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Interview with Toronto Blue Jays Prospect and 2010 Draftee: Art Charles
Thursday August 11, 2011
MLB reports: Today on the Reports we are proud to feature Blue Jays prospect first baseman, Arthur Charles. The 20-year old Charles was drafted by the Jays in the 20th round of the 2010 draft. After being selected by the Orioles in 2008 and the Royals in 2009, Charles signed with Toronto and started his baseball journey last year.
At 6’6″ and weighing a solid 221 lbs, Charles projects to flash a great deal of power at the first base position for the Jays. Currently playing for Bluefield in the Appalachian League, Charles has hit 10 home runs in 49 games, with an impressive .813 OPS. Art is one of the most charistmatic players that we have interviewed on the Reports. We can see him quickly becoming a fan favorite one day in Toronto. A name to keep an eye on in the Blue Jays organization, the Reports is proud to present our interview with Arthur (Art) Charles:
MLB reports: Welcome to the Reports Art. Looking to the past, who was your favorite baseball player growing up, that you most idolized and patterned your game after?
Art Charles: My favorite baseball players growing up would have to be Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds. These two sluggers were my idols and in whom I modified my game after. Griffey instantly stood out to me because I liked his swing and tried to modify mine to look like his. His swing was just so pure, smooth, and simple. Barry Bonds was the same way I loved his swing and how he hit so many home runs. I used to tell my friends that I would break his home run record and that one day I would be “that guy” in the big leagues hitting bombs and lasers everywhere in front of the world.
MLB reports: Great choices in Bonds and Griffey. We have seen Griffey in particular as a popular choice amond players. On the flipside, which current MLB star do you most admire and why?
Art Charles: The current MLB player that I admire the most right now is Adrian Gonzalez. I enjoy watching Adrian Gonzalez a lot because he is not only a very good hitter for the Red Sox, but he is a great defensive player as well. His game is something that I now watch very closely for that reason. I would like to be that kind of player, an all around player. I want to be known as a threat and someone who will not only hit for power and average, but someone who has a golden glove at first base making plays and helping his team win on both sides, offensively and defensively.
MLB reports: Reflecting on your career to-date, what are your proudest accomplishments on the baseball field?
Art Charles: My proudest accomplishment of my professional career would have to be hitting a walk-off home run to against the Bristol White Sox this year. This moment isn’t just big for me because I hit the game winning home run ,but because there was a lesson to learn from it. In the top of that inning we were tied and one of the Sox’s players hit a ground ball to me that I made an error on, to give them the go ahead run. I was VERY disappointed, but I knew there was a chance that I would be up in the bottom half of the inning. Although I was heated, I told myself I was going to get up when my team needed me and I was not going to let them down again. I was going to win the game for us. Staying focused and visualizing my at bat, mixed with a little anger, had gotten me mentally prepared for the moment. It was a full count with two runners on and two outs, the kind of moment that you imagine when you are young. I then saw a good pitch and didn’t miss it. Instantly I knew I had just hit the game winning home run and met with my teammates at home plate to celebrate. I even had the shaving cream pie treatment and that made it one of, if not the most, memorable moments of my life.
MLB reports: A great experience Art. Thank you for sharing it with us! Reflecting back, what were your goals going into the 2011 season?
Art Charles: My goals going into this season were to have quality at bats, hit balls hard where ever they might go, make plays on defense, do my part to help my team win, improve my game for the next level (offensively and defensively), get a promotion to one of our other teams, be a threat every time I step to the plate, work hard at everything I do, and be consistent on a daily basis. I knew that if I did all of those things, that the rest would take care of itself. Meaning home runs, RBI’s, doubles, and making plays in the field would come. I just wanted to make sure I took care of my business and controlled what I could control and let the rest fall into place.
MLB reports: When you first found out you were drafted, what were your reactions? Did those reactions change over time? What was the process like being drafted originally by the Orioles in 2008 and Royals in 2009 and not signing with either team? What made you decide to finally sign with the Jays in 2010?
Art Charles: When being drafted I was beyond excited. Being drafted three times by three different teams is not only an honor and an accomplishment, but also a very exciting and blessed process. Every time I was drafted I was very happy. The process of these drafts was very similar. When I was first drafted in 2008 to the Orioles I was still young, at 17, and needed to mature more and really prepare myself; not ready to make that move. In 2009 I was taken again to the Royals, but still the timing and things didn’t work out. Going into the 2010 season I knew this was the year that I was ready to become a professional ball player and in the 2010 draft the Jays picked me up. I felt this was a good fit for me and I was very comfortable with the scouts and staff I had met in the pre-draft workouts so I knew this was home.
MLB reports: What do you consider your greatest baseball skill(s)?
Art Charles: I consider my greatest baseball skill to be hitting the baseball with power to all parts of the field. I feel that hitting baseballs for power to all fields is what separates me from lots of other players, and its something that I will continue to do and get better at doing.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Art Charles: The parts of my game that I wish to improve on are every part of my game. I feel I need to get better offensively and defensively if I am going to be the all around player that I wish to become. Nothing in life comes easy and I learned that at a young age. So I will continually work hard to better myself and separate myself from others. To be the best I have to be, in fact better than the best. So my speed, agility, offense, and defense all have to improve.
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?
Art Charles: Strikeouts and walks are going to come. They are both part of the game. So far this season I have struck out more than I would have liked to, but that’s part of my learning process as a player. With those strike outs I have learned about how I might be pitched in counts, to be patient and get good pitches to drive, to see pitches up, and much more. It’s all part of the process that everyone goes through to get to the big leagues. Walks are also going to occur and that will be because I’m not chasing pitches, I’m being patient, and seeing the ball up. It’s easier said than done, but like I said it’s part of the process.
MLB reports: Long term what position do you see yourself playing? How do you see defense as part of your overall game?
Art Charles: Long term I see myself in the big leagues as a power hitting first baseman. I feel defense is just as important as hitting. I work on the both of them a lot because I know that if I want to become the player I envision myself becoming, I need to be good around the bag, pick up my teammates, and make plays. I feel that I am still improving defensively and will continue to get better. Defense is definitely part of my game I want polish.
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?
Art Charles: If I could look into a crystal ball and see my expected time in the big leagues, I don’t know yet what I would see. I would like to be there within three years, but I am young and have a lot to work on and lots of improving to do. So I do not know at this moment what my expected time would be. There isn’t really one thing in particular to say I would need most to get there because to get to the highest level, you need it all.
MLB reports: Has pro ball been everything you expected it to be thus far? What are some of the highs and lows you have experienced thus far?
Art Charles: Pro ball has been everything I expected it to be and more. I can’t say there are any lows because I love what I do and I haven’t had any really long bus rides yet. But there are plenty of highs. One being which seeing myself improve as a player. There are many experiences playing that I have now, such as walk off wins, playoff pushes, fans, signing balls and playing for great skippers. Did I say the fans? I would have to say that one of my favorite things was having a little boy write me a letter thanking me for a handshake and telling me I was his favorite player. The fans are what make this game that much more fun and signing balls, bats, cards, and shirts was a great experience for me.
MLB reports: What do you do for fun when you are not playing baseball? Best friend(s) on the team that you most hang out with and what do you guys like to do to chill?
Art Charles: On a day off or after the game I like to lay down and relax to recharge my batteries a bit, listen to music, vibe out, stay up on my tweet game (@SirArthurC), talk to my family, and play Call of Duty (a favorite among players). Sometimes the guys will come to my room and we play video games or go to the mall. I have tons of movies so we watch movies, or play cards. The guys that you will probably catch me with the most are Aaron Sanchez, Christopher Hawkins, Cody Bartlett, Myles Jaye, Les Williams, or Noah Syndergaard.
MLB reports: Have you visited Toronto the city yet? How have you found the city thus far?
Art Charles: I have been to Toronto for a pre-draft workout in the Rogers Centre last year and it was a lovely place. I really enjoyed my brief stay, very nice city and even better people. The Rogers Centre was great and an unbelievable stadium.
MLB reports: If you could send one message to the Toronto Blue Jays fans, what would it be?
Art Charles: My message to the fans would be thank you for the love and support. It is very much appreciated and not forgotten. You guys are the best!
MLB reports: A big thank you to Art Charles for joining us today on the Reports. We wish you the best of luck on your baseball journey towards joining the Jays in Toronto one day. We definitely encourage all our readers to feel free to contact Art with your comments and questions on his Twitter handle. Art is very active on Twitter and is a must follow!
Please e-mail us at: MLBreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook . To subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox , click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
Interview with Houston Astros Prospect and 2011 Draftee: Brandon Meredith
Friday August 5, 2011
MLB reports: On the Reports we love discussing baseball prospects and looking towards the next up-and-coming MLB stars. We especially enjoy talking to the players directly and bringing them to you on the Reports. Today, we are very fortunate to be c0nversing with Brandon Meredith of the Houston Astros. A 6th round selection in this year’s MLB draft, Brandon is in A-ball, currently playing outfield for the Tri-City ValleyCats of the New York-Penn League. With a .379 OBP and 6 stolen bases in only 34 games played, Brandon has certainly hit the ground running. A native of California, Brandon attended San Diego State and played under hall-of-famer Tony Gwynn before getting drafted. One of the nicest young men you will ever meet, Brandon’s future is very bright as a top prospect that will be playing one day for the Houston Astros. Playing in his first professional baseball season, MLB reports is proud to present Brandon Meredith, outfielder for the Houston Astros:
MLB reports: Welcome to MLB reports Brandon. We are very glad that you have been able to join us today. Let’s the hit ground running. Firstly, as a youngster, who was your favorite baseball player growing up, that you most idolized and patterned your game after?
Brandon Meredith: I idolized guys like my coach Tony Gwynn at SDSU (San Diego State) and I loved watching Frank Thomas play the game growing up. But I most pattern my game and like to play like Charlie Hustle (Pete Rose). All hustle, all the time.
MLB reports: You certainly were lucky to learn from Tony Gwynn, considered one of the best hitters that the game has ever seen. From the the current crop of players, which MLB star do you most admire and why?
Brandon Meredith: I like a number of guys, I can’t say that I can pick just one. The players that I most look up to have the same qualities. They bring it every night. They hustle and play the game to win. Those are the guys that I work hard to play like and mold my game around.
MLB reports: What are your proudest accomplishments in baseball thus far Brandon?
Brandon Meredith: My proudest accomplishment is getting drafted and having the chance to play professional baseball. To get to this point and be a part of a major league baseball organization, I have made it much farther already than many players. I truly feel blessed to be able to have this opportunity.
MLB reports: What were your goals going into the 2011 season?
Brandon Meredith: I was excited to get on the field and get into games fairly quickly. I want to learn and grow as an individual, as well as a baseball player. I want to learn the pro-style game of baseball and become strong in every facet of the game. At the end of the day, I want to be able to look back on this season and my career and know that I always gave everything I had and to have no regrets.
MLB reports: When you first found out you were drafted, what were your reactions? Did those reactions change over time? What was the process like being drafted originally by the Rays in 2008 and what were the factors in not signing with Tampa Bay and Houston originally?
Brandon Meredith: When I was drafted this year, my first reaction was to reflect on the time I had at San Diego State. It felt weird to know I was going to sign and not be a part of SDSU any longer. The process was a good one in high school. I learned a lot from being drafted at a young age and being a part of the draft process so early in my life. I learned that a person should not expect too much from the draft process. Let it come from you. The factors that led to me not signing was partially the amount of money involved, but also the fact that I felt that I was not physically and mentally prepared to take on pro-ball before. I wanted to develop as a player and person at the college level and become a professional baseball when the time was right. 2011 turned out to be the right time for me.
MLB reports: What do you consider your greatest baseball skill(s)?
Brandon Meredith: I feel like I am a good and patient hitter. I know the strike zone and have a strong understanding of my swing. Overall, I feel that my biggest skill is my knowledge of the game and the fact that I love to play the game hard, every inning of every game that I am on the field.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Brandon Meredith: No matter how long I play this game, there will always be areas of improvement to bring my game to the next level. I need to improve on arm strength and quickness. I want to be an all-around baseball player, as both defense and offense are important to me. I also work hard on the ability to hit for power, without sacrificing getting on base and stealing bases.
MLB reports: How do strikeouts and walks figure into your game?
Brandon Meredith: I hate striking out first of all. I love to walk more than strikeout and walks will always be a very important part of my game. I like getting on base and making things happen. I am working hard on pitch recognition and knowing my strike zone so that I can cut down on strikeouts, which I look to improving upon as much as I can as I continue to play the game.
MLB reports: Long term what position do you see yourself playing? How do you see defense as part of your overall game?
Brandon Meredith: I can see myself staying in the outfield and playing left field. Defense is a big part of my game. I feel that I am a good outfielder. While I recognize that there are areas that I have to work on, overall I pride myself on being solid defensively. I put a great deal of work on the defensive part of my game and while I can’t promise that a gold glove is in my future, I am definitely working towards being the best outfielder that I can be.
MLB reports: Has pro ball been everything you expected it to be thus far? Tell us about your experiences thus far Brandon.
Brandon Meredith: I truly love being a part of professional baseball. It is the most fun that I have had in my life. Interestingly, it feels so much easier than the college game. I feel more relaxed, both mentally and physically. Now I only have baseball to focus on. The best part is that I have baseball and that’s it. I get to play everyday and love my job. The only downside so far is the cities that we are traveling to are new to me and experiences that take time to get used to. But overall it has been a great experience and ride so far.
MLB reports: With working so hard on the field, chill and down time off the field is very important I’m sure. Who do you most hang out with on the ValleyCats Brandon and what do you do for fun?
Brandon Meredith: I love to be competitive with my teammates. We play everything from call of duty to ping-pong. I hang out with Neiko Johnson, Zachary Johnson, Jacke Healey, Nicholas Tropeano, John Hinson, and Andrew Muren the most.
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?
Brandon Meredith: I feel that I could potentially be there in three to five years. Playing in Houston for the Astros is what I am working towards and will do everything that I can to make my dream come true. For that to happen long-term, I will to need to hit for more power and work hard on my defense and quickness.
MLB reports: A big thank you to Brandon Meredith on joining us today on the Reports. We wish you the best of luck on your baseball journey to the big leagues. We definitely encourage all our readers to feel free to contact Brandon with your comments and questions on his twitter handle. Brandon loves interacting with the fans and is a must follow!
Please e-mail us at: MLBreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook . To subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox , click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
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