PhoulBallz Off-season Check In: OF Nick Williams

Nick Williams, image- Jay Floyd

Outfielder Nick Williams was one of the highly touted players that the Phillies acquired in the deal that sent Cole Hamels to Texas last summer.

Upon arriving in the Phillies organization, Williams was assigned to Double-A Reading, where he helped the club reach the postseason. In 22 regular season games as a member of the Fightins, the 22-year-old posted a .320/.340/.536 slash line. Overall in 119 Double-A games last season, the promising lefty batting prospect sported a .303 average with 17 home runs, 55 RBI and 13 stolen bases.

Williams, a Texas native, took time recently to offer some feedback on his off-season routine and his upcoming plans to visit Philadelphia for the first time and more. Read ahead for that full interview.

-Are you still enjoying some down time or have you gotten back to baseball activities yet?

I am swinging now. I like to get my work outs done in the morning. Or some days I'll go hit before and then work out after.

I'm not swinging every day, but I'm taking some cuts here and there. Just hitting off the tee and soft toss.

-Do you pair up with anybody to get your baseball work done and what facility do you use?

I usually just use my dad or some of my coaches. I'll go, like, if I use a facility I usually go to (the Texas Prospect Baseball Academy) the Houston Banditos, where I used to play, in Tomball.

-How much time do you actually go without picking up a bat and what else do you do during the off-season to stay fit aside from baseball activities?

I actually, I mean, I'm always playing basketball or playing 7-on-7. I'm always doing something athletic. I'm on the go. I'm always doing something athletic where I can compete in some way. But, with baseball activities, I usually go till about the middle of December or January because, for me, I just get in the groove really fast with hitting and things like that.

-I know after Reading's postseason was done, you went down to Clearwater for instructs for a bit. What was that experience like?

I got to meet a lot of people, a lot of the new players, the college players (from this year's draft) and it was a cool experience.

It was good to see everything and get used to the area, instead of coming to spring training and not know where anything is or know where I'm going.

-I know each January, the Phils will host a group of prospects and they'll go to Citizens Bank Park for a symposium and they'll check out a Sixers game while they're in town, things like that. Is that something that you're slated to attend?

Yeah. I'll be in Philly on or around the 10th.

-Is that something that you're looking forward to, in order to get a real taste of the city?

For sure. I still have yet to go to Philly and I don't know what it looks like or anything, so that'll be a great experience.

-From what you've heard about Philadelphia, is there anything that you know it's famous for?

I know all the historic stuff like the Declaration of Independence and the Liberty Bell and stuff. Things like that, but, I mean, I used to be a really big Eagles fan back when Vick and DeSean Jackson used to play for them.

I think it'll be cool to get there, a good experience. I'll feel like a tourist. I'm willing to try and see and do everything that I can, so that'll be fun.

-After being a bit of an Eagles fan, what do you know about Philadelphia sports fans?

They're die hard. They're extreme, man. Every time I tweet about something, Philly blows up, so...

-That sums it up pretty well. Thanks for taking time, Nick.

Alright. Thank you.

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: 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...

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.com

Search This Blog