview went very smooth. Devante Lacy, an outfielder for the Johnson City Cardinals, was kind enough to interview with me for 14 minutes today via phone call. He was very nice and I enjoyed interviewing him. Here we go!
Question #1
Who is the toughest team you will face this year?

Answer: The Kingsport Mets, they know us really well and they've seen us in spring training so they already have a scouting report on our team.

Question #2
What are your biggest fears when you are up to the plate?

Answer: That I get injured again. I want to play a full season so I can contribute as much as I can to this team.

Question #3
Where and when was your first home run?

Answer: It was in spring training. We were playing in Jupiter, Florida and we were playing the Marlins. The pitcher threw an inside two-seam fastball and I knew as soon as I hit it, it was gone. The ball was a line drive to centerfield and I thought that it would hit the top of the fence. SIDE NOTE: I asked him if he got the ball back (He said no, some kid took it, and he grabbed a ball and wrote his name on it).

Question #4
How do you change your approach against a sidearm or a submarine pitcher?

Answer: I really don't change my approach when I'm up to the plate. I have the same approach with a pitcher that pitches over the top. I wait back until the ball crosses and until it gets deep in the strike zone and then I make contact and connect.

Question #5
What are some of your baseball related "pet-peeves"?

Answer: Not really that I know of... Well when I was in track back in high school, I put all my markings and stuff on my left side of my body. I pull up my sock on the left side of my body and it's just what I've done since Little League.

Question #6
Do you wear batting gloves when you are hitting and when you are fielding?

Answer: Only when I'm hitting.

Question #7
What is the biggest stereotype about minor leaguers that most fans perceive?

Answer:  That people think we are a bunch of gangbeaters. We come in and work hard like everybody else and we also take it one day at a time like everyone else.

Question #8
An interesting fact about you is......?

Answer: That I'm a huge skater fan. I go skating a lot on the weekends.

Question #9
Your favorite pro team is...?

Answer: I gotta go with the Cardinals.

Question #10
What are your individual goals?

Answer: I want to go out and be the best that I can be and contribute as much as I can to the Cardinals.

Question #11
What is the coolest name in minor league baseball besides your own?

Answer: The Danville Braves.

Question #12
When do you believe you'll be up contributing in the Majors?

Answer: I'm not sure on that. I want to take each day here in the Minors one day at a time.

Question #13
What do you plan to do after baseball?

Answer: I plan on working in my dad's construction & electricity company after baseball.

Question #14
Were you a single or dual sport athlete?

Answer: A dual sport athlete. I participated in football and track (besides baseball).

Question #15
Who influenced you growing up?

Answer: I admired my parents a lot. My dad was always there to help us and my mom always put the food out on the table for us and helped us a lot with our homework and problems.

Question #16
Did you ever qualify for the summer Olympics in track?

Answer: Haha no it was just for the workout.

Question #17
Who did you play under at Cedar Valley?

Answer: I think it was a guy by the name of Robert Dally.

Question #18
How did you get injured?

Answer: The first time I was in batting practice and a teammate hit me with a bat in the genitals. The second time I was working out and I tore an AC joint in my shoulder.  My plan for this year is that I play a full healthy season.

Question #19
How fast can you run?

Answer: I think I could run a 4.4 second 40 yard dash time.

Question #20
Do you live with a host family or do you sublet an apartment?

Answer: I live with a host family.

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My First Interview with Joe Ausanio- Bowler, Wrestler or Pitcher?

My first sports interview went very well. Joe Ausanio, former relief pitcher for the New York Yankees and current Director of Baseball Communications for the Hudson Valley Renegades  gave me an awesome 13 minutes over the phone to interview him. Without further ado, let the recap begin!

Interview w/Joe Ausanio:

Question #1:

What baseball player did you look up to in the Majors growing up?

Answer: Fred Lynn, Boston Red Sox CF. 

Question #2

How close were you to sign with the Atlanta Braves in 1984?

Answer: Not very close, I wasn't ready yet. I wanted to go to college and get a degree before I went pro.

Question #3

A total of 18 pitchers have gotten Tommy John surgery this year- what are your thoughts on that?

Answer: I'm not really sure on that, Charlie. Most of these players are very quick to go under the "knife" It could be because they are quick to get surgery. I'm honestly not sure.

Question #4

What pitches could you throw and who was the most intimidating hitter you faced?

Answer: I threw a split-fingered fastball and sometimes mix in a slider. I was never really intimidated by any batter, but Frank Thomas was a huge presence at the plate. He was a monster.

Question #5

How was it like playing for Buck Showalter?

Answer: He was a very fair manager, he was a numbers guy. He was always straight up with you, honest manager.

Question #6

Some interesting facts about you are....?

Answer: Well I could've been a professional bowler. I used to work at a bowling alley and I used to bowl 100 games a week. SIDE NOTE: I asked him if he every bowled a perfect game before (Oh yes he said) I also was a wrestling tag-team partner with WWE wrestler Gold Dust. SIDE NOTE: I asked him if 90% of WWE was fake (He said yes they were presented with a script, but the pain was real)

Question #7

What is one stereotype about Major League pitchers that most fans perceive?

Answer: That pitchers aren't good athletes. Some pitchers could be basketball players, football players, etc.

Question #8

Favorite food to eat in the Majors...?

Answer: You know Charlie I used to get into trouble for this a lot, but I loved McDonalds. I really liked Big Macs, they were just so good.

Question #9

Who did you play under at Jacksonville University?

Answer: Tom Bradley, former pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. SIDE NOTE: Bradley was the person that gave Goose Gossage the nickname "Goose". Bradley called him that, because whenever Gossage was on the mound, he always saw "Goose Eggs" on the board.

Question #10

How long did you play with the Mets for?

Answer: Less then a year, then I signed with the Rockies until the tailend of 1996.

Question #11

What was your best game?

Answer: My first (and only) Major League save against the Detroit Tigers. I pitched three scoreless innings and struck out Lou Whitaker, who was a great player.

Question #12

What did you major in at Jacksonville University?

Answer: Physical Education & Recreation

Question #13

What aspects of Major League baseball do you think need to be improved/refined?

Answer:

 Instant replay system is very beneficial and it needs a little refining. I personally think we need to get rid of Bud Selig. He is an owner, not a neutral third party. I honestly think I could do a better job then him.

Question #14

Best player you've seen come through the Hudson Valley Renegades system is...?

Answer: Josh Hamilton was just an amazing baseball player when he came through here and when he came back for his rehab stint. Evan Longoria was a close second also.

Joe Ausaino was a pleasure to interview and if anyone has any questions  or comments on the interview with Joe Ausaino, feel free to comment below. Thanks!

Upcoming MLB All Star Game & Surprises

As the All Star Game is almost one month away, there as been a ton of surprises so far this season.

1. Miami Marlins:
They've been very surprising so far. They also picked a stud in Tyler Kolek, a  6'5" right hander who can throw 97-99 mph consisently. Giancarlo Stanton with the power surge of 17 homers so far, the Marlins are in a good spot.

2. Tampa Bay Rays:
Uhh what's up Rays? 24-42, they also hired "The Rainman", a 72 year old Seminole tribesmen thought to have brought "supernatural powers to the team" What?  Bobby Henry walked around the field, then promptly said that "They are ready to go" Maddon also hired a DJ, got a penguin, a snake and other interesting items to loosen the team up. Weird.

3. Toronto Blue Jays
12 games above .500, the Blue Jays are streaking! They could be a dangerous threat to contend for the World Series. Edwin Encarnacion has 20 homers and 53 RBIs and he is a monster. If they keep going like this, the AL East will be theirs.

All Star Game Updates

American League All-Star Voting

Position	Leader	Second	Third
C	Matt Wieters, BAL	Brian McCann, NYY	Derek Norris, OAK
1B	Miguel Cabrera, DET	Jose Abreu, CWS	Albert Pujols, LAA
2B	Robinson Cano, SEA	Ian Kinsler, DET	Dustin Pedroia, BOS
3B	Josh Donaldson, OAK	Evan Longoria, TB	Manny Machado, BAL
SS	Derek Jeter, NYY	Alexei Ramirez, CWS	J.J. Hardy, BAL
OF 1	Jose Bautista, TOR	Adam Jones, BAL	Michael Brantley, CLE
OF 2	Mike Trout, LAA	Jacoby Ellsbury, NYY	Carlos Beltran, NYY
OF 3	Melky Cabrera, TOR	Yoenis Cespedes, OAK	Nick Markakis, BAL
DH	Nelson Cruz, BAL	David Ortiz, BOS	Victor Martinez, DET

National League All-Star Voting

Position	Leader	Second	Third
C	Yadier Molina, STL	Buster Posey, SF	Jonathan Lucroy, MIL
1B	Adrian Gonzalez, LAD	Paul Goldschmidt, ARI	Freddie Freeman, ATL
2B	Chase Utley, PHI	Dee Gordon, LAD	Neil Walker, PIT
3B	David Wright, NYM	Nolan Arenado, COL	Pablo Sandoval, SF
SS	Troy Tulowitzki, COL	Brandon Crawford, SF	Jean Segura, MIL
OF 1	Yasiel Puig, LAD	Andrew McCutchen, PIT	Angel Pagan, SF
OF 2	Giancarlo Stanton, MIA	Charlie Blackmon, COL	Justin Upton, ATL
OF 3	Carlos Gomez, MIL	Ryan Braun, MIL	Mike Morse, SF

My Thoughts on the Major League Baseball Season- 1/3 done

As I reflect on the thought that my Twinkies are now above .500, I have some positive, negative and mixed opinions for this season so far. We'll start with some positives (Keep in mind, it's on all the teams in the league. Not just the Twins.)

POSITIVES:

• Brian Dozier is hitting for power! Yes! Big bats in the Twins lineup will help them go far.... kinda.
• Jose Abreu is a shoe in for the AL ROY. As this tremendous pace he is hitting at, he should hit 55 home runs in his rookie year? He will probably make the All Star Team also. Gardy would be crazy not to name this guy to the All-Star team.
• Cole Hamels winning his 100th game as a pitcher. Struck out 10 and only allowed three hits over seven innings. Impressive.
• Nelson Cruz has been surprisingly good for the O's this year. Signed for 1 year and $8 million, I think the O's got a steal and a big bat in the lineup.

NEGATIVES:

• Prince Fielder's iron-man streak ending. Fielder played 547 consecutive games. He has struggled this year with a .247/3/16 statline. Yikes.
• The number of pitchers that need/will have season-ending or Tommy John surgery is insurmountable. The pitchers that will have the surgery are Brandon Beachy (Braves), Patrick Corbin (D-Backs), Luke Hochevar (Royals), Josh Johnson (Padres), Kris Medlen (Braves), Ivan Nova (Yankees), Bobby Parnell (Mets), Jarrod Parker (A's), Jose Fernandez (Marlins), Martin Perez (Rangers), A.J. Griffin (A's), Cory Gearrin (Braves), David Hernandez (D-Backs), Matt Moore (Rays), Cory Luebke (Padres), Brian Moran (Angels), Bruce Rondon (Tigers) and Jameson Tallion (Pirates Top 5 Prospect). WOW.

MIXED: 

• The replay system!! Selig says he wants a replay to last 1 min and 59 seconds. Heh, like thats going to happen. It's sometimes is benefical, but other times it justs extends the game. BOOORING!
• Metal detectors at the stadium. Extends the lines, but helps increase our safety. I'll take safety any day.
• The lowly Cubs. They really need Soler and Baez to hurry up so they can actually be relevant again (Sorry Cubs Fans. It's true).

My NFL Mock Draft- Rounds 1-2

Yes folks, I am back. As the NFL draft is only a week or so away, the draft topics and discussion have been hid by the Donald Sterling problem. I'm unveiling my new NFL Mock Draft Rounds 1-2 that should be very low key and shouldn't have very many surprises. Here we go:

Round 1

1. Texans- Jadevon Clowney- South Carolina DE
2. Rams- Greg Robinson- Auburn OT
3. Jaguars- Khalil Mack- Buffalo LB
4. Browns- Johnny Manziel- Texas A&M QB
5. Raiders- Sammy Watkins- Clemson WR
6. Falcons- Jake Matthews- Texas A&M OT
7. Buccaneers- Mike Evans- Texas A&M WR

It would be very interesting if three Texas A&M players get drafted in the first 7 picks.

8. Vikings- Blake Bortles- University of Central Florida QB
9. Bills- Taylor Lewan- Michigan OT
10. Lions- Anthony Barr- UCLA LB
11. Titans- Justin Gilbert- Oklahoma State CB
12. Giants- Eric Ebron- UNC TE
13. Rams- Ha-Ha Clinton Dix- Alabama CB
14. Bears- Aaron Donald- Pittsburgh DT
15. Steelers- Odell Beckham Jr.- LSU WR
16. Cowboys- RaShede Hageman- Minnesota DE
17. Ravens- Calvin Pryor- Louisville FS
18. Jets- Darqueze Dennard- Michigan State CB
19.  Dolphins- Cyrus Kouandjio- Alabama OT
20. Cardinals- Teddy Bridgewater- Louisville QB
21. Packers- Ryan Shazier- Ohio State LB
22. Eagles- Marquise Lee- USC WR
23. Chiefs- Derek Carr- Fresno State QB
24. Bengals- Bradley Roby- Ohio State CB
25. Chargers- Louis Nix III- Notre Dame DT
26. Browns- Kelvin Benjamin- Florida State WR
27. Saints- Brandin Cooks- Oregon State WR
28. Panthers- Zack Martin- Notre Dame OT
29. Patriots- Kony Ealy- Missouri DE
30. 49ers- Jason Verrett- TCU CB
31. Broncos- Xavier Su-a-Filo- UCLA G
32. Seahawks- Jace Amaro- Texas Tech TE

Comments: Hageman is a beast and would help stabilize the defensive front for Dallas after the depature of Ware to Denver. Lewan at #9 would be a good pick unless Lewan can't control himself off the field (pending an assault case). I'm also amazed how Teddy Bridgewater's stock has dropped in 2 1/2 months after a sub-par pro day. Some experts say he may not even go in the first round.

I feel like this is one of the deepest drafts in a while. You could get a solid quarterback in the 3rd-4th round if you needed one but didn't want to reach for one. Here we go:

Round 2

33. Texans- Zach Mettenberger- LSU QB

34. Redskins- Chris Borland- Wisconsin LB

35. Browns- Cody Latimer- Indiana WR

36. Raiders- Jimmy Garoppolo- Eastern Illinois QB

37. Falcons- Jeremiah Attaochu- Georgia Tech DE/OLB

38. Buccaneers- Dee Ford- Auburn DE

39. Jaguars- AJ McCarron- Alabama QB

40. Vikings- Kyle Van Noy- BYU LB

41. Bills- Austin Seferian-Jenkins- Washington TE

42. Titans- Carlos Hyde- Ohio State HB

43. Giants- Morgan Moses- Virginia T

44. Rams- Allen Robinson- Penn State WR

45. Lions- Deonne Bucannon- Washington St. SS

46. Steelers- Stanley Jean-Baptiste- Nebraska CB

47. Cowboys- Will Sutton- Arizona State DT
48. Ravens- Stephon Tuitt- Notre Dame DE/DT
49. Jets- Joel Bitonio- Nevada G/T
50. Dolphins- Carl Bradford- Arizona State OLB
51. Bears- Pierre Desir- Lindenwood CB
52. Cardinals- Ja'Wuan James- Tennessee T
53. Packers- Troy Niklas- Notre Dame TE
54. Eagles- Terrence Brooks- Florida State FS
55. Bengals- Scott Crichton- Oregon State DE
56. 49ers- Jordan Matthews- Vanderbilt WR
57. Chargers- Marcus Roberson- Florida CB
58. Saints- Trent Murphy- Stanford DE/OLB
59. Colts- Weston Richburg- Colorado State C
60. Panthers- Davante Adams- Fresno State WR
61. 49ers- Dominique Easley- Florida DE/T
62. Patriots- LaMarcus Joyner- Florida State CB
63. Broncos- Jarvis Landry- LSU WR
64. Seahawks- Gabe Jackson- Mississippi State G

Comments: To be honest, I've never even heard of Lindenwood until I came across Pierre Desir's article in the ESPN Mag. Lindenwood is in St. Charles, MO. I would really like to see the Vikings draft Hyde to strengthen the running back position behind Peterson, even though I believe the front office staff thinks the defense is more important.

I believe if Spielman screws up this draft this year and the Vikings don't perform well, he will be fired or given one more year to prove himself. My predraft grade on the Vikings as of my mock:
Vikings: B- to C+
Enjoy my mock and comment! Have a good one!
P.S.- Regarding my giveaway contestants- I haven't forgotten about you, just I've been very busy and have umping and baseball coming up. Will send them out A.S.A.P.