Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Exclusive Interview With SI Yankees Derek Toadvine


The latest exclusive interview that The Greedy Pinstripes landed was with the Yankees 22nd round pick in the 2013 MLB First Years Players Draft Derek Toadvine. Technically this was out first "Twitterview" as the interview was conducted on Twitter but six of one, half dozen of the other right? You can follow Derek Toadvine on Twitter .


The Greedy Pinstripes: How are you Derek? Feeling good going into your first full season in the pro's?


Derek Toadvine: I'm doing great and really excited for my first full season

TGP: Who was your favorite team was growing up?

DT: My favorite team growing up was the Cincinnati Reds

TGP: The name D-Toad is already being thrown around, are you okay with that name?

DT: Yeah D-Toad is fine by me, my friends called me that all through High School

TGP: Did you play any other positions coming up? 

DT: Yeah I've also played centerfield, which I feel comfortable playing regularly


TGP: Why has been your biggest inspiration in baseball??

DT: My biggest inspiration is probably myself. I just want to make a name for myself

TGP: I think this answer may be obvious but in my time around social media I have noticed there are two kinds of fans when it comes to prospects. You have the "prospect humpers" (myself being a self professed prospect humper) and a name yet to be determined (due to my lack of creativity) describing those who want to sell all the prospects off for the 37 year old "sure thing." Which category do you think yourself as a fan falls into?

DT:  I believe in developing the kids within, some will pan out and some won't, it's just part of the business

TGP: What do you think you will specifically work on this year? 

DT: All offseason I've been trying to switch hit so I'll keep focusing on perfecting hitting from the left side as much as I can

TGP: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself busy?

DT: During the last few months of 2013 I was taking classes so that kept me busy but now it's just working out and training

TGP: Favorite restaurant to eat at?

DT: I'm a very picky eater, I like all of my food plain, so no restaurant is really a favorite

TGP: How hard is it to be out on the road so much having your girlfriend back home waiting for you?

DT: It's pretty tough but she understands my schedule. With her just graduating and starting her career it should help

TGP: As a player how do you feel about the new draft rules and the slot recommendations for salary?

DT:  I don't like the new draft and rules, it seems like there is a lot more bargaining and leverage for the teams draft rooms


TGP: Is it true that you were in a mall when you found out that you were drafted and not glued to a TV or the internet?

DT: I was originally watching but once I slipped past the rounds I was projected I couldn't watch anymore so yeah I was at the mall

TGP: Be honest, were you disappointed to go in the 22nd round after being projected to go as high as the 6th round on some boards?

DT: Yeah I was kind of disappointed because waiting all day is so stressful but I know you don't live off of your signing bonus, it's all about making it to the big leagues. That's where you make your money and I believe I can make it there

TGP:  If you could be the Yankees GM for a day what would you do? Don't have to really be realistic here. 

 DT: If I was GM for a day I'd honestly just call some of the big leaguers into my office and pick their brains

TGP: What current major league player would you compare yourself and style of play to?

DT: Jerry Hairston Jr Because I view myself as a utility guy and can play any position in the infield or outfield just as good as the other


TGP: I know you probably don't think of things like this but how long before you think we could see you in the Major Leagues? I have your ETA down as 2018, is that accurate?

DT: I haven't put much thought into what year but ill do whatever to get there at some point whether it's before or after that date

TGP: Most famous person in your cell phone?

DT: Most famous person in my phone is probably Adam Eaton, was the centerfielder for the Diamondbacks but now with the White Sox. We played together on the same High School team when I was a freshman when he was a senior

TGP: Any embarrassing songs in your iPod?

DT: Can't think off the top of my head but maybe Ke$ha or Miley Cyrus, something like that

TGP: We'll finish with this one, where do you see yourself in life and your career in five years?


 DT: I see myself on a big league roster


We want to thank Derek for taking the time to do this interview for us and we wish him nothing but the best this season and for the rest of his baseball career. Thanks again Derek and the best of luck to you! You can follow Derek by following the Staten Island Yankees all season long or on Twitter. 

2 comments:

  1. Daniel...
    Very good! I would like to have more athletes tell what they really think rather than the "Cut & Paste" crap we get from most all players!
    This kid has the mindset to make it to the Show; confidence, self reliance, determination, talent(?), and most of all EGO! Ego...."Know thyself"!
    Two great players come to mind as ones that, when asked about things, they stood tall and told it like it was. Mickey Mantle and our 3rd baseman of last year. When each of them had a question asked of them, they said what they thought. Our 3rd baseman was trashed because he told the truth about Jeter, and he was not welcomed by Joe T and the click at all, in fact they didn't want him on the club!
    Mickey was being Mickey, and the newer generation of sports people had not had the chance to ask a question of him before...so they were shocked when the 40 HR and 40 stolen bases thing was asked of him. He said something like; If I had known it was such a big deal I would have done it a few times! The media thought he was bragging and some said as much in print, but to say it backfired on them...is an understatement of epic proportions!
    Older players and media people came to the his rescue, and said heck yes he could have done it if he had wanted too! In New York, Mickey was still the King even after he died, something No other Yankee has ever achieved!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed Mr. Reed. You can tell Derek did not just tow the company line with this post and tell me what he thought I wanted to hear, especially when it came to making money and making a name for himself. I have the utmost respect for honesty and being upfront with people so I really enjoyed doing this interview with Derek.

      Honestly he was not considered more than an organizational filler and a fringe prospect when he was drafted but if he adds switch hitting to his resume he could be a weapon. Although I said that about Hector Crespo and he made it to AAA last year before he got cut.

      Delete

Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)