Time Flies

The final home series for the Lexington Legends starts today, and I find, from my perspective, that the season seems to end more quickly, as the years pass. It’s a poignant reminder that time is a matter of perception and experience; the longer we live, therefore, the shorter the coming years seem. And yet, in our minds, our earliest memories seem eternal. 

When we’re kids, even a day seems like it will last forever. As teenagers, time seems to move just a bit faster, though often not fast enough to assuage our impatience with it. 

As young adults, life gets a lot busier. Jobs. Kids. Work. Married life, for some of us. And we start to learn that, as it’s beginning to pass at an ever-increasing rate, we don’t have the ability to fit in everything we want to do. 

Middle age arrives, and we’re gobsmacked by how time seems to fly, now. From this point, we find ourselves “wondering where all that time went”. As we continue to get older and older, days seems like minutes. Weeks seem like days. And the years are gone, before we know what hit us. 

I say all this because these players are experiencing what may be some of their most memorable moments. They’re in the early days of their professional lives. Some of them are advancing up the chain, some are released after their first year. Still others make it all the way to the majors. They’re all young, inexperienced with life’s ups and downs, comparatively, to most of us. But as they get older, and the time seems to speed by them, they’ll remember these days fondly; even the bad times will seem, somehow, bittersweet. 

And though they’ve learned, as they’ve grown older, how time is ever-fleeting and intangible, in a corner of their minds, those diamonds and pearls will last forever. 

Back From The Dead

MAY 9th-Here we are in the second week of May, and I find myself missing my old digs.

Last year, it was SB Nation's Minor League Ball, where I got to work for and with one of my favorite writers from my early days as a fan: Mr John Sickels. Then I joined Baseball Prospectus, which was a real joy for me and a milestone in my relatively-nascent career as a baseball writer. At the end of the year, both sites shut down their minor-league coverage and we all went our separate ways. John ended up at The Athletic, which seems to have become The Home For Wayward Writers; seriously, they're snapping up some big, big names.

This year, I've been a writer/photographer for a site called Big Blue Banter, which helped me land a season pass to the University of Kentucky's baseball games. I also covered my first college softball game (also at UK), and that was a real blast. Talk about fast action; it's certainly not like covering baseball. It seemed like every single grounder led to a bang-bang play. I'd wanted to cover girls' softball for some time, and now that UK is heading to the SEC Tournament and further postseason play, I'll get to cover a bit more.

Apart from BBB, I haven't had a regular byline in 2019 apart from my occasional freelancing with The Jessamine Journal in Nicholasville. I started wondering why I didn't just write for myself, for a while, instead of putting in so much work at sites which paid little to nothing. After all, if I'm going to do this anyway, why not write what I want?

So I decided to dust off this old blog, where my earliest work was posted, and thought I'd take a shot at writing about whatever struck me as interesting. That covers an awful lot of ground. One day, I might write about current minor-league prospects. The next, I may bring up a bit of the history of professional baseball in Australia. It's likely that posts will be somewhat erratic, in the interest of full disclosure; sometimes, the spirit is plenty willing, but the flesh is a weak lump of dog poop.

Let's see where this road takes us, shall we? Oh, and I'll also take requests, from time to time.

Welcome to The Grand Old Game. 

Astros Send ST Invites To 65 Players

JAN 16th, 2013-The Houston Astros have sent out Spring Training invitations to 65 players this week, according to a source within the organization.

With report dates just around the corner, the following players have received confirmed invites to join the team in Kissimmee, Florida, when the Astros hit camp. I've added links for the less-familiar names and newly-acquired players:

Alan Abreu
Luis Alvarez
Travis Ballew
Joseph Bircher
Jake Buchanan
Tanner Bushue
Colton Cain
Jon Carnahan
M.P. Cokinos
Kevin Comer
Jamaine Cotton
Luis Cruz
Brandon Culbreth
Zachary Dando
Lance Day
Chris Devinski
Michael Dimock
Bobby Doran
Jonas Dufek
Michael Feliz
Christian Garcia
Theron Geith (drafted by TB Rays in 2011; reached Class A+ FSL in 2012)
Ernesto Genoves
Alex Gillingham (drafted by Rockies in 2011; 3.66 ERA in 123 IP with Asheville in 2012)
Ricky Gingras
Alfredo Gonzalez
Erick Gonzalez
Murilo Gouvea
Evan Grills
Zach Grimmett
Kyle Hallock
Miles Hamblin
Mark Hamburger (played in 3 different organizations in 2012-Texas, SD, Houston; ML debut in 2011)
Michael Hauschild
Ben Heath
Matt Heidenreich (drafted 4th round in 2009 by White Sox)
Krishawn Holley
Adrian Houser
Jordan Jankowski
Cameron Lamb
Mitchell Lambson
Christopher Lee
Kenny Long
Ricky Martinez (in Cardinals organization during 2012)
Ryan McCurdy
Jeremiah Meiners
Daniel Meszaros
Juan Minaya
Daniel Minor
Christian Moronta
Joe Musgrove (acquired via trade with Toronto; drafted in 1st round, 2011)
Wes Musick
John Neely
Juri Perez
Tyson Perez
Carlos Quevedo
Francis Ramirez
Raul Rivera
Andrew Robinson
Richard Rodriguez
David Rollins
Gera Sanchez (drafted 42nd round by Boston, 2009; failed to sign, but joined Houston after college career in 2012)
Tommy Shirley
Alex Sogard
Jason Stoffel (2.33 ERA, 27 saves in 58 IP with Class AA Corpus Christi in 2012)

Of course, we're no longer in the Houston system, but I know some of you still follow the Baby 'Stros and will be continuing to watch their progress. There are quite a number of players in this list that I'll be watching, myself, and hopefully I can add to this list soon.

More updates to come in the near future regarding both the fellas with Houston and Kansas City, the ones we've known and the ones yet to come. Stay tuned. 

Player Interview: Mark Donato, 1B, AZ Royals (Rookie Level, Arizona League)

Now that the Legends are affiliated with the Kansas City Royals (at least for the next 4 years), I've been getting to know the KC system. And let me tell you: there's a TON of talent in this organization. Newly-drafted 1B Mark Donato is one of their most recent draftees, and he definitely fits the Kansas City mold. Despite what the record states in terms of wins and losses in recent years (ahem!), this is one team that knows real talent when they see it. I had a chance to speak with Mark for a moment about his experiences in this, his first year as a pro, and I'd like to share it with my fellow Legends fans as the first of what I hope will be many "getting to know your minor league organization" type entries here at TGOG.


Mark Donato
Bats: Left, Throws: Left
Height: 6' 2", Weight: 225 lb.
Born: November 18, 1991 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US (Age 21)
Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 26th round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft from Indian River Community College (Fort Pierce, FL).

Minors Batting

 Glossary  · SHARE  · Embed  · CSV  · PRE  · LINK  · ?

Year	Age	Tm	Lg	Lev	Aff	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	TB	GDP	HBP	SH	SF	IBB
2012	20	Royals	ARIZ	Rk	KCR	38	167	154	24	39	13	3	3	27	0	0	11	34	.253	.305	.435	.740	67	4	1	0	1	0
1 Season						38	167	154	24	39	13	3	3	27	0	0	11	34	.253	.305	.435	.740	67	4	1	0	1	0

(Thank you, Baseball Reference. You rock.)


1. Had you any thoughts as to who would be drafting you? Was it surprising to go when and where you did?

I knew there were a few teams interested in drafting me; I just didn't know who wanted me the most. I was expecting to go somewhere (between) 10th through 20th rounds, but when I heard my name called in the 26th round by the Royals it was the best feeling ever.

2. After starring as both a first baseman and a pitcher for Ss. Neumann-Goretti High, were you happy with becoming exclusively a position player after turning pro?

I stopped pitching when I got to college; that was the coach's choice, he wanted me at 1st base to supply some power to the team.

3. You're now part of an organization which has had a very strong talent pool in the minors in recent years. How do you see yourself matching up against other prospects in the KC system?

I always thought I was able to compete with the best ever since I was a little kid (emphasis added-ed.), now that I'm able to do that in the minor leagues it's a dream come true.

4. You were thrown right into the thick of it when you got to the Arizona League. What was the toughest part of being such a vital part of a pro lineup?

At first it was shocking that I was batting 3rd and playing 1st in my first pro baseball game, but I knew I worked for that spot and earned my chance to do that.

5. What is your impression of the differences between pro ball and your time as an amateur, thus far?

I noticed that only the great players on your high school team make it to play college ball, and only the best players on your college team make it to play pro ball, so as of now it's gonna take great dedication and motivation to make it to the big leagues. I noticed as a hitter how the holes in the infield and outfield got smaller as I moved from college to the professional level.

6. What would you say is your greatest strength as a player? Greatest weakness?

I would say power is my greatest strength as a player and speed would be my weakness.

7. Do you have a specific routine on game days? How do you prep for game time?

I like to make sure I'm fully prepared hitting-wise with getting enough swings in before the game.

8. Lexington, KY is KC's newest affiliate, a team who had been in the Astros system for 12 years, and so the fans are just becoming accustomed to rooting for a new team and a new league altogether. How do you feel about the prospect of being a big part of Legends fans' indoctrination into the Royals family?

I hope to play in Lexington soon and maybe entertain them with some long balls (laughs).

Player Interview: Dan Gamache, 2B, West Virginia Power (Class A, South Atlantic League, Pittsburgh Pirates)

DEC 10^th, 2012-I had the opportunity recently to speak with Pirates 2B prospect Dan Gamache, and after seeing him play here against our Legends several times this past season I'm certainly happy to have had the chance to do so. Never did I see him on the field or at the plate without a smile on his face or a noticeable energy and passion for the game. Watching players like Gamache is always a joy for me, and a reminder that there are still players out there who are fans of the game. You'd be surprised how many of them aren't.

Daniel Joseph Gamache
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Height: 5' 11", Weight: 190 lb.
Born: November 20, 1990 in Newport, Rhode Island, US (Age 22)
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 6th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft from Auburn University (Auburn, AL).

So you had quite a number of honors bestowed upon you as an amateur, but would you say there was one in particular that meant more than the rest?

My favorite honor I got as an amateur would have to be being named the MVP in the Capital City Classic my junior year at Auburn against Alabama. It doesn't get better than that game when it comes to regular season college games.

When the time came for the draft, was there a particular team which showed early interest in drafting you, or did you have a preconceived notion as to where you would end up?

There were several teams that I was confident would be taking me, but I would have to say that I had the most confidence that the Pirates would take me first.

Coming up as a third baseman and now having shifted to second, have you had much difficulty in making the transition?

It was definitely difficult at first transitioning from a corner position to the middle. I didn't realize the responsibility that came with second but with reps in practice and actually playing in games I have become way more comfortable there.

What would you say is your greatest asset, on the field?

I'd say that my greatest asset on the field would have to be my bat. I have always felt comfortable making necessary adjustments at the plate physically and with my approach.

How does the atmosphere in a pro clubhouse, with many different players from across the US and surrounding countries, differ from the feel of college or high school?

The pro clubhouse is very different at first from the college ranks. In college its more of a team atmosphere with everyone kind of focusing on winning games and working together as a team. In pro ball everyone has the same goal, to get to the big leagues. This makes everyone work together as well but it has a different feel from college.

If there was one coach or instructor you could take with you throughout your pro career, who would it be and why?

The one instructor I could take through my professional career with me would have to be my hitting coach that I've worked with since I was 8 years old, Jon Burke. He knows my swing and me better than anyone I've ever been coached by and I am able to call him for advice or just to talk whenever I need.

What has been the hardest adjustment for you since you went pro?

Worst moment on the field since being a pro has to be when I struck out three times in a game last season in West Virginia, just felt plain helpless. Best moment for me is my first home run that came in State College my first year.

Do you follow a special routine on game days?

I wouldn't call the routine that I have on game day special. Its not even planned out really, it just kind of happens. On the way to the field i will pick up a couple of energy drinks, usually crush one of those on the way to the field, get my early work in before BP, take BP, take in and out, take a shower, and listen to music at my locker while downing the other energy drink before pre-game stretch.

Who has been the toughest pitcher/batter you've seen, to this point?

Toughest pitcher that I've faced to now is Jose Fernandez. Kid's got talent. (Ed. note-he ain't kidding.)

If you had to leave the game tomorrow, what would you most like to do?

If I left the game as a player tomorrow I would without a doubt be a coach somewhere.

Mission Kissimmee: Travel Day 2-Arrival

FEB 28th, 2012-Good LORD. Finally.

After 13 hours on the road (granted, some of it was random meandering), and a thousand miles (give or take), I'm finally safe and comfortable in my hotel room. Here I stay for the next 9 days, floating about Houston's ST camp at Osceola County Stadium, burning up my camera and meeting with players. With even a tiny bit of luck, there should be plenty material coming your way on TGOG, and if you're a reader of The Crawfish Boxes or Appy Astros you'll see my links there, too, along with photos and other neat stuff.

My plan for tomorrow involves hooking up with RHPs Brandon Culbreth and Vincent Velasquez, so plan on seeing a spot o' news on those fellas. As it's very late now (or very early, depending on your point of view), I'm hitting the sack. When the sun rises, the Mission begins. 

Mission Kissimmee: Travel Day 1

FEB 27th, 2012-This year, for the first time since 1998, I'm going to Spring Training. God, how I love me some Spring Training.

Having driven 400 miles today, I finally decided to stop and rest for a bit. An early wake-up call and a spot o' breakfast, and I'm on my way to Kissimmee, Florida and Osceola County Stadium, the ST complex of the Houston Astros.

This year, my focus will be on Houston, as I plan to shoot somewhere around 5,000-6,000 photos, as well as new articles on Brandon Culbreth, Vincent Velasquez, Ruben Sosa, Murilo Gouvea, and much more. This is a big, big deal for me. I'm going to bust my butt behind the camera and I hope to bring you, the fan, as much coverage as I possibly can. Tune in to TGOG for photos and articles during the next 9 days, and as always, thanks for stopping by :)

Player Interview: Adrian Houser, RHP, Greeneville Astros (Short-Season, Appalachian League)

“Hopefully,” he said, “be better than Roy Halladay.”

-Adrian Houser, when asked about his career aspirations

FEB 14^th, 2012-When you aim, aim high. Adrian Houser has done just that.

The 2^nd round pick of the Houston Astros in last year's June Amateur Draft may one day reach that goal. Whatever he accomplishes in his pro career, it's likely that he'll deflect a lot of the credit.

“The talent is mine, but the glory is His”, reads the Twitter profile of this young righty, and it's the kind of sentiment that's seen so rarely these days. Of course, different people see it different ways: when Tim Tebow kneels in the end zone, it's seen by many as pretentious and false humility, for example. But I'll leave that debate to the religious-minded folks. For now.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand.

Drafted out of Locust Grove HS in Oklahoma, Houser saw barely a handful of games in the GCL before his promotion to the Appy League, where his numbers (for the most part) mirrored his performance in the Gulf. Two of his friends, Archie Bradley and Dylan Bundy, were also drafted, only slightly ahead of Houser. He found out about his selection via text message while visiting his ailing grandfather in the hospital on Tuesday.

From the Tahlequah Daily Press:

“I didn’t even see it,” Houser said when asked what his first reaction was to seeing that he had been drafted. “I was actually at the hospital and some of my friends texted me and called me said, ‘congrats.’ And I was like, ‘on what?’

“That’s when they said, ‘you’ve been drafted by the Astros.’ And I couldn’t really talk, but I was really excited.”

It's fitting that this young man should react that way. At first glance, he appears to be the reserved and unassuming type. He doesn't even have an agent (as far as is known by this writer), but does have 'financial advisers'. As well he should; second round draft picks don't exactly get minimum wage, you know.

Some additional info from Ultimate Astros, who have a pretty good writeup on Houser, themselves:

Houser was a three-sport athlete at Locust Grove, pitching on a Class 4A state championship team as a senior (10-1, 0.62 ERA, with 28 walks and 125 strikeouts in 62 innings. The repertoire of the 6-4, 205-pound Houser includes a two- and four-seam fastball, a knuckle curve he learned from his father, a slurve and a changeup he rarely threw in games as an amateur.

With a little of the cold, hard facts behind us, let's get to the young man, himself:

First, I'd like to congratulate you on your 2^nd round selection and welcome you, in my own small way, to the Houston Astros.

The first that caught my eye was that you learned the knuckle-curve from your father. What was his athletic background? Did he encourage you to be a pitcher when you were younger?

My dad played football and baseball during high school.  He was the first All-Stater in school history. He did so in football. He came close to being one in baseball also.  He had a chance to play college football, but decided to stick with baseball. He played a few years of college baseball.  When I was younger he didn't encourage one way or the other. We just worked and practiced on both.

The Diamondbacks drafted Archie Bradley, while the Orioles picked Dylan Bundy, two friends of yours. Do you have any special recollections of facing them on the diamond? How would you describe each of their pitching styles as compared to yours?

I've always thought about all three of us making it to the Big Leagues and playing one another some day because we've know each other since we were about eight years old and played ball together until our high school years.  It would be really cool to pitch against them in the future.  I can't really describe their pitching styles because I haven't seen them pitch in several years. I think we each have things that are different and some things are the same.

Knowing, at least in a general sense, where you stood when compared to other local talents, where did you see yourself going in the draft? It's OK to be honest. :)

To be honest I saw myself going anywhere from the first round to the tenth round in the draft.  I just didn't know where I was going to fall in between there.

Have you ever thought about what you would do with your life if you weren't playing baseball (knock on wood)?

I really never gave it much thought on what I'd do if I wasn't playing baseball (knock on wood).  I've always wanted to play Major League Baseball, even when I was five, and that's all I've ever really thought about doing.  Baseball is really all I've ever known.  I love to play it and love the game.  I hope to be playing for years to come.

Was there one coach from your earlier playing days who particularly sticks in your mind, and if so, why?

The one coach that sticks in my mind and always will is my dad.  He coached me since I was seven years old all the way until high school and he even helped coach the last two years of my high school years.  He sticks in my mind because he has always been there for me and has always pushed me to be better then I was the day before.  He is also the one that taught me how to be competitive and compete in every thing that I did.  I'll always be thankful for what he's done for me.

How hard has it been to adjust to life in the minors? Have there been any memorable moments for you, so far?

It hasn't been real had to adjust because the summer before the draft I spent almost the whole summer on the road playing baseball and away from my friends and family.  I got to see them a little more than I do now, but it hasn't been all that hard.  The hardest part is not getting to hangout with my friends every day of the summer.  There have been a few games that I've pitched good in, but nothing really memorable so far.  I'm sure there will be though.

Has there been one specific adjustment you've had to make now that you're facing pro players as opposed to high schoolers?

The biggest adjustment I've had to make is to make sure that I hit my spots and don't miss.  In high school I could miss every now and then and get away with it, but in pro ball if I miss too many times I'll pay a price for it.

What normally goes through your mind right before a start? How about while you're on the mound?

It's hard to describe what goes through my head before a start.  I try to stay as relaxed as I can and try not to get tensed up about the game. Once I start getting loose and ready for the game I think about the hitters I'm going to face and how I should pitch to them.  When I am on the mound I think about just throwing to the glove, hitting my spots, staying relaxed and focused, not letting the things around me bother me.

If there were one thing you could change about pro baseball, anything at all, what would it be?

I don't believe I would change one thing about pro baseball the way it is now.  I just have to play the game I love.

If you could pass on some advice to the younger players, what would it be?

I would have to say to dream big and work hard for those dreams to come true. You have to dream BIG but act BIGGER.  Don't let people tell you that you can't do something because you can if you work for it.  People that say you can't should be the ones to motivate you even more to prove them wrong and that you can do it, but you should already be motivated to make your dreams come true yourself.

Player Interview: Jordan Scott, OF, Tri-City Valleycats (Class A-, NY-Penn League)

FEB 16th, 2012-He's only nineteen. To look at him, you'd think he was even younger than that. Don't let that fool you.

Once he's on the field, his entire demeanor changes; the eyes become focused, the smile fades, and youth gives way to a grim determination which belies his age.

Houston Astros OF Jordan Scott is nothing if not determined. At least, that's the impression I got seeing him play at Class A Lexington. I'm confident with that assessment. But I wanted to get an idea of his playing philosophy directly from the source:

When you were drafted in 2010 (14^th round), Astros scout J.D. Alleva noted your advanced bat control and awareness of the strike zone. Do you normally go to the plate with a specific idea about what you want to do, or do you more often rely on your physical ability and reflexes to make contact?

I definitely walk up to the plate with a plan, figuring out the situation and knowing where the defense is playing me and then letting my physical ability take over and get the job done.

What was the draft process like for you? Were there other teams who showed a serious interest in signing you?

It wasn't too bad and I actually had a lot of fun with it. It started early winter of my senior year where teams would come and have in home visits at my house, late winter I was invited to some preseason workouts with teams, after my season I was invited to pre-draft workouts. After those workouts I stayed in contact with all the scouts and figured out what it would take for me to sign.  As far as other teams involved there was probably a handful that showed serious interest in drafting me.

In your time at Lexington, I noticed that you seemed to take an all-business approach to the game. Do you see yourself as an extremely intense competitor or are you generally more even-keel throughout the year?

I am an intense competitor. There are times I am laid back and times where I am all-business.  When I am on the field I am all business. I make sure I get all my work in before the game so I give myself the best opportunity to succeed during the game. Off the field and in the locker room I am laid back and just try to have fun with all the guys.

At this early point in your career, what do you feel are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I still need to get better in all areas of my game, but right now my best strength is my hitting.  I spend a lot of time on it and I am really dedicated on getting better and hopefully and I can add some power in the years to come.  My weakness is my defense.  I need to get better reading the ball off the bat and taking better routes to the ball.   

Some players go into pro ball with a general idea of what to expect. Did you have a preconceived notion as to what it would be like, and if so, how did that compare with what you've experienced?

I knew once I signed it wasn't just a game it was also my job.  I knew it was going to be a lot of work and very competitive,  a lot of guys out there competing for the same position.  I don't take anything for granted. I go out there each day and compete and try to make my self better.

What has been your most memorable experience on the field thus far?

Most memorable moment was with Lexington this past year and playing the Greenville Drive in my hometown.  It was a lot fun a lot of friends and family came out to support me.  It was a great experience and something I won't forget.

When you reached Class A Lexington, you were among the youngest players in the league. Did you feel like there was a significant jump in terms in the pitching you faced? Was there anything specific you learned from the coaches or players that you feel has helped you as a player?

No it wasn't a whole lot different.  The game was a little more crisp and pitchers were more consistent.  At each level it is still the same game. I just prepare myself the best I can and just trust in myself and play the game to win.

Knowing that there are countless hours spent riding the bus from city to city, do you have a favorite activity you use to pass the time?

The bus rides are the worst for me because I can't sleep at all so I listen to music and get on my laptop to kill time.

What do you normally like to do in your off-time?

I usually try to get as much rest as possible.  During the season we put in a lot of time and work and it just wears your body down so it is always nice to get a day off and just rest up.

If there was any one piece of advice you could pass on to younger players, what would that be?

My advice would be to always work hard because there is someone always watching.  You may not have the most athletic ability, but you have the ability to be the hardest worker. Coaches always notice the hardest workers and it will take you a long way in this game.

Executive Interview: Chris Maxwell, GM, Bluefield Blue Jays (Short-Season, Appalachian League)

Jan 29th, 2012-In minor league baseball, being a general manager isn't so much about overseeing the day-to-day operations of your team as it is...well, being the day-to-day operations of your team. In the minors, a GM has a hand in every single part of team operations, from ticket sales to promotions to meal money for the players. Even painting the stadium. Painting. That's right.

See, being a general manager in the minors means you generally manage everything. Sure, you have a supporting cast, and they're every bit as important as you'd expect them to be, but in the end it all falls on you to be sure that all the little details (as well as the big ones) are covered. It's not glamour and fame, and in order to be truly good at what you do you really have to love the game. It's probably the most important requirement for the job.

Bluefield has a man that fits that description, and fits it well. After the Orioles pulled out of their commitment to their Appalachian League affiliate, to the surprise and shock of many, Toronto was ready and more than willing to fill the void. Chris Maxwell is running the show for the brand-new Blue Jays affiliate in the tiny mountain town, and he's had a hand in everything. Just as it should be.

The Orioles drew 1/3^rd fewer fans in 2010 than they did in the previous season. What did you find was your greatest challenge in terms of bringing fans out to the park, especially given the issues that sometimes occur when a team pulls out of a city without warning?

I think the original fear was after 53 years could the town accept a new team. I think the shock that came with the Orioles leaving combined with the fact they had had several sub .500 seasons prior to leaving left a hole in a lot of fans hearts. The Blue Jays came in and embraced the town and the history here and the fans came out in droves to support us.

Given that each league and organization has their own way of doing business, have you noticed any significant differences in your time in the Appalachian League when compared with your experiences in the Pioneer League?

The big difference between the Pioneer league and the Appy league is just distance and size. The Appy league is much closer knit simply because we are no more than 3 hours from each other. In the Pionner league you have some 12 hour plus bus rides. The cities are larger in the Pionner league but a lot of the feel of the games are similiar.

Is there any one specific issue or complaint that you hear often from the fans regarding their experiences at the park?

I think we get just the usual type of complaints like the concession lines are too long that sort of thing. You just address them one by one and try to get better.

If you had the absolute, final say on all decisions in Toronto's organization for a day, what would you do with that authority?

Prince Fielder at first, Verlander, Lee, Halladay, Lincecum, Sabbathia rotation and one dollar beers.

Did you always see yourself becoming a part of the professional sports industry?

As a kid I was the worst player on every team I ever played on. I was a cruise director for 10 years before I even knew you could make a living in sports management. Sheer dumb luck and good fortune got me into minor league baseball.

What would you consider your most memorable moment in baseball?

My favorite moment was when I was a clubbie for the Birmingham Barons and we played in a yearly game called the Rickwood Classic. They play it at an old ballpark in downtown Birmingham. They have the old throwback uniforms and everything. The whole game just feels like its the 1920's. It really is something special.

Are there any players in Toronto's farm system who stand out in your mind?

Being new to the organization last year Im really only familiar with our guys but up and down the line the have some really exciting talent at every level.

What specific qualities do you consider most important for a player to possess while making his way up the chain?

I have never professed to know anything about coaching baseball but I always felt you couldn't succeed without listening skills and work ethic. You can have all the talent in the world and you won't get anywhere without it and if your not as talented it can get you too the next level.

What would you consider the most important lesson you've learned in your time in professional sports?

Honor and respect how others get things done. You will always learn something.

If you had one piece of advice for aspiring sports professionals, what would it be?

Learn to throw left handed.

Player Interview: Brandon Culbreth, RHP, GCL Astros

 "It's crazy. It will hit me when I am at the airport about to board the plane. It hasn't hit me that I am a professional baseball player." 

-Brandon Culbreth, shortly after he was announced as the 8^th round pick of the Houston Astros

JAN 17th, 2012-Remember the days before TiVO?

There was a time, not so long ago, when there were no such things as DVRs or TiVO boxes. No pause button for live TV, no skipping commercials. And if you stepped away for a moment, you were gonna miss whatever happened. A bathroom break, ill-timed, and J.R. is stiff as a board, already.

If you weren't born while Gerald Ford was in office, you might not get that reference. Tough. Google it.

Most of us never had to concern ourselves with missing anything terribly important, in situations like that. Situations that changed our lives in ways slightly more meaningful than missing the new Twilight trailer. Like hearing your name announced on a live broadcast as a newly-drafted professional baseball player. But I digress. (ed. note-fortunately we have the Internet; the MLB Draft was 'live' online, and of course the  Draft isn't televised) My point is, there's something to be said for being "in The Moment", "being there", "showing up" or whatever you want to call it. From time to time, The Moment has a habit of sneaking up on you, so it really is true that half of life is just showing up. 

Brandon Culbreth nearly missed his Moment. Turns out Nature called before the Houston Astros.

Recently, I had a chance to sit down with Brandon and talk to him about his experiences in pro ball as a newly-drafted member of the Astros:

I'd like to start by asking you about the day of the 2011 Draft. After having sat through hours of names being called, did you nearly miss your name being called because of a “prior obligation”?

Haha yes I did, on day two of the draft Mom had asked me to stay by the computer all day just in case my name was called. I expected to hear my name in the 40th or 50th rounds so i wasn't too focused on day 2. But seconds after Greg Holts (UNC) name was called i was making a B-line for the bathroom and on my way i heard "8th round pick the Houston Astros select Brandon Culbreth 250th pick overall". Very surreal. Phone blew up after that.

-While the Astros drafted you as a pitcher, you also played third base and OF for Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina. Would you have any preference as to how you are utilized by Houston, if you had final say on the matter?

Haha no sir, I can't hit. I think pitching is the right fit for me. 

-You played your first three seasons at Ronald Reagan High School in Pfafftown, then transferred to FCD and played under coach Andy Partin. Both schools are part of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School District. Was there any specific reason behind the move?

Better coaching and better competition. I owe all of my accomplishments to Partin and the team of Dirtbag coaches. Some had to do with grades but i wont get into that haha. It was a better fit for me and turned out to be the best decision of my life. 

-As far as learning experiences in amateur ball are concerned, what lesson would you say will serve you best, now that you're a pro?

Learned that baseball is a failure sport. Your going to fail way more than you succeed but you have (to) overcome those failures. Also, not to take anything for granted because you never know when your last game will be.

-According to Baseball America's scouting report, you were sitting in the high-80's with your fastball at the time the report was written. As of late summer 2011 you were hitting the mid-90's. Coach Partin attributes the time you devoted in the weight room to your jump in velocity. Do you feel like you were able to make changes to your mechanics or your approach in general that contributed to this increase, or would you credit your time hitting the weights most of all?

Most was the weight room but also the extra year of high school helped me mature and realize that I wanted baseball more than anything and i was going to work my ass off to become the player i wanted to be. I stopped all the partying and stayed out of trouble and it turned my life around.

-Had you not been drafted, you were planning to attend N. C. State. Do you feel your transition to pro ball will be significantly more difficult because you are making the jump straight from high school?

Tough question because I didn't attend college but it's nice not having to find that even mix of workouts, baseball, and schoolwork. Pro ball, I can strictly focus on baseball.

-Are there certain aspects of pitching that you are finding more difficult to master than others?

Throwing strikes! haha. Ask any of my coaches...I can't do it. I still have so much to learn about the game but I feel I've improved a lot since starting pro ball.

-What one experience would you say stuck with you the most from your brief time in the Gulf Coast League in 2011?

My first day in extended, (a) Dominican player walks up to me and asks if I'm "mericon". I thought he said are you American so I answer "si". All the (Dominican players) went nuts. Later learned "mericon" means gay.

-If you could pass on some advice to younger pitchers, what would that be?

Don't let anyone get in the way of your dreams. Hard work pays off.

-If, God forbid, your plans fell through and you had to become something other than a baseball player, what would that something be?

Don't jinx me. Personal Training.