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Who Owned Baseball July 24, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
TONY DEJAK/AP
Jose Quintana went the distance in a complete game shutout, allowing 7 hits, no walks and striking out 8 as the White Sox topped Cleveland, 6-0.
Andrew Cashner pitched 7 solid innings, allowing 1 run, 5 hits and 1 walk, earning the 3-1 decision for the Padres over Miami.
Trevor Plouffe singled, doubled and homered, leading Minnesota’s attack as they clobbered the Yankees 10-1.
Carlos Gonzalez hit 2 game tying home runs that helped set up the Rockies 6-5 walk off win against the Reds.
They all owned baseball on July 24, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 23, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
BOB LEVEY – GETTY IMAGES
Jose Altuve got 4 hits, including a double and a walk off homer, driving in 4 all together as the Astros beat the plummeting Red Sox, 5-4.
Ervin Santana threw 8 shutout 4 hit innings against his former club, the Angels, striking out 7 and walking none, earning the 3-0 decision for Minnesota.
Andrew McCutchen singled and scored in the first and put the game away with a 2 run homer in the 7th as Pittsburgh topped the Nationals 7-3.
Clayton Kershaw continued his dominance and retired the first 18 Mets he faced. He finished with a complete game, 3 hit shutout, walking none and striking out 11 and extended his scoreless inning streak to 29, notching a 3-0 victory for the Dodgers.
They all owned baseball on July 23, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 22, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
JOHN MINCHILLO/AP
Joey Votto reached base 9 times over the course of a double header. The first game, a Reds 9-1 thrashing of the Cubs, he got on 4 times, homered and scored 3 runs. In the night cap, a Cubs 6-5 win, he got a pair of hits and walked 3 times but was stranded each time.
Preston Tucker homered twice, added a double and drove in 3 runs to help Houston top spiraling Boston 4-2.
Mike Leake went 8 strong innings in what could be his final Cincinnati start, allowing 4 hits, no walks and 1 run in the 9-1 decision over the Cubs.
Edinson Volquez gave the battered Royals rotation a much needed quality start, going 7 2/3 innings, allowing 8 hits, 1 walk and 1 strikeout in the 5-1 victory over Pittsburgh.
They all owned baseball on July 22, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 21, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
JUSTIN EDMONDS/GETTY IMAGES
Shin-Soo Choo became the first Rangers batter to hit for the cycle since 2013, finishing 4 for 5 with 3 runs scored and 3 batted in as Texas romped in Colorado, 9-0.
Kyle Schwarber singled, doubled and hit a game tying homer in the 9th and a the eventual game winning homer in the 13th to give the Cubs a 5-4 win in Cincinnati.
Mark Buehrle pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 1 run and walking none, earning the 7-1 decision for the Blue Jays in Oakland.
Chris Heston held the Padres hitless for 5 innings and finished with 7 1/3 shutout 1 hit innings with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts as the Giants rolled, 9-3.
They all owned baseball on July 21, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 20, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
JAE C. HONG/AP
Albert Pujols had an incredible double header for the Angels. He went 2 for 4 in the first game, reached base 3 times in the second and went a combined 4 for 7 with a walk, 3 homers , 5 runs scored and 4 RBI in the sweep of the Red Sox, 11-1 in the opener, 7-3 in the night cap.
Travis Ishikawa homered and doubled twice, scoring once and driving in 4 as the Pirates won a wild potential World Series preview in Kansas City, 10-7.
Rubby De La Rosa gave the Diamondbacks 7 strong innings, allowing 5 hits and 1 run, earning the 3-1 decision over Miami.
Andrew Heaney pitched another fine game for the Angels, going 7 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs and no walks to defeat Boston, 7-3.
They all owned baseball on July 20, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 19, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
AP Photo – Pat Sullivan
Dallas Keuchel pitched 7 magnificent innings, allowing no runs, no walks and 2 hits while striking out 13 Rangers batters as Houston rolled to a 10-0 blow out.
Zack Greenie extended his scoreless inning streak to 43 2/3 innings with 8 shutout frames against Washington, letting up 3 hits, 1 walk and 11 strikeouts, earning the 5-0 decision for the Dodgers.
Jake Smolinski went 3 for 5 with 2 homers and 4 RBI to help the Athletics top the Twins 14-1.
Andre Ethier collected 3 hits, including a double, scoring twice and driving in a run as the Dodgers topped the Nationals,5-0.
They all owned baseball on July 19, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 18, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Alex Brandon – AP
Clayton Kershaw pitched 8 masterful innings, allowing 3 hits, no runs and no walks while striking out 14 Nationals batters en route to a 4-2 Dodgers victory.
Randal Grichuk played all three outfield positions, reached base 5 times, homered twice and drove in 6 runs as the Cardinals took a 12-2 laugher over the Mets.
Garrett Richards threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, walking just one Red Sox batter and earned the 3-0 decision for the Angels.
Robinson Cano struck back at the Yankees, his former team, with a pair of 2 run homers and a third hit for good measure as Seattle won 4-3.
They all owned baseball on July 18, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 17, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
KATHY KMONICEK/AP
Alex Rodriguez went 2 for 4 including the go ahead homer in the 7th that gave the first place Yankees a 4-3 victory over Seattle.
C. J. Wilson held his own in a tense pitchers duel, throwing 8 shutout innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. He did not get the decision but the Angels won 1-0 over Boston.
Marlon Byrd homered, doubled and singled twice, scoring a pair while leading the Reds over Cleveland, 6-1.
Lance Lynn allowed a lead off homer and then just 1 hits and 1 walk after that over 7 innings. He struck out 9 Mets and earned the 3-2 decision in St. Louis.
They all owned baseball on July 17, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 14, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) #WOB – All Star Game Edition
Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports
Mike Trout led off the game with a homer, reached base twice and scored twice becoming the first player to win back to back All Star Game MVPs as the Angels star led the American League to a 6-3 win.
David Price pitched a perfect 4th, striking out 2, and earned the 6-3 decision for the AL in the All Star Game.
They both owned baseball on July 14, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Corey Sipkin – NY Daily News
Kirk Nieuwenhuis became the first Mets batter to launch 3 homers in a single home game, driving in 4 runs all together in the 5-3 win over Arizona.
Brian McCann homered, doubled, scored twice and drove in 2, leading the Yankees to an 8-6 victory over the Red Sox in Fenway Park.
Jake Arrieta pitched a complete game, allowing only 2 hits, 1 run and no walks while striking out 9 White Sox and earned the 3-1 decision for the Cubs.
Sonny Gray tossed a complete game 2 hit shutout, striking out 6 and walking none as the A’s topped Cleveland, 2-0.
They all owned baseball on July 12, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 11, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
DANNY MOLOSHOK/AP
Taylor Jungmann threw a complete game, allowing 3 hits, 1 run and 7 strikeouts and added his own single and run scored as the Brewers trounced the Dodgers 7-1.
Hisashi Iwakuma slowed down the red hot Angels with 8 shutout 3 hit innings, walking 2 and earning the 5-0 decision for the Mariners.
Cole Gillespie singled, doubled, homered and made a spectacular back to the plate catch in center field to help the Marlins blow out Cincinnati, 14-3.
Jose Reyes got on base 4 times, including a double, stole 3 bases, scored a run and drove in another to help the Blue Jays come from behind and beat Kansas City 6-2.
They all owned baseball on July 11, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 10, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
TED S. WARREN/AP
Mike Trout went 3 for 5 with a pair of homers and 4 RBI, leading the Angels to a 7-3 win in Seattle.
Joe Panik collected 4 hits, including a homer and 3 RBI, as the Giants bats exploded in a 15-2 laugher against Philadelphia.
Danny Salazar pitched into the 9th, going 8 2/3 innings, 5 hits, 1 unearned run and 1 walk against 8 Oakland batters struck out. He would earn the 5-1 victory for Cleveland.
Mike Leake threw 8 shutout 3 hit innings, striking out 10 Marlins and walking 1, winning the 1-0 game for the Reds.
They all owned baseball on July 10, 2015.
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Who Owned Baseball July 9, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
David Banks – Getty Images
Jeff Samardzija threw a complete game 4 hit shutout, walking 1 and striking out 5 Blue Jays batters to take the 2-0 game for the White Sox.
Zack Greinke dominated the Phillies with 8 one hit, shutout innings with 8 strikeouts and no walks and earning the 6-0 decision for the Dodgers.
Brett Gardner earned his All Star status with 3 hits, including a homer, in the Yankees 6-2 come from behind win against Oakland.
Yasiel Puig doubled and homered, driving in 4 runs to lead the Dodgers past Philadelphia 6-0.
They all owned baseball on July 9, 2015.
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2012 MLB Hitting Prospects to Target in Fantasy Baseball
Monday November 7, 2011
Peter Stein (Fantasy Baseball Analyst – MLB reports): Looking ahead to 2012, there are several potential rookies and young players that have the ability to provide value in your fantasy league, particularly as keepers.
A name to keep on your radar is Michael Taylor, an outfielder in the Oakland Athletics system. Not only do I like Taylor’s potential 5-category skill set, but with Coco Crisp, Hideki Matsui, Josh Willingham, and David DeJesus all entering free agency, he will likely be given the opportunity to play in 2012. Listed at 6’5” and 255 pounds, Taylor has displayed good, but not great, power in the minor leagues. However, he jumped from 6 home runs in 464 at bat during his 2010 AAA season to 16 home runs in 349 at bats in 2011. The 2011 season was cut short due to injury, but Taylor displayed the run producing ability he will need to be successful in the major leagues. Furthermore, he is a good base runner and has the potential to be a 20/20 player. With that said, the .816 OPS he posted in last year in AAA is a little worrisome, as he will face much more challenging pitching in the major leagues. All in all, he is an intriguing prospect due to the fact that he should have the opportunity to play in Oakland and has potential to perform in all five fantasy categories.
Taylor’s AAA teammate, Chris Carter, is another name to keep your eye on. Carter has potential to be an elite home run hitter. He has hit a total of 170 home runs in 754 minor league games. However, he will need to improve shorten his strike zone and make more contact to succeed in the major leagues. Despite mashing the home runs, he has not shown much progress in improving his plate discipline during his long minor league career. But in 2012, Carter will most likely be given a shot and could therefore be a cheap source of power in fantasy leagues. However, Carter’s high strike out totals and minor league track record likens him to the “Quadruple-A” type of players, a la Kila Ka’aihue.
A young player that excites me for 2012 is Dayan Viciedo, who garnered a little buzz after being called up in 2011. Although only 22 years old and still very raw, Viciedo has hit over 20 home runs in each of has past two years at AAA. He is also improved his plate discipline and is likely to be given the opportunity to play in 2012 with Juan Pierre unlikely to return.
Across town in Chicago, Brett Jackson is an intriguing player for the Chicago Cubs organization. Splitting time between AA and AA, he hit 20 home runs and stole 21 bases in 2012. Furthermore, he improved after his call up to AAA, where he his .297 in 67 games. He also showed improved plate discipline at the higher level with a 15.2% walk percentage, although he will need to cut down on his strikeout rate. He is still young and still has power to develop, but he is already skilled enough to join a weak Cubs outfield rotation.
The last name that I will discuss is one that you should already be familiar with, Mike Trout. There has been a lot of hype around Trout, who hit 11 home runs and stole bases in just 91 games for the Angels AA team in 2011. Trout was named the Minor League Players of the Year and even had success in limited time with the Angles in 2011. Although the Angels outfield is crowded, he is guaranteed to find his way into the rotation and should eventually play everyday. He has the potential to be elite in all five categories, starting in 2012. He is surely to be drafted in your league, and with all of the existing hype, he could perhaps be overvalued. Just remember that the hype is warranted and he is a future fantasy monster, although it remains to be seen how much of his potential he taps into in 2012.
***Today’s feature was prepared by our Fantasy Baseball Analyst, Peter Stein. We highly encourage you to leave your comments and feedback at the bottom of the page and share in the discussion with our readers. You can also follow Peter on Twitter (@peterWstein).***
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Oakland Athletics: What Went Wrong in 2011 and Looking to 2012
Friday September 23, 2011
Sam Evans (Intern – MLB reports): Going into this season, the Oakland Athletics were perceived by some as a dark horse AL West contender. They had one of the best starting pitching rotations in the American League and a lineup filled with role players. At the end of May, the A’s record sat at 27-29 and only 3.5 games out of first place. However, the team proceeded to go 9-17 in June and their season was pretty much over.
Confirmation for A’s fans that their team likely wouldn’t have a shot at the playoffs was when they learned Brett Anderson and Dallas Braden were going to be out for the year. These two lefties were key parts of the A’s rotation. To have them out for the year was a big blow to the team. To add insult to injury (literally), there is a chance that Anderson will not recover from his Tommy John surgery by the end of next year.
The A’s five starters next year most likely will be Gio Gonzalez, the aforementioned Braden, Brandon McCarthy, Trevor Cahill, and Rich Harden or Guillermo Moscoso. This is depending on what happens in free agency during the coming offseason, but I think Billy Beane will be aggressive in trying to keep his pitchers in Oakland. McCarthy and Gonzalez have had breakout years, and Cahill has been mediocre. Even with the injuries, the rotation is definitely far from the team’s biggest worry. Pitching at the Oakland Coliseum for half of the schedule unquestionably makes these pitchers look better than they are, but regardless at the end of the day, the A’s still have one of the best rotations in the American League.
The A’s bullpen is solid and reality is that major league bullpens are often easy built with minor league arms. Fautino De Los Santos has stood out to me as a great future cornerstone for their ‘pen. He is a hard-throwing righty, who missed parts of the 2008 and 2009 seasons due to Tommy John surgery. De Los Santos came from a mediocre Oakland minor league system. The A’s farm system is headed by Grant Green (1st round pick in 2009, shortstop), Chris Carter (huge power bat, first base), and Michael Choice (1st round pick in 2010, athletic outfielder).
The A’s infield situation is very complex. Since being called up, Jemile Weeks has hit .303 with 21 stolen bases to earn their second base job for next year (and likely next decade). Although, his power stroke hasn’t quite developed like his brother Rickie’s, he has been hitting the ball hard to all fields. Cliff Pennington has had the year everyone expected him to have. He is hitting .264 with 8 home runs, however he is .304 since the all-star break. My opinion though is that Pennington is a slightly below-average ML starting shortstop. If the A’s decide to keep Grant Green at shortstop, which they should, Green could be their starter as early as July. Even if they’re not sure if Green can play shortstop, the A’s should at least give him a chance.
Since coming over from the Tigers on May 27th, former top prospect Scott Sizemore has been a pleasant surprise for the A’s. He has hit 10 home runs, which is more than any of his seasons in the minors or majors. Despite a low batting average and a shaky glove, it’s not like the A’s have anywhere else to go for a new third baseman. Holding down first base (or trying to at least), is Brandon Allen. Chris Carter though will be battling Allen in spring training in an attempt to take over the job for next year. Hideki Matsui turned out to be an average signing at best for the A’s. They needed offense and he provided decent numbers at the cost of $4.25 million for the year. My guess is that Godzilla will probably return next year at a fraction of the cost.
In the outfield, the A’s got a career high 27 homers from Josh Willingham. What is even more impressive is that The Hammer did it with such a weak lineup around him, that he likely did not see many strikes during the season as in past years. Willingham will be a free agent this offseason and the A’s will have to decide if they are willing to pay to retain him. Willingham will likely qualify as a type “A” free agent as one of the best outfielders on the market. Coco Crisp as well had a pretty productive year, hitting .270 with 42 stolen bases. He also will be a free agent this offseason, but I believe that he is very likely to stay in Oakland. As for right field, David DeJesus, 32, will be a free agent this offseason as well. He had a pretty rough year, and I’d be surprised if the A’s still wanted him on their roster. Next year, Michael Taylor and Ryan Sweeney will probably come into camp to compete for a spot in the outfield. Overall, the A’s clearly have a lot of decisions to make regarding their outfield this offseason.
I think the A’s are going to make a huge splash this winter. I’d be surprised if they didn’t try to ship out some of their excess arms for bats. If they don’t make significant improves to their offense, the A’s will likely be the worst team in the AL West next year. What do the A’s have looking up for them, you might ask? Well, they have one of the best general managers in baseball and when need to improve a team quickly, that’s not a bad place to start.
***Today’s feature was prepared by our Intern, Sam Evans. We highly encourage you to leave your comments and feedback at the bottom of the page and share in the discussion with our readers. You can also follow Sam on Twitter.***
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Interview with Yusuf Carter: Oakland A’s Prospect
MLB reports: In our latest interview feature, we meet Oakland Athletics catching prospect, Yusuf Carter. Yusuf is 26-years-of-age and currently playing AA ball with the Midland RockHounds. Carter has the distinction of being drafted by three different major league teams, the Mariners, A’s and Cubs. Carter ultimately signed with the Cubs and played in their farm system before joining Oakland. The nephew of former major leaguer Joe Carter, Yusuf has graciously agreed to this interview with MLB reports. After speaking with him, I can fully say that you would be hard pressed to find a nicer, more down to earth player than Carter. A terrific human being and baseball player, Yusuf Carter is one of the lucky ones to play professional baseball and appreciates every minute. He is a hard worker, does not take anything for granted and is giving it his all to make it the major leagues. We proudly present: Yusuf Carter, of the Oakland Athletics.
MLB reports: Welcome to MLB reports Yusuf. It is a pleasure to have you join us.
Carter: The pleasure is all mine. Thank you for contacting me and having me on board.
MLB reports: Let’s start off with learning who was your favorite baseball player growing up. Which player did you most idolize and pattern your game after?
Carter: My favorite player growing up was definitely the kid, Ken Griffey Jr. I loved the way he brought style and swagger to the game of baseball! He was the best at hitting long home runs (and pimping them) and making highlight catches seemingly every night! Griffey probably had the most pure talent of any player I have ever seen and I hope that he makes the hall of fame one day.
MLB reports: To flip it around, which current MLB star do you most admire and why?
Carter: The player I most admire now is definitely Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. I admire the way he goes about his business and plays the game. Jeter works very hard and plays the right way, every day. I am also impressed that Jeter has not let stardom get to his head and has remained humble despite his vast successes in baseball.
MLB reports: Reflecting on your career to-date, what are your proudest accomplishments on the baseball field?
Carter: Well looking at my career so far, I would have to say winning the Florida State League Championship in 2008 with the Daytona Cubs. It was the best feeling I ever had playing baseball. I hit a game-tying home run in a crucial game during the series and that was a pretty awesome feeling.
MLB reports: What are your goals going into the 2011 season?
Carter: My goals are to hit .400 with 50 home runs and 150 RBI’s! They say it is important to dream big, right?! (laughing) Realistically though, I am just going to go out and play hard 
every day and give it my all! I want to look back after every game and know that I never took a night off and never gave away any at bats. As long as I play like that, I am sure that I can achieve at least half of my expected goals. That would be pretty good!
MLB reports: When you first found out you were drafted by three different teams in three years, what were your reactions? Did those reactions change over time? If you can comment on each team and why you chose to re-enter the draft that would be great. Please also tell the story of final signing with the Cubs and how you came to the A’s.
Carter: To be drafted at all is a pretty big deal. After it happened 3 years in a row, I was very happy that different organizations thought I was good enough to play for them and wanted me. That definitely gave me the confidence that I can make it all the way to the big leagues one day and made me work that much harder on every aspect of my game. But each situation was different for me. After considering all the factors, even when I got drafted early, I decided that I didn’t want to rush into signing and starting my career if the situation wasn’t the best fit for me at that particular stage. The best situation was when the Chicago Cubs drafted me in 2005, so I signed with the Cubs and started my baseball career. I played with the Cubs from 2005 -2008. I was picked up by the Oakland A’s in the winter of 2008 in the rule 5 draft and have been with the organization ever since.
MLB reports: Can you give an insight as to why you originally chose not to sign in the 2 previous times you were drafted before signing with the Cubs? Did you have any fear that you may not be drafted again or not have interest if you did not sign each time you chose not to sign?
Carter: I was first drafted out of high school by the Mariners and the offer wasn’t very much. I knew it would be best for my career if I went to college and played more. That way I could gain more experience playing at a higher level, with the chance of increasing my value if I played well. The second time around, I was ironically drafted by the Oakland A’s. I was a draft-and-follow (before they got changed the system and got rid of it). The A’s wanted me to play another year of college ball and come to a decision once the year was over. I decided not to sign with them because they had just drafted a catcher in the 1st round that year and another catcher in the 2nd round. Kurt Suzuki and Landon Powell were both catchers that I knew of and as it turns out, are now the starting and #2 catchers for the A’s today. With such a backlog at the position, I thought I would have a better chance at advancing with a different organization. That’s when the Cubs drafted me and I felt it was a good situation for me and I signed. I definitely had a slight fear each time that I may not be drafted again by not signing. But I was also confident in my abilities and didn’t want to sell myself short just out of fear. I just wanted to play hard and do well and I felt everything would work itself out. Which it did.
MLB reports: What do you consider your greatest baseball skill(s)?
Carter: I would have to say that in my opinion and based on what most people say as well, my best skill would have to be my arm. I like throwing guys out anyway I can. Defense behind the plate attracted me to the position and throwing out would- e based runners is the best part of being a catcher.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Carter: I honestly need to improve on all areas! But I think as a catcher, I need to focus on improving my receiving skills so that I can handle all the different pitchers I work with on a daily basis much better. I have made already strong improvements from this spring to now in that area of my game. As a result, I am feeling a lot more confident as I work towards being a major league catcher one day. But my mindset is that I can always get better!
MLB reports: How do strikeouts and walks figure into your game? Do you see any of these items changing over time and to what degree?
Carter: They play a huge part in my game. When I feel good and comfortable in the box, I see the ball a lot better and I don’t chase many pitches out of the zone. That inevitably leads to more walks and better overall results at the plate. I don’t end up getting myself out as much. But if I’m not seeing the ball as well or I’m in a little funk, like most batters I tend to chase out of the zone and swing at pitches that I should have resisted! That ends up leading to fewer opportunities for success. My approach at the plate is something that I definitely see changing and an aspect of my game that I have to constantly stay on top of.
MLB reports: Long term what position do you see yourself playing? How do you see defense as part of your overall game?
Carter: I have always been a guy that can play multiple positions, which I consider a strength for me. By being versatile, I have more ways to stay in the
line-up and gain experience in the field But I think that if I had a choice, I would choose catching at this point. I know that many people will call me crazy for choosing the most demanding position in the game! But in my view, I see catchers as an important part of the game. I have always thought that if I could master that position and be able to catch at the highest level, I would be very important to my team and organization. As a catcher, defense is the main part of my game which always needs to be sharp! I have to be able to do it all, including stopping easy runs from scoring by base runners advancing on balls thrown in the dirt or stealing, for example. So yes, defense is huge.
MLB reports: A little birdy told us that your uncle happens to be no other than…former MLB star and World Series hero Joe Carter. Is this true?
Carter: Yes, indeed (chuckle). You are correct. Joe is my father’s brother and my uncle. I definitely get my athletic genes from that side of the family. Just to look in comparison, I am probably the “smallest” guy in the bunch at 6’3″ when I am around my dad’s family, including my father, uncles and brothers. My dad is 6’7″ so I got some of his height luckily (chuckle).
MLB reports: What is your relationship like with Joe Carter? Must have been pretty amazing. What kind of influence was Uncle Joe on your baseball career and life?
Carter: Joe and I always have enjoyed a great relationship. He was one of the best uncles a nephew could ever asked for. He has helped me and been there for me in so many ways since I started playing baseball. Joe always gives me hitting advice if I needed it and just to talk baseball sometimes. He always helped get me back on track and improve my game. I had an advantage with Joe Carter as my uncle, as he always gave me good advice at each stage when I was trying to decide when and where to sign professionally. My agent happens to be also his agent that he has been with for 25 years, so I knew that he would have my best interests in mind.
MLB reports: What was it like growing up with Joe Carter as your uncle? I can only imagine the stories that you must have.
Carter: Growing up with everyone knowing that Joe was my uncle was a good thing and a bad thing at times. It was cool because I had a famous uncle to brag about if I wanted! (chuckling) Although I usually didn’t tell people about Joe often. Having such a famous uncle got me a great deal of exposure and extra looks from scouts and teams. The only thing was that I just did not want to be known solely as his nephew though. I wanted to stand on my own and have people see that I could play and had talent as well. But it was always cool going to watch him play whenever he played in New York (my hometown) against the Mets or Yankees! I got to meet a lot of my favorite players after games waiting for him to come out. That was always a treat.
MLB reports: Any memories of your uncle that stick out?
Carter: A cool time that I remember is when Joe was a commentator for the Cubs back in 2003. That was my senior year in high school. He set it up so that I could take batting practice on the field with the Cubs! The team gave me a uniform and everything. I got the chance that day to meet Sosa, Alomar and a lot of guys from both teams . I didn’t hit any out of the park that day, but it was fun! Later, to top it off Joe brought me up to the press box with him and put me on tv with him for a bit! I’m just lucky to have someone of his stature in the game, that has been there and to look out for me. Joe knows what it takes to succeed in life and baseball and has always been there to give me advice and to help me out.
MLB reports: What have you most taken away from Joe Carter the baseball player?
Carter: One thing that I always noticed about him when he played is that he had a constant smile on his face and looked happy to be playing the game. I definitely try to do the same when I’m out there on the field. After all, let’s all never forget that it is still just a game! The more fun that you have out there, the better you will play overall.
MLB reports: I know that you must get this all the time, but we can’t talk about Joe Carter without me asking you: what are your memories from his famous walk-off home run in the World Series?
Carter: A lot of people ask me what I thought about his walk-off home run to win the World Series for the Blue Jays back in the 1990s. The truth is that I respond that I did not know anything about it until I was 12-years-old and started playing organized baseball! So I actually learned about “the home run” 4 years after it happened. Boy, I got a late start! (chuckle)
MLB reports: What were your experiences like growing up as a baseball late bloomer? Please give us an insight as to what your childhood was like and how that affected your playing career.
Carter: I would say my culture or childhood affected me the most as far as playing goes. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, in a neighborhood where I was fortunate to have many friends of the same age. We were always involved in some type of sports every day. We would literally play all different sports throughout the day, every day. My childhood is definitely where my competitiveness on the field comes from. You never want to lose to another neighborhood at all, so I learned at a young age that you always have to give it your all in sports. That is how I continue to play the game to this day. I joined my first organized baseball team when I was 12 years old. That is a late start for most people but I was lucky to have the raw skills from playing in the streets. From there, I had to learn the game of baseball and the fundamentals that go with it. But I think growing up that way taught me to work hard and always play the game the right way.
MLB reports: How has your general interaction with fans been? As far as autograph requests, cheering, heckling etc. please share insights.
Carter: I always try to interact with the fans any chance I get. I have never been a guy that takes himself too seriously, so I don’t mind small talk or signing autographs for fans if I have time. I especially like to talk to the young kids at the game if I can. It is important to me to make sure that the kids get the most out of their time at the ballpark. In terms of fans cheering, I can take a joke that comes across as a good heckling. I’ll usually laugh in those situations and not get upset. As long as it is nothing personal or disrespectful, it doesn’t get to me.
MLB reports: If you were not playing baseball today, what do you think that you would be doing? When you aren’t playing baseball Yusuf, what do you do for downtime?
Carter: If I wasn’t playing baseball, I would try my luck in acting or something. I would be a bad guy or villain in my movies or the super cool hero! (chuckle) Either an actor or a music producer. I Love music, so that would be a fun role for me. On my free time when I am not playing baseball, I usually try to kick back and relax. Watch tv or catch a new movie that came out. I enjoy my downtime and try to let my mind and body relax and focus. Nothing that involves baseball! (laughing)
MLB reports: On a side note, have you ever met Billy Beane before? If you can give any scoops as to how interactions with Billy were and/or other members of the Oakland management that would be great to give fans the inside feel.
Carter: I don’t have much to share, sorry guys. I have seen him before but haven’t actually met him and interacted with him. But I would say it would be like any interaction with any management or boss. My rule is to always do the right things. Smile, don’t talk too much and laugh at their jokes! (laughing) If you do that, you should be fine!
MLB reports: If you had to look into a crystal ball, when do you see your expected time of arrival in the big leagues and what do you think you need to do most to get there?
Carter: If I had a crystal ball I would definitely try to speed up that process as much as possible! (grin) In my estimation, if I continue to sharpen my receiving skills and work hard on the other parts of my game as well, I think I can be there in the next 1-2 years. Until then, I will continue to work hard and bust my behind to make it happen!
MLB reports: Keep up the great work Yusuf. It was a pleasure meeting and speaking with you. We hope that we can do this again soon and good luck on the rest of the season.
Carter: Thank you for featuring me, you guys are awesome. I read MLB reports all the time and love your articles. This was fun!
***A special thank you to Yusuf Carter for his time in speaking with MLB reports as part of this interview and providing several personal photos. We look forward to Yusuf writing a blog entry for our MLB Guest Blog this season, exclusively on MLB reports. You can also follow Yusuf Carter on twitter***
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