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.

PhoulBallz Interview: Reading second baseman Jesmuel Valentin

Jesmuel Valentin, image- Jay Floyd Switch-hitting infielder Jesmuel Valentin has been a bit of an underrated contributor with the Double-A Reading Fightins. Heading into action on Friday, Valentin was batting .339 over his last 14 games. Overall this season, the 22-year-old is batting .282 with four home runs and 35 RBI in 64 games. Valentin, who plays mostly second base, but dabbles at shortstop a bit also, is the son of former big leaguer Jose Valentin . The Puerto Rico native was a supplementary round pick (51st overall) of the Dodgers in 2012. He was acquired by the Phils as part of the Roberto Hernandez trade in 2014. Recently, I spoke with Jesmuel about his team's success, growing up around the game and more. Read ahead for that full interview. -The Reading team has been great and you've contributed very nicely to the club's success. What are your thoughts on competition in the Eastern League this year? I just came here with the mindset that...

2018 Phillies Prospect Countdown: #25 Second Baseman Jesmuel Valentin

Jesmuel Valentin, image- Jay Floyd Second baseman Jesmuel Valentin has become a solid contributor at each level he has played and could possess the ability to continue that success as he approaches the big leagues. Last year in spring training with the big league team Valentin proved he could contribute and earned consideration at making the Phillies opening day roster. His 2017 was cut short at the Triple-A level due to an injury in May, so he wasn't healthy for a call up during the season. But now, fully healthy and on the diamond in the Roberto Clemente League (the Puerto Rico Winter League), Valentin is hopeful he'll get another shot at his big league dream this year. Selected as the 51st overall draft pick in 2012, Valentin was quickly a well-hyped prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers system. Upon signing his initial professional contract fresh out of high school, the switch-hitter debuted in the rookie level Arizona League, posting a .211 average while...

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