PhoulBallz Interview with Sebastian Valle

Sebastian Valle is ranked as the Phillies #6 prospect by Baseball America, according to rankings released last off-season. Currently the starting catcher for the Lakewood BlueClaws, the 19-year-old Valle is emerging as a potential team leader as he handles his pitching staff extremely well and shows his offensive talents regularly. With 44 RBI since the start of May and 6 of his 9 homers in June, Valle was somewhat of a slow offensive starter this season. Coaches and pitchers speak highly of the Mexico native Valle, giving him credit for plenty of the success the Lakewood pitching staff has achieved this season. Valle himself gives props to his managers for helping him become a real professional catcher. Valle has spent time over the past couple seasons playing for former big league catchers Dusty Wathan and Mark Parent in the Phillies' system.

I had the opportunity to speak with Sebastian last week. As I often find when I speak to some of the younger foreign-born players, language obstacles are tough. So, I kept the questions simple and forgave Sebastian's inability to elaborate much. That interview lies ahead.

You've really stepped up your offensive production a lot lately. I just wanted to get some comments from you on what the difference has been and how you've gotten hot lately.

I have just been trying to hit the ball hard and I've been working everyday with my hitting coach (Greg) Legg. I am working and trying harder all the time.

What things specifically have you been focusing on improving when you work Greg Legg?

He says I need to work on hitting the outside pitches and that I try to pull the ball too much, so I focus on hitting the other way. It has helped.

Baseball America has you ranked pretty highly as a prospect in the Phillies system. How does that sort of recognition effect your outlook or how you approach the game?

I don't think about it. I just play baseball. I don't really think nothing (of it). I am excited, but I play hard every day no matter what. Really, I'm very happy about it, but I don't think (about it).

How does Lakewood compare to other places you've played?

I don't know...it's different. In Mexico I played with my family in my city, but I like the fans and the ballpark here. Lakewood is great.

Were you always a catcher during your playing days before you turned pro?

No, I also played third base, pitcher...but I like catching the best.

Who are some of your all-time favorite baseball players?

I like Ivan Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, Leandro Castro (his teammate sitting nearby)...

Valle (center) & Domingo Santana cheer on Castro's rain dance moves

What do you think about your teammate Leandro Castro's dancing skills?

(Laughter) It's good. He's pretty good.

__________________________

Reminder- today is PhoulBallz Phillies Wednesday on The Shore Sports Report. Tune in on Shore Sports 1310 or WOBM AM 1160 in NJ to hear me talking baseball with Mike & Joe around 5:05pm. You can also listen live online by clicking here.

Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE.

Share on Facebook

Diekman a Late Addition to Mesa AFL Roster

On Wednesday, Phillies lefty pitching prospect Jacob Diekman made his Arizona Fall League debut. Diekman, who was drafted in the 30th round of the 2007 amateur draft, was assigned to Mesa late, in order to increase his 2010 innings total, according to Mesa hitting coach Mark Parent, who managed Diekman in Lakewood this past season. Diekman, 23, posted a 2-0 record with 1.90 ERA in 21 games with Class A Lakewood before being promoted to High-A Clearwater on June 24th. In 24 games with the Threshers, Diekman went 0-2 with a 3.66 ERA. Combined, Diekman tossed 55 2/3 innings and held opponents to a .187 batting average against at two levels in 2010. However, after not pitching in an official game since he threw a shutout inning to wrap up the Clearwater season on September 5th, Diekman was unable to record an out as all seven batters he faced reached base, six with hits, one on an error. Diekman was charged with 5 earned runs in the outing. Diekman had spent time at instructional ball from

2022 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown: #24 RHP Cristian Hernandez

Venezuelan born right-hander Cristian Hernandez has begun to earn recognition as one of the Phillies most promising pitching prospects. Signed as a 16-year-old in 2017 for a reported $120,000, Hernandez got his professional career started the following summer as a starter for the Phillies' Red Dominican Summer League club. There, in 13 starts, Hernandez tallied a 2-3 record with 2.57 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP as well as a 7.0 K/9 mark. An injury sidelined Hernandez in 2019 and the 2020 season was cancelled due to the global pandemic. In 2021, Hernandez saw his first regular season action in the United States, starting his season in Florida Complex League. After two appearances there, the six-foot-three 185-pounder was promoted to the Class A Clearwater Threshers. In 20 combined outings (17 starts), Hernandez notched a 2-7 record with a 3.57 ERA, a .228 batting average against and an 11.2 K/9 mark. Projectability is something that baseball folks like about Hernandez. His size, consistent

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog