Coach Pierce, Douglas Hodo, Pete Hansen and Aaron Nixon met with media today at a blustery Disch-Falk Field.
Here are some of the questions (asked by various media members) and respective answers from each of them. Thanks to @AaronLittleOB for recording while I took notes.
Hodo:
Q: It is opening weekend, how are you feeling:
A: Ready to get going, super pumped. Put in a lot of work in the off season and we are coming in with a good mindset.
Q: Playing CF this year. When is the last time you did and how are you feeling?
A: Have not placed CF since HS. It is a little different, but it's still the outfield. Working with Eric and Austin to ensure we call the ball and communicate. Running joke is I have no priority as they have been around longer. But we trust each other and have a good connection.
Q: Talk about the experience this team has
A: This squad has a great blend of personalities and experience, but with some youth mixed in. Everyone has gel really well and it is a strength.
Q: How do you get over the loss from last year and do you use that as motivation?
A: People use it different ways. I remember the feeling, it was not good, but I carry that mindset every day of getting better and putting us in the place to erase that.
Q: Who is a young guy to look out for?
A: Travis Sthele. Carries himself really well. Has an amazing work ethic that I wish I could mimic at times. He brings it every day and there are a lot of guys that feed off him and want to imitate.
Q: Austin has been around awhile. Has he changed how he approaches the game?
A: He does approach it a little different. I have gotten really close to Todd and he is excited to be back, but wants to prove himself. He has that chip on his shoulder.
Q: What have you seen from a guy like Dylan Campbell?
A: Great outfield option. He knows his spot now which has helped his game. He has gotten more comfortable and it has shown in the Fall and Alumni game. But really, the stability has helped him a lot to settle in.
Q: Player that you think will surprise everyone?
A: Sthele for sure. Josh Stewart and Lucas Gordon also are going to surprise a lot of people. Hitting, Campbell, Gavin Kash and Murhpy Sthley. There is just so much depth to this team.
Q: How do you replace the loss of production from Zubia and Antico?
A: We learned a lot from how they played and contributed. This team is more experienced and has better depth and we feel better equipped due to our experience.
Coach Pierce:
Q: How did you settle on the rotation (Hansen, Stevens, Witt)?
A: Easy decision really. Two returning weekend guys. For Friday nights, can't just put someone in there to "fill in". Need a guy like Hansen that can eat up innings and you know what you are going to get from Hansen and Stevens. Witt still working on managing his pitch counts, but he is a really tough Sunday guy. Confident where they are.
Q: This is an experienced team, but you lose a key cog in Antico. Do you plan on running more and if so who?
A: Maybe not run more, but we will stay aggressive, especially with the ball in play. First to Third and Home to Second is something we worked on a lot this fall. Want to push the envelope. Good speed at the top and guys on the bench. Like to bunch them together and put cloggers in the middle.
Q: What has you excited about this team?
A: The way they compete. Watch inter squad and they battle. They play inter squad like some teams play in April. Fun to watch them compete. More than anything, play free and let it fly. Don't be passive and if we make mistakes, be aggressive.
Q: How do you set up the lineup?
A: We have a lot of kids back. Guys that earned their jobs, but they like the pieces that we have on the bench. Tricky in the way to use them at times. You have to balance the psyche of giving days off and pinch hitting because the kid hasn't done something wrong but get them some rest so they are productive in June. Some interesting pieces like Kash, O'Dowd and Stehly. Murph is a guy that can start more so than some of the guys, but he can run and do just about anything for us. Then we have guys like Daly who we might hit in the 4 spot, not because we expect to hit him with power but because he might be best suited to protect Melendez and put pressure on opposing staffs.
Q: Dylan at the plate, what adjustments did he make to his swing?
A: We never want to give up their strength, but he can become a much more complete player hitting to center. Teaching him how to hit the ball right and watch him develop to the middle has been great.
Q: What do you like about outfield?
A: They can run. They are great with each other and confident around the ball. Hodo is poised to have a monster year in center. All can play CF which is amazing. Just have to find what clicks best.
Q: How do you plan on handling Austin?
A: No set plan. Going to go on how he feels. Some of it will also depend on how others are doing and need to play. DC will definitely play some right field for us this year.
Q: What has Hansen worked on or sharpened this off-season?
A: He has consistently tried to get his stuff up a notch. Little sharper breaking ball. His 2 seam is coming around which he struggled with some last year. He is really owning his pitches though and has worked really hard on his throwing program. Velocity gives more room for error, but he hides his front side well and the angle that he throws makes it hard on opposing batters.
Q: What is Jose (Cruz Jr) bringing this weekend?
A: Don't know too much about them. No real good references as it is a new staff, brought in transfers and freshman. Don't get too much into who they are playing, really try to focus on what we are doing.
Q: Goals/Predictions for the year/new comers?
A: Haven't thought too much about that. Like where we are. Have great balance. Ardoin will surprise folks as a true hitter this year. He was known as a hitter in HS and he worked really hard this off season and has come a long way.
Q: First guy out of the pen?
A: It really depends on the situation and how things are going, but really like what Travis Sthele brings. (Daniel) Blair and (Zane) Morehouse are two others. Morehouse has the nastiest pitch on the team with his curve.
Nixon:
Q: How have you approached this year different than last?
A: This year isn't too much different. I trust myself and the team. Work on learning my routine and that still gets adjustments. Just try to get better every day. I have been helping out some of the young guys as well.
Q: Heard a lot about Sthele, what your thoughts?
A: Known him since I was 15. High power thrower. He has a great changeup. He is really going to take off this year.
Q: What are your thoughts on the pitching staff?
A: This staff is great. Get better every day is the goal and they push each other and get on each other. The whole staff is very close
Q: Describe Hansen
A: He is awesome. Great control
Q: How happy are you to head to the Valley to play?
A: Stoked and hyped. Sold out game. Don't get home too much due to distance, so really excited to play down there
Q: Mentality after last year's loss?
A: Still remember it. It was really tough, but we have come back stronger and with a lot of experience
Q: Young guy that will surprise?
A: Josh Stewart. He has great stuff. Lot of spin and a nasty breaking ball. Big time arm!
Hansen:
Q: Last year you as you worked your way back, you hovered around 89-90. Was it mostly getting endurance back?
A: Ya, the velocity wasn't there. Biggest change I made was my running. Getting into better shape. In a place now where the velo is starting to uptick and the body is moving well.
Q: Do you pride yourself on being able to locate?
A: I want to locate and execute my pitches. Put them where hitters can't get to them. Game loves velocity, but if I execute I can get outs and be effective.
Q: Friday night guy. Excited for the opportunity?
A: Big deal for me. I know the history and the players that have come through the program. Really excited.
Q: You and Madden competed quite a bit, did that help?
A: Yes, we were a really close group and worked together to get better. Fun to work with them and the same goes with this staff.
Q: Young guy that has impressed?
A: Josh Stewart. Young guy. I see a lot of myself in him. Hard thrower and as he matures, he is going to be really effective strike thrower.
Q: Guy to surprise?
A: Melendez. He has continued to improve from last year and has stayed hungry. He is in a spot right now where he is really seeing the ball and doing what he wants at the plate. Lot of guys though, such as Trey (Faltine) who has made huge strides in his swing and approach. He is going to sneak up on a lot of people.
Q: How has Hodo done in CF?
A: He is a natural out there. He can fly and cover ground. Full faith in Dougie.
Q: How has prep been different this year?
A: Expectations are different, but it is the same game. Attack and execute.
Q: What is the personality of the team?
A: Great bond. A full year together after what we went through with covid and no fans. Guys come to work each day. Trey and Kash are first in, so it makes it hard to be first, but that is what is expected. Great team chemistry.
Here are some of the questions (asked by various media members) and respective answers from each of them. Thanks to @AaronLittleOB for recording while I took notes.
Hodo:
Q: It is opening weekend, how are you feeling:
A: Ready to get going, super pumped. Put in a lot of work in the off season and we are coming in with a good mindset.
Q: Playing CF this year. When is the last time you did and how are you feeling?
A: Have not placed CF since HS. It is a little different, but it's still the outfield. Working with Eric and Austin to ensure we call the ball and communicate. Running joke is I have no priority as they have been around longer. But we trust each other and have a good connection.
Q: Talk about the experience this team has
A: This squad has a great blend of personalities and experience, but with some youth mixed in. Everyone has gel really well and it is a strength.
Q: How do you get over the loss from last year and do you use that as motivation?
A: People use it different ways. I remember the feeling, it was not good, but I carry that mindset every day of getting better and putting us in the place to erase that.
Q: Who is a young guy to look out for?
A: Travis Sthele. Carries himself really well. Has an amazing work ethic that I wish I could mimic at times. He brings it every day and there are a lot of guys that feed off him and want to imitate.
Q: Austin has been around awhile. Has he changed how he approaches the game?
A: He does approach it a little different. I have gotten really close to Todd and he is excited to be back, but wants to prove himself. He has that chip on his shoulder.
Q: What have you seen from a guy like Dylan Campbell?
A: Great outfield option. He knows his spot now which has helped his game. He has gotten more comfortable and it has shown in the Fall and Alumni game. But really, the stability has helped him a lot to settle in.
Q: Player that you think will surprise everyone?
A: Sthele for sure. Josh Stewart and Lucas Gordon also are going to surprise a lot of people. Hitting, Campbell, Gavin Kash and Murhpy Sthley. There is just so much depth to this team.
Q: How do you replace the loss of production from Zubia and Antico?
A: We learned a lot from how they played and contributed. This team is more experienced and has better depth and we feel better equipped due to our experience.
Coach Pierce:
Q: How did you settle on the rotation (Hansen, Stevens, Witt)?
A: Easy decision really. Two returning weekend guys. For Friday nights, can't just put someone in there to "fill in". Need a guy like Hansen that can eat up innings and you know what you are going to get from Hansen and Stevens. Witt still working on managing his pitch counts, but he is a really tough Sunday guy. Confident where they are.
Q: This is an experienced team, but you lose a key cog in Antico. Do you plan on running more and if so who?
A: Maybe not run more, but we will stay aggressive, especially with the ball in play. First to Third and Home to Second is something we worked on a lot this fall. Want to push the envelope. Good speed at the top and guys on the bench. Like to bunch them together and put cloggers in the middle.
Q: What has you excited about this team?
A: The way they compete. Watch inter squad and they battle. They play inter squad like some teams play in April. Fun to watch them compete. More than anything, play free and let it fly. Don't be passive and if we make mistakes, be aggressive.
Q: How do you set up the lineup?
A: We have a lot of kids back. Guys that earned their jobs, but they like the pieces that we have on the bench. Tricky in the way to use them at times. You have to balance the psyche of giving days off and pinch hitting because the kid hasn't done something wrong but get them some rest so they are productive in June. Some interesting pieces like Kash, O'Dowd and Stehly. Murph is a guy that can start more so than some of the guys, but he can run and do just about anything for us. Then we have guys like Daly who we might hit in the 4 spot, not because we expect to hit him with power but because he might be best suited to protect Melendez and put pressure on opposing staffs.
Q: Dylan at the plate, what adjustments did he make to his swing?
A: We never want to give up their strength, but he can become a much more complete player hitting to center. Teaching him how to hit the ball right and watch him develop to the middle has been great.
Q: What do you like about outfield?
A: They can run. They are great with each other and confident around the ball. Hodo is poised to have a monster year in center. All can play CF which is amazing. Just have to find what clicks best.
Q: How do you plan on handling Austin?
A: No set plan. Going to go on how he feels. Some of it will also depend on how others are doing and need to play. DC will definitely play some right field for us this year.
Q: What has Hansen worked on or sharpened this off-season?
A: He has consistently tried to get his stuff up a notch. Little sharper breaking ball. His 2 seam is coming around which he struggled with some last year. He is really owning his pitches though and has worked really hard on his throwing program. Velocity gives more room for error, but he hides his front side well and the angle that he throws makes it hard on opposing batters.
Q: What is Jose (Cruz Jr) bringing this weekend?
A: Don't know too much about them. No real good references as it is a new staff, brought in transfers and freshman. Don't get too much into who they are playing, really try to focus on what we are doing.
Q: Goals/Predictions for the year/new comers?
A: Haven't thought too much about that. Like where we are. Have great balance. Ardoin will surprise folks as a true hitter this year. He was known as a hitter in HS and he worked really hard this off season and has come a long way.
Q: First guy out of the pen?
A: It really depends on the situation and how things are going, but really like what Travis Sthele brings. (Daniel) Blair and (Zane) Morehouse are two others. Morehouse has the nastiest pitch on the team with his curve.
Nixon:
Q: How have you approached this year different than last?
A: This year isn't too much different. I trust myself and the team. Work on learning my routine and that still gets adjustments. Just try to get better every day. I have been helping out some of the young guys as well.
Q: Heard a lot about Sthele, what your thoughts?
A: Known him since I was 15. High power thrower. He has a great changeup. He is really going to take off this year.
Q: What are your thoughts on the pitching staff?
A: This staff is great. Get better every day is the goal and they push each other and get on each other. The whole staff is very close
Q: Describe Hansen
A: He is awesome. Great control
Q: How happy are you to head to the Valley to play?
A: Stoked and hyped. Sold out game. Don't get home too much due to distance, so really excited to play down there
Q: Mentality after last year's loss?
A: Still remember it. It was really tough, but we have come back stronger and with a lot of experience
Q: Young guy that will surprise?
A: Josh Stewart. He has great stuff. Lot of spin and a nasty breaking ball. Big time arm!
Hansen:
Q: Last year you as you worked your way back, you hovered around 89-90. Was it mostly getting endurance back?
A: Ya, the velocity wasn't there. Biggest change I made was my running. Getting into better shape. In a place now where the velo is starting to uptick and the body is moving well.
Q: Do you pride yourself on being able to locate?
A: I want to locate and execute my pitches. Put them where hitters can't get to them. Game loves velocity, but if I execute I can get outs and be effective.
Q: Friday night guy. Excited for the opportunity?
A: Big deal for me. I know the history and the players that have come through the program. Really excited.
Q: You and Madden competed quite a bit, did that help?
A: Yes, we were a really close group and worked together to get better. Fun to work with them and the same goes with this staff.
Q: Young guy that has impressed?
A: Josh Stewart. Young guy. I see a lot of myself in him. Hard thrower and as he matures, he is going to be really effective strike thrower.
Q: Guy to surprise?
A: Melendez. He has continued to improve from last year and has stayed hungry. He is in a spot right now where he is really seeing the ball and doing what he wants at the plate. Lot of guys though, such as Trey (Faltine) who has made huge strides in his swing and approach. He is going to sneak up on a lot of people.
Q: How has Hodo done in CF?
A: He is a natural out there. He can fly and cover ground. Full faith in Dougie.
Q: How has prep been different this year?
A: Expectations are different, but it is the same game. Attack and execute.
Q: What is the personality of the team?
A: Great bond. A full year together after what we went through with covid and no fans. Guys come to work each day. Trey and Kash are first in, so it makes it hard to be first, but that is what is expected. Great team chemistry.
