Baseball Season Has Officially Started!
February 6, 2012Congrats to the Giants on defeating the Patriots to win the Super Bowl last night. With the Giants win it means baseball season has officially started! Two weeks ladies and gentlemen until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. It is almost the same feeling of waiting for Christmas to come all just to see guys playing long toss, throwing a pens or working on first and third defensive strategies. If you’re a true baseball you know what I mean. I’m looking forward towards another great baseball season ahead of us!
Posted in Matt Pignataro, New York Mets | Tagged New York Giants, New York Mets, Spring Training | Leave a commentOne on One with Mets Prospect Phillip Evans
January 30, 2012
Earlier this week, I was fortunate enough to speak with New York Mets prospect Phillip Evans. Evans was drafted by the Mets in the 15th round of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft out of La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California. The shortstop was ranked as high as No. 55 on Keith Law’s Top 100 list before the draft and was considered to be one of the top middle infielders available. Because of his strong commitment to San Diego State, the Mets were able to select Evans in round fifteen. He signed for $650,000, which became the highest bonus ever paid by the Mets to a player taken outside of the first two rounds.
Although signing just before the August 15th deadline, Evans appeared in nine games between the GCL Mets, Kingsport Mets, and Brooklyn Cyclones during the 2011 season.
I spoke to the now Mets prospect about the draft, his approach, and playing in the organization.
Steve Sidoti: You signed right before the August 15th deadline this past summer and still had a chance to take part in three short stints in the Mets organization. Although limited, what were your first impressions of the professional game?
Phillip Evans: My first impression was that it’s just a job now. At first I kind of got struck by that so I tried to slow everything down and tried to get used to the system a little bit. It was a good experience to play for three different teams. I’m glad I had the chance and the opportunity to get more at-bats so I was pretty happy about that.
Sidoti: Any good stories or clubhouse pranks in that short time?
Evans: [laughs] Not really. All of the guys that I’ve played with were pretty cool guys, though. I got along with them pretty well and I can’t wait to see them in Spring Training.
Sidoti: Many who have evaluated your game have said that you have an advanced approach. So tell us, what is your approach at the plate?
Evans: I just go up there and try to look for something good to hit and look for certain pitches that I am going to hit. I am also actually going to look for a pitch that I think will come in a certain situation. I just try to break that down and hit the ball hard wherever it’s pitched. I can hit the ball to all fields with pretty good pop, so I just try to drive the ball in the gaps and get on base for my team.
Sidoti: Is that something you pride yourself in, being a line-drive, gap-to-gap hitter?
Evans: Yeah, definitely. My whole life I have been a gap-to-gap guy, spraying the ball all over the place.
Sidoti: You were drafted as a shortstop and played the position exceptionally well throughout high school. Do you see yourself sticking there in pro ball and have the Mets approached you with a potential change, possibly to second base?
Evans: I have always been a shortstop, ever since I was a little kid and I know the position pretty well. I’d love to stay at shortstop but it’s not up to me. Anywhere out on the field I’d love to play. If there is a spot for me to play, then I’d be all for it.
Sidoti: How important was it for you to sign with the Mets upon being drafted in the 15th round. Obviously, teams knew you would be a difficult sign, so how close were you to enrolling at San Diego State?
Evans: I was actually pretty close. I was down in summer school for about a month there. I was just getting used to all of the classes and all of the kids on the team. I’m definitely glad I signed with the Mets and will do whatever I can to work my way up the ranks.
Sidoti: Throughout high school, more so during your senior year, yo
u had tons of scouts showing up for your games. Did that amount to any added pressure for you and how did you deal with that attention?
Evans: I think I handled it pretty well. A lot of guys would come up to me before the games so I knew they were there. I kind of just tried to hide them from my mind and use them to my advantage. I just tried to leave everything on the field at every moment that I got. You have to just play hard, and that’s something I always try to do.
Sidoti: Speaking of pressure, after being selected by the Mets in the 15th round, you signed for what basically amounts to supplemental round money. Is that something you feel like you have to live up to?
Evans: Not really. I don’t really think of it that way because I give it my all every time I step onto the field. What you see is what you are going to get and I’m just going to keep getting better, no matter what.
Sidoti: Is there any particular player, past or present, that you would compare your game to?
Evans: My idols growing up were Jimmy Rollins and Jose Reyes. I kind of fed off both of those guys and tried to copy what they did, which is to try and get on base and win some balls games.
Sidoti: I know you have a Twitter account (@PEVANS28), so tell us, what is it like to interact with fans and do you expect to be active on there during the season?
Evans: Yeah, definitely. I will interact with the fans as much as I can. I love all of the fans out in the New York area, especially in Brooklyn. [laughs] Those fans are crazy but I love them already and I was only there for a couple of days. I will definitely be getting back to the fans that are looking for information during the season.
Sidoti: Where do expect to begin the 2012 season?
Evans: I’m not really sure. They haven’t specifically told me, so I’m just going to wait for Spring Training and see how that goes. I’m just going to try and show them what I got down there and hopefully they will put me in the right spot.
Sidoti: With just a few weeks until Spring Training, what has your offseason been like? Is there anything specific that you have been working on?
Evans: Yeah, I have been working on my entire game, but mostly just getting stronger, faster, and quicker. I have also been working on all of my infield mechanics, my pitch selection, and my swing. My swing feels pretty good so we will see what happens. I can’t wait to head down to Florida.
Sidoti: Lastly, as we have talked about and as you may have learned, the Mets have a pretty passionate fan base. I know you are a West Coast guy, but what does it mean to you to be in the Mets organization and have that goal of eventually playing in a city like New York?
Evans: I’d love that. Coming from the West Coast, you don’t get too many passionate fans like you do in New York, so I’m all for it. I’m pumped up and just want to get there and see how the fans react to my abilities.
Posted in Interviews, MiLB, Minors, MLB Draft, New York Mets, Steve Sidoti | Tagged Brooklyn Cyclones, GCL Mets, Kingsport Mets, MLB Draft, New York Mets, Phillip Evans | 1 CommentCould Ottawa be the New Home for Binghamton?
January 30, 2012
According to Don Campbell of the Ottawa Citizen:
All signs indicate Ottawa would become the new home of the Eastern League franchise currently in Binghamton, New York. That would involve a swap of working agreements between the New York Mets, the major league parent team of the existing Binghamton club, and the Toronto Blue Jays.
The B-Mets announced an extension of their current lease at NYSEG Stadium through the 2016 season. However, Jon Willing of the Ottawa Sun writes, “Sources say the team has an out-clause in the lease that would pave the way for the team to be relocated.”
This is interesting if it does happen. The Mets affiliation agreement lasts through 2012 in Binghamton, so any potential move to Ottawa from Binghamton would not involve any direct negotiation/agreement with the Mets.
The Akron Aeros, Erie SeaWolves, Harrisburg Senators, New Britain Rock Cats, New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Richmond Flying Squirrels all have expiring player development contracts after the 2012 season.
Posted in Matt Pignataro, MiLB, New York Mets | Tagged Binghamton Mets, MiLB, New York Mets | 1 CommentVideo: Mike Piazza Wants in as Met for HOF
January 22, 2012 Posted in Matt Pignataro, New York Mets, Video | Tagged Baseball Hall of Fame, Mike Piazza, New York Mets | 2 CommentsMets Interested in Jeff Francis
January 20, 2012
In 31 starts, Francis went 6-16 with a 4.82 ERA, striking out 91 batters and allowing 39 walks in 183 innings for the Royals.
Even though, he did have 16 losses last season for the Royals, Francis did pitch better than his stats showed. Francis has the ability to give a team quality starts and pitches to contact which benefits him in a park such as Citi Field. He could be a very nice bargain with the Mets thin rotation depth after the projected five of Santana, Dickey, Niese, Pelfrey and Gee.
Posted in Matt Pignataro, New York Mets, Rumors | Tagged Jeff Francis, New York Mets | Leave a commentVideo: R.A. Dickey Talks About Climbing Kilimanjaro
January 19, 2012 Posted in Matt Pignataro, New York Mets | Tagged R.A. Dickey | Leave a commentDaniel Murphy, R.A. Dickey to Receive Munson Awards
January 19, 2012
Daniel Murphy and R.A. Dickey (pictured) will join former Yankees and Mets Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra, Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira, and newly-inducted NBA Hall of Famer guard Chris Mullin as the honorees at the 32nd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, January 31, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
Proceeds benefit The AHRC New York City Foundation which is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives.
For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner call 212-249-6188.
I will not be able to attend this year, however, Steve will be attendance for a second straight year in covering the event. This great cause to support and I’ve heard it is a great event to attend if you have the chance.
Click here to read Steve’s experience from last year’s Thurman Munson Awards. Click here to view Mike Piazza, and click here to view Angel Pagan, accepting their Thurman Munson Awards from last year.
Photo courtesy of the New York Mets
Posted in Matt Pignataro, New York Mets | Tagged Angel Pagan, Chris Mullin, Daniel Murphy, Mark Teixeira, Mike Piazza, New York Mets, R.A. Dickey, Thurman Munson Awards, Yogi Berra | 1 CommentPhoto: Ken Griffey Jr. Fill in the Caption…
January 15, 2012
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
Video: Mets Man Cave
January 13, 2012Here is video from a couple of years ago of a Mets man cave on DIY’s Man Caves. This would be a dream come true in the future, if I could do the same to my basement. I love the bar with the Home Run Apple and the scoreboard skyline above the television. Now, all this guy needs is a couple of seats from Shea Stadium down there and he is set.
Posted in Matt Pignataro, New York Mets, Video | Tagged DIY Man Cave, New York Mets | 1 CommentBaseball Returning to Atlantic City?
January 11, 2012
Two proposals have been announced that could bring baseball back to Atlantic City, the Press of Atlantic City has reported.
Former Atlantic City Surf general manager Mario Perrucci said Tuesday he will meet Jan. 19 with city officials about his ideas for putting the 5,000-seat arena back into use… Less is known about the second proposal from Silk City Ventures of Connecticut, which announced its intentions online Tuesday to revive the Surf.
It’s really interesting that these two groups are trying to bring back the Atlantic City Surf.
Right now, interest is growing for a return of the franchise. Silk City Ventures launched a Facebook group to gauge the communities interest in bringing back the Surf which has grown to more than 1,200 fans. Creating a buzz in the air. I’m most intrigued by Silk City Ventures plan to offer stock in the team of $10 per share with 2.5 million shares available (25%) of the company to the public. Will the proposed plan work?
While the public’s interest might have sparked for a return of professional in the Atlantic City area, it faces true up hill battle on the logistics side. The Surf’s struggled with attendance, averaging 2,466 fans, in its inaugural 1998 season, and later dropping to as low as 1,984 in 2006. The 5,000-seat Sandcastle Stadium has been neglected since the Surf’s ceased operations prior to the 2009 season. Upgrades to the stadium would cost around $5 million, according to Silk City CEO Nicholas Desrosiers. Looking over recent photos the stadium, it needs a lot of work, especially the playing surface.
I’m not sure what the true reason to what led to the demise of the Atlantic City Surf’s. Poor management? Poor planning? Surrounding minor league baseball teams area drawing away attendance? The casinos? I do know, however, baseball returning to Atlantic City can work. It is in an area where a majority of people near and reminds me of a Myrtle Beach type, between the local resides and tourists coming in. Not to mention, Sandcastle Stadium is a modern stadium with the correct upgrades is right up there with Citi Bank Park of the L.I. Ducks.
In the end, it comes down to money. If the city is aboard with either one of the two proposals, baseball could be returning to Atlantic City sooner than later.
Posted in Matt Pignataro | Tagged Atlantic City Surf, Long Island Ducks | 2 Comments ← Older posts
