PhoulBallz Interview: Clearwater 3b/OF Luke Williams

Williams with Lakewood in 2017, image- J. Floyd

You would have a hard time finding a player that had a hotter offensive month in June than Clearwater's Luke Williams. In 24 games the 21-year-old right-hander posted a .333 average with six doubles, a triple, six home runs and 20 RBI.

The California native was the Phils' 3rd round draft selection in 2015. Since then he's worked to improve and the time and patience has being paying off of late, as he has more than doubled his career home run total over the past month. Also, as recently as June 3rd, his batting average dipped as low as .167, but has since shot up to .246 on the season in the Class A Advanced Florida State League.

Strictly a third baseman until this season, Williams has added to his versatility by playing some outfield (left and center), some first base and a game at second base.

Recently, I talked with Williams about his successful month of June. Read ahead for that full interview.

-Related to the improved output...What has been the biggest difference for you this month compared to the first two months of the season?

I think the big thing for me is that I’m not missing fastballs. I’m not fouling off as many pitches and I’d say it’s a physical and mental adjustment. I’ve closed my stance a little bit and set my sights to right center field and I feel that is helping me stay on balls longer.

-What feedback have you gotten from coaches either about your improvements or were there things they said that have helped you make the improvements?

(Hitting coach) John Mizerock has been great help to me all season. One things he’s got me doing every day is hitting off the fastball machine. That’s also been a huge help. But as for feedback, I haven’t really gotten much. I don’t think anyone wants to talk to me and mess me up. (laughs)

-Are your teammates enjoying your recent success? Any feedback or excited ball busting from those guys?

We’ve been having a lot of success as a team as of late and we, as a team, have been having tons of fun! We are a really close group and are always messing around each other and keeping things loose.

-When there were struggles to maintain decent numbers early in the season, was that discouraging? Did you think you could turn things around as much as you have?

I’m not going to lie, it was tough. There were some really tough days. I got very frustrated at times. But I know what I’m capable of. I knew that if I came to the field everyday with the same attitude and work ethic, that I was going to get through it. And I’ve started to turn it around, but I’m not done.

-How do you feel about the new positions on defense? Easy transition or still adapting?

It’s been a fun transition. I grew up playing all around the field so I’ve enjoyed the transition. It keeps things exciting.

-What's the best thing about playing in Clearwater?

I’d have to say playing at all the (big league teams') spring training fields. They are all so nice and the clubhouses are all top notch.

Lidge Shaky, T-Mac Honored in Trenton

TRENTON, NJ- Brad Lidge made his second rehab appearance for the Double A Reading Phillies on Thursday night and it didn't go as well as the veteran reliever or the team had hoped. Lidge struggled with his command and turned in a rather poor outing for the club that entered the night in a playoff race, 1 game behind division rival Trenton for the Wild Card spot in the Eastern Division. On the disabled list since spring training with a strained right rotator cuff, Lidge experienced an elbow strain when he was working back from that issue in late May. In his outing against the Yankees affiliate in Trenton, Lidge displayed difficulty with his control as he threw three wild pitches, hit two batters, walked another and gave up a single, all while letting up two earned runs on 28 pitches in 2/3 of an inning. After the disappointing performance, Lidge was composed and focused on some positive aspects, having reached 89 and 90 MPH on scouts' radar guns, according to some reports. ...

Jason Knapp Q&A

PhoulBallz .com was fortunate enough to meet with Phillies prospect Jason Knapp just one day after he caught the attention of the baseball world with his 7 shut out innings, 14 strike out performance against the Indians' Lake County team. - I asked Jason, the Lakewood BlueClaw , for some thoughts about his big game... I had pretty good command of three pitches (fastball, curve, change up). I was on the same page with my catcher, D'Arnaud , and I ended up, ya know, I felt pretty good. - In a great performance like that, how much credit goes to Travis D'Arnaud , the catcher? More than you might expect, definitely. I didn't shake him off once. He told me what to throw and I do what I'm told. And if it works out, a lot of the credit goes to the catcher. - Does the lack of run support (Lakewood has scored 3 total runs in his 3 starts), in your few starts, increase your stress level, or enhance your focus? No, I just try to go out and do my job every outing. Ya know, we...

Eric B Needs to be Cut (and My Name is Rakim)

While the Phillies are on a hot streak this month, one player on the team is not. Eric Bruntlett is 1-for-12 in July. Since the start of May, Bruntlett's apex in batting average has been .167 on June 14th. Bruntlett's ineptitude can be tolerated no longer. Get rid of this guy NOW! Eric B. is the 2009 Endy Chavez. Remember Endy...the guy who in 2005 managed just 2 hits in his final 42 games played as a Phillie? That is about the sort of output the Phillies are getting from Bruntlett, and it's time to fix this void. Julio Lugo was designated for assignment last week by the Red Sox and is expected to become a free agent. The Metropolitans are rumored to be interested. Why wouldn't the Phillies be interested in a guy who could surely outhit Bruntlett? Lugo was hitting .284 through 37 games played this season with Boston. Suspended Lehigh Valley IronPig Pablo Ozuna is eligible to return next Wednesday. Ozuna is batting .294 through 51 games at triple A. Miguel Cairo is also...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog