All Things Valley League

A Visit With Daniel Morales

A few weeks ago, I had a new experience. I was on a mini-vacation in Northern Pennsylvania, not too far from Williamsport, and I noticed that Mahoning Valley would be in town to play the Crosscutters in the Low-A New York-Penn League. A quick scan of the Mahoning Valley roster, and I saw what I was after: Daniel Morales, a Harrisonburg Turk in 2006, was now a pitcher for the Scrappers! I was able to secure press credentials for the game, which enabled me to get in early, and find Daniel for a quick interview.

First, some background on Daniel. He attended the University of San Francisco from 2004-2007 as a catcher and part-time pitcher. He was drafted in the 14th round of the 2007 draft by the Cleveland Indians based on 17 innings on the mound his senior year.

In 2007, he appeared in 15 games for Mahoning Valley, going 2-1, 4.63, with a 1.54 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 8.1 K/9 in 23 1/3 innings.

Thus far in 2008 (through August 16), Daniel has improved his numbers across the board. He's 2-0, 2.08, with a 0.97 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9, and 10.0 K/9 in 21 2/3 innings.

Daniel was very generous with his time, even for an un-announced visitor from the middle of Virginia. Our conversation went like this:

All Things Valley League: What are your memories of the Valley League?

Daniel Morales: I remember coming in and having this whole new environment. I knew the caliber of players was going to be a little higher than I was used to, and I knew it would take a little more for me to establish myself, like in the lineup or just on the team. There's a lot of great players out there.

ATVL: That was a pretty good team, in Harrisonburg, in '06.

DM: We definitely had a lot of great players. Especially our staff. Our staff was legit. We had a great lineup inside and out.

ATVL: You left (the Valley) about halfway through the season. You had a chance to go play on the Cape that summer. What happened?

DM: After I left, I was called by one of the coaches on the Cape. I didn't ask for my release, but they said they wanted me to come out and throw for them in the playoffs... I ended up not going out there, but that might have been better for me, because I was able to strengthen my arm, and then I came back my senior year, did my thing, and now I'm here (in professional ball).

ATVL: Was that when you made the change to pitching? Was that a process for you?

DM: It really wasn't something that I had planned on doing...So I opened up another option, gave [San Francisco Coach Moore] another way to come to me. He liked my situation as a pitcher, and he decided he wanted to use me more to pitch than to catch.

ATVL: You ended up throwing 17 innings as a senior at San Francisco. Not a lot, yet you still got drafted fairly high. How did that come about?

DM: I guess they just liked what they saw. I just went out there- I was really aggressive. I was fearless when I went out there- I just went after each and every hitter, with what I had. If they hit me, I had to tip my cap to them, because it was their best against my best.

ATVL: What kind of pitches do you throw?

DM: Fastball, and I mix in a changeup once every, um, 200 pitches or so. *Laughs* I don't throw a changeup too often. I really do lead with my curveball- that's kind of my primary pitch. I'll throw it in any count, and any situation. I'm very confident with that pitch.

ATVL: This year, compared to last year, your walks per nine innings are down, while your strikeouts per nine innings are up. What's changed in pro ball for you from last year to this year?

DM: I just think it's a matter of having more time to figure myself out as a pitcher and getting to know myself, my arm angle, my release points on each of my pitches, just the whole balance of my body. Kind of transitioning from catcher to pitcher- realizing that now I'm a pitcher, so I kind of took that pitcher's role on.

ATVL: It takes time, doesn't it?

DM: It definitely takes time. It's not an easy thing.

ATVL: With 17 innings as a senior, and 23 last season- you don't have a lot of innings under your belt.

DM: Not at all, but every time I go out there, I feel so comfortable on the mound. This year I came in twice with the bases loaded and two outs and both times I was able to get out of it. I'm able to slow the pace of the game down being on the hill, whereas last year and in college, it was like my heart was racing, and it feels like, 'Whoa, what's going on here?'

ATVL: Do you like throwing out of the bullpen?

DM: I love it. I like being that late-inning guy- I like being able to have that feeling as a closer. I think my personality and my frame of mind when I'm on the hill suits that position.

ATVL: Where did you spend the first part of this year?

DM: I was in spring training and then extended spring training. I was there from March until June. It's great to come out here.

ATVL: Is it pretty tough? Do they work you pretty hard?

DM: The workload is a good amount, but not to the point where it kills you. It gets [you] in shape mentally and physically just from waking up early in the morning, maybe going through a certain routine, then having the rest of the day to think about how the day summed up. It was a good experience, especially having the higher guys with us. We were able to ask questions and get some insights on what that level's like, and what it took for them to progress to that level. You have a good sense of what it is you can do, and you take care of it during the rest of the spring, and then when you get out there on the field... I ask as many questions as possible. Being a catcher, I have an idea of the whole pitching thing- like what pitch to throw, when to throw it, and how I'd want to set up the hitter. That transition wasn't that hard. But in terms of being consistent with pounding the bottom of the zone, or being able to throw 3-4 inches off the plate to get the hitter to bite- that's a physical adjustment you have to make.

ATVL: Do you keep up with Scott Cousins at all? (Cousins was also a Don and Turk in 2006- he was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 3rd round in 2006)

DM: During the offseason, I always see him over at the University of San Francisco. We work out, and hang out together. That's when we talk. During the season, it's just check stats here, and text message.

Special thanks to Daniel for taking the time to answer a few questions- and here's to Daniel moving up and maybe one day pitching out of the bullpen at Jacobs Field!

Chatting with Gary Kahn

Gary Kahn is a walking set of contradictions. He grew up in Florida, but attends college in Iowa. He's playing summer league baseball, but he's also very focused on his education and future outside of baseball. Most baseball players would seemingly avoid spending a semester abroad studying a different culture; Gary gladly traveled to Denmark to do just that.

All Things Valley League had a chance to sit down and talk education, life, and baseball with Gary on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

All Things Valley League: We don't usually get kids from Iowa to come out to the Valley League. Tell us how you got connected with the league.

Gary Kahn: Well I'd played the summer after my freshman year in the Southern Collegiate League in South Carolina with the Rock Hill Sox, and I had a pretty successful summer. Being from a Division III school, especially in the middle of Iowa, I knew that I had to broadcast myself to some better leagues. So I sent a few emails to the Northwoods League, the Valley League, and the Coastal Plains League, and the first guy to get back a hold of me was [Woodstock owner] Mr. Richardson. I had a really nice talk with him in September of my sophomore year, and he sent me a contract, and the rest is history.

ATVL: Compare the Valley League with the Southern Collegiate League. Is the Valley at a higher level?

GK: The level is significantly higher. The Southern Collegiate mainly consists of a lot of freshmen. You have more smaller schools than the larger Division I, and it's more localized in the South and the East Coast than from all over the country. But it was very good for me and a lot of the other players. After my freshman year, it helped to get our feet wet into summer ball and, hopefully, playing professional ball. Example: staying with a host family, taking care of yourself for the summer, being away from family, playing 40-50 games in the summer. It was nice to get my feet wet, but there isn't much comparison with the level of play. I have to battle every single pitch out here to get outs.

ATVL: So what do you enjoy about the [Valley] League?

GK: First of all, the people out in Woodstock- they're wonderful, some of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. These people come out and support us every night, and when they see us on the street walking around town, they'll come up and say hi, and they know your name. It's a humbling and nice feeling. As fans, they'll give us nice support. The players all have the same idea: they want to have a nice summer, they want to have fun, they want to play baseball, the greatest game on earth, they also want to win and showcase their ability to scouts out here. So when you get a tight-knit group of guys like that, it makes it a lot easier to win ballgames, and a lot easier when I go on the mound, or when they step up to the plate to relax up there knowing that they have 24 deep behind them. It's not so much cutthroat as some may think.

Along with the team, the coaching staff is great as well. Coach Foltz, man, you want to win for that guy every night. He always has your back no matter what and will be the one guy just as happy as you and for you when you succeed. The same with Coach Cardamone and Coach Bromley as well. Coach Mac [Macaluso] is a tough cookie, but without a doubt brings the best out of you on the field. The River Bandits organization has been nothing short of outstanding for all of us out here. Stu works his butt off not only for the well-being and functionality of the organization, but also to ensure that each and every one of us is as happy as can be out here in the 'Stock.

As well, I have a wonderful host mother. Rhonda Lively is almost like a second mother to me. Me and JJ Housey live out in Edinberg with her. She and Randy [Foltz] are absolutely wonderful. I'm a very family oriented person- me and my mother, father, and two brothers are extremely close. So going away for the summer is a little bit difficult, and I still miss them a lot, but staying with Rhonda makes it so much easier. She takes us in like her own sons.

Playing against the best in the country- that's always a bonus. It's guys that you see on ESPN, in the College World Series every single year. I've caught myself sometimes looking in and saying, I remember watching this guy during the spring.  We were playing a road series, hanging out in the hotel before the game, and I was watching the Georgia vs. Tennessee series, and I see Cody Brown on TV. This is my third baseman during the summer, and I'm watching him going against Josh Fields. It's a surreal feeling.

ATVL: So, you're a Florida boy, and you go to Grinnell. Tell me a little bit why you made that choice.

GK: Back in high school, I went to a large, powerhouse school; we were ranked in the state and nationally for quite a few years- Cooper City High School. I went on the showcase circuit my sophomore and junior years- Team One, Baseball Factory, Perfect Game- most of the schools that were interested were the academic schools. I had very good grades in high school, and a pretty good SAT score. I was looking at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Tufts, Dartmouth, Emory University. I was looking at the academic schools. It was in August of my senior year when I received, along with many other letters that I got back then, a tiny leaflet from Grinnell College. Never heard of them in my life, so I cast it off to the side of my desk. Two and half weeks later my father came on and told me to clean up, so I started sorting them, throwing some out, and one of those was the Grinnell leaflet. Ironically, my father walked in and asked, "Where is that from?" I said, "Grinnell College, in Iowa, from Coach Hollibaugh." He gave me the best piece of advice so far when he said, "If this Coach Hollibaugh from Grinnell College, wherever it is, had enough respect to send you something, you should have enough respect to send something back." So I filled it out, send it back, and from then on I got a call from him every Saturday and Sunday. It was a lot different from a lot of the contacts from other coaches, who wanted to know stats and showcase why their program was the best for me. It seemed like Coach Hollibaugh had a program that I could step in and really make an impact, make it something special. That was very appetizing. Not only that, but Grinnell is one of the top liberal arts institutions in the country. There are numerous students who turn down Ivy League schools to go to Grinnell. When I took a visit out there, everything just clicked...it's one of the best decisions I've made in my life.

ATVL: You were looking at Ivy League schools. Your brother, who just graduated from high school, is going to Johns Hopkins. Obviously, there is a feeling in your family that education is very important. Where has that feeling come from?

GK: My mother and father told me from a young age that academics were the most important thing. I love the game of baseball, but in order for me to go out to play that night, I had to have all my home work done, and I had to be getting good grades. Not just good grades, but great grades. They had high expectations of us. Because I and Ryan and Chase, my two brothers, love our parents so much, we always want to do better. Because of that, academics took the priority in our lives, right after family. We weren't allowed to watch TV, or go on computer, or play XBox or Playstation during the week. Friday afternoon, when we came home from school, until Sunday afternoon, we were able to have our fun times, but during the week we did our homework and played baseball. There was nothing else.

ATVL: So you were in Denmark for a semester. What in the world were you doing there?

GK: A thing that attracted me to Grinnell was their emphasis on going and studying abroad for a semester. It's a great experience to step outside your comfort zone, immerse yourself in a different culture and learn a lot of new things, and apply what I've learned at Grinnell into the world and real-world situations. A couple of the programs I was looking at were a Swedish program at Stockholm, University of Adelaide in Australia, and DIS, the Denmark International Study program, based in downtown Copenhagen. After doing my research and following my anthropology major, it made the most sense and looked like the most intriguing programs to get myself into. It's very difficult to get into that program. Luckily I did get into the DIS program, and I studied prostitution and genocide studies while out there. The program treated us like kings- they took us to Paris and Amsterdam for a week studying prostitution. Asking them how they got into it, conducting studies and surveys. You can't do that in school- you really can't apply [what you've learned] until you get out there.

I had the time of my life out there. I studied hard, learned a lot, made a lot of connections with the many professors I had in my classes. My job was a DJ in downtown Copenhagen. I was a DJ during high school- house parties, and some of the dance parties in college. When I got out to Denmark, one of the girls in the dorm I was living in said a bar/nightclub was looking for a DJ. I said, why not? A guy called me up, had me downtown, wanted me to give him a sample of what I could do, and right there on the spot said I got the Wednesday night slot. Being a study abroad student, I wasn't allowed to make any money... but, it's a hobby I really enjoy, and I made a lot of new friends doing it. It was one of my high points while there.

I have some memories that I won't forget for the rest of my life- the trip was a life changing experience. Whoever has the opportunity to study abroad, I would recommend it.

ATVL: So.... what was the purpose behind studying prostitution?

GK: It's under the field of anthropology, which is the study of culture, theories of culture, subtleties of culture. I'm in social anthropology, the study of looking at some of the nuances of culture. Looking at prostitution in Western Europe was very intriguing because it is legalized over there. It was an opportunity for me, coming from the middle of Iowa you don't have many opportunities to ethnographically do any sort of research, but in Amsterdam it was an opportunity for me to devise my methods, propose my theories, propose my ideologies, conduct the study, conduct the surveys, and to write about it. It wasn't so much that I was interested in the prostitution as maybe an average 20- or 21- year old college student would be, but it was an opportunity for me as an anthropology major to apply my ethnographic field method that I learned back in school to the real world, to Western Europe. I also studied random acts of genocide of the 20th century. I got to visit Nenengamme Concentration Camp- it was a moving class. It was hard for me being Jewish, but it was one of the greatest courses I've ever taken.

ATVL: What are your plans for after college?

GK: My plan is to go into law school after I graduate, pending what happens in baseball. Hopefully I can defer it a few years and, to be cliche, "chase the dream." I want to be a sports agent.. on the level of a  Scott Boras, basically.

Gary Kahn is a breath of fresh air- an athlete who isn't afraid to focus on academics and family. No matter how baseball turns out in the long run, it's clear that this young man has a bright future.

Chatting with Riley Cooper

While the Valley League has seen some premium athletes over the years, I'm not sure there has ever been an athlete to the level of Riley Cooper, a sophomore, who is playing division I football and baseball at the University of Florida.

A 2006 graduate of Clearwater Central Catholic, Cooper was a 15th round draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies, but he elected to attend Florida to play both baseball and football. In two football seasons, Cooper has appeared in 23 games, grabbing 12 receptions and scoring 6 touchdowns. He also contributes on special teams.

Riley was unable to play for the baseball team his freshman year because of injury, and received only 58 at-bats his sophomore year, putting up 207/303/379 numbers. Although Riley has not received the reps he has needed on the diamond, it's clear that he has prodigious talent in both sports.

All Things Valley League sat down with Riley to talk about football, baseball, and the eventual choice he will need to make.

ATVL: Explain for us how you came to the league.

Riley Cooper: I was asked by my coach, Coach Bell. I told him I was interested in playing some summer ball, to get some more at-bats, cause I didn't end up starting for the Gators until the South Carolina series, which is a little past the half way mark. So I wanted some more at-bats, so he called around. He knew [New Market] Coach Nolan [Neiman], and called him up, and I got a spot. I was one of the later ones to get on the team.

ATVL: That's a part of the story, isn't it? The roster was close to being set. What kind of arrangements had to be made with [Florida football] Coach [Urban] Meyer?

RC: I had a sit down meeting with him, my parents, and my position coach, Coach Gonzales, the wide receiver coach. Just talked to them to see where they were at on the whole thing. I had to switch my major to public relations, so I didn't have to take summer classes. That was the big thing. He knew I wouldn't be there for the workouts, obviously, but he trusts me to come up here and lift Monday to Friday and keep my weight on and stuff like that. He was good with it- we have a good relationship. He calls me every couple days to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

ATVL: Is it true that football players aren't supposed to leave campus during the summer?

RC: Yeah, it is true. He's been coaching for over 18 years and he told me that I'm his first guy to not be there for summer. Summers are a big part of the whole football deal. But I'll be ready when Hawaii comes around.

ATVL: What's your daily routine look like?

RC: Our strength and conditioning coach gave me a booklet of all the running I have to do, and the route tree- I have to come out and run routes. He gave me Monday through Friday exercises I have to do- full body. Different things every day- he's got it all planned out. I have to keep my weight up- they're big on that. There's some big boys out there, so you have to keep your weight on.

ATVL: Tell me what happened with the Phillies in 2006.

RC: There's not much there. They ended up taking me, but I had an injury to my arm, and I told them that I wanted to go to college and get an education, and play football and baseball in college. They said they were going to take me, but I said I was going to college. They ended up taking me in the 15th round, and I told them I wasn't interested. I really appreciate the offer, but I wanted to get an education. Hopefully they come back! 

ATVL: Did they put on a big push to sign you?

RC: It was a decision that me and my family made, because they are big into education, which I don't blame them- I want my kids to go to college, too, if they have the chance- so we made a group decision to go to school and pursue my career a couple years down the road.

ATVL: What's it like rooming with the Heisman Trophy winner (Tim Tebow)?

RC: It's good. He's a great guy. Everything that y'all read about him and see on ESPN that's all true. He's a great guy, would do anything for you. If I'm ever in trouble, he'd be the first one I'd call. He's a great guy.

ATVL: It's nice to live with your quarterback, too, isn't it?

RC: *Laughs* That doesn't hurt. Having a good relationship with your quarterback is definitely a positive.

ATVL: Bruce [Alger] and I were talking about this at the All-Star game- why didn't you come down to run the 60? Bruce said, "Riley's been clocked. Scouts know how fast he is." So what's your 60 time?

RC: I ran a 6.28 at the Perfect Game in Atlanta. That was the last 60 I ran. I think right now I'm probably a low 6.3. I've put on a few pounds during football, but at the same time they work on all of our techniques. When we get there, the big thing is to get stronger, faster, and tougher. I don't know if I got much faster than a 6.28.

ATVL: How about the 40?

RC: Around 4.35.

ATVL: I can't even dream of running that fast... How tough is it to do two sports in Division I?

RC: The main thing is time. Playing two sports at such a high level is definitely difficult but juggling school- trying to get good grades on top of it all- the practices, mandatory workouts and stuff like that- you definitely have to spend a lot more time with that stuff than the regular student would. It's a sacrifice that I'm good with making. I'm going to play two sports as long as I can and then, hopefully, one day the decision comes where I can play football or baseball and go from there. I have no time, really.

ATVL: How do you feel that decision will come about?

RC: I have no idea. This year I have to stay healthy in football, and get a full season under my belt. Freshman year I had a foot injury, and last year I ended up starting the first four games, and I got hurt in the Tennessee game, and I was out 2-3 weeks. I came back for Kentucky, and the first play of the game I broke my pinkie finger. Had surgery on that. Last year I didn't play in 6-7 games, so I have to stay healthy and see what happens.

ATVL: Is there one of the two you like better as a player?

RC: No, they're just so different. Baseball's a slower game, and there's a lot more failure involved. In football, if you mess up, 35 seconds later you can come back and try to hit somebody or get your anger out that way. In baseball, if you strike out, you have to wait an inning and a half. That's one thing I have to work on. But there's not one sport I like more than another. I love them both.

ATVL: How about as a fan? Do you like to watch one more than the other?

RC: Yeah- football, I guess. More excitement, more things going on, more action packed. I love going to baseball games, I just can't watch it on tv.

ATVL: So you're playing in front of 90,000 people on a Saturday, now you come to New Market, and you're playing in front of a couple hundred (no matter what number is actually announced). Has that been something you need to adjust to?

RC: No, no. Playing in front of such a large crowd at Florida is fun. Obviously it's a huge change, but when you're playing you're really not thinking about it. Playing in front of 10 or 100,000 I'm still going to go out there and do my thing. It's definitely different, though.

ATVL: So what's it like living with the Algers?

RC: It's good- I love it. There's five guys there, and I have no complaints. They cook, we eat a ton. Bruce and Lynne, we call them Mom and Dad, they take care of us. They'd do anything for us. They're awesome.

ATVL: You a Marlins fan?

RC: Nah- I have to go with the Rays right now. I'm from Clearwater, so I have to go with my home team.  I think they have the best record right now, so I have to go with the Rays. Young and talented. My dad has season tickets, so we're Rays fans.

ATVL: How do handle high expectations?

RC: That's a tough question, living up to other people's expectations... I just try to go out there every day and do what I do, and what my coaches train me to do. I try not to pay too much attention to all the outside stuff. I just try to go out there and do my thing.

ATVL: Maybe the question should be do you pay attention to those expectations.

RC: Yeah- they're definitely there. But you can't make everybody happy. That's the way you have to look at it. You make as many people as you can happy- the important people. Coach Meyer, my parents- and work from there.

Most of us can only dream about being a pro prospect in one sport, let alone two like Riley. It will be fun to see which sport Riley chooses down the road!

ATVL Featured in Augusta Free Press

Chris Graham, of the Augusta Free Press Show, spent some time on the phone with yours truly Friday morning, and has posted the results as a podcast on the Augusta Free Press website. We talked about the genesis of the ATVL site, what I do with the site on a daily basis, and how the Valley League is going so far this year.

Go to the link to check it out! (It's 11:48 long)

(Warning: You have to listen to my voice!)

Catching up with Lance Baxter

On the evening of June 5th, 2008, South Alabama's Lance Baxter took the mound for the first time in the Valley League for the Staunton Braves at John Moxie Memorial Stadium in Staunton.

He retired Ryan Danbury on a groundout, struck out Jacke Healey looking, and walked Evan Webb, only to promptly pick him off first base. Thus began the second no-hitter in the Valley League in the last three seasons.

Baxter was only two mistakes away from a perfect game: the first inning walk, and a Stephen Branca error in the 8th inning. He retired 12 batters by groundout and 7 by strikeout.

Waynesboro, down only 2-0, attempted three times to bunt for a hit in the last three innings, the last, Danbury, with two outs in the 9th inning.  All failed.  Then the Braves were celebrating in the middle of the field, in only their third game of the season.

All Things Valley League caught up with Lance in Staunton last weekend.

ATVL: The game: going into the 9th inning, you knew what was going on? Were you nervous?

Lance Baxter: Not nervous... I knew what was going on because in Staunton  they do a thing for the fans- a no hitter inning. So every inning I was reminded of it over the intercom. Going into the [9th] inning, I wanted to get the first out. I didn't want to walk him; I wanted to get the first out. On the first pitch of the inning, the guy flied out, so after that, it was just pitch by pitch, trying to get an out.

ATVL: How did the team celebrate?

LB: It was awesome. The third out was a bunt, and when I turned around, everyone was already out of the dugout, everyone was cheering and what have you. It was fun; it was a good experience.

ATVL: The last out was a bunt?  That made a big stink in the major leagues a couple years ago [according to Curt Schilling, anyway]. How do you feel about that?

LB: You know, it never even crossed my mind. After the game, a couple guys were like "I can't believe they did that!' ... but the score was 2-0, so if he gets on with a bunt and then a home run... you never know. I'm not holding any grudges or anything.

ATVL: Who was the first person you called?

LB: I called my coach. I wasn't supposed to throw over 5 innings in any of my starts. I'm on limited innings. I'm only supposed to throw 30 this summer. Of course, I went nine. So I called him, I was like, 'I just want to let you know, I threw nine.' He asked, 'Why?' 'I threw a no-hitter.' He was happy; he's not mad about going over the innings.

ATVL: Were there any really spectacular plays behind you that saved the no-hitter?

LB: There was at least five. With wood bats, of course the ball doesn't jump as much. I think Huff (Concord's Donovan Huffer) at short had at least four incredible plays.. the one in the hole where he jumped and made the throw after a backhand. Then in the 8th, a runner got on on an error, and the next pitch was the hardest ball they hit all night- a line drive down the third base line. [Central Florida's Stephen] Branca makes a diving backhand, and throws the guy out at second from his knees. In any no-hitter, there's always great plays behind it.  It was fun to watch. Even being on the mound and getting to watch guys make plays- it was awesome.

ATVL: You were supposed to come last year. What happened?

LB: I was a freshman, and I didn't throw a whole lot, just a few relief outings.  Then I started starting and moved my way into the weekend rotation and at the end of the season I got tendonitis in my elbow. I thought I would be able to come about halfway through the summer, but the tendonitis got bad again, and was actually tearing my forearm off the bone, so I took it easy for the summer. Did a lot of fishing.

Congratulations, Lance, and welcome to the Valley League!

One I Wish I Had Back

Last evening, as I mentioned here, I appeared with Jerry Carter on Mike Schikman's "Speaking of Sports" segment on WSVA.

It was quite a bit of fun! I had not spoken on the radio since I was playing high school basketball (that I can remember, anyway), and it was fascinating to see the studios. The banter during the commercials was fun to listen to, as well.  And Joe Cashwell called in!  Mike was very kind, and the interview went well, but I do wish I had one question back.

Mike asked me if I thought the talent level of the Valley League was equivalent to Low-A ball, and I said yes. I wish I had qualified that answer a bit. I believe that the upper level of talent in the VBL is certainly equal to Low-A ball, but that overall, the talent is, because of the inexperience of many of the players, more like a middle-level college team. They are college players, after all. The vast majority of the players do not go on to pro careers, but last year, 50 former players were drafted. If that rate continues this year, that would mean about 15-20% of the players will get drafted and have an opportunity to play pro ball.

In my opinion, this does not take anything away from the charm of the league. If fans follow a certain team all year, they can probably figure out who has a shot at pro ball... unlike the Cape Cod League, where a majority of the players might get that chance. Players in the VBL know they need to play hard and improve, which is one of the reasons I love the league.

Only six days until opening day!

Catching up with Zac Blakney

When Zac Blakney finished his junior year at Montevallo and headed off to the Valley to play summer baseball, he really didn't know what to expect. His coach didn't either; Coach Greg Goff had never sent a player to the Valley League before, so he sent Zac to gauge just what kind of league it is.

Lo and behold, Zac had one of the best pitching seasons in the entire league (by my own estimation, his season ranks #4). He was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal first season for the Fauquier Gators, as they finished 14-30 as a team.

So how did Zac get to this point?  He graduated from Mortimer Jordan High School in 2004, and decided to go the JUCO route, attending Jefferson State Community College. Zac said, "I wasn't recruited highly out of high school because of my lack of velocity, so there weren't many schools looking at me... since Jeff State was close to home and it was a stepping stone towards a four-year school I felt it would be best for me."

Indeed. Zac pitched exceedingly well in his two years at "Jeff State." In 2005, in Zac's freshman year, he struck out 87 batters in 77 innings and finished with a 2.79 ERA. The next season, he struck out 75 in 78 innings, and finished with a 2.53 ERA. Both years, he was dominating enough to throw a no-hitter; in 2005 against Wallace Selma CC, and in 2006 against Huntingdon College. Was there a dogpile on the mound?  A bit of pressure for the last couple outs? No, Zac said, "Actually, with both no hitters there was an error by an infielder which I thought was a hit, so I didn't know that I had thrown a no-hitter until the games were over."  Takes a bit of the drama out of it, doesn't it?

Zac moved on after his sophomore year at Jefferson, signing with Montevallo, a division II school in Alabama. He found that he had to adjust to a higher level. "The hitters are a lot better when you go from Juco to D-II, so you have to hit your spots," Zac said. "Hitters will make you pay for your mistakes... you have to be prepared." 

Blakney finished 2007 at 7-3, 4.90, with 68 strikeouts in 93 innings, and a .288 opponent's batting average. 

Zac has kept busy in the summers, too. In 2006, he played with the Hanceville Bama Boys, helping lead the team to a state championship. Zac mostly played shortstop that summer to protect his arm. At the end of the summer in '06, Zac pitched in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League for the Delaware (Ohio) Cows. "It was a last minute thing," Zac said. "They needed another arm late in the summer and they gave me a call. I only made two starts while I was there but it was a good experience nonetheless."  Sure seems like it: Zac finished 1-1, 1.93, with 11 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings.

Then came his Valley League summer. After Coach Goff sent Zac, Blakney went on a tear for the Gators: he finished 5-1, 1.78, with a 1.06 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, 10.0 K/9, and .199 opponent's batting average over nine starts and 55 2/3 innings.  Why so good? Zac said, "I wouldn't say it was any one thing that helped me throughout the summer. I just went out each game and pitched like I knew I could. I trusted my stuff and just had fun. That was the big thing: just having fun every game."

About the lack of success as a team in Fauquier, Zac said, "You know, it would have been nice to play for a winning team, but I met a lot of new friends and wouldn't trade the coaches or owners if I could do it again. Everyone wants to win every game, but the team [was] new to the league and it was just a growing year... I wouldn't change my team for any other."

About the league in general, Zac said, "The league helped me with regards to dealing with adversity. The team didn't have the ideal summer but going out and pitching and battling every game with the odds against us was testing... and the travel was decent, except for going to Luray. I'm not going to miss that winding road..."

After Faquier's season ended, Zac still wasn't finished. The Vienna Senators, from the Clark Griffith Collegiate League, called some of the coaches in the Valley League and asked about Zac. With positive reports, the Senators signed Zac to help pitch in the National Baseball Congress World Series. Zac threw 8 1/3 innings, giving up 0 runs and striking out 5 to earn the victory in his only start.

Now, the next question for Zac, after his senior season of course, is the draft. Zac throws 5 pitches: a 4 seam fastball, 2 seam fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup. He normally throws around 88 mph, but can pump it up in the 92-93 range when he needs to. With his history of success in the game, the hope is that he will get a chance to pry his trade in pro ball. Time will tell!

[Pictures courtesy of Ronnie Blakney]

A Conversation with Arizona State's Jason Kipnis

Arizona State's draft-eligible sophomore Jason Kipnis adds toughness to his team, according to Baseball America. PG Crosschecker compares his ability to former ASU stars Travis Buck and Andre Ethier. His coach, Pat Murphy, compares him with Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Chris Duffy (also from Arizona State).

The Valley League named the Covington outfielder to the All-Valley League team at the end of the 2007 season, while both Baseball America and PG Crosschecker named him the #2 prospect in the League (behind Luke Greinke on both lists).

He offers a rare blend of power, speed, and "grit" to Arizona State this year, and to whomever drafts him this June. (Some folks "in the know" say Jason might be a high pick.)

After a year off in 2006 (he redshirted at Kentucky), Jason hit 281/393/404 in 114 at-bats for Covington in the Valley League. He walked 18 times to 25 strikeouts, and stole 6 bases in 7 attempts.  When he returned to Kentucky for his redshirt freshman year, he hit 337/450/654 in 104 at-bats, finishing with 5 triples, 6 home runs, an 18/22 BB/K ratio, and 11 stolen bases in 12 attempts.

Everything lined up for an excellent summer back in Covington, and Kipnis hammered the ball most of the year. He finished 318/498/591 in 154 at-bats, with 46 runs, 11 doubles, 9 home runs, 41 RBIs, a 49/24 BB/K ratio, and 24 stolen bases in 28 attempts. He was obviously chosen to attend the All-Star game in Front Royal, and went on to win the home run derby, delighting the crowd with 7 home runs in the second round.

In late January, Jason very patiently answered a few questions with All Things Valley League (ATVL).

ATVL: Coming out of high school in Illinois, why did you choose Kentucky?

Jason Kipnis: It came up at the last second, because I didn't sign until there were two weeks left in the later signing period, and I only had other offers from Eastern Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Then Kentucky came calling at the last second, and all I knew was that they play in the SEC against Florida, LSU and all those teams, and before I even went to the school I had already said that I would go there... I eventually visited, which solidified my decision.

ATVL: You redshirted your freshman year. What did you do during the season?

JK: We had a real good team that year, and they had a deep outfield- they had 4 or 5 legitimate outfielders who I learned a lot from. I went to the games, watched the pitching and the outfielders, and I spent time lifting weights, trying to get bigger, and trying to learn the game.  The game speeds up between college and high school- I was just trying to catch up and hold on and gain growth.

ATVL: Did you travel with the team?

JK: No- a bunch of the redshirts would lift on the weekends. I would listen to the games on the internet, and I'd call some of the players later when they were at the hotel. The coaches are leaving it up to you about how much better you want to get; it's a maturing process.  It's hard to feel like a part of the team.  It's not an easy transition to go from one of the top high school players to not even feeling like part of the team because you're redshirting. You have to grow as a person and as a player.

ATVL: How did you connect with Arizona State, one of the best programs in the country?

JK: I was very fortunate. Right after finals week, I called down to Virginia to the Lumberjacks to make sure they'd still have me, and they said absolutely. I went down there and started having a good start in the summer, and wrote a resume that I started sending out online to a bunch of recruiting coordinators and head coaches of schools I was interested in. It was a new chance to be recruited, and I knew what I wanted at a school now, like I'd rather be at a warm weather school, where baseball is taken a lot more seriously, and I could have a lot more fun there...eventually emails started turning into phone calls, and phone calls started turning into signed papers, so it all worked out for the best that they had interest.
Pat Murphy talked to Tim Corbin, the head coach at Vanderbilt, and he might have put in a good word for me.

ATVL: Are you feeling any more pressure coming up to your draft year?

JK: A little, because a lot of juniors try to concentrate on their own stock, but I've been given a second chance and I wasn't even thinking about the draft last year at Kentucky. Now I'm at ASU, and it's a huge pool for people to go on to the pros. It's just really exciting, but I try not to let it get to me.  Our coach does a good job of keeping our heads on- and just focusing on the game.

ATVL: How was the experience at Covington?

JK: I loved it that first year- we had great coaches; Anthony Everman and Andy Chalot, who was an assistant coach at the time, and Jason Helmintoller was the manager. I got along with all three of them very well. I really enjoyed the Durhams, who were my host family; I went back with them the next year, too, and they made the whole process a hundred times easier. They were supportive in every possible way, and made the whole time there easier. I never felt homesick once or anything.

ATVL: You connected with the team by your college coach?

JK: Yes- they set it up the first year, after my freshman year. [After that,] I told them that I would love to come back for another summer, so I don't know if the coaches had plans for me to go somewhere else the next summer, but they were fine with me going back there.

ATVL: That was obviously a boon for them as well, as you were the best hitter in the lineup.

JK: Yeah, it helped me a lot. There's some great pitchers in the league this summer. It was great summer for me.

ATVL: You made huge improvements from the '06 summer to the '07 summer- can you pinpoint what was the difference?

JK: If I had to guess, it would probably be that I hadn't seen live pitching coming off my redshirt year for a while, so it took time to get my feet wet and get it going. In retrospect, it was my first time seeing college pitching, and the second year I was coming off almost a full season in the SEC, which I think made the difference- playing in a season instead of sitting on the sidelines.

ATVL: You pitched in two games in the '06 season- what was that about?

JK: One of the first ones was in the first week of the season, and a lot of the guys hadn't showed up. Their seasons were still going on. So we had about four pitchers for the first week, and we had six games that week. They asked if anyone pitched, and I told them that I pitched in high school. We started to run low on pitchers, and I went in for them. I loved it!

ATVL: You had two home runs at the All-Star break in '07. You go into the home run derby, under the alias Kevin Bishop, and you win the derby pretty handily. Did that contribute to the home run tear you had in the second half?

JK: I think so. It was a confidence booster. It helped me know that I belong here and can be a power hitter if need be in this lineup. The lineup kind of forced me to be one, in the three-hole, and to move the guys around the basepaths when they got on. I think I got walked about 40 times in the first half, and the second half not so much. I started being more patient, and pitchers started getting their arms under them, and started putting a couple more balls over the plate, and I stayed patient until I got my pitch.

ATVL: What do you feel like the Valley League has done for you? How was the experience overall?

JK: It's just like Kentucky was- another growing process. It was a stepping stone for me, and it really helped me learn what kind of player I was. I learned that I can hit the ball out of the infield and I also can lay down a bunt. I learned that I need to improve my arm strength, in moving over from left field to center, so I need to work on long-tossing, which I have done this spring. It really helped me learn all the aspects of my game.

ATVL: What was the travel like, from Covington?

JK: We had some fun ones. Fauquier was about a four hour drive... and I think we went down there once and got rained out, so we had to come back. It's a lot of fun. If you have a good group of guys, like the Lumberjacks were last summer, it's not too bad. We usually split up into groups of six or seven and took vans. You find ways to pass the time.

ATVL: Do you have a major league player you pattern your game after?

JK: I pattern my game after Grady Sizemore and Carlos Beltran. That's what people have compared me to. But the guy I like to watch the most is Albert Pujols. I think he's the most natural hitter there is in the game.

I think it's clear that Jason Kipnis has a pretty bright future ahead of him! All Things Valley League will follow along as Jason and Arizona State attempt to make it back to Omaha for the College World Series, and when draft day arrives.  We might just be speaking of Jason along with players such as Grady Sizemore in a few years...

Ashur Tolliver: The Fireballing Lefty

The Arkansas-Little Rock website lists Ashur Tolliver's height and weight at 5-11, 155. The Harrisonburg Turks website lists them at 6-0, 160. Whichever is correct (maybe both), the fact remains that Ashur looks more like a rising high school sophomore than a rising college sophomore, let alone a durable starting pitcher in the Valley League. One thing's for sure, though- the 19-year old can bring it.  He regularly hits 90 mph on his fastball, and with his slingshot motion and equally tough changeup, he is causing all sorts of problems for Valley League hitters, some of whom are three years older.

It's not as if Tolliver is new to success, however. As a junior in high school, he went 9-1, with a 1.10 ERA. The next season, he actually improved to 9-1, 0.97, with 110 strikeouts. As a freshman at Arkansas-Little Rock, he met his first adversity, when he went 6-5, 4.45, with a 1.60 WHIP, 3.6 BB/9, and 7.8 K/9 in 89 innings.

In the Valley League, there has been little adversity. Tolliver has enjoyed his first experience of pitching against wood bats, going 3-0, 2.72, with a 1.21 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 10.9 K/9 in 43 innings (through July 22).

Ashur sat down for a brief interview with ATVL, amidst heckling from teammates:

Why did you decide to attend Arkansas-Little Rock?

It was mainly Coach Lawler; he had been at Texas A & M all those years. He's a great pitching guy, and I really wanted to work with him.

Did you have other opportunities?

A lot of junior colleges out of state, and really, anywhere in Arkansas. I didn't do a whole lot in high school. If I would go back, I would have gone to more showcases and done all that, but I didn't. I just played legion ball, so I didn't get looked at by many people out of state....and when I was 15, I was 4-11, probably 110 pounds soaking wet; that didn't help. I was high 70's (mph), maybe 80-81 my junior year. Then my senior year, my velocity really started to pick up, and this past year in college I've developed a little bit more, even though I'm still filling out. You sign before your senior year, and I was still a small guy, and I didn't throw very hard, so that didn't help.

What is your repertoire on the mound?

I stick to fastballs, I like to challenge guys.  But I throw a lot more changeups to righthanders than lefthanders... I don't throw a breaking ball; I throw a cutter slider-type thing.  I've tried and tried to throw a 12-to-6 breaking ball, but from my arm angle, it's really hard to do. So righthanders, I stick to a changeup, and lefthanders I throw a slider. I don't throw many changeups to lefthanders.

Have you been clocked faster than 92, that you know of?

That's probably about what I've topped at out this spring in college. I think in South Alabama a couple times I was 91-92, a few other places. I'd like to say I sit in the upper 80s.

How did you get hooked up with the Valley League?

Coach Lawler. I asked him earlier in the year about summer ball. When he was at A & M he sent a lot of guys to Coach Wease, and he's (Lawler) good friends with him, told me he's a really good guy, which is completely true. Coach Wease is a great person; he's helped me out a lot. (Wease) said he was looking for lefthanded pitchers,so he wanted me and David (Klumpp) to come up here. A few weeks later Robert Taylor, who had waited around for the draft, was looking for a place to play, and Coach Lawler told Coach Wease about him, and Wease said he's like to have another power guy in the lineup. Robert's done real well for us.  It's cool having two UALR guys here with me; it makes it fun.

What's your favorite place to play in the league?

We've only been to Winchester once, and a lot of it had to do that it was the day before the 4th of July, but I pitched there, and they had a huge crowd because they had fireworks after.  I'm sure all their crowds aren't that big, but that was a fun one to go to because it was packed. I love pitching in front of a lot of people. It really gets you pumped up.  I really like pitching at home in front of our fans, too, but the one best was Winchester.

For you, what's the difference in throwing to wood  bats instead of aluminum?

I figured that out the first week, the first start. It's awesome, because with the wood bats it's a little tougher to get around on fastballs, and I throw a lot more fastballs than I threw in college. In college, you can make a good pitch and still get beat with aluminum. With wood, if you make a good pitch, you're going to get the guy. Every now and then you'll have a little flare hit off you, but the majority of the time, if you make a good pitch, you're going to beat somebody.  You can get away with more mistake pitches.  In college I threw about 60% fastballs and 40% changeups with a few sliders to lefties, but here I probably throw 85 or 90% fastballs...I wish we used wood in college. (Pic to left courtesy of Haymarket Joe)

How about broken bats?

That's fun; I like going inside. I've broken a handful of bats this summer, and I really like doing that. You like to go in there and joke around with your teammates- see who can break the most bats.

What do you do in your workouts?

In college, I always pitched on Saturdays, once a week, and that's pretty much what I do here. I'll throw my game, and the next day I'll run for half an hour to get a good blood flow to help my arm recover faster. Around the third or fourth day I'll throw a flat-ground bullpen, spot work, 60-75% (effort), work on finishing pitches, maybe some long toss. I work out in the gym two or three times a week.

What do you need to work on the most to get to the next level?

Trying to develop a third pitch. My fastball and changeup are there, they're where I want them to be, but I need to develop my slider some more. I really just started throwing it in college this year. In high school I got away with a little high school spinner, a little breaking ball, but in college it wasn't working. So I started throwing a slider, but I didn't have a lot of confidence in it. It's pretty good now, I have confidence in it; it's getting better and better. I'd like to add a fourth pitch, something with a bit more bend to it, to change eye level of the hitter. It's tough to do from the arm slot I throw from, but if I work on it enough, I might get it down.

Toughest hitters you've faced in this league?

There's some great hitters in this league; Staunton's leadoff guy, (Chris) Wilkins, had a really good approach at the plate. He's the toughest out I've faced.  Of course, I wouldn't like to face Moose (David Dennis) - if I had to face him, he'd probably be the toughest.

If you could improve the league, what would you do?

I think it's great; I love it... maybe draw more fans, maybe turn it into a beer league, I don't know. I don't know what to do, but that would probably bring more fans, honestly. That's the only thing I can think of: maybe more fans. The league's great, though, a lot of good hitting and pitching in this league. 

Tolliver's one to watch right now, and even more so as he gets older and fills out.  Special thanks to Ashur for agreeing to sit down and answer some questions- good luck the rest of this season and in the rest of your (hopefully long) career!

Tyler Kuhn: The Reigning MVP

It seems like the reigning MVP of a college summer league wouldn't normally return for a second year; he would be looking for a bigger stage, or more attention. This is not the case for the Valley League's 2006 MVP, Tyler Kuhn, from West Virginia. Kuhn has returned to the Luray Wranglers for another tour of the Shenandoah Valley, even though he has little left to prove.

In 2006, Kuhn helped lead the Wranglers to the league championship, partly by hitting 363/394/561 in 223 at-bats, and partly by playing a peerless shortstop. On the offensive side, Kuhn led the league in hits with 81, 14 more than the 2nd highest total, led with 42 runs, 10 more than 2nd place, finished third in batting average, and even tied for 4th with 7 home runs.

Then again, Kuhn could always hit. As a freshman with West Virginia, he hit 298/345/363, but improved tremendously his sophomore year, finishing at 365/425/504. In his first year eligible for the draft as a junior in 2007, with scouts watching, Kuhn again showed his worth, putting up 332/407/483 numbers.

He showed enough over his three years at West Virginia to be drafted in the 33rd round by the Cleveland Indians. As of this writing, he has not signed a professional contract with the Tribe, but hopes to by the deadline in August.

Tyler was kind enough to answer a few questions for this site:

Is there anything new with your draft status with the Indians?

Not really. I know they signed Josh Judy, and they drafted him in the 34th round.  They just signed him a week or so ago... but I haven't heard anything from them.  I talked to my college coach about the situation a couple times, and, of course, he wants me back, but he knows that I have to do what's best for me at the time.  Other than that, I really haven't heard much of anything else. From what I've heard from guys that have been through it, and my college coach, they all wouldn't be surprised if the Indians came at me with an offer right before the deadline.

Why West Virginia? Did you have other choices coming out of high school?

I could have played at Louisville. Now you look at it, how they've been to the College World Series and they got a new field and everything, but I've never had any regrets going to WVU.  I feel like I've had a successful career there and I went there for the school.  Baseball was important, obviously, but at the time, that was where I wanted to go, and that's where I'd rather be. It's worked out real well at WVU.

Did you mostly play shortstop this year at WVU?

I started at 2nd base my freshman and sophomore year, and I moved to shortstop for my junior year, because the kid who played shortstop my first two years was a senior when I was a sophomore.  An excellent shortstop- he was probably the best fundamental shortstop I ever played with.

Was that Doug Nelms?

Yes.

Which do you prefer?  Shortstop or second base?

I feel like I profile better at second base for the next level, but shortstop is what I grew up playing, it's what I played in high school, and it's what I played here in Luray last summer. That's the position I've been playing the past couple years. I really have no problem with either one because we just got a new middle infielder here in Luray from LSU (Michael Hollander), and he's a real good player, and I have no problem with playing second base. I'm not the kind of guy that would get mad about that.

How did you connect with the Valley League?

Doug Nelms played here the year before, and I was good friends with him. It came down to where I was going to play for the summer, and Doug said, 'Luray wants you, and there's a spot for you.'  So that's how I hooked up with Bill Turner (Luray's owner) and Mike Bocock (Head Coach). They took me in, and everything's turned out real well. It's been a perfect fit for me.

What has the league done for you in your baseball career?

I think everyone comes to summer ball to get exposure and to have scouts see you play, but the biggest thing that the Valley League has done for me: it's really improved my game, overall, playing every night, and with wood bats. I got a good adjustment towards the wood after a month of last summer.  The quality of opponents is good; I was able to adjust to that. I have a great host family here in Luray; I got to meet a lot of really good people, and it's helped me grow up more than anything. I'm used to being away from home, but coming down here, it's almost like your playing minor league ball. My roommate from up at school (Adam White) is living with a host family and he's in single-A ball right now. So it's almost the same thing.  It's helped me get used to what the next level will be like.

If you had three words to describe the Valley League, which words would you choose?

Hospitality, competitiveness, and successful.  It's done very well.  It's not a high money-type league, but it's done really well the last couple years.

Did you have any offers to play elsewhere this summer, like on the Cape?

I didn't look into it too much. I was planning on getting drafted, but I knew that if I didn't, the place that I'd want to come is back here. It was great experience last year. Maybe I could have played on the Cape, I don't know, but I didn't try to call anybody. I told Bill Turner and Mike Bocock that if nothing happens I'd love to come back, and they said, 'Your uniform number's sitting right here waiting for you.'

What did it mean to be named the MVP of the league in 2006?

Obviously, it was a great honor. I was shocked that I won it, but I had a good end of the season; I think that helped me a lot to get that award. I played well, but I couldn't have done it without the team, my coaches, and my host family- they made it happen for me.

Who was the toughest pitcher you've faced in the Valley League- either this year or last year?

I'd have to say Frank Gailey from New Market last year- I thought he was tough. This year, the toughest pitcher we've faced so far is Ashur Tolliver, from Harrisonburg. He pitched great when we faced them earlier this summer.  Both of those guys pump it up there, throwing 90, and then Tolliver kind of slingshots it in there, so you can't pick up his slot real well.

Which park is the best in the League?

The best field that I enjoy playing on... I love playing at home, here in Luray. It's a hitter's park, so my favorite place to play is here at home. But non-home fields, I'd say that the best place to play is Harrisonburg, because they have a nice field, and I like the atmosphere there.  Harrisonburg normally has a team that's very competitive and the games are very, very intense, and I enjoy that every time we play them.

All Things Valley League will continue to track the situation with Tyler and the Indians, and Tyler's pro career when he eventually signs. Thanks to Tyler for taking the time to answer some questions!

(Last three photos are courtesy of Haymarket Joe)