PhoulBallz Interview: Jeff Singer talks spring training, coronavirus hiatus, more

Jeff Singer, image- Jay Floyd

Please consider supporting my work and subscribe to my Patreon page. Your patronage will get you exclusive interviews and early access to all of my content.

Local Philly guy Jeff Singer is back in his home region due to the coronavirus outbreak and the delay it has caused to the 2020 season. Prior to the pre-season being halted, the 26-year-old got some time on the bump with the big league team in spring training.

In Grapefruit League player, the lefty pitcher notched two scoreless appearances for the Phillies this spring.

Last season in 42 relief outings with Double-A Reading Singer, who was signed as a free agent in 2015, posted a 7-0 record with three saves, a 2.34 ERA, a 10.8 K/9 mark and a .180 batting average against.

Last week, I talked with Singer, who shared his thoughts on his time around the Phillies this spring, his current training situation, the baseball hiatus and more. Read ahead for that full interview.

- What can you share thoughts about how the hiatus for the baseball schedule caused by the coronavirus pandemic will impact your training or progress?

This is a tough situation for everyone and it’s something that no one in baseball ever went through. As for my training I’m going to be doing anything I can to stay in shape.

I will be going to Scanzano Sports Center in Cherry Hill to throw and lift. I’ll be doing my running there and also outside. Most likely be doing workouts in my front or back yard.

- Do you have thoughts to provide on the disruption to your expected baseball related income?

When I first got home I was setting up lessons and training sessions at the facility. I’m not sure if that’s going to be possible with the possible quarantine that can happen in the next few days. Obviously as a minor leaguer any money you can make is important and I’m sure a bunch of us are curious when the next time we get paid could be.

- Seems that the 40-man roster guys will be getting paid during this break...and I read that MLB has committed money to financially help ballpark employees during the down time. As an employee of the team, in the developmental ranks, what are your feelings about being left out or having an unclear resolution?

I’m sure the MLB will be taking care of us soon. I understand helping out the big league guys and 40 man first. That’s where the money is. As for the employees at the ball parks, I think that is amazing that they are being helped out.

- What types of workout plans do you have for the downtime? Training with any other pro players?

As of right now I will be training by myself and basically throwing at a net or wall, as I usually do during the off-season. If I have a bullpen I will have a one of the catchers at the facility come catch me and give him a few bucks.

- I saw that you got some experience in big league spring training games this year. Can you describe the experience of playing in Grapefruit League games and enjoying success?

This was my fifth Spring Training and I pitched in my first Grapefruit League game in 2017. I felt this year was the most comfortable I felt in one of them games. Definitely two outings I will never forget.

- Was there anyone, like a coach or a teammate, that you were excited to get exposure to with the big club?

It was great to meet and talk to (Joe) Girardi and (Bryan) Price. I was able to get some exposure in front of them and show them what I can do.

2021 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown: #22 SS Casey Martin

Please visit Patreon.com/PhoulBallz in order to support my work, get access to material like this before anyone else and get access to interviews as well as other exclusive content you can't get anywhere else. A third round draft pick last year, Arkansas junior Casey Martin was quickly signed by the Phillies and consideration as one of the organization's top infield prospects quickly began. The team's confidence in his ceiling is likely evident in the signing bonus he got, which was reportedly $1.3 million, which was considerably more than slot money dictated by his 87th overall draft position ($685K). The right-handed batting Martin tallied a .311/.393/.545 slash line with 30 homers, 24 steals and 112 RBI in 143 games through his college career at Arkansas. Reports had him falling in the draft as a result of an injury to the hamate bone in his left hand prior to his 2020 season. Prior to the procedure, Baseball America projected Martin as a top ten draft pick.

Bubby Rossman's long awaited MLB debut

Eight years after he initially signed a professional contract with the Dodgers and a five-year stretch playing away from affiliated ball, Bubby Rossman became a major leaguer on Wednesday. Added as a substitute for pitcher Kyle Gibson, who is restricted from travel to Canada for the Phillies' series in Toronto, due to his medical inability to be vaccinated from COVID-19, Rossman took the mound for the first time in the majors. Rossman, who was a 22nd round draft selection in 2014 had pitched in 200 professional games before his one-inning outing in the Phillies' 8-2 loss to the Blue Jays. In 27 appearances with Double-A Reading this year, the 30-year-old right-hander has performed well, tallying a 2-2 record with a save, a 3.32 ERA and a .200 batting average against. The embedded video below features a media session with Rossman from prior to opening day this year, in which the California native discusses his journey through independent baseball and back to affiliated ball wi

Slick fielding Sam is the Champion of the (PhoulBallz) world!

Phillies Ball(z)girl Sam Arnone was kind enough to answer some questions for the PhoulBallz site and all of you. Sam will be entering her 3rd season as a Phillies ballgirl and is a junior at Drexel University. Sam hails from the great town of Mt. Ephram, NJ. 1- Since the Phillies are the World Champions of baseball teams, are the Phillies ballgirls the world champions of ballgirl teams? - Of Course!!! There are not that many teams that have Ballgirls, so the competition is a little scarce. I would definitely put my team up against any other Ballgirl team with full confidence! 2- What is your routine to prepare for a day of on-field duties? - Before a game, I am always a little nervous. Once I am ready to leave my house and head to the ballpark I triple check my bag to make sure I have my glove and then I check again. I always have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat because it keeps me full and gives me energy for the entire game. I guess I might have to find a new favorite sa

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog