Skip to main content

Spring Wrap Up Interview: RHP Tyler Knigge

By
As minor leaguers break camp and three quarters of the teams head north to their full season destinations, I had the opportunity to speak with righty hurler Tyler Knigge.

The Phils' 12th round draft selection in 2010, took big strides last year, as he posted a 4-1 record, nine saves and a 0.60 ERA in 34 outings for Class A Advanced Clearwater, en route to becoming a Florida State League All-Star.  The six-foot-three 225-pounder then earned a promotion to Double-A, where he tallied a 2.92 ERA with no decisions and two saves in 21 appearances for Reading.  Additionally, Knigge, who sports a fastball that is regularly clocked in the mid-90's, averaged 9.09 K/9 at the two levels.  He went on to pitcher with Peoria in the Arizona Fall League last year as well.

This weekend, Tyler offered some quick thoughts on his preseason, his assignment to begin the regular season with Reading and more.  Read ahead to check out the interview.


- How has your spring gone?  Thoughts on how you've progressed physically? Any spring training goals met?

 My spring has gone well. Had my ups and downs but that's what spring training is for. Fixing the kinks. Physically, I know I've gotten stronger. That's my goal and I will continue working towards it.


- Early on in spring, a less than ideal outing might not be evaluated the same as one later in spring. Is there any added pressure, as spring winds down, to put forth an exemplary or shutdown effort out of the bullpen?

In spring training, you're always fighting for a spot. Each outing is just as important as the next. I treat each outing as the most important outing I've ever had. Even if it might not mean as such.


- Last year you got the call to spend time with the big league team during some spring games. You didn't get the same opportunity this year. Is that something that you've given thought to and can that type of thing cause a guy to worry about his spot?

 I did spend time on big league side. This year I haven't, due to a hamstring injury. I'm 100% now, but they weren't going to send an injured player over to get hurt again. My job was to get healthy before camp ended.


- I know you mentioned in an off-season interview that you felt like reaching the big leagues in 2013 was not out of the question. Is there anything different for you this spring than others, as far as preparation or what you've worked on, which might help reach that ultimate goal?

 That is my goal. You gotta dream big. And I've kept the same work ethic as last year and have prepared myself the best I can to achieve that goal.


- What are some of your favorite things to do during your free time during spring training?

I love hoppin' on the sticks, playing video games, especially Call of Duty. It's a good time to wind down and enjoy the afternoons without any distractions.


- So, now you're off to Reading.  What's the outlook as you return to Baseballtown?

Yes, that's where I'll be this year and I'm definitely going to make the most of it.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2017 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #4 OF Mickey Moniak

By
Mickey Moniak, image- Joe Wombough Taken with the top overall selection in last year's MLB amateur draft, outfielder Mickey Moniak has garnered a lot of attention as a highly promising talent in the Phillies' developmental ranks. After signing out of La Costa Canyon High School for a reported $6.1 million, the lefty batting Moniak had a very good professional debut. In 46 games with the Phillies' Gulf Coast League team, Moniak posted a .284 batting average with 11 doubles, four triples, a home run and 28 RBI.  Additionally, he showed some speed, swiping 10 bases in 14 opportunities. Following the regular season, Moniak participated in the Florida Instructional League and spent time at the Phillies' training facility in Clearwater, where he worked to add strength and muscle to his six-foot-two 185-pound frame. At the plate, Moniak, who was committed to play at UCLA prior to the 2016 draft, makes steady, hard contact.  He is touted as a line drive hitter tha...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chris Truby Speaks on Santana & Other BlueClaws Matters

By
On Monday, it was announced that the Astros selected outfielder Domingo Santana as the player to be named later in the late July trade that sent Hunter Pence to the Phillies. Santana, a Dominican born slugger, posted a .269 average with 7 HR and 32 RBI in 96 games with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. The 19-year-old is regarded as a five tool talent and has been ranked among the Phillies' top ten prospects by multiple national outlets. I had the opportunity to speak with Lakewood manager Chris Truby about Santana, the PTBNL list of five Phillies prospects that the Astros had to choose from, as well as other matters pertaining to the BlueClaws, as they enter the final few weeks of their regular season. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview. ______________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE . You can also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE .
Post a Comment
Read more

2019 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #9 OF Dylan Cozens

By
Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd Powerful outfield prospect Dylan Cozens hopes to shake the reputation of a free swinger and become a more complete hitter in order to fulfill his dream of reaching the major leagues. At six feet six inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Cozens has an imposing frame that was well-suited for the grid iron, as he was a two-sport star in his high school days.  After he was chosen in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft, Cozens debuted in the minors with the rookie level Gulf Coast Phillies. In 50 games there, he notched 15 doubles, two triples, five homers and 24 RBI. Cozens also participated in the Florida Instructional League in 2012. Following a productive spring in 2013, Cozens was retained in extended spring training and made his official season debut with the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters when they began playing in June. Cozens was among the league leaders in many categories that year, ...
Post a Comment
Read more