PhoulBallz Q&A, The Lost Tapes: Tim Zier

Minor league infielder Tim Zier took part in an interview with me in May of this year while he was a member of the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. Shortly afterward, the Phillies' 21st round draft selection from 2014 suffered a season-ending injury to his left knee. Prior to being sidelined, the 24-year-old had forced coaches to give him more playing time when he posted a .293 batting average in April.

In the following interview that was unused following Zier's injury, he talks about his early success, growing up as a Padres fan and he takes part in Nine Silly-ass Questions, a segment intended for the PhoulBallz Minor League Podcast.

Read ahead for the full interview.

-I heard from the coaching staff that you're a guy that's really pressing them to get you into the lineup with your output. What are your feelings on the success you've had thus far with Lakewood?

I would say it definitely feels good when I get in there and have some success, especially, not being in there every day. But at the same time, it's such a great venue and it's such a great atmosphere all around that I'm just enjoying every moment of it.

-Is this the first time you've been to New Jersey?

This is the first time I've ever been to New Jersey. Born and raised in San Diego county, California. I definitely had to get used to the weather my first month here, but now I'm really looking forward to summer.

-So I imagine you grew up as a Padres fan. Who were the players who stood out to you as a youngster?

I grew up and I really enjoyed watching Tony Gwynn, who I was fortunate enough to play for (at San Diego State University), for four years. Ken Caminiti comes to mind as well. A couple stand out Padres right there.

-What feedback have you gotten from the coaches here with the BlueClaws?

The feedback is positive. They just tell me to keep on working and keep improving myself offensively and defensively. I am just trying to do everything that's in my control.

-I do a minor league podcast and on that show we have a segment called Nine Silly-ass Questions. Would you participate in that with me?

Yeah, sure.

-Name something that New Jersey is famous for-

The Jersey Shore TV show.

-Did you watch the show? What stands out about that show in your mind?

Paulie D saying "The cabs are here!"

-Being in the Phillies organization, do you know something Philadelphia is famous for?

Cheesesteaks!

-If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?

I would have the ability to be invisible.

-What would you do with that invisibility power?

Let's see. I don't want to make it X-rated, so I'll go with my second choice I would probably take as much money as I can.

-What is your favorite candy?

Haribo Gummy Bears.

-Do you have a favorite Wesley Snipes movie?

Probably Major League. I'll go with that.

-If you could be featured on one TV show, what would it be?

Probably "Naked and Afraid". It's on the Discovery Channel and you're just thrown in the wilderness and you have to survive for a month.

-Do you have any guilty pleasures?

I like to rock out to some Taylor Swift.

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 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...

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.com

Search This Blog