Top 5 Starting Pitching Rotations Heading Into 2018

By Brandon Gutierrez

Note: This is my opinion and all 5 of these team’s rotations are stacked.

5. New York Yankees

The Yankees return with the same staff as they had in the last game they played in last year. Luis Severino leads the staff after finishing 3rd in last year’s A.L. Cy Young award race. Sonny Gray, Masahiro Tanaka, C.C. Sabathia and Jordan Montgomery follow. Tanaka is hoping he can start from where he left off in the second half of 2017. In the second half last year, he posted a 3.77 ERA, 10.73 K/9, 1.65 BB/9, 1.06 WHIP, 3.41 FIP. Compare that to the first half where he checked in at a 5.47 ERA, 9.09 K/9, 2.38 BB/9, 1.37 WHIP, 5.04 FIP. Sonny Gray rebounded from a 2016 filled with injuries and logged in a 3.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and a 3.90 FIP.

Pitchers Who can Help Throughout the Season:

Yankees #1 pitching prospect Chance Adams should make his major league debut in 2018. Chad Green was discussed as a possible starter, but he has been pushed back to the pen. He could possibly make a few spot starts if needed to.

Concerns:

Sonny Gray has been injury prone throughout his career. He has battled a strained forearm, strained lat and strained shoulder. CC Sabathia is 37 and will turn 38 in June.

4. Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw, no explanation needed. Many people believe that the Dodgers do not have someone to back up Kershaw, but Rich Hill is that man. Over the past two years Rich Hill has posted a 2.78 ERA, 3.12 FIP, 1.049 WHIP, 10.8 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 149 ERA+. Although this is limited to only 245.3 innings, he has been great throughout those innings.

Some people are concerned that the Dodgers are too “left handed heavy,” but Dodger left handers handled right-handed batters quite well last year. Kershaw held right-handed hitters to a .570 OPS in 2017. Hill limited them to a .583 OPS, Alex Wood held them to .625 OPS. The only left hander in the Dodgers staring rotation that was more vulnerable to right-hander was Hyun-Jin Ryu who checked in at a .730 OPS. In 2017 these four pitchers against right handed-hitters combined to post a 2.60 ERA, 10.0 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 1.03 WHIP and a 3.35 FIP. The Dodgers are pretty comfortable heading into 2018 with 4 of their 5 starters being left handed.

Pitchers Who can Help Throughout the Season:

Dodgers #1 prospect Walker Buehler can help the Dodgers’ rotation. The Dodgers are optimistic 21 year old Julio Urías can appear in 2018 following shoulder surgery last year. Brock Stewart and Ross Stripling can provide starts if needed to.

Concerns:

Clayton Kershaw has landed on the DL twice the past two years with back problems. In 2017, Alex Wood had two separate cases of shoulder inflammation. Although Rich Hill has had great seasons the past two years, he is 37 and has battled shoulder and arm problems throughout his career. The blister problems seem like a thing in the past, but you never know.

3. Houston Astros

Veteran Justin Verlnader leads the pack followed by Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers. After trading for former All Star Gerrit Cole, many people believed the Astros had the best rotation in baseball. They are not quit there yet, but they do have a lot of good things going for them. Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers are one of the best 1 to 3 combo in the game. Last year the trio combined to post a 3.44 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 3.64 FIP. Charlie Morton had a breakout year posting a 3.62 ERA, 10.00 K/9, 3.07 BB/9, 3.46 FIP, 1.19 WHIP, 109 ERA+. They are deep, there’s no other way to put it.

Pitchers Who can Help Throughout the Season:

Astros #1 pitching prospect Forrest Whitley was recently suspended for 50 games for violation of minor league’s baseball drug program. If he can comeback strong, there could be a possibility for a September call up. But some major league options include Brad Peacock, Collin McCough.

Concerns:

Charlie Morton is heading into his age 34 season and has only topped 170 innings once in his career. Lance McCullers was put on the DL twice last year with two separate cases of back discomfort. Can Gerrit Cole rebound from elbow problems in 2016? He was healthy in 2017 and logged in 203 innings. But he wasn’t the same, he had career highs in 4.26 ERA, 4.06 WHIP and a 15.9% HR/FB rate.

One unusual stat line that could be a concern for the Astros in the first half, is Justin Verlander’s 1st and 2nd half splits over the past two years.

2016 First Half: 4.07 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 3.85 FIP, 9.20 K/9, 2.53 BB/9

2016 Second Half: 1.96 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 3.10 FIP, 10.93 K/9, 1.96 BB/9

2017 First Half: 4.73 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 4.29 FIP, 8.43 K/9, 4.39 BB/9

2017 Second Half: 1.95 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 3.37 FIP, 10.75 K/9, 1.87 BB/9

It’s unexplainable, he was not put on the DL during both years. Maybe he was hiding a an injury in both years? Who knows.

2. Washington Nationals

The Nationals arguably have the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg. Last year both combined to post a 2.51 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 2.81 FIP. Scherzer is coming off his second NL Cy Young award in a row. Stephen Strasburg topped 170 innings for the first time since 2014. You can also argue that the Nationals have the best 1-3 with Gio Gonzalez. In 2017 he posted a 2.96 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.93 FIP. Combine him with Scherzer and Strasburg and they combined a 2.67 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 3.20 FIP (better than Houston). As of right now, it appears the 4 and 5 spots belong to Tanner Roark and A.J. Cole. Roark in 2016 posted a 2.83 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 3.79 FIP, but he did not replicate that in 2017 and posted a 4.67 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 4.13 FIP. Cole started 8 games last year with the Nationals last year.

Pitchers Who can Help Throughout the Season:

Nationals #4 prospect Erick Fedde can make some big league starts this year. He started 3 games last year in which he got rocked giving up 5 home runs in 15 innings. But small sample size.

Concerns:

Stephen Strasburg is always a concern. He’s had elbow surgery twice (2013 and 2010) with one of them being Tommy John. He has been on the DL every year of his big league career.

1. Cleveland Indians

Led by two time Cy Young Award winner, Corey Kluber, the Indians have the best rotation heading into the 2018 season. Carlos Carrasco has been good the past two seasons. Over the past two seasons Carrasco has pitched a 3.30 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 3.36 FIP. Trevor Bauer started off slow but was better in the second half. In the second half, Bauer posted a 3.01 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.68 FIP. Mike Clevinger had a 3.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3.85 FIP. Josh Tomlin is likely to be the 5th starter.

The Indians have the same staff as last year. The same staff that led all other starters in a combined 23.4 WAR. The same staff that was second in ERA (3.52) and first in FIP (3.34).

Pitchers Who can Help Throughout the Season:

Danny Salazar is expected to be back sometime in April. Ryan Merrit will make some starts for the Indians like he did last year.

Concerns:

Keep the drones away from Bauer.

Kluber did have back discomfort last year and did miss some time but he obviously rebounded just fine. If it happens again this year, it’ll become a bigger concern.

Just Missed:

Chicago Cubs

Arizona Diamondbacks

Sources

Mlb.com

Baseball Reference

Fangraphs

For player interviews click here.

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Benjamin Rodriquez; The Twins newest First baseman.

The K Zone

July 24th 2017

Benjamin Rodriquez

Interviewed By Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: I was wondering when you go from high school, minor leagues, what was the biggest challenge when you reach each stage?

Benjamin Rodriquez: The toughest part about higher levels of baseball is the margin for error. The better players take advantage of your mistakes and you have to be able to take advantage of theirs.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite thing about being a Twin?

Benjamin Rodriquez: My favorite part about being a Twin is the support from the fans in Minnesota. They are so locked into the team that they care about the players at every level. The organization doesn’t just trade and pay for big free agents, they are more interested in developing prospects and that makes the minor leaguers feel like their organization cares about them.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Benjamin Rodriquez: My favorite hobby is to read. I like to learn and study outside of baseball so that I can have something for my mind to focus on that’s not just baseball.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Benjamin Rodriquez: My favorite baseball player was Barry Bonds. Watching how calm he was when he was in the box and how he controlled every single at bat was amazing to me as a kid. He dominated.

Mike Duffy: What was your favorite team growing up?

Benjamin Rodriquez: I didn’t have a favorite team really. I was more of a fan of individual players and not as much about teams. But if I had to pick one I’d say the Diamondbacks because that was my hometown team.

Mike Duffy: Goals for this season?

Benjamin Rodriquez: I don’t have a ton of goals for this season as far a results. I’m just trying to get the experience of pro ball and learn how the game is played at this level. I just want to be constantly learning and improving.

Mike Duffy: How did draft day feel?

Benjamin Rodriquez: Draft day was incredible. It was such a stressful experience before I got drafted but I’m so thankful to God and the Twins for calling my name.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite stadium?

Benjamin Rodriquez: Chase Field.

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Benjamin Rodriquez: I don’t have a specific motto but I have faith in my ability and in God so I know that whatever I’m going thru is going to make me better so I try to learn whatever I can from the experience and keep my head up.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Benjamin Rodriquez: I didn’t really have a moment where I wanted to be a pro. I just always knew I wanted to keep playing for as long as I could and get the most I can put of my abilities. After I finished my college career I knew I wasn’t done yet so I guess that was the moment when I knew I wanted to keep pursuing baseball.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite tv show?

Benjamin Rodriquez: The Office.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite thing about being a 1st baseman? Hardest thing?

Benjamin Rodriquez: First base is a tough position. I think people underestimate how difficult it is. The hardest part is staying mentally dialed in the whole game because first basemen are involved in a lot of the game. The most fun part is that I get to talk to all of the players who get to first.

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Ian Miller; Hitting his way to the top

The K Zone

July 21st 2017

Ian Miller

Interviewed By Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: I was wondering when you go from high school, minor leagues, what was the biggest challenge when you reach each stage?

Ian Miller: To me the biggest challenge is being able to slow the game down. Just play the game I know how and not try to do too much – regardless of who I’m playing – whose watching me – situation etc.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite thing about being a Mariner?

Ian Miller: Favorite thing about being a mariner is the sense of family between players and coaching staff / management. Everyone is one big family and has great communication with each other.

Mike Duffy: One word to describe the Travelers?

Ian Miller: One word to describe the travelers – exciting.

A lot of good players on this team that will be big Names in the future.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Ian Miller: Favorite hobby – definitely video games. Big call of duty guy. And like action games when I come back from the field to unwind and get away from baseball.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Ian Miller: Favorite player growing up – ichiro. Loved the way he played. Still try to emulate his game and incorporate certain things he does in terms of approach and things he does and is able to do.

Mike Duffy: So far this season you have the 4th best batting average in AA, what do you attribute that to?

Ian Miller: I attribute my batting average to the hard work I put in during the offseason and on a daily basis before games. Sticking with my approach and not getting away from it.

Mike Duffy: What did you do this offseason differently that made a difference in your performance compared to past years?

Ian Miller: Offseason I stayed in Arizona at the mariners spring training complex. I hit everyday with members of the staff and worked on my approach – as well as my mechanics to get the most out of my offensive game plan.

Mike Duffy: Did you feel that playing baseball on the east coast give you more of a disadvantage do to the climate difference or was it more of a motivator to work harder?

Ian Miller: Baseball on the east coast growing up is always overlooked because supposedly baseball down south and on west coast is better. I’ve been an underdog all of my career – and still am. So that stuff never got to me or I never thought about it. I’ve always been overlooked and fit into that mold.

Mike Duffy: What was your favorite team growing up?

Ian Miller: Favorite team growing up was Phillies and pirates. Loved the PA teams and family has some ties with the Pirates – my dad was a huge fan of pirates growing up as well – and went to some Phillies games long ago.

Mike Duffy: Goals for this season?

Ian Miller: Goals for the season – I don’t really care what I’m doing here in AA. I want to be in the big leagues before this year ends and I want to win a World Series and have something to do with that.

Mike Duffy: How did draft day feel?

Ian Miller: Draft day was cool – was expecting to go – everyone hopes to go higher than they actually went. But it was a real honor, and a real relief to get picked and to get my career started.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite stadium?

Ian Miller: Favorite stadium – probably the frisco roughriders. Gorgeous there, it’s like an amusement park. And great stadium to hit at, as well as a great town with great restaurants.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite movie/tv show?

Ian Miller: Favorite movie – is men of honor with Cuba gooding Jr. (great underdog story) Favorite tv show is probably the walking dead – I love zombies

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Ian Miller: No real motto except TGHT – the game honors toughness. – but thing that gets me out of a rough time is music – Dave Matthews fan for sure. His concert Live at Radio City with Tim Reynolds is always my go to.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Ian Miller: I knew I wanted to play professional baseball at a young age. I knew I was going to play a professional sport – set my mind to it pretty early. Baseball started to be my main focus probably around middle school / high school

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite thing about being a outfielder? Hardest thing?

Ian Miller: Favorite thing about being an outfielder is getting to utilize my speed. I get to run down balls and do things with my jumps and reads that some people aren’t able to do – my speed is definitely used most out in the outfield. And that is fun

Hardest thing – definitely the boredom. Outfield can get boring at times – that’s why it’s always necessary to have some chewing gum or sunflower seeds!

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Alex Robles; Beginning his journey with the Twins

The K Zone

July 19th 2017

Alex Robles

Interviewed By Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: I was wondering when you go from high school, minor leagues, to the majors, what was the biggest challenge when you reach each stage?

Alex Robles: The hardest thing was each level, I came across more and more players with the same abilities as me, and I had to learn to out work them and work on the mental side of the game just as much as the physical side. The people that separate themselves from the pack are the ones who recognize that talent alone isn’t going to be what gets you to the next level, but dedication, hard work, and being mentally strong will.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite thing about being a Twin?

Alex Robles: My favorite part about being a twin is really having a chance to work through the the farm systems and make it up with the team that drafted me.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Alex Robles: I love to just hang out with my friends in my off time, baseball takes up a lot of my time, but I love to go to the beach and relax with my small circle of friends

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Alex Robles: My favorite player growing up was Alex Rodriguez, I loved the way he played and he was the biggest star that I could remember.

Mike Duffy: What was your favorite team growing up?

Alex Robles: The Yankees were my favorite team growing up.

Mike Duffy: Goals for this season?

Alex Robles: My goals for this season is just to get better in every aspect of my game, and just work hard every single day and really dedicate myself to this game as much as I can.

Mike Duffy: How did draft day feel?

Alex Robles: Draft day was amazing, my parents, my wife and her mom, and my friends were all just so happy that God gave me an opportunity to keep following my dream!

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite stadium?

Alex Robles: Chase Field is probably my favorite stadium.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite tv show?

Alex Robles: I Love “How I met your Mother”

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Alex Robles: A motto that I have is just to “Seize the Day” I don’t let things ever be too big, and I always try and find a way to fix something if something is wrong, or if everything is going good, I find a way to get better, either as a baseball player, or as a Person.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Alex Robles: I knew I wanted to be a professional the moment I watched the 2001 World Series, the excitement that I saw when the the D backs won, I got chills, and I just knew I wanted to be part of something like that when I got older.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite thing about playing infield?

Alex Robles: I’m playing some Infield and Outfield and hitting, I love to play every day, it’s hard to stay at 100% every day, but being able to help the team every day on the field and hitting is awesome.

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Ty Kelly; Utilizing his role on the Phillies

The K Zone

July 12th 2017

Ty Kelly

Interviewed By Mike Duffy

Mike Duffy: I was wondering when you go from high school, minor leagues, to the majors, what was the biggest challenge when you reach each stage?

Ty Kelly: The biggest challenge at each stage is dealing with the new surroundings. You want to fit in and help the team at first and then work up to standing out and being a key player on the team.

Mike Duffy: What have you done best this season?

Ty Kelly: My best moment this season was getting a go-ahead pinch hit double against Chris Sale.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite thing about being a Philly?

Ty Kelly: My favorite thing about Philly is all the history here and getting to explore the museums.

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Mike Duffy: Do you miss anything from the mets?

Ty Kelly: I miss the guys with the team and the city itself. It’s an amazing place to play every day.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Ty Kelly: I have a lot of hobbies. I enjoy making music, writing, and outdoor activities during the offseason in San Diego.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Ty Kelly: My favorite player growing up was Chipper Jones. He was a switch-hitting infielder like me.

Mike Duffy: Who has been the hardest pitcher you have faced?

Ty Kelly: The toughest pitcher I’ve ever faced was probably Yordano Ventura in the minor leagues.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Ty Kelly: My favorite stadium to play in is AT&T Park in San Francisco. I grew up close to it and it is beautiful.

Mike Duffy: What are your favorite movies and tv shows?

Ty Kelly: My favorite movie is “Inglourious Basterds” and favorite show is “Seinfeld.”

Mike Duffy: Do you have a motto or a thing to do to get you out of a rough time?

Ty Kelly: If I’m struggling I try to step back and look at the bigger picture.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to play professional baseball?

Ty Kelly: I didn’t know how good I was at baseball until my sophomore year of college when I transferred to UC Davis and had a lot of success.

Mike Duffy: Whats your favorite thing about being a utility guy?

Ty Kelly: My favorite thing about being a utility guy being used in a bunch of different facets. It never gets boring!

Mike Duffy: Whats the hardest thing about being a utility guy?

Ty Kelly: The hardest thing is not knowing when or where you’ll go into the game every day.

Mike Duffy: What are your hopes for the Phillies?

Ty Kelly: My hopes for the Phillies are that I get to stick around and help out a team of young guys as they grow into successful big leaguers.

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Trevor Oaks- Blessed with Success

-The K Zone-

November 3rd 2016

Updated on July 13th 2017

Trevor Oaks

Interviewed by Mike Duffy

In 2016 Trevor Oaks had arguably his best season, where he never pitched less than five innings in a game, he had three 8 inning games, one complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts and 3-Hits. He is also ranked in MLB Pipeline’s top 30 dodger prospects this year! His talent and respect are something to lookout for in the years to come! Hope you enjoy my interview with Dodger Prospect Trevor Oaks.

Mike Duffy: Going 14-3 this year what worked so well with your delivery of your pitches?

Trevor Oaks: A lot of my success this year had to do with sticking to what I do well. A lot of baseball trends are starting to go towards high velocity and nasty strikeout stuff. While that’s definitely valuable and helpful, (stuff that I want too) I just tried to go out there and get quick ground balls using my sinker/cutter combo. If I can get my team in a position to win after 6 innings, I’ve done my job. But my separator is how efficient I can be and how many innings can I accumulate in the season

Mike Duffy: As a pitcher in a dominant rookie pitcher organization how hard is it to fight for an everyday spot to start?

Trevor Oaks: It’s definitely challenging to not think about at times- Looking back at this past season, I was just trying to focus on each start, each pitch at a time. I can’t worry about what other guys are doing. I’m gonna go out there and compete and do my best. Obviously I’d love to play for the Dodgers and contribute to their success someday, but I also understand there’s 29 other teams that may need a starter that can go 6-7 innings. I’m that guy and I want to do that for a club next season

Mike Duffy: What is your number one goal your going to focus on in the offseason?

Trevor Oaks: This offseason I’m primarily focusing on improving my stuff. I want a better, more consistent change up. I’m also thinking about adding a splitter so I can try to get that strikeout pitch. But ultimately I want to fine tune my command. I can throw a lot of strikes and I keep it down for the most part. But I really want to put the ball where I want and consistently keep the ball at the shins or below.

Mike Duffy: Besides baseball what’s your favorite hobby?

Trevor Oaks: I love messing around on the piano and I love spending time with people I care about. I’ve been volunteering at CBU (California Baptist University) as a pitching coach, so it’s awesome to have the opportunity to invest into younger guys and help them develop and improve in order to fulfill their dreams. It’s still baseball, but I look at it as using what I can to help other people. That’s my hobby!

Mike Duffy: Besides your hard work who else do you dedicate your success to?

Trevor Oaks: God deserves all the credit. My career and success all go to him and he directs my path. He has put a lot of great mentors in my life to guide me and help me along the way. From a mental standpoint, my college coach, Gary Adcock, instilled a lot of good mindsets and philosophies that I have changed my whole career. My grandpa, Ade Moss, is also another mentor that continually helps me in all aspects of my life. And of course my parents. They have always done their best and supported me!

Mike Duffy: Which batter has been the biggest challenge for you?

Trevor Oaks: Danny Volgebach had my number pretty good. But you could say that for just about everyone on our pitching staff. That guy absolutely rakes. I had a tough time with the rangers affiliates. They seem to like big lefties, and if my changeup isn’t on that day, I have a tough time throwing to Joey Gallo and guys like that

Mike Duffy: Is there anyone in the Majors right now who comes to mind when you think of being supportive of you?

Trevor Oaks: I haven’t gotten a ton of opportunities to talk to a lot of big league guys. But Brock Stewart has been a good friend since we got drafted together in 14. Ross Stripling is another great friend and teammate. He’s helped me out a lot and accepted me when I was adjusting to the new environment. Howie Kendrick talked to me when he was rehabbing in Rancho. Super nice guy and had a lot of good baseball knowledge. You definitely try to pick at their brains and try to soak up anything you can.

Mike Duffy: Who is the biggest leader on your team?

Trevor Oaks: Biggest Leader for me was Charlie Culberson. He had an interesting leadership style. He isn’t afraid of talking and saying what he thinks. But he normally chose to lead by example. He just plays the game the way it should be played. Very professional and personable guy. He was kind and accepting of everyone, and genuinely cared for his teammates. Can’t say good enough things about the guy!

Mike Duffy: What changed in Puig’s attitude when you were down in OKC that made him perform better?

Trevor Oaks: I was very observant of Puig. The media always portrays people and puts different spins on situations. I wanted to see what he was really like. I found Puig to be a very passionate player and enjoyable to be around. There were some ways where he was still maturing and adjusting to American Baseball, but I thought he handled that situation very well. He worked hard, went in the cage early before most of the guys got to the field, and hit a ton of balls in the cage. He worked hard and I was very impressed by the way he handled the situation. The fans were brutal to him, and maybe some of that he brought on himself. But you gotta give the guy some credit for manning up and making the changes he needed to.

Mike Duffy: Do you consider yourself a leader on and off the field?

Trevor Oaks: I want to be a leader and I think I have the capacity to do that. But I think at this point in my career, I’m in a position of learning and following the examples of other guys who have been playing for a while. My role is to be a sponge and soak up as much as I can while I’m here and have great teammates to learn from.

Mike Duffy: What is your number one goal for the team in the second half of the season?

Trevor Oaks: I think our primary goal is to contribute to the big league team and help them win a World Series. Our secondary goal is to get in the playoffs and win a PCL championship.

Mike Duffy: Who was your favorite player?

Trevor Oaks: I didn’t really have a favorite player growing up. I always liked watching Kershaw when he was just coming on to the scene.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite baseball memory?

Trevor Oaks: My favorite baseball memory would be winning the Cal League championship, or this year when I hit a home run and threw 7 innings against the Baby Cakes.

Mike Duffy: What is your favorite stadium?

Trevor Oaks: My favorite Stadium I’ve played in the Minors would be either the Dayton Dragons or in Tulsa. Good atmosphere, great playing surface!

Mike Duffy: Growing up what team was your favorite?

Trevor Oaks: My favorite team was a toss up between the Angels and the Dodgers. I would always watch Angel games because the stadium was closer to my house. But I started liking the Dodgers when I was 12 and it was a dream come true to be drafted by them.

Mike Duffy: What are your favorite movies and tv shows?

Trevor Oaks: My favorite movie is tough! I’d say Gladiator or Braveheart. Favorite TV show is between Game of Thrones and The Office.

Mike Duffy: When did you know you wanted to be a professional ball

player?

Trevor Oaks: When I was playing ball at Biola University, I was starting to get some interest from scouts. I wouldn’t allow myself to seriously consider it until I knew there was a chance.

Mike Duffy: What’s your favorite part of the Dodgers organization?

Trevor Oaks: My favorite part of the Dodgers organization is their coaching staff. They have done such a good job of placing good people in coaching positions. It’s been a blessing to get to know all the staff, top to bottom. It really shows that they care about developing good players and people!

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Outtakes…

Mike Duffy What did you think about the World Series game?

Trevor Oaks: One of the best World Series I’ve seen! Congrats to the Cubs organization! Lots of hard work goes into that. It’s a long season and I tip my cap to those guys. Hopefully the Dodgers can do that next season!

Mike Duffy: Thank you for doing this! Maybe some day I’ll interview you in person when your pitching for the Dodgers on the big stage! Thanks again and have a great night!

Trevor Oaks: Yeah no problem! Glad I could help! Good luck