I talked to a bunch of players at Orioles Minor League spring training this week, including Brent Allar, Troy Patton, Zach Britton, Matt Hobgood, Mychal Givens, Randy Henry, Michael Planeta, Jesse Beal, Tyler Koldony, Michael Ohlman, Vito Frabizio, Jarret Martin, Garabez Rosa, Tyler Townsend, Ryan Berry, Brandon Erbe, Kieron Pope, Tony Butler and more. From ’09 draftees to those acquired in the Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada trades, they discussed baseball with me throughout the week. Here are some of my favorite quotes from these conversations:
Troy Patton on when he was traded to the Orioles
“I woke up and had about 10 missed calls on my cell phone. Around were five of them were from the GM and the other five were from various Baltimore & Houston newspapers. I called the GM and he informed me that I had been traded to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada. I had purchased a house in Houston about a month before.”
Kieron Pope after being called over to run laps
“I hate running. But it’s good for you, so do it.”
Brent Allar on baseball cards
“I can’t wait until I get to Baltimore. I want to see myself on an official baseball card wearing an Orioles uniform”
Brent Allar on Zach Britton’s changeup
“He’s locating it better and working it around the zone. He’s really improved that pitch.”
Mychal Givens on where he wants to start 2010
“If I get sent to the GCL, I’m quitting baseball (jokes).”
Randy Henry on whether he likes pitching or hitting better
“I actually like hitting better, I like playing in the field. But I’ll do whatever the Orioles want me to do. They want me to pitch, so I am going to pitch.”
Matt Hobgood on my website
“Am I on your top prospects list? (laughs)”
These are just a few quotes a pulled from different interviews and conversations. Full interviews with Zach Britton, Randy Henry and Mychal Givens will eventually be posted. You can see a short interview I did with Rick Kranitz here.
