Brian Graham
Brian Graham
baseman chance class earned everyday exactly hit last level needs shown third
Jose Bautista needs at-bats. He's shown he has that power, that he can hit at Class AA, which was exactly the right level for him last year. If he does the same thing in Indianapolis this year, then he's earned the chance to be the everyday third baseman in Pittsburgh.
attacks batter double experience fastball guy higher hits inside level pitchers realizing start tendencies tries
The experience at the higher level for pitchers is invaluable. For example, the idea that when he attacks a batter inside with a fastball and then tries to double up with a fastball and the guy hits it. You need to start recognizing and realizing hitters' tendencies as a pitcher, and you need to pitch off your experience.
coaches credit deserve guys kept level maintained necessary rest team
Certainly, the coaches deserve a lot of the credit because they've kept these guys going. In addition, the rest of the team has maintained the level of play that's necessary to be successful.
ability above goes level mode player push regardless survival survive talented
If you push a player to a level above his ability, he goes into survival mode and he doesn't get better. All he does is try to play to survive regardless of how talented he is.
arms bit great scary stop
We've got some great arms in this organization. It's a little bit scary if you stop and think about it.
ahead behind coming count counting early lately michael plays struggling wilson worked
Michael worked ahead in the count most of the game, and we made some plays behind him. Wilson has been coming on lately after struggling early in the season. We are counting on him to be a big stick.
adjust good purpose teachings
You just have to know something like that to have a good at-bat in that situation. Our purpose in doing this is to see where they are and adjust our teachings accordingly.
based certain extremely honest players promoted staying straight terms
We've been extremely honest and straight with players in terms of development and why they're staying at certain levels. Players need to perform. They just don't get promoted based on potential. It's performance-based, same as in the big leagues.
dribble good letting
We were just letting (Montoya) dribble through the middle, which was bad. He was a good player.
extremely gratifying itself leagues perform player players satisfying season system
This season has been very gratifying and extremely satisfying as well. The player development system validates itself when players come to the big leagues and not only just get there, but perform well.
game great guy kids learning lessons played
What a great thing to have your first-year kids learning lessons from a guy who played the game like that.
best felt gotten innings standpoint
He felt he was comfortable from a developmental standpoint and had gotten enough innings in. I think that's his best role.
burnett threw velocity
Burnett threw well. For us to see the velocity come back is real good.
best bullpen cut doubt role
He's a bullpen guy. I don't think there is any doubt that's the role he's best cut out for.