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This is the second interview in a series of interviews that I will be posting by Opening Day. As the weeks go on, the interviewees get better and better so stay tuned. This week I was fortunate enough to get the chance to interview Brewers third base prospect Mat Gamel. Gamel, 23, is currently ranked the 2nd best prospect in the Brewers organization by Baseball America. Thanks to B.B. Abbott of Jet Sports Management for helping to set up this interview. I encourage you to leave a comment below. My questions are in bold and italics.
Kevin Orris: What can you tell us about Alcides Escobar, a guy that you spent a lot of time with in Double A last year? Mat Gamel: He’s a great player and a tremendous athlete. He has a lot of energy, is extremely quick, and just a fun guy to play with everyday. He is also a plus in the clubhouse. KO: With the Brewers needing a left handed bat, do you anticipate coming up and playing this year? MG: I’m trying to control the things I can, which is to get better everyday. When the Brewers feel like I’m ready, hopefully I’ll come up and stay. I want to contribute in anyway that I can. KO: MILB.com has you ranked as the #23 overall prospect in baseball. Where do you think you rank among the Brewers top Prospects? MG: We have a lot of great players in the organization, and I feel fortunate to be considered one of the top players. KO: What do you feel that you need to improve on to be a quality big league player? MG: My defense. I feel like I will be able to hit consistently at the ML level, but I have to cut down on the errors, improve my footwork, and be prepared to help this team defensively as well. KO: Have you talked to the Brewers about changing your position like they did with Ryan Braun? MG: No, they haven’t mentioned it. I am willing to do whatever I need to do to get to the big leagues and help the ball club. I am just concentrating on getting better in all aspects of my game. KO: Do you think you can live up to the rookie standards that Ryan Braun set in 2007? MG: He had a pretty incredible year. I would like to be a consistent contributor for this club when I am given the opportunity. That is my focus. KO: What goals have you set for the 2009 season? Is Rookie of the Year a realistic goal for you? MG: My goal is to be on the major league roster as quickly as possible, be a contributor to the team, and help us win baseball games. If I do that, I have met my goals. KO: What have you done this off-season to improve your defense? Offense? MG: I’ve taken a ton of ground balls, worked on my footwork and tried to get into a rhythm at 3B. On the offensive side, I have done my work as always. Just a lot of BP and work in the cage and on the field. KO: Which players did you look up to as a kid? Who do you model your game after? MG: Chipper Jones. He played high school baseball in my area, and was an Atlanta Brave, which I grew up watching. For me, he is the ultimate professional, and simply a professional hitter. KO: What do you feel has been your greatest baseball accomplishment in your career so far? MG: Getting called up to the big leagues, and my first Major League hit. It was really a dream come true and hopefully the beginning of a long career. Trackback(0)
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