Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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