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.

Shameless Plug for TCB: The Astros According To PECOTA (Part 1)

In the interest of promoting greater knowledge and understanding of the organization known as the Houston Astros (I know...too wordy, but so what?), I'm linking to the latest offering by our neighborly folks over at The Crawfish Boxes. A must read, people.

The Astros According To PECOTA (Part 1)

Over at my humble lil blog, I've got upcoming interviews from Astros minor leaguers Adrian Houser and Jordan Scott, as well as one from Atlanta Braves prospect Evan Gattis, then scouting reports on Delino DeShields, Jr., Ruben Sosa and Emilio King. Stay tuned, true believers. 

Bagwell Hosed in HOF Vote

FEB 9th, 2012-OK, I know this is old news now, but I've been thinking about it lately and it's kind of getting under my skin.

The irritant in question: current rationale regarding the (possible) PED use by retired HOF candidate and former Houston Astro Jeff Bagwell.

You hear it everywhere: "Well, everyone else is doing it, so why wouldn't he?", "He's way too big not to be using PED", "He played with users, so of course he did it, too", et cetera, et cetera, ad infinitum, ad nauseum.

Nowadays, it seems like all it takes is a little suspicion or rumor and suddenly not only is a player on steroids, he also murders kittens, steals his granny's social security checks and was the mastermind behind 9/11. And it's understandable that most fans would take that point of view; after all, the Mitchell Report saw to it that what faith and trust we had in professional baseball and the players in it was quite nearly destroyed completely. But the logic behind the whole "he's a big guy, so he shoots up" argument is beyond laughable.

Here's the thing, and it's pretty simple: either prove it, or vote him in. In my mind, he's a HOF first baseman, and I can't imagine that I'm alone in this.

You already know the numbers. I'm gonna give 'em to you, anyway (thank you, baseball-reference.com)

Not a lot of awards, here. Four All-Star appearances, 1991 NL ROY, 1994 NL MVP and TSN Major League Player of the Year. Not bad, but not outstanding. However, his 162 game average certainly helps his case, as does the .408 career OBP. Not too shabby. In terms of career numbers, he's most definitely worthy of serious HOF consideration. It's a simple equation: he was one of the best at his position from 1994-2003. Off the top of my head, and minus the BA and defense, the first comparable player to come to mind is Johnny Mize.

Despite the decided lack of evidence, it seems that the "We can't prove he didn't use PED" argument has won out among HOF voters. The thing is, anyone can take that stance and it would be near impossible to prove them wrong.

The evidence suggests that Bagwell did not use PED, simply because he's never been officially named in any investigation. In fact, if there is anything going against him now it's basically limited to personal opinion. Well, that and the impression he makes in terms of his physical appearance. But we have to have more than just innuendo and personal bias to go on if we're going to shut him out of the Hall, don't we?

For my part, I say if they can't find any dirt on him, he's a HOFer. No doubt, in my mind. But the voters have no right (from an ethical standpoint) to simply wait for evidence to surface, especially when said evidence might not even exist in the first place.

Despite my humble point of view, there's nothing I can say that would even begin to top Ken Rosenthal's statement on Bagwell's chances:

"When voting, one should only consider the facts at hand. If Bagwell is later revealed to have been a user, maybe I will stop voting for him, if he isn’t already in the Hall. There is little doubt that he is deserving otherwise, unless you’re somehow unimpressed by his .408 on-base percentage and .540 slugging mark, not to mention his baserunning, defense at first base and leadership of the Astros during his 15-year career … For now, all I know is one thing: I’m not withholding votes based on hearsay and innuendo."

Well said, Mr. Rosenthal. And absolutely right. Until and/or unless the voters find proof of Bagwell's malfeasance, I sincerely hope that he receives the respect for his career he so richly deserves.

So to all those who would suggest that Jeff Bagwell has somehow cheated the game and its fans, I have only this to say:

Prove it.

Rumor Control On Culbreth's Eye Surgery

I notice that there are a few posts out there in response to a Twitter post from Houston righty Brandon Culbreth concerning his upcoming eye surgery. 

Here's a little clarification on that surgery, just to lay a little calm on we Astros fans. This is straight from his mother, by the way. 

Brandon has been diagnosed with a chalazion, the removal of which is a very simple procedure and does not require any significant recovery time. So the reports of “eye surgery” have caused a mild panic in the Astros community but there is no reason for concern. Of course, it's understandable that even the mention of surgery can cause a stir, but in this case it's not warranted.  

Chalazia can form when a gland at the edge of the eyelid (near the eyelashes) becomes blocked, and while they can become larger and cause local infection they often will regress and be reabsorbed on their own. In the cases where they must be removed, removal involves excision of the cyst under local anesthesia. The affected eye is covered with a rigid patch for the first 8 hours and the patient is advised to avoid contact lenses and to keep the eye dry and clean. Eye drops are often prescribed to prevent infection and for pain control, and post-op follow-up is usually 3-4 weeks after the procedure. 

Anyway, there's the long and short of it. If anyone has further questions, lay 'em on me. 

Blogs of Note-What The Heck, Bobby?; The Crawfish Boxes

Been reading up on this blog, which covers our Astros in their infancy, among other interests. The site admin has an interesting series going now, written by none other than Lancaster Jethawks C-LF Jordan Comadena under the title A Journey With Jordan. Well worth the read, whether you're an Astros fan or not.

The way I see it, anytime you can get an insight into the day-to-day life of a player making his way through the minors, it's worth a look. Check out her Interviews and Profiles section, as well. Certainly a blog of note.

Also, The Crawfish Boxes on SB Nation is one of the best blogs out there for news and views on Astros players and personnel. A must-read for any 'Stros fan.