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

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Prospect Brody Colvin

Recently, right-handed pitcher Brody Colvin was promoted from Class A Advanced Clearwater to Double-A Reading. Prior to the 2012 season, Colvin, who turns 22-years-old on Tuesday, was ranked as PhilliesNation's 6th best prospect . This season, following some ups and downs, it's unclear where Colvin will rank next preseason. Earlier this year, Colvin, a Louisiana native, was removed from Clearwater's starting rotation and moved to the bullpen to relax and improve his mental approach. He did so and returned to starting after a brief time. Through his first two outings with the R-Phils, the 7th round draft choice from 2009 posted a 1-0 record while allowing five earned runs in 11 innings (4.09 ERA). In his last start on Saturday, however, Colvin allowed eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings pitched in a loss to New Britain. In a recent interview with Brody, he spoke about the transition moving to the Eastern League, his brief bullpen stint, physical concerns from last season...

Phillies look-alikes, Part 1

The Phillies are World Series Champions and, thus, are world wide celebrities. This recognition isn't enough, I tell you. Some of the champs could very well be confused with other major celebrities around the globe...or at least around my house. Let's dig in... Two look-alikes in particular have been widely discussed. Geoff Jenkins even made a sign on the table covering at his autograph station at last year's Phillies Phestival that he is not Brett Favre or phormer Phillie Randy Wolf. ------------------------------------------------------- Jayson Werth may be on his way to Wrestlemania. Jay-Dub is aware that he resembles Heavyweight wrestling champion Adam "Edge" Copeland. Are you? -------------------------------------------- Carlos Ruiz's fame was boosted by TBS during the playoffs, but he might be ready for his own Comedy Central sketch show, as he looks very much like Carlos Mencia. Dee dee dee! -------------------------------------------------- And whi...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog