Marquise Cooper Interview

Cooper's Swing

Marquise Cooper is an outfielder in the Miami Marlins organization.  He played for Single-A Jamestown last season and was drafted in the third round of the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft.  He is from Fresno, California.  Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MarquiseCooper

Niklas: What was your favorite team and player growing Up?

Marquise: Favorite Team was the Oakland A’s and favorite player growing up would have to be Ricky Henderson.
Niklas: Good choice.   I’ve heard you’re fast so that makes sense.  Who is faster: You or Emilio Bonifacio?

Marquise: (Laughter)Bonifacio is faster, but,  I’m coming.

Niklas: How was Jamestown and the team?

Marquise: Jamestown was fun.  I had fun with a lot of the guys… the team was great.  I was sorry the season had to finish that way, though.

Niklas: What was it like being drafted in the 3rd round right out of high school?

Marquise: It was crazy because I got drafted on my graduation day right before I walked on stage.  But, I’m truly blessed and thank God.

Niklas: Sounds like a great day.   Do you view yourself as a lead-off hitter?
Marquise: Yes, it was a wonderful day.   But, yeah I do  (view myself as a lead-off man).

Niklas:   What is your approach at stealing a base?
Marquise: Good lead and reading the pitcher until that slight mistake…

Niklas: What do you think of the Marlins stadium?
Marquise: it’s real nice.  Can’t wait to play in it!

Niklas: Is there any reason you wear number 9?
Marquise: It’s my lucky number.

Niklas: Cool… nice number.  How do you feel about playing center field in the MLB?  There are a lot of big hitters in your division and you could be real busy.

Marquise: I like playing center field and I love to get action every chance I get.

Niklas: How do you feel about the moves the Marlins made this offseason and their chances in 2012?

Marquise: I think they made some good moves and it turns out good for the Marlins in 2012

Niklas: What has been your best moment in baseball?
Marquise: I have a lot of good moments in baseball, but, putting in the jersey is something I love to do.
Niklas: That’s a really good thought.  How has the minor leagues been as far as the experience so far?

Marquise:: Minors have been good.  I get to play in a good stadium… meet some great people…

Niklas: What type of glove do you use and why?

Marquise: I use Rawlings… no reason, it was just the first glove I got.

Niklas: Sweet, that was my first glove too.

Niklas: What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen in the minors so far?
Marquise: (Laughter) Funniest thing so far happened this past year on the road when I was on the bus.  We had a joke off and it was hilarious… classic moment!

Niklas: That had to have been funny!  Best MLB Stadium…

Marquise:  My favorite stadium has to be Angel Stadium because I had a pre-draft workout there and it was really nice!

Niklas: Best MLB Player Ever

Marquise: Hank Aaron

Niklas: Best Marlins Player right now
Marquise: I would say Mike Stanton.
Niklas: Best Game you’ve ever played in

Marquise: Hmmm… I would say early in the year (2011) in Jamestown.   I went like 4-5 with a couple of stolen bases and a diving catch.

Niklas: Sounds like your style of play.  So who wins the 2012 World Series?
Marquise: Hopefully the Miami Marlins.   They got my vote!

Niklas: Favorite Vacation Spot

Marquise: Vegas

Niklas: That wraps it up.  Thanks so much Marquise and good luck in 2012!

Marquise: No problem and thank you.  You take care.

This Interview was done by Niklas Jarvinen, follow him on Twitter @Niktigs

Tom Koehler Interview

Tom Koehler is a pitcher in the Miami Marlins organization. He played for Triple-A New Orleans last season. He has been pitching in the Marlins system since 2008, when he was drafted in the 18th round of the MLB Draft. He is from the Bronx, New York. Thanks for the interview Tom. You can follow him on Twitter @TKREFRESH22. I would also like to thank him for his help in getting this interview recovered after it was lost!

Niklas: Hi Tom. To start off, what was your favorite team and player growing up? I imagine this could be hard being from the Bronx in the 1990s!

Tom :Actually, it wasn’t hard for me at all. My father and grandfathers were all Yankees fans so it was an easy choice. Even though they struggled in the early 90s, the latter part of the decade was pretty rewarding. My favorite player was Roger Clemens. His work ethic and ferocity on the mound are unparalleled.

Niklas: Clemens was a great pitcher. So how do you feel now that you are so close to playing for the Marlins? This is it…it’s the next step forward.

Tom: It very exciting. I am very appreciative of the opportunities the Marlins have given me thus far and look forward to helping the team in any way I can for years to come.

Niklas: Yes, the Marlins are a great organization. How did it feel to be drafted? What was that day like for you?

Tom: It was great! It is something that you dream about the first time you lace up your Frank Thomas Big Hurt Reebok cleats as a kid. I was a senior in college and I was just hoping that a team would give me a chance. I am fortunate that the Marlins did just that.

Niklas: Nice cleats! Sounds sweet. Now you have been a starter your whole career. Since the rotation is full, how do you feel about the possibility of moving to the pen in the majors.

Tom: I just want to win. Do not get me wrong, I love starting. You get to set the tone for the game, but, if they want me to come out of the pen, then that’s what I will do. I would play CF if they thought it was the best way to win.

Niklas: So how was New Orleans?

Tom: New Orleans is a very interesting city full of rich history. They are still rebuilding from the flooding a few years back, and it’s very muggy. But it’s a pretty cool place to play. But from what I have heard Miami is just a little bit better.

Niklas: New Orleans sounds very rich in history. What do you think your best pitch is?

Tom: Everyone’s best pitch should be their fastball. But, for me, it’s all about strike one. Things get a lot easier once you get ahead.

Niklas: Speaking of strike one, what’s your mentality out on the mound?

Tom: It’s all about keeping my team in a position to win that game. I want to get the hitter out as fast as I can and get my team in the dugout so they can go hit. You can’t score any runs when your out on the field.

Niklas: What do you think about your pro career so far? You had a very special season in 2010.

Tom: I believe it’s been successful, but, no one has ever been remembered for what they did in the minors, not even Crash Davis. 2010 was great, but, I don’t want to be remembered for 2010. I want to have a respectable big league career to talk about.

Niklas: Yes. Very true. What do you think will happen for you in 2012? Give me a prediction…

Tom: The only thing that I can predict is what I can control, and, that is I will give it my all everyday and compete in all situations.

Niklas: Ok. What do you think about pitching in the NL East. There are some good teams and scary hitters.

Tom: Good, yes. Scary, no. It will be like pitching anywhere else. You have to trust your stuff, trust your catcher and trust your preparation. Then everything else takes care of it self. Respect all and fear no one.

Niklas: You are very focused and sound like you have the attitude you need to be a pitcher. Now on a lighter side. What’s the funniest thing you have seen in the minors, or have done.

Tom: One of the funnier things I’ve done was win the dance off at a Hornets game. However, the most funny things that go on have to stay in the locker room. Let’s just say there has been some good victory dances and bus trips.

Niklas: I know. I have heard some stories of riding the bus. What did you think of the Marlins offseason?

Tom: It’s been very exciting. They have gone out and made some serious moves. Hopefully it draws in more fans and puts a great product on the field.

Niklas: I think it should. So do you think the new ballpark will be a pitchers park? Do you like it?

Tom: I actually have not seen the park, but, it looks very colorful and very nice and from what reports are its unlike another park. It was the perfect way to end a long season.

Niklas: Did you ever pay much attention to scouts or even a GM who might want you as part of a deal?

Tom: No it’s a business, that’s not something we as ball players can worry about. If something were to happen then you have to deal with it.

Niklas: Ok, now did you know you shared a birthday with a baseball great??? If not, take one guess.

Tom: Hammerin Harmon(Harmon Killebrew), no I had no clue but I just looked it up when you asked me that question, that’s pretty cool.

Niklas: Ok. Cheater…(Laughter). Rapid fire time.

Niklas: Favorite MLB Stadium

Tom: Old Yankee Stadium

Niklas: Best team that you ever saw

Tom: 1998 Yankees 114-48

Niklas: Best hitter and best pitcher in the MLB

Tom: Albert Pujols and Roy Halladay

Niklas: Best MLB Game you ever saw?

Tom: Game 6 of this years world series.

Niklas: Favorite food?

Tom: My moms baked Ziti.

Niklas: Ok… Super Bowl pick

Tom: The New York Football Giants

Christian Yelich Interview

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.

Padres Top 20 Prospects- 2012

1. OF Rymer Liriano  GRADE: A
2. C Yasmani Grandal  A
3. SP Robbie Erlin  A
4. 1B Yonder Alonso  A-
5. 1B Anthony Rizzo  A-
6. SP Keyvuis Simpson  A-
7. SP Casey Kelly  A-
8. 3B Jedd Gyorko  A-
9. 2B Cody Spandneberg  B+
10. C Austen Hedges  B+
11. OF Jaff Decker  B+
12. SP Joe Wieland  B+
13. SP Brad Boxberger  B+
14. SP Joe Ross  B+
15. 3B Edinson Rincon B
16. SP Anthony Bass B
17. SP Simon Castro  B-
18. SP Juan Oramas  B-
19. OF Reymond Fuentes  C+
20. 2B Jonathan Galvez  C+

Tigers 2012 Top 80 Prospects

1. SP Jacob Turner A
2. 3B Nick Castellanos A
3. SP Drew Smyly B+
4. OF Tyler Collins B
5. SP Casey Crosby   B
6. OF Tyler Gibson  B-
7. 1B Aaron Westlake  B-
8. SP Andy Oliver C-
9. C James McCann C+
10. SP Brian Flynn C+
11. OF Avisail Garcia C+
12. RP Bruce Rondon C+
13. SP Alex Burgos C+
14. OF Danry Vazquez C+
15. SP Daune Below  C+
16. SP Kyle Ryan C
17. OF Daniel Fields C
18. C Rob Brantly C
19. SP Brenny Paulino C
20. SP Jay Voss C-
21. SS Gustavo Nunez C-
22. 2B Brandon Douglas C-
23. SS Brandon Loy C-
24. RP Matt Hoffman C-
25. RP Luis Marte C-
26. RP Jose Ortega C-
27. 1B Tony Plagman C-
28. 1B Dean Green C-
29. 1B Ryan Strieby C-
30. SS Euigeno Suarez C-
31. SS Dixon Machado C-
32. 1B Jordan Lennerton C-
33. 3B Wade Gaynor C-
34. RP Adam Wilk C-
35. OF Jamie Johnson C-
36. RP Ramon LeBron C-
37. C Brayan Haladay C-
38. 2B Hernan Perez C-
39. 3B Jason King C-
40. 1B James Robbins C-
41. RP Tyler Stohr C-
42. RP Dan Bennett C-
43. SP Kevin Eichhorn C-
44. RP Kenny Faulk C-
45. OF Justin Henry C-
46. OF Chad Wright C-
47. OF Jason Krizan C-
48. OF Ben Guez C-
49. 2B Corey Jones C-
50. 3B Audy Ciriaco C-
51. SS Cale Iorg C-
52. RP Austin Wood C-
53. RP Michael Torrelba C-
54. RP Ryan Roboski C-
55. RP Dan Genztler C-
56. SP Victor Larez C-
57. RP Jade Todd C-
58. RP Eric Heckaman C-
59. OF Luis Castillo C-
60. C Curt Casali
61. OF Steven Moya C-
62. 1B Rawley Bishop C-
63. SS Javier Azcona C-
64. SP Shaun Tueful C-
65. SP Michael Morrison C-
66. RP Ryan Wooley  C-
67. 3B Adlien Santa C-
68. RP Josue Carreno C-
69. RP Matt Course C-
70. OF Brett Wyatt C-
71. 1B Jeff Holm C-
72. 1B Clay Jones C-
73. RP Jordan Gayhart C-
74. SP Trevor Freeny C-
75. RP Rob Waite C-
76. RP Scott Green C-
77. OF Brandon Eckerle C-
78. C Luis Sanz C-
79. 2B Josh Ashbernner C-
80. RP Nate Newmann C-

IF RESIGNED WOULD RANK: OF Ryan Hamme, RP Brendan Wise

Tigers All-MiLB Team- 2012

C: Rob Brantly: FUTURE: Tigers back-up C, could be a low end starter guy on a different team
1B: Jordan Lennerton: FUTURE: Tigers back-up 1B, platoon guy on another team
2B: Brandon Douglas: FUTURE: Tigers platoon or starting 2B, same on another team
3B: Nick Castellanos: FUTURE: Tigers All-Star 3B, Same on another team
SS: Dixon Machado: FUTURE: Tigers Utility Infielder, Same on another team
OF: Justin Henry: FUTURE: Tigers Utility Players, Same on another team
OF: Jamie Johnson: FUTURE: Tigers platoon OF, Same on another team
OF: Ben Guez: FUTURE: Tigers platoon OF, Same on another team
DH: Tony Plagman: FUTURE: Could be useful around field and maybe if Martinez leaves after his four year deal starting DH, Starting 1B on another team
SP: Drew Smyly: FUTURE: Tigers #4 Starter, #3 on another team
SP: Jacob Turner: FUTURE: Tigers #3 Starter, #2 on another team
SP: Alex Burgos: FUTURE: Tigers #5 Starter, #4 on another team
SP: Jay Voss: FUTURE: Tigers Middle Reliever, Same on another team
RP: Kenny Faulk: Tigers Setup Man, Same on another team
CL: Bruce Rondon: Tigers Setup Man, Same on another team
JUST MISSED: 1B Ryan Strieby, 1B Dean Green, SP Casey Crosby, SP Duane Below, SP Kyle Eichhorn, SP Brian Flynn, SP Brennan Smith

My 2011 Season Awards

ALL MLB TEAM
C: Alex Avila
1B: Miguel Cabrera
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Adrain Beltre
SS: Troy Tulowitzki
LF: Ryan Braun
CF: Matt Kemp
RF: Jacoby Ellsbury
DH: Curti Granderson
SP: Justin Verlander
SP: Clayton Kerhaw
SP: Roy Halladay
SP: James Shields
SP: Cliff Lee
RP: Craig Kimbrel
RP: John Axford
CL: Jose Valverde

SECOND TEAM
C: Mike Napoli
1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Dustin Pedroia
3B: Aramis Ramirez
SS: Jose Reyes
LF: Jose Bautista
CF: Hunter Pence
RF: Justin Upton
DH: Adrian Gonzalez
SP: Jered Weaver
SP: Ian Kennedy
SP: Cole Hamels
SP: CC Sabathia
SP: Matt Cain
RP: Joel Hanrahan
RP: Drew Storen
CL: Mariano Rivera

MLB PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SP Justin Verlander
MLB HITTER OF THE YEAR: OF Matt Kemp
MLB PITCHER OF THE YEAR: SP Justin Verlander
MLB ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: SP Jeremy Hellickson
MLB MANAGER OF THE YEAR: MGR Kirk Gibson
POSTSEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR: OF Nelson Cruz
MLB CLUTCH PLAYER OF THE YEAR: DH Victor Martinez

MiLB PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SP Matt Moore

Top 10 Pitchers In Tigers Minors Right Now

Ranked in order of talent and how good they should do this year and guys like Crosby are better but are yet to start doing really well and when they do they will run up this list

1. Andrew Oliver
2. Charlie Furbush
3. Jacob Turner
4. Lester Oliveros
5. Duane Below
6. LJ Gagnier
7. Ramon Lebron
8. Kevin Faulk
9. Adam Wilk
10. Matt Hoffman

Watch out for some bigger names soon, they should start to get hotter, this is just a power ranking of the top 10 pitchers based on performance so far in 2011.

Jeff Kunkel should be good

Jeff Kunkel won’t be more than an average catcher but he should play some good major league games.  He’s great behind the plate and at it he’s average but could knock an extra base hit a lot.  His best contributions will be great plays he makes.  His offense shouldn’t change much but it should be Mendoza line production.  Kunkel will barely bring below average production for a catcher.  Kunkel will be better in the majors than Brennan Boesch.  Kunkel is the best catcher in the Tigers minors but John Murrian will pass him soon.  He won’t be even a back-up in the majors but I think he could make a few contributions to the Tigers pretty soon.  He won’t ever hit well or high in the line-up.  He will be an okay player throughout his whole prime.

Call-ups: Martinez, Wieters

Matt Wieters has been called up, Fernando Martinez too

• Matt Wieters, the next Joe Mauer in my opinion, has been called up.  Wieters is making is debut Friday off of Dontrelle Willis,  he might struggle a bit in this game but I think during the season he will do great and become one of the best catchers in the MLB.  He will be a one of the best catcher hitting wise and a great catcher behind the plate that has narm.  His game calling skills should get sharper with the staff he’s got too
• Fernando Martinez finally got the call to the Mets.  He hasn’t shown what kind of player he can be and should struggle at first, but I think in the future he will be a reliable hitter who plays a nice right field.  His specialty is power but he hasn’t shown it yet.