Christian Yelich is an outfielder in the Miami Marlins organization. He was named their top prospect by Baseball America and he played for the Greensboro Grasshoppers last season. I want to wish Yelich the best of luck and I thank him for his time.
Niklas: What did it feel like being a first round draft pick?
Yelich: It was such a good feeling and something I’m proud of to this day.
N: What’s it like being the top prospect according to Baseball America?
Y: It’s an honor. I’ve worked hard for it, but with that being said, I need to continue working hard to get better and improve my game.
N: Yes, I don’t know if you saw our website, but, we have a video of you hitting a walk-off home run for Greensboro. How did that feel?
Y: That was actually the first time I hit a walk-off homer and it came at a good time. That was the best game I’ve been a part of. Hopefully it sparked our run in the playoffs.
N: Hard to believe that was your first walk-off HR, How was Greensboro? How about the team?
Y: Greensboro was a great place to play and we had a good group of guys who played hard every night.
N: Seems like it was fun. How was the transition from first base to the outfield?
Y: I never actually played a lot of first base but I was labeled as one. The transition to the outfield is going well and I’ve been working at it with our outfield coordinator.
N: What is your best tool… your speed, power, fielding, or hitting ability?
Y: I’d say my hitting ability but also my ability to be a balanced offensive player and steal some bases and hit some home runs
N: So what’s your mentality going to the plate?
Y: I’m just trying to get a good pitch and hit it hard and I feel if I can do that, the results will be there in the end.
N: What has been your best moment in baseball up to this point?
Y: Winning the SAL championship this year. There’s nothing like winning it and it was a great group of guys to play with.
N: You seem like you were on a great team. What was your favorite team and player growing up?
Y: The Yankees growing up because of Derek Jeter. I liked how he carried himself on and off the field. He is a class act.
N: So watching them lose in the 2011 ALDS must
not have been fun for you. Who’s stronger, you or Stanton?
Y: Definitely Stanton. (Laughter)
N: Who’s the funniest player (or manager) on the Marlins?
Y: Gotta say LoMo. I don’t know him well, but the times we have talked, he’s been hilarious.
N: I can only imagine what was said. So how has your MLB experience been so far?
Y: It’s been great. I’ve learned a lot so far and I believe I’ve improved as a player.
N: What does 2012 behold? Are you going to spring training? What level will you start at?
Y: I’m not going to big league camp, and, I’m not sure what level I’ll be a. I’ll know once camp breaks.
N:What do you think of the new Marlins ballpark? Will it be a hitters park?
Y: From the pictures I’ve seen it looks nice. As far as a hitters park, I can only hope, but, we’ll see.
N: Would you rather hit a walk off Grand Slam with your team down by three or make a diving catch that saves the game?
Y: In reality, either one because we would’ve won. But, for the purpose of the question, I’d say a Grand Slam…
N: Favorite MLB Stadium
Y: Yankee Stadium
N:Best Team You Ever Saw
Y: 1998 Yankees
N: Second Marlin to say that team…Best Hitter and Pitcher in the MLB
Y: Pujols as a hitter and Cliff Lee as a pitcher
N: Good choices. Best MLB game you ever saw
Y: Game 6 of 2011 World Series
N:Favorite food
Y: Mexican
N: Super Bowl Pick
Y: Patriots… Tom Brady is a proven winner and he’s married to a super model.
N: Can’t argue with the second thing you said, though, I’ll be pulling for the Giants
N: Thanks so much for your time Christian. Best of luck, and I know I will see you on the Marlins soon!
Y: No problem, I appreciate it.
