All Star Vance Worley Q&A

Reading Phillies starting pitcher Vance Worley was named to the Eastern League All Star team this week. Worley was a 3rd round draft selection by the Phillies, out of Long Beach State, in the 2008 amateur draft. So far this season, Worley is 5-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 15 starts, while holding opponents to a .232 batting avg. Along with Mike Stutes, Worley is the first player to be drafted by the Phils one year, then begin the following year on the double A Reading roster since Pat Burrell did it in 1999. Here is a look at the Q&A with Vance.

I asked Vance about a rough start to June, then getting back on track with a solid start over the weekend.

Yeah, I needed that. I had been struggling my last few outings. It was a big win for me, just to be able to throw strikes and keep the walks down, and just having the guys hit (behind) me was great.

Is there anyone on the Reading pitching staff who you think might be underrated?

(Laughs) It might be me. No, I think we've got a solid staff. Nobody certainly can't go out there and go and do their own thing, and do well.

How has the coaching staff been with helping you this season?

They've been good. The whole Phillies organization has a good (group of coaches). Steve Roadcap I had a little last year, and Schrenk...Schrenk's good. As soon as I start struggling, we don't talk about it the day of my pitching, when I have to go out there. But when I throw my bullpen over the next couple of days, he tells me what I had, and what I've done wrong, and just stuff to work on.

Who was your favorite player growing up?

Favorite player, I would say (Josh) Beckett. He throws hard and he's got good stuff. I kind of base myself off of him.

If you could face any batter, who would it be?

I'd like to see what I could do against (Albert) Pujols. I like to go and battle. I like to compete.

Any goals going forward for this season?

Just taking baby steps, and getting better every outing. And see where that takes me really.

What has been your favorite minor league park to play in?

So far, I enjoyed Lakewood (FirstEnergy Park) in low A. I think that was the best park I played at so far. It's awesome.

Is there anything in particular that you like to do, to pass time on the road?

I don't do anything. All the other guys play cards. I'm not a card guy, I just listen to my music. I've got an iPhone, so I sit on the internet a little bit.

What music would we find on your iPod or iPhone?

A little bit of everything, only thing I don't have on there is country.

Can I get your favorite Michael Jackson song?

Billy Jean.

Comments

Jay Floyd said…

I'll be on the radio show today, 3:30pm. Tune in.

http://player.streamtheworld.com/liveplayer.php?CALLSIGN=WADBAM

July 2, 2009 at 3:10 PM

Anonymous said…

sooo many prospects- let's trade them!

July 3, 2009 at 11:54 AM

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be. He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line. And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line. He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly. On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne. The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska. In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage. Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August. Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH. Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog