PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Ben Lively talks Reading postseason push

Ben Lively, image- Jay Floyd

Activated on Thursday from the disabled list after dealing with a shoulder strain, right-hander Ben Lively will help the Double-A Reading Fightins push toward the postseason.

In 22 starts this year for Reading, the 23-year-old sports a record of 8-7 with a 4.17 ERA while striking out 96 batters and walking 42 in 127 1/3 innings.

Lively was acquired last off-season from Cincinnati for Marlon Byrd.

Earlier this month, I spoke with Ben about some ups and downs this season, his excitement level to be chasing the Eastern League crown and more. Read ahead for that interview.

-You've mostly been consistent this season, but have had some shaky outings. What are your thoughts on your 2015 thus far?

We've been working on a lot of stuff this year. I kind of got in a little funk and that got me down, and that's what kind of got me up and down and I haven't been consistent. But, this past outing we were watching stuff from last year, kind of nit picked little stuff we needed to work on and it's been working out. I feel like everything just snapped in and I've been working in my bullpens and everything's been feeling great and hopefully, it turns on the rest of the way.

-You spoke of reviewing film and making adjustments. What can you share about what you worked on?

I mean, just like kind of worked on my front side. Tried to stiffen up my front side, to get more power and stuff. I was spinning off and I was throwing the ball all over the place. I feel like I have to get everything where I want it. Everything felt ten times better (in my last start) with the things we adjusted to.

-In a recent outing, you probably had one of your worst lines in a game this year. When you allow six earned runs and get tagged with the loss, are you able to take positive things from that?

You definitely have to take things from it. I know what I did. I was just leaving too good of pitches- even when I was ahead in the count- I was leaving too many pitches over the plate and they got a hold of me. But that's why we made the adjustments and it paid off.

-As the season begins to wind down, the buzz around this Fightins team is that this group could run through the playoffs with ease. Is the club really excited for that playoff chase?

Absolutely, I mean we've turned it on lately and with the news guys, everyone's been turning it on. We need to keep building forward and keep shooting for the postseason.

-People would expect Zach Eflin and Jake Thompson to be the top two guys in the rotation for a playoff run. Are you confident that you can help the team just as much as those guys?

Absolutely. I mean, yeah it can be anyone's night in the postseason. You just have to do your thing, keep working and do what you're best at.

-The team got plenty of new additions in recent weeks with the signing of Destin Hood and acquisitions at the trade deadline. Has that given the team a boost of energy to push toward the postseason?

I mean the way they've been playing, it definitely brings a lot of energy in the dugout and in the locker room. You know, everyone's excited. Everyone knows these new guys are going to do nothing but help us and it's getting us excited for the postseason. Everyone is starting to look forward to it.

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: First round pick Bryson Stott

Bryson Stott, image- Jay Floyd Shortstop Bryson Stott , the Phillies' first round draft selection this year, has enjoyed a successful initial pro campaign. En route to being recognized as an All-Star for the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters the 21-year-old UNLV product has tallied a .295 average with six home runs and 25 RBI in 45 minor league contests. Last week I spoke with the lefty hitting Stott to discuss his transition to professional baseball, joining the Phillies organization and plenty more. Read ahead for that interview. -Obviously, your performance and the production on the field is going well, but how do you feel you have adapted to the pro life? It feels good. You hear about the everyday grind, but you don't really believe it till you feel it. I would say that's the difference between college and the pros, is you're not practicing, you're playing games every day. I would say that's the biggest difference. But I...

Rappers in Phillies Caps

Weekend greetings to you phine pholks out there. Today's post features pictures of rappers wearing Phillies caps. Why rappers in Phillies caps, you ask? Because... Any other questions? We will start things off properly by going with a highly recognizable hip hop star. 50 Cent stays constantly relavant by consistantly creating radio friendly material to help sell (G) units, while he "keeps it real" by still rapping about the thug life he lived before becoming the 2nd highest earning black entertainer in America. 50 is seen here in a recent interview rocking a throw-back Phillies cap. Next up we'll use a throw-back screen cap from what may be the very first major appearance by a rapper wearing Phillies gear. Chuck D, of legendary rap group Public Enemy, wore a Phillies cap in the music video for rap anthem Fight The Power in 1989. The song was the lead single from the soundtrack for Spike Lee's film Do The Right Thing . Next up we'll go with some home grown tal...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog