-The K Zone-

January 12th 2017

Revised August 10th 2017

Rhys Hoskins

Interview by Mike Duffy

I was able to interview Phillies #6 in their top prospect list (according to MLB Pipeline) Rhys Hoskins in January. This past offseason he was invited to Phillies 2017 spring training! This is huge because he is the only 1st baseman in the top 30 of the Phillies prospects and if you haven’t heard, the Phillies need a counter part to Tommy Joseph now that Ryan Howard isn’t coming back and that the Phillies just traded Darin Ruf to the Dodgers in a packaged deal for Howie Kendrick. You heard it here first! This year in AA he had a .281 BA and scored 95 times with 38 of them being home runs!

*He has officially been Promoted to the Show on August 10th 2017.

His Debut on August 10th he faced Jacob deGrom. Rhys went 0-2 and was walked.

On August 26th 2017 he became the fastest person EVER to get 10 HOMERUNS! He did it in 17 career games! Hoskins hit his 9th and 10th on players weekends and while hitting those, he wore a patch to honor his mom who battled breast cancer and sadly she passed away within a day of his 16th Birthday!

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

Rhys Hoskins: Biggest challenge really is that along with the competition just getting better and better, you play a lot more games at each level! You just have to figure out how to maintain and strengthen your body so you feel good when it gets to late in the season. That has been the hardest thing so far for me, figuring out what works for me so I feel my best at the end of the season.

Mike Duffy: How did you feel when you got drafted?

Rhys Hoskins: It was a dream come true. I had worked countless hours to reach that goal and it happened!

Mike Duffy: What did you do best last season?

Rhys Hoskins: I felt like I really honed my approach this season with men in scoring position, and I knocked in a lot of runs because of it.

Mike Duffy: This offseason whats the major thing you are planning to work on?

Rhys Hoskins: This offseason I’m really focusing on getting my foundation back for my strength. I have played the last couple offseason and haven’t really had the chance to focus on the gym.

Mike Duffy: Whats your favorite thing about being an Philly?

Rhys Hoskins: The coaching staff and friends I’ve made on the teams I’ve been on are an awesome part about being a Philly.

Mike Duffy: Whats your favorite hobby besides baseball?

Rhys Hoskins: I love traveling and see different cultures and exploring new cities.

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

Rhys Hoskins: I grew up watching Barry Bonds play and I still to this day think he is arguably the best hitter To ever play this game.

Mike Duffy: Who’s the hardest pitcher you faced this season?

Rhys Hoskins: The best pitcher i faced this year was German Marquez, in the Rockies organization. Guy threw 100 mph, kept the ball down in the strike zone, and had a good breaking ball on top of it!

Mike Duffy: Whats your favorite stadium?

Rhys Hoskins: Favorite stadium I’ve played in is Citizens Bank Park!

Mike Duffy: Whats your favorite movie/tv show?

Rhys Hoskins: Favorite Movie: Wedding Crashers, show: Suits

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

Rhys Hoskins: Just keep livin’

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November 4th 2016

Eric Filia aka the Collage Champ winner in 2013 with UCLA had some troubles in collage which ultimately got him kicked out of UCLA, but as we know seconded chances turn out could make the difference of making the Majors or not. Eric took that second chance his coach at UCLA gave him and blew everyone away. His seconded chance also blew away the scouts and he got drafted. He made his opportunity mean something like many of the Major Leaguers who get second chances after a PED or awful Major League performances. Heres this years recap with Eric Filia.

From being draft pick 597 this year to North West league MVP what does that mean to you?

Eric Filia: Well being MVP is always a great thing but I couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaching staff, nor the community of Everett of making me so comfortable playing the game I love, I would trade my MVP to have a ring any day of the week but the team as a whole and myself it was a big learning step and can’t wait to get back out there and compete.

When you started playing in the minors how hard was the transition for you from college ball? Was Short-Season Class A harder or easier then when playing at UCLA?

Eric Filia: The transition was hard at first but it was my teammates and coach staff that believed in me and had trust in me and my capabilities, that I brought to the team and just gave myself more confidence as the season went long. I wouldn’t say it was easier then Ucla cause if you’re playing in the PAC-12 you earned the right to play there and playing in the pros it’s the same thing. You earned the right to be blessed to have the opportunity to play professionally

Besides your hard work who do you dedicate your success to? Why?

Eric Filia: I dedicate my success to my brothers, I’m trying to be a big influence and role model to them to see that it is possible to put your mind and hard work to something you love and achieve and as long as we all just go out there, have fun, stay within ourselves, and don’t take this game for granted the possibilities are endless.

This season you were able to get a glimpse of AAA… What was it like? Did it feel different then anything you’ve done before?

Eric Filia: I have to say AAA was a great treat and great experience, I learned a lot from the guys up there and how they handled themselves. But again it’s the same game and as long as you compete I believe I felt like I belonged.

What’s your favorite memory of 2016?

Eric Filia: My favorite memory of 2016 was the relationships I built with my teammates and how even though off the field we were all great friends, on the field we did our job and competed each and every day. That’s what makes it fun for me is my friends and teammates coming to the field every day and competing to win a ball game.

Favorite pitcher to face?

Eric Filia: My favorite pitcher to face had to be, 2 guys come in mind, Pat Murphy who played for Vancouver, he had great stuff and threw all his pitches for strikes and competed every time he went out there. Secondly, Dylan cease who pitched for the Eugene emeralds, cubs #6 prospect who has probably the best stuff, great fastball, 97-101 and curveball plus a change up, we competed against each other and we both got each other. Very great competitor and bright future for him.

Best Stadium?

Eric Filia: Best stadium had to be Vancouver, had about 6 to 7000 people in the stands, hecklers and all but that makes the game fun. When you can compete on the field but also the fans who go against you and prove them wrong but it’s all in fun and I love fans and love to interact with them.

What did you think of the World Series?

Eric Filia: The World Series is a prime example of never giving up and trusting one another and their roles that they bring to the team to help win. Game 7 really showed that everyone gave their all on the field and left their heart out. I love this game and seeing grown men have the same passion I do is very fulfilling and I really hope one day I can have that experience and succeed just like the Indians and cubs did. Very fun and humbled to watch.

MD: Thank you so much and I really appreciate you doing this! I’m glad I got you before you become a huge star! Thanks!

Eric Filia: Hahah I hope that’s good and not too long man. Thanks for doing this. Great man! Hope you have a good night!

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Rhys Hoskins Interview: On the Road to Citizens Bank

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Eric Filia; From pick 597 to North West league MVP

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