Brian Graham
Brian Graham
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.
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.
composure experience goes great mature player spot terms time
He is very mature in terms of his poise, his composure and the way he goes about his business. Any time a young player can get this kind of experience to kind of expedite his development, it's a great spot for him.
catching felt hitting pay player price situation small
We felt that because of our own catching situation and this was a left-hand hitting catcher, that if he was healthy, it's a very small price to pay to get a player who could potentially be a big leaguer some day.
endured nice players
They've endured the call-ups, the injuries, and the players who have come up from Double-A to Indianapolis have done a nice job,
camp fact focused four hard mentally players prepared seen work
I like the fact that the players are here mentally prepared to work hard and make the team. This is the most focused camp I've seen in four years.
april best country everybody might next player players until
Not right now. I don't think anybody's going to know who's the best player or players in the country until next year. Everybody has his own favorites, of course, but it might take until April until there's some kind of consensus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
dribble good letting
We were just letting (Montoya) dribble through the middle, which was bad. He was a good player.