02/26: Spring Training Fluff
Posted by: James
For me, one of the more interesting points about spring training are all the human-interest stories, prospect (and other non-roster invitee) profiles and question-and-answer sessions that the papers and beat writers work on. There aren't any games going on but the writers have to write something and since it's early on, they haven't worn out all their cliches just yet. I dont mind it though. I like learning a little bit more about the guys that I will be spending half the year rooting for. This is especially helpful in the free-agent era since there's such turnover in the rosters (especially in the Yankee bullpen). That being said, here are some of the more interesting stories that have popped up.
From a Q&A with Johnny Damon, who might just be playing to the media, but to me, comes off very well in the interview.
Another one that I liked was about New Jersey guy Ron Villone coming home to play for his favorite team (and pitching for his favorite player as a kid, Ron Guidry):
Good stuff. Credit to Off The Facade for the links.
From a Q&A with Johnny Damon, who might just be playing to the media, but to me, comes off very well in the interview.
Q: You were teased as a kid?
A: For stuttering.
Q: How have you solved it?
A: I slow down and collect my thoughts instead of rambling on and having no clue what I'm talking about. I still stutter when people try to interrupt me. I can't hear two or three things going on at the same time.
Q: What do you want to tell Yankee fans about their new center fielder?
A: I can't wait to start playing in front of them. Our team was put together to win the World Series. It's gonna be a fun one.
A: For stuttering.
Q: How have you solved it?
A: I slow down and collect my thoughts instead of rambling on and having no clue what I'm talking about. I still stutter when people try to interrupt me. I can't hear two or three things going on at the same time.
Q: What do you want to tell Yankee fans about their new center fielder?
A: I can't wait to start playing in front of them. Our team was put together to win the World Series. It's gonna be a fun one.
Another one that I liked was about New Jersey guy Ron Villone coming home to play for his favorite team (and pitching for his favorite player as a kid, Ron Guidry):
Q: How did you become a Yankees fan?
A: Family. Growing up, my family was -- both my mom's and my dad's side. At the time I was 6 years old I started going to Yankees games, 1976 on.
Q: When did you first become a fan of Ron Guidry?
A: I saw him throw in '77, I know that.
Q: Has it sunk in that you get to wear the Yankees uniform?
A: In April I think it will. We'll wait until then. Right now it's fun and it's nice to get ready. But not till you get the full set of pinstripes.
A: Family. Growing up, my family was -- both my mom's and my dad's side. At the time I was 6 years old I started going to Yankees games, 1976 on.
Q: When did you first become a fan of Ron Guidry?
A: I saw him throw in '77, I know that.
Q: Has it sunk in that you get to wear the Yankees uniform?
A: In April I think it will. We'll wait until then. Right now it's fun and it's nice to get ready. But not till you get the full set of pinstripes.
Good stuff. Credit to Off The Facade for the links.