00:00:01
Speaker 1: All right, I'm not even going to try on the record here. So go ahead, Neil. Neil, the Tampa Bay Rays radio broadcaster, tell me how to say your name because they're trying to– they said Solon's.
00:00:14
Speaker 2: Is that right? Solon's. Repeat that, please. Solon's. Okay, all right.
00:00:23
Speaker 1: I just wanted to make sure, because I do not, that's one of the worst things. I don't want to say your name wrong, so I want to make sure that I get that right. And if you say it wrong, then it's all your own fault.
00:00:33
Speaker 3: Yeah, just don't ask me to spell Brzezinski, because I can't spell that if you can't say my name, we're even, right?
00:00:38
Speaker 2: That's fine, that's fair. My name is really easy to spell.
00:00:40
Speaker 1: By the way, and I'm sorry to bring this up, your predecessor for the Rays podcast was one of my favorites.
00:00:45
Speaker 2: So again, I mean, that happened a while ago.
00:00:47
Speaker 1: Sorry for the loss, but he was one of the greatest, guys and greatest radio broadcasters.
00:00:52
Speaker 2: Of all time. He was awesome.
00:00:55
Speaker 3: Dave's always with us, trust me. And in a year like this, he's smiling a lot, for sure.
00:01:00
Speaker 2: Okay, good. I love Dave.
00:01:02
Speaker 1: Dave was awesome. Always one of my favorites when I went to Tampa. What's going on with the Rays? How good are the Rays? Where are they at in the season? I mean, they just keep winning games no matter what. They lose a guy, we win. We lose a guy, we win.
00:01:14
Speaker 3: It's a great group. It's been that way since day one. And I think Part of it gets back to the steady leadership they've had, the character they have in the clubhouse, the people they have overall, and the fact that they are really, really good players. But I think they've been a steady force. And probably in terms of leadership, the guy who's been leading the way has been Nick Martinez. And it's rare to have a starting pitcher do that. But he's been unbelievable in terming blending this group together. And whenever it seems like they're going to hit a tough moment, they get right over the hump. And I think it's because they're so together as a unit.
00:01:47
Speaker 4: Wait, you said since day one. I feel like this team was good last year. They were just getting cooked outside. Do you feel like this is something that could have happened last year, but they had to deal with the fact that they were playing half their games outside, even though they did play them a stacked early in the season?
00:02:06
Speaker 3: It definitely didn't help, right? I mean, you know, I don't think, I think the beauty of this group is they don't make any excuses, right? Yesterday, last year was last year. and they had to deal with the situation. They never complained about it. They just played through. But I also think that Tropicana Field is perfect for the style of play that they have. They're a contact-oriented team with a lot of speed. They can beat you in different ways offensively, and Tropicana Field is suited to that, where Steinbrenner Field wasn't necessarily. And you also get to play in 72 degrees versus, you know, you could argue, yes, the games were front-loaded at the beginning of the schedule, but then that means you're also cooking in the heat still in May and June, and then you have a lot of road games. And maybe that affected the ball club. Who knows? But right now they've played really, really well all the way through, and their stars have been their stars, and everybody else has played a major role.
00:02:56
Speaker 1: Neil, one guy who has been cooking inside or outside is Junior Caminero. The ball he hit last night, oh, boy. That ball was absolutely smashed. He's now the AL leader in home runs. He's kind of killing the triple crown for Jordan Alvarez. Can he keep this up and win the American League home run race?
00:03:14
Speaker 3: I would hope so. But I mean, I think more than that is it's all the other things that Junior does. Yesterday, yeah, he hit the long home run on the first and that kind of set the tone against Atlanta in last night's win. But I also want to emphasize his next time up, he beat out a double play ball. And when your stars are hitting home runs and beating out a double play, the guy behind him, Liam Hicks, who they got at the trading deadline, hits a home run for a 3-1 lead. And the club never trailed after that. And Junior also made two really good plays defensively. And I think he's grown there. And you look at his numbers, he's walking more than he did last year. I think the addition to Hicks means that teams have to pitch to him more. So in terms of the home run race, let's see how it goes. But I mean, either way, he's having one of the more fantastic seasons that a raised baseball player has ever had. And that's saying a lot.
00:04:02
Speaker 4: MVP is out of reach this year. What does he need to improve on to.
00:04:07
Speaker 4: Win an MVP because most people don't know much about the Rays or Junior Caminero.
00:04:13
Speaker 2: He's still only 23 years old.
00:04:16
Speaker 3: You're right. And his best baseball is in front of him. I think he's going to get even better and better. I mean, what, he doubled his walk rate this year and he's in the 70s. I wouldn't be shocked if he were a guy who walked 100 times and hit 40 homers and hit 300. I mean, I think all those things are possible. and he's not far off from those. I mean, he's got a nine-something OPS for the year. And I think the other thing is his defense at the start of this year was maybe not where he left off last year. And I think he'll never make an excuse, but for me, he DH'd for two and a half weeks in the WBC and really didn't get to play third base. And I think the rhythm of spring training and a regular spring training would have allowed him to get that because I thought he's really taken off defensively the back half of this year, as he did a year ago.
00:05:06
Speaker 2: Okay.
00:05:07
Speaker 1: Let's not use the WBC excuse again. I mean, certain teams are using that with certain players. This guy's still having an unbelievable year.
00:05:12
Speaker 2: So we moved on.
00:05:14
Speaker 1: We moved on, Neil, from the WBC and the WBC jinx. The stars on Tampa Bay are what's amazing, right? We mentioned Junior. Yandy Diaz is having a heck of a year. Aranda's having a great year. And then you bring in Liam Hicks, who you also mentioned. Is this star power enough to carry the Rays for a deep postseason run? They've always been better than expected in the regular season, probably even this year. They get to the postseason, and they've had a couple nice runs where they've gone to the World Series, but can these stars carry this team to postseason glory?
00:05:45
Speaker 3: I think so, because I think those aren't the only stars among the group. I mean, to me, Drew Rasmussen, the way he's pitched this year, is a star pitcher. Brian Baker has been arguably the best reliever in the American league during the course of this year. You know, and I think you look at the rest of the rotation, the way Freddie Peralta has pitched his last three times out, he's pitched like the Freddie Peralta who was an all-star with the Milwaukee Brewers. And I'm not even including Shane McClanahan, who certainly the expectations are he will be back before the end of the regular season and Nick Martinez in the year he's had. I certainly think there are enough options pitching wise. And then I think, From a position player standpoint, I think Liam Hicks has made them deeper, but he may not be seen as a superstar, but Chandler Simpson's got, what, back-to-back 40-steal seasons, and he's second to Jordan Alvarez in hitting in the American League. And guys like Victor Mesa have really... Victor Mesa Jr. have really come on the second half of the season. Richie Palacios has had a nice run. They've got some really good support players, and they also are the team that strikes out the least. And when teams are trying to get swing and miss in the postseason... to me, the teams that can put the ball in play and score in more than just hitting the home run ball, I think that's value in the postseason.
00:07:01
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00:07:20
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00:07:21
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00:07:23
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00:07:24
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00:07:29
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00:07:32
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00:07:38
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00:07:59
Speaker 4: All right, set out my rotation. Sit on my rotation for the five-game series because they're going to have the off days. And I think for a team like this, it's huge. Obviously, Rasmussen is first. But from there, where do you go?
00:08:14
Speaker 3: Well, I mean, first things first, they got to make sure to– they still have four games with New York. But let's say they do. Okay, let's say they do. And they finish out the division and they get the number one seed, which I think is really important for this group to avoid New York and Boston and– let them hopefully beat up one another. But the way that's set up, you probably only need three starting pitchers, right? You could start Drew in games one and five, and then you're looking at games one and four, and then two and five would be the same starter, and then it's who you want to go with in game three. And I think the last few weeks are going to kind of determine what route the Rays go in that regard. I think they have a lot of good options. I wouldn't be shocked if they tandem started anybody. I wouldn't be shocked if they bullpenned. I don't think it's it's, you know, all hands on deck type situation because the way the postseason is set up and you've seen the draw, the three best teams are going to be in one half. So you kind of feel if you can get out of a best of five that you've got a much better shot of getting to to the fall classic.
00:09:16
Speaker 1: You know, what is Freddie Peralta brought? He got off to a terrible start. He wasn't having a great year. I mean, nothing like the Rays hooking him up, by the way. Oh, your first start's going to be in Colorado. And then I think his second start was in Sacramento, right? So thanks, Kevin Cash. And, you know, I just blanked on the pitcher, Kyle Snyder, who's been there forever, right? Thanks, guys, for really giving me a solid start. Couldn't have pitched me in Seattle or somewhere else. So what has he changed and what has he done since then? Because he's been really good his last three starts.
00:09:51
Speaker 3: Well, I mean, first you can see by the way he's pitching, his confidence is there. And and when you throw with conviction um you're going to have success in this game and I think they've made some mechanical tweaks you know once they had a chance to work with him and get him into their lab and make some adjustments you're starting to see the extension back on the fastball and really for Freddie as you know everything plays off his fastball And last night after the first inning, I think he was almost 70% fastballs. But the threat of that changeup and his off-speed stuff makes it really play up well. And when he's got 94 to 97 with extension and he's getting pop-ups and shallow fly balls and swings and misses, you know he's right. And beyond that, I mean, he brings a great energy and a vibe to a clubhouse. Nick Martinez and he have known each other for several years. He played with Drew Rasmussen in Milwaukee. I just think this was a great environment for him. I think it's probably the closest thing he could find to what he had in Milwaukee. And now he's got that, and hopefully it leads to further success in September and October.
00:10:55
Speaker 1: Hey, last one, Neil, for me. I live in Orlando, okay? The Rays weren't around when I was a kid. They became kind of the team for people in Florida, you know, in the northern part of Florida, central part where I live. I know Patrick Zalupski. I've had many conversations with him. He seems like a great guy, right? I know some other guys that are involved in the ownership group of the Rays. What does it mean to know that they are actually going to get a stadium? And for me, listen, I have family that lives in Tampa, in Tampa proper, right there in Carolwood and all that. They are so excited that they don't have to cross the causeway. I was with them this past weekend, and they said, man, we're going to get season tickets because it's so much easier for us not to have to drive across the causeway. What does it mean to the Rays organization that, I mean, unless something crazy happens that this is done and the Rays are actually going to have this thing. And I think they have 133 acres. They're going to be able to do a battery type thing.
00:11:52
Speaker 2: What does it mean?
00:11:54
Speaker 3: It's kind of neat that we're in Atlanta right now because the battery is kind of the model for everybody else. And the area that the Rays have is twice the size of the battery. So you can imagine the impact it can have. in terms of your organization financially. You know, I look at an organization like the Braves and they have guys like Acuna and Albies and Riley and Olsen and so many of their young, talented players are locked up for several years. I think it'll give the Rays the opportunity to hopefully do some of that, be more flexible. But also I think it's just going to be a great place and environment and have a forever home. And I think the organization has done a marvelous job of getting it to this point and I know that ownership has been in Atlanta, too, to get a closer look at how things have been managed here. They've been here on several occasions, this series as well. And, you know, I'm hoping everything continues to go in the positive direction because you're not the only one who and your family's not the only one who's super excited about what's to come here in the future. But first things first, hopefully this team can wrap up a playoff spot this week and hold off the Yankees in the divisions.
00:13:05
Speaker 4: Neil, I have no idea how they're going to run the organization. But I doubt they're going to ask you when they build the new stadium what you would like. So now is your chance in the new stadium. What is the one thing you want in the radio booth that you're like, that would be awesome?
00:13:21
Speaker 3: In the radio booth? Boy, that's a good question, Eric. As long as we're still at a great vantage point, I know AJ's been to our ballpark and you have as well, Eric. As long as we have a really good sight lines, Um, everything else would take care of itself. Uh, I don't ask for much. I'm the most low maintenance guy, um, uh, of all. So I'll, I'll let others tell, say what they want for the ballpark. And as long as it has a Ray tank, I'm good.
00:13:50
Speaker 2: Oh, come on. They're not going to have a Ray tank, but just don't be like Michael K. Okay.
00:13:54
Speaker 1: And you need such a big fridge, because I don't know if you heard this, but I got accused by Michael Case. When you see Michael, tell him I love him, but I didn't steal his diet Snapples that he was complaining about. So when I go to the Rays, when I do a Rays game, which my first ever game was a Rays game, just know that I am not the Snapple stealer, okay? So when you have a huge fridge and a huge booth, I am not the Snapple stealer.
00:14:17
Speaker 3: So do you want Snapple the next time you're here? Is that what I'm hearing?
00:14:21
Speaker 2: No, no.
00:14:22
Speaker 1: I usually get a black coffee before the game, and then I just get waters during the game. So I usually get one water and one coffee during the game. Now, they bring me all kinds of food. So if I have one request, we need cool food. I mean, it's Tampa. You got Columbia. I mean, you got Dats.
00:14:38
Speaker 2: You got all those places.
00:14:39
Speaker 1: Like, you got Burns. I love a Burns steak. I mean, you can bring me Alaska from Burns.
00:14:44
Speaker 2: I mean, I don't know.
00:14:45
Speaker 1: Just bring me the whole dessert room menu from Burns. Like, that's my request as a broadcaster. A nice booth with lots of room and great food. And the rest I'm happy with. And a game under two and a half hours, too, if we're being really picky.
00:14:57
Speaker 3: Well, hopefully the Rays pitch as well as they have this year. Maybe you'll get your wish.
00:15:02
Speaker 2: Perfect.
00:15:02
Speaker 1: Perfect.
00:15:03
Speaker 2: That'd be great. That'd be great.
00:15:05
Speaker 1: Well, Neil, thank you so much. We really appreciate it. We had BA on not long ago. Tell everyone there we said hello. All the Rays people are always awesome to us. So thank you, and good luck in the postseason, and we'll see if the Rays can make that deep run.
00:15:18
Speaker 3: Sounds good.
00:15:18
Speaker 2: Anytime, guys.
00:15:21
Speaker 1: The postseason run is heating up for Major League Baseball teams. Kratzy, you can go see all these games, all the important games. Whatever your team is, they have a great chance, almost all of them, at being alive for the postseason. So you can go on SeatGeek and find whatever team you want, whatever game you want, whatever matchup you want to try to help cheer your team on to the postseason.
00:15:41
Speaker 2: Yeah, look ahead of your schedule. Go on to SeatGeek.
00:15:44
Speaker 4: Essentially, your team's either in the playoffs or the team they're playing has a chance in the playoffs. So all these games in September, you got to get on there, get your green dot, figure out where you're going to sit, do it ahead of time, and use the codes.
00:15:59
Speaker 1: And of course, I have a code for y'all. You can use code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next set of MLB tickets at SeatGeek. That's 10% off MLB tickets with promo code TERRITORY10. Make sure you click the link in the description to download the app and have the code automatically added to your account so you can use it later. Get ready for MLB postseason by getting the perfect ticket on SeatGeek.
00:16:21
Speaker 6: Hey, let's talk to Brett Bateman, center fielder of the Blue Jays, joining.
00:16:32
Speaker 5: Us right now.
00:16:32
Speaker 6: Brett, great to have you on the show, man.
00:16:34
Speaker 3: Thanks for the time.
00:16:34
Speaker 6: And how's life in Toronto for you?
00:16:38
Speaker 5: It's been pretty good. You know, it was a bit of whirlwind for a little while, just getting my feet underneath me. But, you know, playing a lot of baseball, playing well, boys been hot. So we've been playing pretty well. Can you give us a little bit more? Oh, go ahead, AJ. No, no, no. Awesome.
00:16:56
Speaker 1: Before we get into this interview, I just want to know, was I your favorite player growing up since you had to grow up a Twins fan?
00:17:04
Speaker 2: I knew Kratz.
00:17:05
Speaker 5: Would love that. I remember some of the good old beef, but, yeah, I mean, I always enjoyed watching some good ball and then watching some good on-field beef.
00:17:18
Speaker 2: That's all.
00:17:18
Speaker 1: By the way, you were born at, like, you were born, I was already basically not a twin anymore, so it doesn't, it's okay, it's okay. It doesn't affect my ego at all. You barely, probably don't remember. You're more of a Joe Maurer fan. That's okay, I understand.
00:17:30
Speaker 5: Joe Maurer, Nick Punto. Joe Nathan.
00:17:36
Speaker 4: We need a random twin, though, that you were like, I really like that random twin.
00:17:41
Speaker 2: Everybody can say Joe Maurer.
00:17:45
Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean, Ben Revere was the one.
00:17:48
Speaker 3: I love watching him run it down the center.
00:17:51
Speaker 2: He wasn't that random. He was a first-round pick.
00:17:54
Speaker 5: Yeah, no, I mean, he's just a good outfielder that I really liked watching growing up for the Twins.
00:18:00
Speaker 2: Did you go to a game in the Metronome?
00:18:04
Speaker 5: No, so my dad was, I did, yes, but not that I can remember. I actually remember my dad was a college baseball coach for Augsburg University, and they would always get the dawn games, like the 1 a.m., 2 a.m. games in the Metrodome in that, like, marsh-ish time when snow would still be on the ground. I remember, you know, skipping school to be a bat boy and going to the Metrodome, so it was pretty sweet to, like, be on field. That's what I remember about that.
00:18:31
Speaker 2: That's cool. That's cool.
00:18:32
Speaker 1: I also remember we had to play at 10 a.m. So the Gophers, your Gophers could play football at 7 p.m. We had a 10 a.m. start and we had to be done by like one o'clock because if we went past one o'clock, they couldn't get the field ready. So thank your Gophers for those 10 a.m. Eric Milton saying thanks him for a no hitter one time because he threw a no hitter in one of those games.
00:18:49
Speaker 2: So it's cool, Brad. Thank you.
00:18:51
Speaker 1: But the other question I have for you is, is you mentioned all these. all these like random twins. And you mentioned your dad coached at Augsburg college. Why is every college in Minnesota, the Augsburg, Augs, Augies, the St. Olaf, Oles, the St.
00:19:05
Speaker 2: John's, Johnny's.
00:19:05
Speaker 1: Can we not get original with the nicknames? We just have to take their names and just whatever their first name is. We're going for the second name too.
00:19:12
Speaker 5: Nah, I mean, I couldn't tell you about that. I mean, I was more of a gopher kid growing up. Uh, so I would just say, uh, I like my Gophers, Augsburg, Augsburg Augies. But yeah, I mean, I never really even noticed that until you just pointed that out.
00:19:29
Speaker 4: Well, now, see, this is why you come on the show. AJ will teach you something about your state that you didn't even care to know. But what I want to know, because we talk all the time, we have different guys on here. We just talked about Kevin Gaussman. You know, he was in Toronto forever. He gets traded. What is it like for you getting traded and then right into the, the mix in the big league team that clearly still has aspirations of making the playoffs?
00:19:57
Speaker 5: Yeah. Like I said, it was a whirlwind. The first game that I played in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in Buffalo, I didn't have my gear, so I was using a teammate's bat. I was using a teammate's cleats, um, and then finally got my stuff, played one game and they said, all right, you're going to the show. You're going to face Zach Guler in Philadelphia. So, um, it was pretty crazy. Uh, I wasn't thinking about like, you know, uh, post-season stuff at the time. I was just trying to, you know, put good at-bats together, um, find out how I kind of fit in to the team and the Oregon for the future plans. And, uh, Obviously, like I said, we've played really, really good baseball down the stretch, and we're going to continue to do that.
00:20:42
Speaker 4: Were you a little pissed now that you've been up in the big leagues and you're one of the best players that have produced the most since you've been up there? Were you a little pissed that you had to go one game in Buffalo? Because had you, as a guy that got traded from AAA teams to big league teams, they would have paid for all your moving expenses had you gone right to the big leagues. Did you feel like the one game in Buffalo was necessary, or was there, like, a roster move that ended up happening that you ended up making your debut then after that first game?
00:21:14
Speaker 5: Yeah.
00:21:16
Speaker 2: Honestly, I.
00:21:18
Speaker 5: Have morally been taking it where my feet have been at, not really worrying about the next step, like, things I can't. That's not really something I can control. So, like, when I first got traded, like, I initially was, like, And this was before the Varsha trading. I was just more like, I want to be where my feet are at. I knew I was going straight to Buffalo. I was just going to play baseball. And that's nothing really changes, you know, at all. So I just wanted to be who I was and just keep playing baseball. And then, yeah, I mean, the travel did suck. It was like five flights in three days, I think, or something like that, maybe six and three days. But like I said, like I wouldn't have traded for a world. it was an opportunity and just wanted to make the most out of it.
00:22:04
Speaker 4: Do you have to constantly repeat what you just said? Be who you are, be where your feet are at because you're a guy in, in the game of baseball where everybody has to hit home runs or they're not productive in the big leagues who doesn't hit home runs. Do you have to, when a hitting coach, when I'm trying to think of, I mean, I'm blanking on the hitting coach in Toronto, he's gonna be like, Hey, you know what? I see a little bit that we can, We can unlock some power for you here. I'm sure in the minor leagues you were told that all the time. How do you listen but then block it out and just play your game?
00:22:43
Speaker 5: I mean, ever since I got here, Toronto's really been just like be yourself. They have not pushed any on the lope of like you need to hit for power, which is great. It puts a lot less pressure on me just to perform and just try and get on base and be a catalyst for this team. um but yeah no absolutely like when I was in the Cubs org especially in the minors it was like what can we do to get your bat speed up what can we do you know to get your launch angle up um and I've always been open to it like I'm never gonna say no to power I'm never gonna say no um you know to some extra base hits but I think it's really easy to forget about like what gets you to where you're at and like being successful because I think now like the game is so statistically based and there's a lot of good merit in it for sure um but Yeah, I mean, I'm always going to be open for it, and I always want to try new things. The game is all about adjustments, as you guys know. Changing, moving your hands around, however your stance is. I'm always going to be open to that, to try and become a more complete player, because everyone can still work on something, no matter what. But yeah, I mean, it is always there. Like, oh, if he could have more power, if he could do this, if he could do that. But ultimately, I just... want to be able to do what the best that I can based on what I've been given. And I'm not like Aaron Dredger's height. I'm not, you know, the biggest dude. So just trying to make the most of what I've got right now. And we can figure all the other stuff out down the road.
00:24:14
Speaker 2: Right.
00:24:14
Speaker 1: What's it, what's it like? I mean, I'd tell him that I'm not changing anything. Cause you're raking, you're playing an unbelievable center field. You kind of, and then when you talked to him, the blue Jays, they said you've kind of been a spark plug for them. since you've come up, have you ever just thought about looking at some of these people and saying, you know what, dude, I'm doing just fine. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing. I know you don't need to hit and not everyone's a 30 home run guy.
00:24:35
Speaker 2: I'm sorry.
00:24:35
Speaker 1: If you can get on base at the clip you're getting on, you can cause havoc the way you're causing it. There's got to be value in that, right?
00:24:43
Speaker 5: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you see that with Chandler Simpson, like he's the one of one, you know, type guy where he's literally just slapping a ball on the ground. And I, I think it's, as much as it's frustrating when you're on the opposite side of the field, it's really fun to watch. Like, cause it's just something that's not ordinary, right? It's just totally different. And I think that's what baseball is all about. Like there are guys that are going to be able to hit 50 pumps a year. And then there's guys that are going to be able to hit 300, like your eyes. And I think taking away from what you're really good at is something that it makes you less of a ball player. And, I think we're now starting to see a little bit more, especially with pitching and how good pitching is. You guys were talking about Flitler. Like I've faced him twice and man, that dude stuff is stupid. It's, it's really important to have people that, you know, can have long at bats against guys like that and tire them out or steal bases or that is a complete team. And like I said, it's a one through nine, it's a one through nine order. Everyone's at bats batter. And so the more that you can have guys that can do a little bit of this, a little bit of that, you know, it's going to make a more complete lineup for sure.
00:25:49
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00:26:00
Speaker 2: He's going to catch some footballs.
00:26:02
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00:26:13
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00:26:51
Speaker 4: KP, Kevin Pillar is one of the guys that comes on and hosts here with us sometimes. He said a few nights ago, you moved up in the box. Was that something that was just your, Hey, you know what? I need to move up farther in the box here. Or was that something that was suggested to you?
00:27:08
Speaker 5: No, I've always, I've always done that. Like, There's always a game inside of the game, and that's Craig Yoho's got one of the better change-ups. I faced him in high A. I faced him in triple A. And like I said, he's got one of the better change-ups in the league. It's kind of like Devin Williams-esque, super slow, like Bugs Bunny. And he was throwing it at like a 55%, 56% clip. So I was just like, if you're going to throw it, I'm going to try and eliminate all the depth that you get in the last five inches of the plate and move up. And he ended up throwing two of them. I moved up on the first one. He threw a front side, like a front side, like in changeup, took it for a strike and then moved up and moved back to try and like make him throw a heater. But he left the changeup up again. So I was able to get there, but there's more mind games to it than it is. And like, I always want to try and eliminate a pitcher's best pitch to the best of my ability. and uh try and make him run away from it because then for me as a hitter i feel like i've been a little bit more victorious even if i do get out if i'm able to make them eliminate their best pitch um but yeah like that was planned i've been doing that in college i've been doing that in high school um especially with guys that have really good stuff i'm just trying to eliminate the off speed just challenging me like just give me your best year um because that's when i'm gonna be trying to hit and uh just eliminate some of the the extra movement that they get towards the bottom zone i'm in That.
00:28:38
Speaker 4: Is just, that is tremendous. We're going to clip this, and there's going to be so many people.
00:28:42
Speaker 2: That will be like, what? He should be swinging for the.
00:28:45
Speaker 4: Poolside dinger the whole time.
00:28:48
Speaker 2: That is great.
00:28:48
Speaker 4: Like, that is the approach that allows you to do what you've done. And ironically, it is not done in the game, and that's why I think we see such low batting averages, even though pitches are really good, like you said. But I want to talk about your defense. What is it that makes your defense different? possibly be able to make it to the next level, take it to the next level of you're already at your short, short time in the big leagues, gold glove numbers, gold glove, defensive runs, saved all those things. How do you take that to the next level in what you do daily pregame and everything like that?
00:29:28
Speaker 5: Yeah. I would say the big thing, especially about outfield nowadays is like the first step time. That's what they harped a lot when I was in the Cubs org. And then burst is kind of like, I think it's like the time that you have for the first 10 feet from where you start is like burst. And then first step timing is like three feet from where you land to like when the ball's hit. And worked on that really, really hard over the past few years and found something that clicked. and it's a little bit different for everyone. So like, um, obviously I was behind Pete. Um, and he, you know, he's got one of the best in the league. Like that's why he is a gold Glover. He's, you know, he's, he's the best defensive outfielder we've seen in a long time, honestly, um, in my opinion, at least. And like, there are other guys like a young for the nationals who I watched a lot of film on. Um, and it's just kind of taking what, works best for me. So like, I like to walk into it and then get a jump while the balls, uh, and I'd like to be in the air when the balls hit. So like, if you were to take a video of like, whoever's that short, like Jimenez, I want to be in the air with him, um, and land at the same time as him pretty much like that would be perfectly ideal, except I like to move forward, um, to just get some sort of momentum, some sort of movement. And I think that's really helped, um, me get a lot better jumps, um, And obviously like having speed helps a lot. So you get really good jumps with a lot of speed and you can cover a lot of ground out there. I would just say like the biggest thing too, like I learned from David Peralta. He was with the Cubs for spring training and I was in big league camp at the time and just like a random minor leaguer. And one of the things that he said is like the best jumps and the best practice you'll ever get is during BP. So whenever we had BP, I was out in center trying to get jumps. And it didn't mean like I was sprinting after the ball, like full speed, like every single rep. It was more just like making sure my timing was good, getting a good few, two, three hard steps. And that's it. That's the rep. Take a few breaks and then do the same thing over and over again. I think that's really helped. And, you know, hopefully we can continue to do that. And like I said, like I want to be out there for my pitchers. I've got their back. They've got mine. And they've done a really good job as of lately. I've really not had to go and get anything. That's why I was talking to our outfield coach the other day. I was like, dude, I really haven't gotten that many balls because our pitchers have been really, really good. So, yeah, making it easy on my legs.
00:32:09
Speaker 2: You mentioned PCA and how you're behind him.
00:32:11
Speaker 1: Is it pretty cool to see that he's going to probably win the MVP in the National League for what he's done?
00:32:15
Speaker 2: And then you're thinking like, whew.
00:32:18
Speaker 1: Man, I'm glad they traded me because I was never going to get any run in Chicago with that dude there.
00:32:24
Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean, he deserves it, man. He works really hard. Super down-to-earth guy. I think a lot of people think that he's kind of not the nicest guy, but in the clubhouse, he's one of the coolest dudes. Like I said, I really wasn't a top huge prospect. I wasn't top 10 in the Cubs, or never was, never top five. But, you know, like whenever we went out to dinners as a team, like during spring training or for a birthday or something, and he was there, he was always like super down to earth, like would ask me how I'm doing and stuff like that. So it's great to see him not only doing it on the defensive side, but on the offensive side, because he's worked on it really hard. I know he cares a lot. You see that a lot with a lot of like the frustration that comes out sometimes when he gets out. But I love to see that because that means that he cares. And yeah, just super happy for him. Oh, yeah.
00:33:15
Speaker 6: That's cool that you were able to spend some time there.
00:33:17
Speaker 5: And I'm with you.
00:33:17
Speaker 6: I mean, we've had him on multiple times here.
00:33:19
Speaker 5: He's fun.
00:33:20
Speaker 6: And he knows how to play to the crowd, giving you answers that aren't vanilla.
00:33:24
Speaker 5: I mean, same with you, dude.
00:33:26
Speaker 6: Great, great interview. Really appreciate the time. Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for hopping on with us. Keep doing your thing out there.
00:33:33
Speaker 5: Yeah, I appreciate it, guys. Thank you.
Speaker 1: All right, I'm not even going to try on the record here. So go ahead, Neil. Neil, the Tampa Bay Rays radio broadcaster, tell me how to say your name because they're trying to– they said Solon's.
00:00:14
Speaker 2: Is that right? Solon's. Repeat that, please. Solon's. Okay, all right.
00:00:23
Speaker 1: I just wanted to make sure, because I do not, that's one of the worst things. I don't want to say your name wrong, so I want to make sure that I get that right. And if you say it wrong, then it's all your own fault.
00:00:33
Speaker 3: Yeah, just don't ask me to spell Brzezinski, because I can't spell that if you can't say my name, we're even, right?
00:00:38
Speaker 2: That's fine, that's fair. My name is really easy to spell.
00:00:40
Speaker 1: By the way, and I'm sorry to bring this up, your predecessor for the Rays podcast was one of my favorites.
00:00:45
Speaker 2: So again, I mean, that happened a while ago.
00:00:47
Speaker 1: Sorry for the loss, but he was one of the greatest, guys and greatest radio broadcasters.
00:00:52
Speaker 2: Of all time. He was awesome.
00:00:55
Speaker 3: Dave's always with us, trust me. And in a year like this, he's smiling a lot, for sure.
00:01:00
Speaker 2: Okay, good. I love Dave.
00:01:02
Speaker 1: Dave was awesome. Always one of my favorites when I went to Tampa. What's going on with the Rays? How good are the Rays? Where are they at in the season? I mean, they just keep winning games no matter what. They lose a guy, we win. We lose a guy, we win.
00:01:14
Speaker 3: It's a great group. It's been that way since day one. And I think Part of it gets back to the steady leadership they've had, the character they have in the clubhouse, the people they have overall, and the fact that they are really, really good players. But I think they've been a steady force. And probably in terms of leadership, the guy who's been leading the way has been Nick Martinez. And it's rare to have a starting pitcher do that. But he's been unbelievable in terming blending this group together. And whenever it seems like they're going to hit a tough moment, they get right over the hump. And I think it's because they're so together as a unit.
00:01:47
Speaker 4: Wait, you said since day one. I feel like this team was good last year. They were just getting cooked outside. Do you feel like this is something that could have happened last year, but they had to deal with the fact that they were playing half their games outside, even though they did play them a stacked early in the season?
00:02:06
Speaker 3: It definitely didn't help, right? I mean, you know, I don't think, I think the beauty of this group is they don't make any excuses, right? Yesterday, last year was last year. and they had to deal with the situation. They never complained about it. They just played through. But I also think that Tropicana Field is perfect for the style of play that they have. They're a contact-oriented team with a lot of speed. They can beat you in different ways offensively, and Tropicana Field is suited to that, where Steinbrenner Field wasn't necessarily. And you also get to play in 72 degrees versus, you know, you could argue, yes, the games were front-loaded at the beginning of the schedule, but then that means you're also cooking in the heat still in May and June, and then you have a lot of road games. And maybe that affected the ball club. Who knows? But right now they've played really, really well all the way through, and their stars have been their stars, and everybody else has played a major role.
00:02:56
Speaker 1: Neil, one guy who has been cooking inside or outside is Junior Caminero. The ball he hit last night, oh, boy. That ball was absolutely smashed. He's now the AL leader in home runs. He's kind of killing the triple crown for Jordan Alvarez. Can he keep this up and win the American League home run race?
00:03:14
Speaker 3: I would hope so. But I mean, I think more than that is it's all the other things that Junior does. Yesterday, yeah, he hit the long home run on the first and that kind of set the tone against Atlanta in last night's win. But I also want to emphasize his next time up, he beat out a double play ball. And when your stars are hitting home runs and beating out a double play, the guy behind him, Liam Hicks, who they got at the trading deadline, hits a home run for a 3-1 lead. And the club never trailed after that. And Junior also made two really good plays defensively. And I think he's grown there. And you look at his numbers, he's walking more than he did last year. I think the addition to Hicks means that teams have to pitch to him more. So in terms of the home run race, let's see how it goes. But I mean, either way, he's having one of the more fantastic seasons that a raised baseball player has ever had. And that's saying a lot.
00:04:02
Speaker 4: MVP is out of reach this year. What does he need to improve on to.
00:04:07
Speaker 4: Win an MVP because most people don't know much about the Rays or Junior Caminero.
00:04:13
Speaker 2: He's still only 23 years old.
00:04:16
Speaker 3: You're right. And his best baseball is in front of him. I think he's going to get even better and better. I mean, what, he doubled his walk rate this year and he's in the 70s. I wouldn't be shocked if he were a guy who walked 100 times and hit 40 homers and hit 300. I mean, I think all those things are possible. and he's not far off from those. I mean, he's got a nine-something OPS for the year. And I think the other thing is his defense at the start of this year was maybe not where he left off last year. And I think he'll never make an excuse, but for me, he DH'd for two and a half weeks in the WBC and really didn't get to play third base. And I think the rhythm of spring training and a regular spring training would have allowed him to get that because I thought he's really taken off defensively the back half of this year, as he did a year ago.
00:05:06
Speaker 2: Okay.
00:05:07
Speaker 1: Let's not use the WBC excuse again. I mean, certain teams are using that with certain players. This guy's still having an unbelievable year.
00:05:12
Speaker 2: So we moved on.
00:05:14
Speaker 1: We moved on, Neil, from the WBC and the WBC jinx. The stars on Tampa Bay are what's amazing, right? We mentioned Junior. Yandy Diaz is having a heck of a year. Aranda's having a great year. And then you bring in Liam Hicks, who you also mentioned. Is this star power enough to carry the Rays for a deep postseason run? They've always been better than expected in the regular season, probably even this year. They get to the postseason, and they've had a couple nice runs where they've gone to the World Series, but can these stars carry this team to postseason glory?
00:05:45
Speaker 3: I think so, because I think those aren't the only stars among the group. I mean, to me, Drew Rasmussen, the way he's pitched this year, is a star pitcher. Brian Baker has been arguably the best reliever in the American league during the course of this year. You know, and I think you look at the rest of the rotation, the way Freddie Peralta has pitched his last three times out, he's pitched like the Freddie Peralta who was an all-star with the Milwaukee Brewers. And I'm not even including Shane McClanahan, who certainly the expectations are he will be back before the end of the regular season and Nick Martinez in the year he's had. I certainly think there are enough options pitching wise. And then I think, From a position player standpoint, I think Liam Hicks has made them deeper, but he may not be seen as a superstar, but Chandler Simpson's got, what, back-to-back 40-steal seasons, and he's second to Jordan Alvarez in hitting in the American League. And guys like Victor Mesa have really... Victor Mesa Jr. have really come on the second half of the season. Richie Palacios has had a nice run. They've got some really good support players, and they also are the team that strikes out the least. And when teams are trying to get swing and miss in the postseason... to me, the teams that can put the ball in play and score in more than just hitting the home run ball, I think that's value in the postseason.
00:07:01
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00:07:20
Speaker 2: Very solid.
00:07:21
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00:07:23
Speaker 2: I'm a watermelon guy.
00:07:24
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00:07:29
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00:07:32
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00:07:38
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00:07:59
Speaker 4: All right, set out my rotation. Sit on my rotation for the five-game series because they're going to have the off days. And I think for a team like this, it's huge. Obviously, Rasmussen is first. But from there, where do you go?
00:08:14
Speaker 3: Well, I mean, first things first, they got to make sure to– they still have four games with New York. But let's say they do. Okay, let's say they do. And they finish out the division and they get the number one seed, which I think is really important for this group to avoid New York and Boston and– let them hopefully beat up one another. But the way that's set up, you probably only need three starting pitchers, right? You could start Drew in games one and five, and then you're looking at games one and four, and then two and five would be the same starter, and then it's who you want to go with in game three. And I think the last few weeks are going to kind of determine what route the Rays go in that regard. I think they have a lot of good options. I wouldn't be shocked if they tandem started anybody. I wouldn't be shocked if they bullpenned. I don't think it's it's, you know, all hands on deck type situation because the way the postseason is set up and you've seen the draw, the three best teams are going to be in one half. So you kind of feel if you can get out of a best of five that you've got a much better shot of getting to to the fall classic.
00:09:16
Speaker 1: You know, what is Freddie Peralta brought? He got off to a terrible start. He wasn't having a great year. I mean, nothing like the Rays hooking him up, by the way. Oh, your first start's going to be in Colorado. And then I think his second start was in Sacramento, right? So thanks, Kevin Cash. And, you know, I just blanked on the pitcher, Kyle Snyder, who's been there forever, right? Thanks, guys, for really giving me a solid start. Couldn't have pitched me in Seattle or somewhere else. So what has he changed and what has he done since then? Because he's been really good his last three starts.
00:09:51
Speaker 3: Well, I mean, first you can see by the way he's pitching, his confidence is there. And and when you throw with conviction um you're going to have success in this game and I think they've made some mechanical tweaks you know once they had a chance to work with him and get him into their lab and make some adjustments you're starting to see the extension back on the fastball and really for Freddie as you know everything plays off his fastball And last night after the first inning, I think he was almost 70% fastballs. But the threat of that changeup and his off-speed stuff makes it really play up well. And when he's got 94 to 97 with extension and he's getting pop-ups and shallow fly balls and swings and misses, you know he's right. And beyond that, I mean, he brings a great energy and a vibe to a clubhouse. Nick Martinez and he have known each other for several years. He played with Drew Rasmussen in Milwaukee. I just think this was a great environment for him. I think it's probably the closest thing he could find to what he had in Milwaukee. And now he's got that, and hopefully it leads to further success in September and October.
00:10:55
Speaker 1: Hey, last one, Neil, for me. I live in Orlando, okay? The Rays weren't around when I was a kid. They became kind of the team for people in Florida, you know, in the northern part of Florida, central part where I live. I know Patrick Zalupski. I've had many conversations with him. He seems like a great guy, right? I know some other guys that are involved in the ownership group of the Rays. What does it mean to know that they are actually going to get a stadium? And for me, listen, I have family that lives in Tampa, in Tampa proper, right there in Carolwood and all that. They are so excited that they don't have to cross the causeway. I was with them this past weekend, and they said, man, we're going to get season tickets because it's so much easier for us not to have to drive across the causeway. What does it mean to the Rays organization that, I mean, unless something crazy happens that this is done and the Rays are actually going to have this thing. And I think they have 133 acres. They're going to be able to do a battery type thing.
00:11:52
Speaker 2: What does it mean?
00:11:54
Speaker 3: It's kind of neat that we're in Atlanta right now because the battery is kind of the model for everybody else. And the area that the Rays have is twice the size of the battery. So you can imagine the impact it can have. in terms of your organization financially. You know, I look at an organization like the Braves and they have guys like Acuna and Albies and Riley and Olsen and so many of their young, talented players are locked up for several years. I think it'll give the Rays the opportunity to hopefully do some of that, be more flexible. But also I think it's just going to be a great place and environment and have a forever home. And I think the organization has done a marvelous job of getting it to this point and I know that ownership has been in Atlanta, too, to get a closer look at how things have been managed here. They've been here on several occasions, this series as well. And, you know, I'm hoping everything continues to go in the positive direction because you're not the only one who and your family's not the only one who's super excited about what's to come here in the future. But first things first, hopefully this team can wrap up a playoff spot this week and hold off the Yankees in the divisions.
00:13:05
Speaker 4: Neil, I have no idea how they're going to run the organization. But I doubt they're going to ask you when they build the new stadium what you would like. So now is your chance in the new stadium. What is the one thing you want in the radio booth that you're like, that would be awesome?
00:13:21
Speaker 3: In the radio booth? Boy, that's a good question, Eric. As long as we're still at a great vantage point, I know AJ's been to our ballpark and you have as well, Eric. As long as we have a really good sight lines, Um, everything else would take care of itself. Uh, I don't ask for much. I'm the most low maintenance guy, um, uh, of all. So I'll, I'll let others tell, say what they want for the ballpark. And as long as it has a Ray tank, I'm good.
00:13:50
Speaker 2: Oh, come on. They're not going to have a Ray tank, but just don't be like Michael K. Okay.
00:13:54
Speaker 1: And you need such a big fridge, because I don't know if you heard this, but I got accused by Michael Case. When you see Michael, tell him I love him, but I didn't steal his diet Snapples that he was complaining about. So when I go to the Rays, when I do a Rays game, which my first ever game was a Rays game, just know that I am not the Snapple stealer, okay? So when you have a huge fridge and a huge booth, I am not the Snapple stealer.
00:14:17
Speaker 3: So do you want Snapple the next time you're here? Is that what I'm hearing?
00:14:21
Speaker 2: No, no.
00:14:22
Speaker 1: I usually get a black coffee before the game, and then I just get waters during the game. So I usually get one water and one coffee during the game. Now, they bring me all kinds of food. So if I have one request, we need cool food. I mean, it's Tampa. You got Columbia. I mean, you got Dats.
00:14:38
Speaker 2: You got all those places.
00:14:39
Speaker 1: Like, you got Burns. I love a Burns steak. I mean, you can bring me Alaska from Burns.
00:14:44
Speaker 2: I mean, I don't know.
00:14:45
Speaker 1: Just bring me the whole dessert room menu from Burns. Like, that's my request as a broadcaster. A nice booth with lots of room and great food. And the rest I'm happy with. And a game under two and a half hours, too, if we're being really picky.
00:14:57
Speaker 3: Well, hopefully the Rays pitch as well as they have this year. Maybe you'll get your wish.
00:15:02
Speaker 2: Perfect.
00:15:02
Speaker 1: Perfect.
00:15:03
Speaker 2: That'd be great. That'd be great.
00:15:05
Speaker 1: Well, Neil, thank you so much. We really appreciate it. We had BA on not long ago. Tell everyone there we said hello. All the Rays people are always awesome to us. So thank you, and good luck in the postseason, and we'll see if the Rays can make that deep run.
00:15:18
Speaker 3: Sounds good.
00:15:18
Speaker 2: Anytime, guys.
00:15:21
Speaker 1: The postseason run is heating up for Major League Baseball teams. Kratzy, you can go see all these games, all the important games. Whatever your team is, they have a great chance, almost all of them, at being alive for the postseason. So you can go on SeatGeek and find whatever team you want, whatever game you want, whatever matchup you want to try to help cheer your team on to the postseason.
00:15:41
Speaker 2: Yeah, look ahead of your schedule. Go on to SeatGeek.
00:15:44
Speaker 4: Essentially, your team's either in the playoffs or the team they're playing has a chance in the playoffs. So all these games in September, you got to get on there, get your green dot, figure out where you're going to sit, do it ahead of time, and use the codes.
00:15:59
Speaker 1: And of course, I have a code for y'all. You can use code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next set of MLB tickets at SeatGeek. That's 10% off MLB tickets with promo code TERRITORY10. Make sure you click the link in the description to download the app and have the code automatically added to your account so you can use it later. Get ready for MLB postseason by getting the perfect ticket on SeatGeek.
00:16:21
Speaker 6: Hey, let's talk to Brett Bateman, center fielder of the Blue Jays, joining.
00:16:32
Speaker 5: Us right now.
00:16:32
Speaker 6: Brett, great to have you on the show, man.
00:16:34
Speaker 3: Thanks for the time.
00:16:34
Speaker 6: And how's life in Toronto for you?
00:16:38
Speaker 5: It's been pretty good. You know, it was a bit of whirlwind for a little while, just getting my feet underneath me. But, you know, playing a lot of baseball, playing well, boys been hot. So we've been playing pretty well. Can you give us a little bit more? Oh, go ahead, AJ. No, no, no. Awesome.
00:16:56
Speaker 1: Before we get into this interview, I just want to know, was I your favorite player growing up since you had to grow up a Twins fan?
00:17:04
Speaker 2: I knew Kratz.
00:17:05
Speaker 5: Would love that. I remember some of the good old beef, but, yeah, I mean, I always enjoyed watching some good ball and then watching some good on-field beef.
00:17:18
Speaker 2: That's all.
00:17:18
Speaker 1: By the way, you were born at, like, you were born, I was already basically not a twin anymore, so it doesn't, it's okay, it's okay. It doesn't affect my ego at all. You barely, probably don't remember. You're more of a Joe Maurer fan. That's okay, I understand.
00:17:30
Speaker 5: Joe Maurer, Nick Punto. Joe Nathan.
00:17:36
Speaker 4: We need a random twin, though, that you were like, I really like that random twin.
00:17:41
Speaker 2: Everybody can say Joe Maurer.
00:17:45
Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean, Ben Revere was the one.
00:17:48
Speaker 3: I love watching him run it down the center.
00:17:51
Speaker 2: He wasn't that random. He was a first-round pick.
00:17:54
Speaker 5: Yeah, no, I mean, he's just a good outfielder that I really liked watching growing up for the Twins.
00:18:00
Speaker 2: Did you go to a game in the Metronome?
00:18:04
Speaker 5: No, so my dad was, I did, yes, but not that I can remember. I actually remember my dad was a college baseball coach for Augsburg University, and they would always get the dawn games, like the 1 a.m., 2 a.m. games in the Metrodome in that, like, marsh-ish time when snow would still be on the ground. I remember, you know, skipping school to be a bat boy and going to the Metrodome, so it was pretty sweet to, like, be on field. That's what I remember about that.
00:18:31
Speaker 2: That's cool. That's cool.
00:18:32
Speaker 1: I also remember we had to play at 10 a.m. So the Gophers, your Gophers could play football at 7 p.m. We had a 10 a.m. start and we had to be done by like one o'clock because if we went past one o'clock, they couldn't get the field ready. So thank your Gophers for those 10 a.m. Eric Milton saying thanks him for a no hitter one time because he threw a no hitter in one of those games.
00:18:49
Speaker 2: So it's cool, Brad. Thank you.
00:18:51
Speaker 1: But the other question I have for you is, is you mentioned all these. all these like random twins. And you mentioned your dad coached at Augsburg college. Why is every college in Minnesota, the Augsburg, Augs, Augies, the St. Olaf, Oles, the St.
00:19:05
Speaker 2: John's, Johnny's.
00:19:05
Speaker 1: Can we not get original with the nicknames? We just have to take their names and just whatever their first name is. We're going for the second name too.
00:19:12
Speaker 5: Nah, I mean, I couldn't tell you about that. I mean, I was more of a gopher kid growing up. Uh, so I would just say, uh, I like my Gophers, Augsburg, Augsburg Augies. But yeah, I mean, I never really even noticed that until you just pointed that out.
00:19:29
Speaker 4: Well, now, see, this is why you come on the show. AJ will teach you something about your state that you didn't even care to know. But what I want to know, because we talk all the time, we have different guys on here. We just talked about Kevin Gaussman. You know, he was in Toronto forever. He gets traded. What is it like for you getting traded and then right into the, the mix in the big league team that clearly still has aspirations of making the playoffs?
00:19:57
Speaker 5: Yeah. Like I said, it was a whirlwind. The first game that I played in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in Buffalo, I didn't have my gear, so I was using a teammate's bat. I was using a teammate's cleats, um, and then finally got my stuff, played one game and they said, all right, you're going to the show. You're going to face Zach Guler in Philadelphia. So, um, it was pretty crazy. Uh, I wasn't thinking about like, you know, uh, post-season stuff at the time. I was just trying to, you know, put good at-bats together, um, find out how I kind of fit in to the team and the Oregon for the future plans. And, uh, Obviously, like I said, we've played really, really good baseball down the stretch, and we're going to continue to do that.
00:20:42
Speaker 4: Were you a little pissed now that you've been up in the big leagues and you're one of the best players that have produced the most since you've been up there? Were you a little pissed that you had to go one game in Buffalo? Because had you, as a guy that got traded from AAA teams to big league teams, they would have paid for all your moving expenses had you gone right to the big leagues. Did you feel like the one game in Buffalo was necessary, or was there, like, a roster move that ended up happening that you ended up making your debut then after that first game?
00:21:14
Speaker 5: Yeah.
00:21:16
Speaker 2: Honestly, I.
00:21:18
Speaker 5: Have morally been taking it where my feet have been at, not really worrying about the next step, like, things I can't. That's not really something I can control. So, like, when I first got traded, like, I initially was, like, And this was before the Varsha trading. I was just more like, I want to be where my feet are at. I knew I was going straight to Buffalo. I was just going to play baseball. And that's nothing really changes, you know, at all. So I just wanted to be who I was and just keep playing baseball. And then, yeah, I mean, the travel did suck. It was like five flights in three days, I think, or something like that, maybe six and three days. But like I said, like I wouldn't have traded for a world. it was an opportunity and just wanted to make the most out of it.
00:22:04
Speaker 4: Do you have to constantly repeat what you just said? Be who you are, be where your feet are at because you're a guy in, in the game of baseball where everybody has to hit home runs or they're not productive in the big leagues who doesn't hit home runs. Do you have to, when a hitting coach, when I'm trying to think of, I mean, I'm blanking on the hitting coach in Toronto, he's gonna be like, Hey, you know what? I see a little bit that we can, We can unlock some power for you here. I'm sure in the minor leagues you were told that all the time. How do you listen but then block it out and just play your game?
00:22:43
Speaker 5: I mean, ever since I got here, Toronto's really been just like be yourself. They have not pushed any on the lope of like you need to hit for power, which is great. It puts a lot less pressure on me just to perform and just try and get on base and be a catalyst for this team. um but yeah no absolutely like when I was in the Cubs org especially in the minors it was like what can we do to get your bat speed up what can we do you know to get your launch angle up um and I've always been open to it like I'm never gonna say no to power I'm never gonna say no um you know to some extra base hits but I think it's really easy to forget about like what gets you to where you're at and like being successful because I think now like the game is so statistically based and there's a lot of good merit in it for sure um but Yeah, I mean, I'm always going to be open for it, and I always want to try new things. The game is all about adjustments, as you guys know. Changing, moving your hands around, however your stance is. I'm always going to be open to that, to try and become a more complete player, because everyone can still work on something, no matter what. But yeah, I mean, it is always there. Like, oh, if he could have more power, if he could do this, if he could do that. But ultimately, I just... want to be able to do what the best that I can based on what I've been given. And I'm not like Aaron Dredger's height. I'm not, you know, the biggest dude. So just trying to make the most of what I've got right now. And we can figure all the other stuff out down the road.
00:24:14
Speaker 2: Right.
00:24:14
Speaker 1: What's it, what's it like? I mean, I'd tell him that I'm not changing anything. Cause you're raking, you're playing an unbelievable center field. You kind of, and then when you talked to him, the blue Jays, they said you've kind of been a spark plug for them. since you've come up, have you ever just thought about looking at some of these people and saying, you know what, dude, I'm doing just fine. I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing. I know you don't need to hit and not everyone's a 30 home run guy.
00:24:35
Speaker 2: I'm sorry.
00:24:35
Speaker 1: If you can get on base at the clip you're getting on, you can cause havoc the way you're causing it. There's got to be value in that, right?
00:24:43
Speaker 5: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, you see that with Chandler Simpson, like he's the one of one, you know, type guy where he's literally just slapping a ball on the ground. And I, I think it's, as much as it's frustrating when you're on the opposite side of the field, it's really fun to watch. Like, cause it's just something that's not ordinary, right? It's just totally different. And I think that's what baseball is all about. Like there are guys that are going to be able to hit 50 pumps a year. And then there's guys that are going to be able to hit 300, like your eyes. And I think taking away from what you're really good at is something that it makes you less of a ball player. And, I think we're now starting to see a little bit more, especially with pitching and how good pitching is. You guys were talking about Flitler. Like I've faced him twice and man, that dude stuff is stupid. It's, it's really important to have people that, you know, can have long at bats against guys like that and tire them out or steal bases or that is a complete team. And like I said, it's a one through nine, it's a one through nine order. Everyone's at bats batter. And so the more that you can have guys that can do a little bit of this, a little bit of that, you know, it's going to make a more complete lineup for sure.
00:25:49
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00:26:00
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00:26:02
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00:26:51
Speaker 4: KP, Kevin Pillar is one of the guys that comes on and hosts here with us sometimes. He said a few nights ago, you moved up in the box. Was that something that was just your, Hey, you know what? I need to move up farther in the box here. Or was that something that was suggested to you?
00:27:08
Speaker 5: No, I've always, I've always done that. Like, There's always a game inside of the game, and that's Craig Yoho's got one of the better change-ups. I faced him in high A. I faced him in triple A. And like I said, he's got one of the better change-ups in the league. It's kind of like Devin Williams-esque, super slow, like Bugs Bunny. And he was throwing it at like a 55%, 56% clip. So I was just like, if you're going to throw it, I'm going to try and eliminate all the depth that you get in the last five inches of the plate and move up. And he ended up throwing two of them. I moved up on the first one. He threw a front side, like a front side, like in changeup, took it for a strike and then moved up and moved back to try and like make him throw a heater. But he left the changeup up again. So I was able to get there, but there's more mind games to it than it is. And like, I always want to try and eliminate a pitcher's best pitch to the best of my ability. and uh try and make him run away from it because then for me as a hitter i feel like i've been a little bit more victorious even if i do get out if i'm able to make them eliminate their best pitch um but yeah like that was planned i've been doing that in college i've been doing that in high school um especially with guys that have really good stuff i'm just trying to eliminate the off speed just challenging me like just give me your best year um because that's when i'm gonna be trying to hit and uh just eliminate some of the the extra movement that they get towards the bottom zone i'm in That.
00:28:38
Speaker 4: Is just, that is tremendous. We're going to clip this, and there's going to be so many people.
00:28:42
Speaker 2: That will be like, what? He should be swinging for the.
00:28:45
Speaker 4: Poolside dinger the whole time.
00:28:48
Speaker 2: That is great.
00:28:48
Speaker 4: Like, that is the approach that allows you to do what you've done. And ironically, it is not done in the game, and that's why I think we see such low batting averages, even though pitches are really good, like you said. But I want to talk about your defense. What is it that makes your defense different? possibly be able to make it to the next level, take it to the next level of you're already at your short, short time in the big leagues, gold glove numbers, gold glove, defensive runs, saved all those things. How do you take that to the next level in what you do daily pregame and everything like that?
00:29:28
Speaker 5: Yeah. I would say the big thing, especially about outfield nowadays is like the first step time. That's what they harped a lot when I was in the Cubs org. And then burst is kind of like, I think it's like the time that you have for the first 10 feet from where you start is like burst. And then first step timing is like three feet from where you land to like when the ball's hit. And worked on that really, really hard over the past few years and found something that clicked. and it's a little bit different for everyone. So like, um, obviously I was behind Pete. Um, and he, you know, he's got one of the best in the league. Like that's why he is a gold Glover. He's, you know, he's, he's the best defensive outfielder we've seen in a long time, honestly, um, in my opinion, at least. And like, there are other guys like a young for the nationals who I watched a lot of film on. Um, and it's just kind of taking what, works best for me. So like, I like to walk into it and then get a jump while the balls, uh, and I'd like to be in the air when the balls hit. So like, if you were to take a video of like, whoever's that short, like Jimenez, I want to be in the air with him, um, and land at the same time as him pretty much like that would be perfectly ideal, except I like to move forward, um, to just get some sort of momentum, some sort of movement. And I think that's really helped, um, me get a lot better jumps, um, And obviously like having speed helps a lot. So you get really good jumps with a lot of speed and you can cover a lot of ground out there. I would just say like the biggest thing too, like I learned from David Peralta. He was with the Cubs for spring training and I was in big league camp at the time and just like a random minor leaguer. And one of the things that he said is like the best jumps and the best practice you'll ever get is during BP. So whenever we had BP, I was out in center trying to get jumps. And it didn't mean like I was sprinting after the ball, like full speed, like every single rep. It was more just like making sure my timing was good, getting a good few, two, three hard steps. And that's it. That's the rep. Take a few breaks and then do the same thing over and over again. I think that's really helped. And, you know, hopefully we can continue to do that. And like I said, like I want to be out there for my pitchers. I've got their back. They've got mine. And they've done a really good job as of lately. I've really not had to go and get anything. That's why I was talking to our outfield coach the other day. I was like, dude, I really haven't gotten that many balls because our pitchers have been really, really good. So, yeah, making it easy on my legs.
00:32:09
Speaker 2: You mentioned PCA and how you're behind him.
00:32:11
Speaker 1: Is it pretty cool to see that he's going to probably win the MVP in the National League for what he's done?
00:32:15
Speaker 2: And then you're thinking like, whew.
00:32:18
Speaker 1: Man, I'm glad they traded me because I was never going to get any run in Chicago with that dude there.
00:32:24
Speaker 5: Yeah, I mean, he deserves it, man. He works really hard. Super down-to-earth guy. I think a lot of people think that he's kind of not the nicest guy, but in the clubhouse, he's one of the coolest dudes. Like I said, I really wasn't a top huge prospect. I wasn't top 10 in the Cubs, or never was, never top five. But, you know, like whenever we went out to dinners as a team, like during spring training or for a birthday or something, and he was there, he was always like super down to earth, like would ask me how I'm doing and stuff like that. So it's great to see him not only doing it on the defensive side, but on the offensive side, because he's worked on it really hard. I know he cares a lot. You see that a lot with a lot of like the frustration that comes out sometimes when he gets out. But I love to see that because that means that he cares. And yeah, just super happy for him. Oh, yeah.
00:33:15
Speaker 6: That's cool that you were able to spend some time there.
00:33:17
Speaker 5: And I'm with you.
00:33:17
Speaker 6: I mean, we've had him on multiple times here.
00:33:19
Speaker 5: He's fun.
00:33:20
Speaker 6: And he knows how to play to the crowd, giving you answers that aren't vanilla.
00:33:24
Speaker 5: I mean, same with you, dude.
00:33:26
Speaker 6: Great, great interview. Really appreciate the time. Hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for hopping on with us. Keep doing your thing out there.
00:33:33
Speaker 5: Yeah, I appreciate it, guys. Thank you.
