Fightins Quotables: OF Zach Coppola talks spring training

Zach Coppola, image- Jay Floyd

In an occasional role with the big league Phillies this spring outfield prospect Zach Coppola impressed many. In 10 games, the 23-year-old lefty batted posted a .273 average with two RBI and three stolen bases.

A 13th round draft selection by the Phils in 2015, Coppola has been a steady moved in the team's developmental ranks over the last couple of season.

Coppola, a .290 career hitter in the minors, could be a valuable contributor in years to come for the Phillies.

Last week, prior to opening the season with Double-A Reading, I talked with Zach about his time around the big club this pre-season. Read ahead for that full interview.

-How would you describe your time around the major league team in spring training?

It was really fun just getting to know those guys, being around them, just seeing how they go about their business. It was cool especially with the new culture going on up there. It was an exciting time.

-With that mention of a new culture, you're referring to a more analytics based focus. Is that stuff that you think will really help you guys?

Yeah, I think so. I mean with all the video stuff coming in and all the statcast and all that it’s pretty cool to look at. It’s definitely different. I think it’s definitely going to help us look further into more detailed stuff and get to know other people more, get to know ourselves more. So, I think it’s going to be pretty good.

-Down there in the Phillies complex, it's probably easy for a representative from the big league team to come by and present some information. Do you have any idea yet how meetings might go to review new statistical details during the season?

I’m not entirely sure about that. I know we’ll have our video guy on the road with us this year, so I think that’s pretty cool. That’ll be good to look at the starting pitchers and get tendencies and stuff like that. I’m not entirely sure, in relation to the other stats and stuff like that, I’m not entirely sure how we’ll see those.

-Was there anyone that you picked up a lot from in spring training?

Just being with all the outfielders. You know, like Aaron Altherr and Nick Williams those guys just going about their business in the right way. Seeing how they do their outfield work and Sam Fuld working with the outfield guys, seeing them just talking situations and stuff like that I thought it was really cool just being in the dugout listening to them and (seeing) how they go about their business and stuff.

-Were there any memorable at bats for you during the big league games?

I had one myself, a game-tying two-RBI single which was pretty cool. The crowd was pretty loud, so that was fun. It was against the Pirates. It was just a cool situation, I came in the game in a big situation.

.-The season's starting out for you guys at home. What are your thoughts on getting out here and playing in front of local Phillies fans?

These fans are some of the best in the league. Home games are great. Playing on the road is great. You do see a lot of Phillie fans at all sorts of stadiums. So, it's gonna be fun.

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This individual, interviewed by FOX 29 on Friday as the Phillies arrived back at Citizens Bank Park, said it best. When asked how he felt regarding the Phillies, he told Steve Keeley that he was, "Stoked, baby!" The unidentified phanatic then proclaimed, "We are talking about the Fightins here, the Fightins! Said!" Check out the media player below, as the transcribed version certainly does not do this phireball of phandom justice. The Phillies forced game 6 of the National League Championship Series with a 4-2 victory over the Giants in San Francisco on Thursday night. Game 6 will feature Roy Oswalt vs. Jonathan Sanchez in a return pitching match up from game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 7:57 pm EST at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Be sure to tune in on 97.3 ESPN's Weekend Sports Guide with Tyrone Johnson this afternoon around 1:15pm to hear me chatting about the Phillies! 97.3 is based in Atlantic City. You can listen live online HERE . _________

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