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.

Mike McGuire Living a Dream With Favorite Team

LAKEWOOD, NJ- Every young ballplayer grows up wishing he could play for his favorite team. Mike McGuire has an opportunity to do just that after signing with the Phillies organization in July. McGuire was a 43rd round draft pick taken by the Cleveland Indians in the 2008 amateur draft out of the University of Delaware. Early scouting reports liked McGuire's abilities, despite some arm trouble. He advanced as far as High A Level Kinston last season. While there, he posted an 0-3 record with a 5.46 ERA in 9 games, 8 of which were starts. The Indians weren't happy with McGuire's efforts this spring and released him. McGuire caught on with the Sussex Skyhawks of the independent Can-Am League, where he stayed in shape and pitched against other formerly affiliated minor leaguers. As a starter with the Skyhawks, McGuire went 3-4 with a 5.29 ERA in 8 outings. From there, just as all players in those independent leagues hope for, the 24-year-old McGuire got noticed. The Phillies wer...

Harry's Plaque Has Misprint

At the ballpark today for the first time since Harry Kalas was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame on Friday, I noticed an error in the text on his plaque. Verbage on the plaque reads like this... Voice of Phillies baseball on radio and TV for 39 seasons. Teamed with Richie Ashburn from 1971 until 1997. Harry was on the air for all of Mike Schmidt's 548 home runs, five Phillies no-hitters, seven National League Championship Series, three World Series, the first and final games at Veterans Stadium and the Citizens Bank Park 2004 opener. Received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award in 2002 for "Major Contributions to Baseball" and was inducted into the broadcasters' wing at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His calls were legendary, especially his signature home run call, "Outta heeere." On October 29, 2008, he brought utmost joy to Phillies fans: "The 0-2 pitch, swing and miss , struck him out. The Philadelphia Phillies are 2008 Worl...

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. ...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog