Alumni Spotlight: Justin Echevarria

To break up the monotony of the daily current player profiles, I would like to take a couple posts to spotlight a few alumni who currently are playing professionally in MLB organizations. I called the segment the Alumni Spotlight and hope you enjoy it.

Justin Echevarria #7

Bio: Justin is a 6'0" 195lb Catcher from Uniondale, NY. He went to Uniondale H.S. and graduated from Stony Brook in 2010 with a degree in Sociology and History. While in high school he played all four years on varsity. As a freshman he was named all-league and earned all-county as a sophomore, junior and senior. He was also the team MVP as a junior and senior, hitting over .400 in all 4 seasons totaling 93 RBI over his H.S. career.
**His college career started slow as his freshman year he saw time in 13 games starting 1 at catcher. Ech slugged .333 and had 2 doubles. He got his first career collegiate hit against New Orleans. Had a season-best 3 runs scored while going 2-6 in a win over Wagner, having good games against Hartford and St.Francis as well.
**In 2007 as a sophomore Ech started 47 games all at catcher. He hit .287 with 21 RBI, 6 doubles and had 11 multi-hit games. His efforts behind the plate were crucial to the teams success, throwing out 24-38 attempted base stealers. He had solid offensive performances throughout the season. Including having 2 hits and 2 runs scored in a win over Maine, a 3-3 game with an RBI against Hartford, had two hits and a run scored against Albany and went 4-4 with a RBI at UMBC. This season earned Justin a spot on the All-America East second team.
**In the championship season of 2008 as a junior Justin started 37 games as a catcher. He hit .333 in three America East tournament games, hitting a walk-off RBI double to beat UMBC 4-3 in the opening round. He had a three-run HR in a win over James Madison and had 2 hits and 3 RBI in a win over Vermont. He led the America East with 17 caught attempted base stealers, and handled an impressive pitching staff along the way to an America East Conference Championship. This season took him and the Seawolves to the Tempe, AZ Regional of the NCAA Tournament hosted by #1 seeded Arizona State. This season Ech was named to the America East All-Tournament team.
**In 2009 Justin went down with a season ending shoulder injury which led to him taking a red-shirt for the year. The team went to the conference tournament and struggled going 2 and out. He hit the rehab hard and looked ahead to the coming 2010 year to bounce back from a tough 2009.
**2010 was a historic season for Stony Brook and Justin helped lead the way playing in 46 games all behind the dish. He hit .291 with 2 HR and 23 RBI. His biggest hits came at the right times especially against NC State at the Myrtle Beach Regional where he had a hit and a RBI in a 6-2 victory, the first NCAA Regional win in Stony Brook history. He threw out 13 of 19 attempted base stealers and was on the Johnny Bench watch list as one of the top catchers in the country. This season earned him second team All-America East honors and he was then drafted in the 40th round by the San Diego Padres in the first year player draft.

Justin catching @ Alabama

Making a tag at home 

***Professionally Justin played last year for the AZL Padres in the Arizona League which is the Rookie Ball level. He saw some time early on and played well behind the plate but only after a few games he broke his jaw and was forced to sit out for the remainder of the season. He continued to work at his game as much as possible during the time he was out and got himself in even better shape then before. He enters this season reporting back to Arizona and should be making his way up the ladder this year. One of the hardest working players I know and a true leader behind the plate Justin  should have no problem succeeding as a Professional baseball player and there will be updates on his status as the season progresses. **

Ech warming up as a member of the AZL Padres

Coming Soon Player Interview With Justin and another Alumni Spotlight on Tommy Koehler!!!

Player Profile:Josh Barry

Player Profile of the Day:

Josh Barry #19

Bio: Josh is a 5'10" 170lb FR pitcher from Seaford, NY. He attended MacArthur H.S. and at Stony Brook he currently is taking Arts & Sciences. At MacArthur he played 3 years of varsity baseball. As a senior he was named All-County, All-Long Island and third team All-State. He also earned the 2010 Diamond Award given to the leagues best pitcher. He went 7-1 with a 0.89 ERA in 67.2 innings while striking out 79 and only allowing 25 hits.

**Barry is a solid left hand arm that will be working towards a spot this coming season. He pitched well this fall and will be a good addition to our bullpen for the coming spring 2011 season. As a freshman he will rely on his experience pitching in competitive summer leagues and games this fall to transition quickly into the college game. Check back each week to see what role JB plays throughout the season.

Pitching in High School

Josh(right) In it to win it 2010

Coming off a great year in High School Josh hopes to translate that into success at the college level:

Looking back at the 2010 season what can you say defined your year personally as well as a team?

  "Last year in my senior year we were a close knit group of guys who had grown up playing baseball together who basically always dreamed of winning a championship together. We were solely a senior lineup and not one person wanted it more than the other, we all had the same gut feeling of winning a championship together. Personally I had my best year in my high school career. I won the Diamond Award which goes to the best pitcher in my section, but when it came down to it, the team effort was ultimately the most important."

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?
  "This past summer was a busy one. I traveled with the Long Island Titans to maintain a high level of baseball and keep my arm healthy as we played some of the more competitive teams in the Northeast. I also participated in a 5-game exhibition series against the 18-U National Team playing with Team NY. I started the second game in the series at St. Johns university. Transitioning to the fall in my first year at Stony Brook, I maintained a good work ethic by lifting and practicing with the team as well as many individual practices and conditioning days."

Who do you try to emulate with your game?and why?
  "Although he's not a pitcher, and better yet not even left handed, I try to emulate my game to that of Pete Rose. I feel like any player looking to make the best of their game in any sport can look up to Rose, he gave his all in every game, every play, and every second."

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
  "I don't really have any rituals or superstitions. One thing I tend to do after each inning is over when I'm coming off the mound is to take my hat off right away. I dont consider it much of a supersition or ritual but it's the closest thing I have to it."

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?
  "Hard work pays off. If you have your mindset to play at a level you want, there's no one who could tell you otherwise. If you work hard everyday in every aspect of achieving a goal of playing a high level of baseball; such as in the classroom, in the weight room, throwing, hitting etc.. and if you stick to a strict hardworking goal then good results will come."

What are your goals for this coming season?
  "When I look at goals for a season I focus more on a team aspect. I know everyone likes to boost stats and be an individual performer, but some things I looked forward to when signing with Stony Brook was to experience 4 years of championships. I hope that all 4 years we improve and be part of the first Stony Brook team to win a regional and possibly even further."

What did you take from 2010 do you think will help achieve these goals in 2011?
  "From my high school season to this coming season at Stony Brook, one thing I can transition is to value each game. Each inning, each batter and each second is valuable because at any time and any second something can change. I am a big advocate now from my experiences last season on taking things slow and valuing each game as if it's going to be your last, because you never know when it will be."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing?
  "I'm a very cool, calm, and collected person and thats the sort of way I play my game. I love music and I love excitment but I never felt psyching myself out for a game would help me play better. The work I put in the past weeks leading to a game or a season was going to help me. I like to make sure I'm 100% before each game and that I'm prepared for any situation."

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to?
  "I love the beach. Having it only 10-15 minutes from my house I tend to value that and use it as an opportunity to get away and just relax and enjoy myself. I also love movies and a great movie on and just relaxing can beat almost anything." 

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Player Profile: Tony Goebel

Player Profile of the Day:

Tony Goebel #28

Bio: Tony is a 6'4" 225lb JR pitcher from Woodland Hills, CA. He attended Crespi Carmelite H.S., Valley college and here at Stony Brook he studies Sociology. He played varsity baseball for three years while in high school, receiving an honorable mention to the All-Mission League as a junior and was honor rolled all four years. He also played at Los Angeles Valley JC for the past two season for head coach Dave Mallas.
**Tony will see time out of the bull pen this coming season. His fall was a good showing of what he can bring to the table for the spring. Mixes pitches well and could be an asset moving forward towards a second straight championship and on through the NCAA Tournament.

Looking at his experiences at a previous school and what he has heard of our program, Tony took time to express his expectations:

Looking back at the 2010 season what can you say defined your year personally as well as a team?
  "Well last year I was Los Angeles Valley College. We had started the season 0-10 and were 1-15 in non conference. We got really hot in league and ended up winning our conference with a 14-7 record. My freshman year we finished in last place. Against all odds we went from worst to first."

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?
  "I tried to continue to stay consistant with my pitching and mechanics in the off season. Another important thing was keeping the body healthy by working out in the weight room."

Who do you try to emulate with your game?and why?
  "Matt Cain of the San Francisco Giants. He is very consistant and level headed."

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
  "If the team is hot I will eat the same meal before the game and listen to the same songs on my Ipod. Besides that I try to not get overly superstitious and control the things I can control."

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?
  "Never give up or let somebody say your not good enough. If you feel you can play at a higher lever explore all options. Also keep learning the games."

What are your goals for this coming season?
I hope that the team wins as many games as possible. Hopefully we will put ourselves in a good situation to win conference. I also want to play into the summer.

What did you take from 2010 do you think will help achieve these goals in 2011?
  "During 2010 I learned a lot of my style of play. I got more in tune with my body. I hope to continue to expand my knowledge of the game and how to improve."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing?
  "I put away time everyday to put in visualisation. It is important to visualize success. I visualize myself getting batters out and how my ball will move. In game I will do the same. Before I throw a pitch I will visualize what I want to do with it and what the outcome will be."

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to?
  "Movies, video games, the beach and hanging out with friends."

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Player Profile: Thor Miller

Player Profile of the Day:

Kyle "Thor" Miller #16

Bio: Thor is 6'0" 185lb SO LHP from Miller Place, NY. He attended Miller Place H.S. and now studies Arts & Sciences here at Stony Brook. He played 2 years of varsity baseball at Miller Place and was a captain as a senior. Was named 2009 All-State, all-league, all-county and league V Pitcher of the Year. He was also named to the Suffolk County All-Star team having a stellar year. As a senior he had a 1.10 ERA striking out 95 batters in 73 innings and hit .485 with 4 HR. His junior year he was named team MVP and League V pitcher of the year as well as all-league and all-county, posting a minuscule 0.83 ERA with 55 strike outs in 53 innings.

**Freshman year Thor made 9 relief appearances and 1 start throwing 11.1 innings. He made his first career appearance against UNC-Wilmington and tossed a season high 3.1 innings against Iona. His first and only start came against San Diego State during a west coast spring break trip.

**Thor has great stuff from the left side and aims to play a big role in 2011. He will most likely be a big contributor out of the bull pen and looks to improve on last year. Check in often as Thor will likely play a part in many wins this coming year. 

Bullpen @ Alabama

Pitching @ San Diego State

Thor aims to improve on last year and play a large role in winning that second consecutive ring and beyond:

Looking back at the 2010 season what can you say defined your year personally as well as a team?

  "I've put almost a mental title on my freshman year; a learning period. I cant think of an instance or game where my season was defined. It was the adaption to the college level which could define my year but, there is not light switch that turns on when it comes to that. As a team however, I can remember the week going into the conference tournament played a huge role in our chemistry, confidence and a finalization of our identity. Everyone was completely comfortable with the team, the program, and everyone knew we were going to get that ring; it was just a matter of days."

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?

  "I made up a basic plan with a simple goal before the off-season. That was to be the best player i could be by time season rolls along for the team. I was going to go about it this time though by just doing what my body told me to do. I concentrated on leg strength, going along with tons of core work. And I ran; I ran alot. If I felt good; I might have run 6-8 or even 12 miles that day. And then later on, when I go in for bullpens, I felt like my arm could not have physically thrown better. No pain, completly loose, and tons of endurance. You have to take something away from that. Hmm, maybe this is what works best, this is what my body needs."

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?

  "I have tons or superstitions. I tuck my shoelaces in before each batter. I must sit in the exact same spot on the bench when I come in from the mound. Must take the same route in/out of the dugout. I have to spit an even amount of times (never 1x or 3x consecutively). When I'm on the bench, if we throw a first pitch strike I cant move any part of my body until the at bat is over ex. hand position. And by no means; whenever we have a lead, can anyone in my surrounding area move the spot on the bench/fence. If it looks like their pitcher is beginning to loose it, I must keep the conversation topic with whoever I am talking to until he is pulled."

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?

  "Obviously when it comes to being recruited coaches wanna see mainly two things; your baseball 'tools' and your work ethic. A coach can see from the first impression if a player is a hard worker. Its obvious but some kids dont take it in. A coach will never recruit a player who wont work; its impossible for him to get better. Something to keep in mid during any part of your baseball career though, is be open-minded, and respectful to anyone you meet who;s connected to the game; from parent to manager. You never know where you can get a connection that can get you to the next level. "

What did you take from 2010 do you think will help achieve these goals in 2011?

  "I can take my knowledge from last year with me for the rest of my life. But i really think that last year just gives me a burning ambition to be successful this year. Nothings more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing?

  "I've had trouble alot with mental preparation in the past. I would get completely amped up like i was going into an mma fight. So i found that I am only truly ready when I have a blank mental slate, nothing on my mind, no gameplans, no amplitude. Other than hydrating I dont like to think i doing preparation."

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to? 

  "I love working out and running, even if i didn't play i'd still be doing that; probably more so. Pretty normal stuff though; playing video games, hanging out with friends, good movies and music. One thing I do during the breaks is paintball."

Kyle during the Halloween Game

Player Profile: Jasvir Rakkar

Player Profile of the Day:

Jasvir Rakkar #27

Bio: Jasvir is a 6'2" 200lb SO RHP from Brampton, Ontario. He attended Bramalea Secondary School and here at Stony Brook he studies Business Management. In high school he excelled on and off the field playing 4 years of varsity baseball and was a two time captain. He was a member of the 2008 Ontario youth team and was a member of the honor society. 

**His freshman year he made 11 relief appearances and one start throwing 15 innings among those appearances. In his first career appearance he threw .2 scoreless innings of relief against Akron. Against Iona he made his first start striking out a season-high three hitters. His top performance came against LeMoyne, throwing 4 scoreless innings allowing only 2 hits.

**This fall Jasvir made marked improvements and looks to continue working in order to be a contributor for this coming 2011 season. He looks to play a big role out of the pen and possibly as a starter. Look for him to have an improved season and play an even bigger role this year en route to defending the championship and making our way through the NCAA tournament. 

Jaz throwing @ Le Moyne

Pitching @ Bakersfield

Jasvir has the tools to be a big contributor this season and experiences from last year will really aid in his performance this year:

Looking back at the 2010 season what can you say defined your year personally as well as a team?

  "Last year for me was mainly a great learning experience. I was fortunate to be led and taught by great upper classmen and coaches. It also gave me a taste of what is to be an America East Champion. As for the team I believe our hardwork, determination and desire for success defined 2010 for us."

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?

  "This off-season I focused more on simplifying my game mentally as well as lift, run and repeat mechanics to increase my chances of seeing success on the mound."

Who do you try to emulate with your game?and why?

  "Who do I try to emulate with my game.....that's a tough one seeing as there are many great pitchers throughout the majors who have each influenced me in their own way. I would have to say, growing up in Toronto, I have always looked up to Doc Halladay. I think his poise, toughness and conisistency are each aspects I try everyday to learn and/or get better at. I like the way he goes about his business day in and day out."

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?

  "I try to think that I don't have rituals or superstitions however I find myself never stepping on a baseline. Sometimes if the team is on a streak or if I am doing well I will make sure I wear the same (washed) socks for each game."

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?

  "The most important thing I would say to a younger player or teammate would be to never let someone tell you that you can't. You can't quit if you never tried. Keep working hard and success will follow. Also always always always play hard because you never know who is watching."

What are your goals for this coming season?

  "My personal goals for this season are to be consistent, relentless and confident on the mound. No matter what happens keep the same mindset in the game and finally slow the game down to one pitch at a time. However these are my smaller goals. My biggest and most important goal is to win another champion because at the end of the day everyone's goals should lead upto team success."

What did you take from 2010 do you think will help achieve these goals in 2011?

  "I guess my experience on the mound from last year will help me achieve my goals set fot his upcoming season. Also, all the work I put in this off season as well as last season has helped me prepare to acheive my goals."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing?

  "Non physical prep that I do to prepare myself for playing mainly consist of visualization. I believe if you visualize what you want to do it makes it easier to do it at the end of the day because you feel as though you have already done once."

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to? 

  "Although baseball may seem to be my life, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Being with those close to me helps me relax and have fun."

Pregame at San Diego State

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2011 Season Schedule

As everyone returns to campus today for the first day of classes and practice, I wanted to look forward to the upcoming season. I will post more information before series and as we get nearer to the first game at FAU. Below is our schedule for 2011, we are trying for as much support as possible this season so come down to as many games as possible home at new Joe Nathan Field or even away. Check back for more posts and Player Profiles as they roll in 2011 SCHEDULE

Date	Opponent / Event	Location	Time
02/25/11	at Florida Atlantic	Boca Raton, Fla.	6:30 p.m. ET
02/26/11	at Florida Atlantic	Boca Raton, Fla.	4:30 p.m. ET
02/27/11	at Florida Atlantic	Boca Raton, Fla.	1:00 p.m. ET
03/04/11	at North Carolina	Chapel Hill, N.C.	3:00 p.m. ET
03/05/11	at North Carolina	Chapel Hill, N.C.	2:00 p.m. ET
03/06/11	at North Carolina	Chapel Hill, N.C.	1:00 p.m. ET
03/09/11	vs. Fairleigh Dickinson	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
Bo Jangles Baseball Classic
03/12/11	vs. Michigan	Rock Hill, S.C.	11:00 a.m. ET
	at Winthrop	Rock Hill, S.C.	2:30 p.m. ET
03/13/11	vs. Michigan	Rock Hill, S.C.	11:00 a.m. ET
	at Winthrop	Rock Hill, S.C.	2:30 p.m. ET
03/16/11	vs. Iona	Stony Brook, N.Y.	2:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Iona	Stony Brook, N.Y.	5:00 p.m. ET
Seton Hall Strike Out Cancer Tournament
03/18/11	vs. NJIT	South Orange, N.J.	4:00 p.m. ET
03/19/11	vs. Fordham	South Orange, N.J.	10:00 a.m. ET
	at Seton Hall	South Orange, N.J.	12:00 p.m. ET
03/22/11	vs. Fordham	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:30 p.m. ET
03/26/11	at Army	West Point, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at Army	West Point, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
03/27/11	at Army	West Point, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at Army	West Point, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/02/11	vs. NYIT	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. NYIT	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/03/11	at NYIT	Old Westbury, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at NYIT	Old Westbury, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/09/11	vs. Maine *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Maine *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/10/11	vs. Maine *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Maine *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/16/11	vs. UMBC *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. UMBC *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/17/11	vs. UMBC *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
04/20/11	at Rhode Island	Kingston, R.I.	3:30 p.m. ET
04/22/11	at UMBC *	Baltimore, Md.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at UMBC *	Baltimore, Md.	3:00 p.m. ET
04/23/11	at UMBC *	Baltimore, Md.	12:00 p.m. ET
04/26/11	at Fairleigh Dickinson	Teaneck, N.J.	3:30 p.m. ET
04/27/11	at Fairfield	Fairfield, Conn.	3:30 p.m. ET
04/30/11	vs. Binghamton *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Binghamton *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
05/01/11	vs. Binghamton *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
05/04/11	vs. Marist	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:30 p.m. ET
05/07/11	at Hartford *	West Hartford, Conn.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at Hartford *	West Hartford, Conn.	3:00 p.m. ET
05/08/11	at Hartford *	West Hartford, Conn.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at Hartford *	West Hartford, Conn.	3:00 p.m. ET
05/14/11	at Binghamton *	Vestal, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	at Binghamton *	Vestal, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
05/15/11	at Binghamton *	Vestal, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
05/20/11	vs. Albany *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Albany *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	12:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Albany *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET
	vs. Albany *	Stony Brook, N.Y.	3:00 p.m. ET

Player Profile: Anthony Luciano

Player Profile of the day:

Anthony Luciano #11

BIO: Luciano is a 5'-10" 185lb RS JR pitcher from Holtsville, NY. He attended Sachem East High School and is on pace to graduate this spring with a History/Computer Science degree. While at Sachem East HS, Luciano played two years of varsity ball, earning himself 2007 All-League honors as a captain his senior year.
**In Anthony's first season at Stony Brook in 2010, he made 17 appearances, all in relief. In his first career outing for the Seawolves, he tossed a scoreless inning with two strike outs against Akron. He earned his first career win at Stony Brook against Fairfield where he threw a scoreless inning. One of his most impressive outings came in a vital game against Maine where he came in relief to throw 1.2 innings, closing the door to seal off game one of the conference tournament, eventually leading to a championship. He then threw 1.1 innings against Coastal Carolina in the Myrtle Beach Regional.
**Entering the 2011 season, Anthony will most likely work out of the pen, although vying for a spot in the starting rotation will also be in the picture. His work ethic and drive to become a better pitcher and competetor has allowed him to develop more pitches and be in great condition entering non-conference play. He continues to improve every time he throws in the off-season and hopes it will continue into February and through June. He has the potential to have a special year for the Seawolves and his success on the mound will impact the team the whole season.

Lucky holding the 2010 America East
Championship trophy

Pitching at the Myrtle Beach Regional

Looking to be an important piece to the 2011 pitching staff, Anthony gives his thoughts entering the season:

Looking back at the 2010 season what can you say defined your year personally as well as a team?
"As a team we had a solid year, we had a never die type attitude and that really helped us to a historic year. The season was marked with a championship and the first regional win in school history which was huge. Personally the season for me was a tough one but I got the opportunity to better myself as the season went on and it was exciting to be a part of a winning year."

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?
"This off season I did A lot of strength and conditioning work in order to be increase my stamina for the coming season. Unlike a lot of pitchers I did not shut my arm down because I felt it needed to keep working. I did a daily long toss to increase arm strength and bullpen work to work on specific pitches, movement and control. I also did some mental side of the game by reading books and articles to better myself that way."

Who do you try to emulate with your game?and why?
"Professionally I try to emulate Derek Jeter because he is a hard worker and leads by example on and off the field. Pitching wise I strive to be like Mariano Rivera because of how he composes himself on the mound and his love for the game of baseball"

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?
"I dont have any real superstitions I just try to be relaxed before the game. I listen to music and warm up the same way every day in order to be prepared. "

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?
"I would tell a younger player to never take anything for granted. Nothing is promised to you so always go hard because you never know what could happen on any given day or who is watching."

What are your goals for this coming season?
"My goal for 2011 is to win another championship, win a regional and beyond. Personally I want to improve in every aspect, be a positive influence and bigger role in the winning. If we get to that point any personal goals that I have for the season and after will follow."

What did you take from 2010 do you think will help achieve these goals in 2011?
"2010 for me was up and down but I learned to deal with failures and worked hard to improve my game in many aspects. As a team we learned to be more consistent and get up for every game. If we improve on last season in minor things I feel big things will follow in 2011."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing?
"I like to read books and articles on pitching and the mental side of the game. I do A lot of video break down and try to pick up on little things. Most importantly I pay attention to the game and hitters while I'm not playing in order to be better prepared for when my name gets called. "

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to?
"I never feel the need to get away from baseball but when I'm not playing and training I tend to play video games, watch movies and just relax."

Anthony talking to Joe Nathan

Check back soon for more player profiles and some pre-season fun!