IIATMS Interview: "The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live"

Over the last nearly 18 months, I've been lucky enough to conduct interviews with some insiders within the game. From an agent (Matt Sosnick), players (Darryl Rasner, Eric Hacker), a former manager/player (Mike Hargrove), a professional writer (Jeff Pearlman), to a current assistant GM (Paul DePodesta). My goal is to bring you interesting perspectives from those in and around the game, people who you might not hear from every day. As always, I hope to continue to be so lucky to do more of these types of interviews.

My latest interview is with Robert Tuchman, founder and president of New York-based TSE Sports & Entertainment, a global leader in sports and entertainment promotion. He's also the Executive VP of the corporate division. In addition to being the leader of an organization responsible for corporate sponsorships and outings, Robert somehow found the time to write the book "The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live". Click here for the website.

I choose Robert not merely because he wrote a book about the best sporting events to see live, but also because of his story about making it in the sports and entertainment industry.

About Robert Tuchman:

When Robert Tuchman graduated from college, Tuchman was quickly forced to abandon his dream of becoming a sports reporter. Applications to sports programs across the country were ignored and eventually he accepted a position as an investment advisor at Lehman Brothers in New York, followed by a stint Paine Webber.

Still wanting to break into the sports industry, he joined Sports Profiles after reading about them in Entrepreneur, working out of his apartment selling sports magazine advertisements. Quickly realizing that everyone to whom he sold ads wanted the perks (tickets to games or luxury trips to events) more then the ads, he decided to start a business that catered to this niche called Tuchman Sports Enterprises (TSE).

Within two years of working out of that tiny one-bedroom Upper East Side apartment, with one phone and a fax machine, his company was named to the annual Inc. 500 list of America's fastest growing privately held companies and as one of the top 100 promotion agencies by Promo Magazine.

He started TSE with no money and no investors and ended up selling it for millions of dollars to Premiere Global Sports. Last year PGS earned over $70 million dollars in sales. Robert Tuchman now serves as President of that division, still guiding his company in its new form.

So if you are curious about getting started in the sports & entertainment industry, which baseball game is the best event to see live, whether Wrigley is a better experience than Fenway, and dog owners who buy books, please read on and enjoy:

Background questions

• It's About The Money, Stupid: Tell us how you got started in the corporate events business?
  
  Robert Tuchman: I always wanted to work in sports. I left Lehman Brothers after six months on the job after graduating school to follow my passion. Funny enough at the time this move was considered renegade and Lehman was the safe route. Well we all know what happened there!
  


• IIATMS: How did you handle the fears and risks of starting your own business?
  
  RT: I tried to use the energy from those emotions to feed my desire to continue going even when things got very tough. I also realized that I had to get over those fears if I wanted to go after my dreams.
  


• IIATMS: What’s the best lesson you can share?
  
  RT: Persistence is extremely important when starting a business. It’s a marathon so try and take a step forward each day. When you get knocked down, pick yourself off the mat and start again.
  


• IIATMS: What advice could you offer for anyone interested in getting into your line of work?
  
  RT: Try and get in the door anywhere you can in the industry. Even if that means starting as an intern. We have hired many interns over the years. You will also get to see what is going on from the inside and determine where you want to be.
  


• IIATMS: What sort of background would someone ideally like/need to have in order to be successful at your company?
  
  RT: Anyone who brings good energy and a can-do attitude is 95% there.
  


• IIATMS: What’s the greatest misconception about your job?
  
  RT: That I get to hang out at the Super Bowl and the Final Four and have a blast. It's more work then fun, but I do get to have at least a little fun, so I can't really complain.
  


• IIATMS: How many days a year are you on the road? More or less than prior years?
  
  RT: About the same. I would say a week out of the month is on the road.
  


• IIATMS: Has the economy had a major impact on companies’ desires to use frontline sporting events as major schmoozing/relationship-building opportunities?
  
  RT: Certainly. We were hit pretty hard for a few months, but the business is starting to come back, which is nice to see.

Book-related questions

• IIATMS: Have you personally attended every one of the events listed in “The 100 Sporting Events You Must See Live”? How long did it take for you to see them all?
  
  RT: I wish. I am only at about 38. The most I have heard was Lesley Visser and her husband Dick Stockton with around 50. Also Harvey Schiller had close to 50.
  


• IIATMS: If you haven't been to them all, how did you get to your final ranking?
  
  RT: A lot of research and speaking with people who have been to the events. Really just talking with those who have been or worked the events.
  


• IIATMS: It’s difficult not to be a spoiler, but the Masters are your #1 event to see live in our lifetime. What if I am not into golf, watching golf, being around golfing fans wearing visors, etc.?
  
  RT: Funny thing is I am not a big golfer myself. This one is strictly about the venue and its beauty. Its really a magical place.
  
  [IIATMS edit: If anyone from Augusta National happens to wander on by, I'd love to come to the Masters. I just need tickets and access and I'll write up the whole thing. I'm serious. Hootie, email me!]
  


• IIATMS: Number 9 on your list is Redsox/Yanks, at Yankee Stadium. As a Yankee fan, I understand this, but why “at Yankee Stadium”? Why not “at Fenway”? Would this change now given there’s a new Yankee Stadium? [As a parallel, the same goes for #30 Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs at Toronto , but not “at Montreal"]
  
  RT: Yankee fans [IIATMS edit: Don't blame me, Sox fans.]
  


• IIATMS: Number 14 is any Cubs game at Wrigley. Is that really better than the Final Four or The Daytona 500? I haven’t been to all three of these, but it seems the drama of the other two would outweigh “any game” at Wrigley.
  
  RT: Without a doubt there is more energy and excitement at those events but a game at Wrigley sends you back in time. It's an incredible experience.
  


• IIATMS: Speaking of both Fenway and Wrigley, is seeing a game at Wrigley (#14 overall) that much better than seeing a game at Fenway (#55)? Even as a Yankee fan, I love the Fenway experience. And if you have seats on the Monster (which I have had before), that’s about as good an experience as you can get.
  
  RT: Fenway is special. I actually worked there as a security guard one summer so I have been around the park many times. I have not had a chance to sit on the Monster, that seems like an awesome experience.
  
  The Wrigley experience though is more of a time machine event. You really feel like your back at the turn of the century watching baseball. It's as pure to the roots of the sport that I have gotten at the major league level.
  


• IIATMS: Getting back to golf, the US Open sits at #64 on your list. I would have expected it to be higher, given that there tends to be a rowdiness factor that you don’t get at the British Open.
  
  RT: That is true but the British Open, especially when it is played on some of the older European courses is pretty cool. Plus, I had the Masters as number one so I had to give the Europeans something.
  


• IIATMS: Could #1 overall be “Any golf event with Tiger in the Top 5 on Sunday”?
  
  RT: Funny enough, with out a doubt. Tiger has elevated golf and interest in the sport, especially at the Masters, more then anyone. In fact, without Tiger, I don’t think I would have selected the Masters number one.
  


• IIATMS: Westminster Dog Show? At #93? Ahead of Men’s Lacrosse Championship (#95), the College Baseball World Series (#96)? Really?
  
  RT: It's amazing how many people love dogs, and they like to buy books.

About attending any of these events

• IIATMS: What are the best tricks to landing tickets to any of these events if you a) aren’t flush with money, b) not getting tickets from your employer, c) not well connected?
  
  RT: Box office day of is always a possibility. Tickets get held back sometimes or released late so you never know. Companies like gotickets.com are good to buy market value tickets.
  


• IIATMS: What’s the best event to attend if you are: a) looking for rowdiness, b) not looking for rowdiness, c) looking for a unique experience, d) looking to impress a client/partner?
  
  RT:
  a) Hong Kong Sevens
  b) Little League World Series
  c) Nathans Hot Dog Eating Contest
  d) Super Bowl
  


• IIATMS: What are the most accessible events in the US ? Meaning: ease of getting there, ease of getting a ticket, etc.? (Perhaps by region of the US : NorthEast, SouthEast, West, South)
  
  RT:
  NorthEast: Head of the Charles Regatta
  SouthEast: Bayou Classic
  West: UCLA/USC @ Pauley Pavilion
  Midwest: Little 500

Bonus Question:

• IIATMS: Are you hiring? How can someone break into the business with your Company?
  
  RT: Not right now with the downturn, but we will be I am sure pretty soon. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door.

Please visit Amazon if you are interested in buy the book. It's not merely a ranking; it's also a great travel guide for each of the events. {Disclaimer: I do not make any commission off any sales of the book}

Each Ranked Event contains the following sub-sections: Where, When, Significance, Who attends, History, Notable Athletes/MVPs, Records, Things to know before you go, How to get there, Tickets, Accomodations, On-Site hospitality, Travel packages, Dining.

Thanks again to Robert Tuchman for his time.

Here's one I don't get

Wasn't this kid pretty highly regarded not that long ago? Wasn't he included in several trade rumors, too? Suddenly, he's DFA'd (along with Eric Hacker) and, like Hacker, a member of the Pirates?

The Pirates have claimed right-handed reliever Steven Jackson off waivers from the New York Yankees.

Jackson, 27, had a 1.88 ERA and one save in seven appearances for Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before being designated for assignment May 8. Last season, Jackson had a 4.18 ERA in 49 appearances split between Class AA and AAA. That included a 0.87 ERA in 19 appearances after the All-Star break, all in Class AAA.

Wonder what he did to get that DFA considering he had a 1.88 ERA at the time? Anyone have any insight? With the Yanks bullpen struggling, how could they let a guy who was seemingly performing well in AAA just hit the trash heap? Someone help me, please. Though, if I had to guess, it's an issue of the 40 man roster (Kevin Cash called up; Tomko's call up got Hacker punted).

Also: Do I have to withhold my "are the Pirates now a Yankees minor league affiliate?" joke? What? Too late? Sorry.

Hacker traded to Pirates

As I said when he was first DFA'd: "We wish you nothing but the best of luck as you land with a new organization. Hopefully it will be soon and with one that can better utilize you."

Looks like that wish is coming true.

The Pirates have acquired minor league starter Eric Hacker from the New York Yankees, a source disclosed this afternoon. The rest of the trade details are not yet known.

The Pirates have had some good luck in working with Yanks' cast-offs. Let's hope that continues with Eric.

A Bronx bummer: Hacker DFA'd

It got just a small mention, a one liner, but I was quite bummed to read it:

The Yankees have designated Eric Hacker for assignment to make room for reliever Brett Tomko on the 40-man roster.

I had the good fortune to interview Eric soon after he was added to the Yanks 40 man roster. This is a guy who has battled back from many serious arm injuries to keep his dream alive. I got to take a peek at him when I visited Spring Training one chilly February morning. He got some nice kudos from the vets. And his willingness to chat here about some of the inside stuff about the game was appreciated.

Eric (and his family): If you're reading, thank you. We wish you nothing but the best of luck as you land with a new organization. Hopefully it will be soon and with one that can better utilize you. I can't wait to see you up in the Bigs. Please keep in touch.

Thanks to Mark Smith for alerting me late last night.

UPDATE (5/11/09, 9am): I traded a few emails with Eric (and believe it or not, his mother-in-law, who is a loyal reader, here almost daily) yesterday. The next 10 days are going to be very stressful but I have no doubt that Hacker's agent, FOTB Matt Sosnick, is working his butt off on Eric's behalf. Eric noted that he felt fine but wasn't have the results he expected. Some team will take a low-risk chance and find themselves a good pitcher and a better person. We wish him well.

Bummer: Hacker sent to minor league camp

Well, he opened a few eyes during his stay so far, but our FOTB Eric Hacker has been sent to the minor league camp. We will continue to watch him as closely as we can and welcome him to send us updates anytime he wishes.

Meanwhile Eric Hacker and Wilkin De La Rosa were sent to the minor league camp.

Bummer. Keep in touch, Eric. We mean it.

From Scranton-Wilkes Barre, Chad Jennings has this summary of Hacker's spring thus far and his 2009 outlook:

Spring numbers: Counting his rough outing against Team USA, Hacker had an 18.00 ERA through three games. Not counting that exhibition game, he allowed one run, two walks and three hits through two innings.
Destination: Slowed by injuries throughout his career, Hacker turns 26 later this month and has yet to spend a full season above Class A. He could open back in Trenton this year, but he had a 2.70 ERA through 17 starts there last season and his age might make it worth while to push him quickly. He and George Kontos both seem to be on the Double-A/Triple-A bubble.
Expectation: When he's been healthy, Hacker has pitched well with a 2.70 career ERA in the minors. Injuries, though, cost him all of 2004 and all of 2006. If he's healthy, the expectations seem to be pretty high. The fact he's had two healthy years in a row -- both with good numbers -- seems like a good sign.

First cuts made; so far, so good

The first moves have been made with the Yanks sending several pitchers to the minors. No major surprises; I expect to see more of Brackman sooner than later.

They re-assigned right-handed pitchers J.B. Cox, George Kontos and Kanekoa Texiera to minor league camp, and optioned right-hander Andrew Brackman to Class-A Charleston.

Biased comment: Hacker's not on that list so we're happy. Keep rooting for our guy, will ya?! His outing vs. Team USA wasn't a sharp one but hopefully he's impressed others along the way like the way he impressed Posada.

Gonna be a good afternoon

Why I love having a TV in my office: Starting around 1:15pm or so, the Yanks play Team USA on YES.

[Hacker alert: He's scheduled to pitch in the 6th or so.]

Hold my calls (no one calls me), cancel my meetings (I had none scheduled).

I've got a day of Excel jockeying to do so having the game on is a nice diversion.

That's Jeter vs. the Yanks (to the right). Haven't seen that before.


UPDATE: Hacker's in. It's not good, either. A slow infield chopper for a single to Jeter. Team USA has it's studs still playing. A pair of walks. Then a tailor-made double-play that Berroa tried to hatch into a baby penguin. Passed ball, 2nd run in. Defense failing him bigtime but he got behind a few batters. Youkilis and his funky grip fist a ball into right, two more runs in. I hate to see this. Not fun. They are letting him pitch through all of this. Braun drilled. Hacker's done for the day. Shake it off, Big E, shake it off.

Hacker's making some noise

Looks like FOTB (friend of the blog) Eric Hacker is quietly starting to make some noise. Aside from him and his family, no one would be more excited than me (and my family). We haven't yet met Eric personally, but his interview here and subsequent openness about his goings on getting ready for Spring have us rooting like mad!

Meanwhile, here’s a little tidbit from [Posada]. As he was walking away from his locker, he turned around and called a few of us over. “Keep an eye on (Eric) Hacker,” he said. “It’s 95 and he does it easy. Very impressive.”

Thanks for posting that tidbit, Pete Abe!

I'm back, baby!

Hey there, friends. I'm finally (and perhaps sadly) back from a great trip. I've got a bunch of pictures from Spring Training (the boring stretching and warm up parts since games haven't yet begun). I'm almost done editing them but I will have them up here for viewing by the end of the weekend.

I can tell you first hand: PFP is as boring as you think, but watching a 6'10" Andrew Brackman try to get low for a bunted ball is almost comical. Like a stork picking up a pebble while running.

We unfortunately never got to hook up with Eric Hacker, though we yelled a bit and I think he acknowledged us with a quick wave. I can't fault him; he's trying to make the team not new friends in the stands. Maybe another time when we can weasel an autographed ball or two!

We did get, as you saw, a nicely autographed ball signed by Goose, which was nice.

The ballpark looked great and it was a crisp sunny day. Thankfully, we were out of there and back riding roller coasters by the time the ARod mess conference began. I am glad I was away and not dissecting his half-truths and stuff.

I'll get to that at some point, but maybe you're as sick of it as I am. Tell me if you want me to just "move on" and I will happily skip it.

Hacker

Friend of the blog, Eric Hacker, #71.

Some farm notes

From Chad Jennings and his chat with Yanks vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman:

Eric Fryer will most likely open the season in Tampa, where the Yankees are set and then some with Jesus Montero and Austin Romine at catcher. With that in mind, Newman's take on Fryer's playing time was exactly what you would expect. “We’ll see how it goes, have to see how that whole thing shakes out," Newman said. "We think early in the season most of his at-bats will come at first base and the otufield.” Newman agreed that there's a solid chance Montero or Romine -- or both -- will play too well to stay in Tampa all season, so opportunities behind the plate could open by midseason. Or, Fryer could get hot and move up himself. Fryer's new, so we'll all have to "see how it goes."

Here in Scranton, the ramification of the Wright trade is more immediate than a High-A outfielder/first baseman. Newman said trading Wright increased the chances of either Eric Hacker or George Kontos opening in the Triple-A rotation, but Double-A hasn't been ruled out for either of them. In theory, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre rotation could be filled without Kontos or Hacker (could be Hughes, Kennedy, Aceves, Coke and Igawa) but that's going to depend on what happens in big league camp.

From a personal level, I am hoping like heck that Eric Hacker makes the big club out of ST. I had the good fortune of interviewing Hacker here and would love to see him make the leap.

Update on Yanks pitching prospects

Chad Jennings has a good update on the upper level Yankees pitching prospects, including one on my boy Eric Hacker. Guys profiled include: Phil Hughes, Humberto Sanchez, Ian Kennedy, Phil Coke, Alfredo Aceves and even Kei Igawa. Because I got to interview him here, Hacker's review is below:

Eric Hacker
Right hander
25 years old
Where he's been: Hacker is older than you might expect because he too has been hampered by injuries which cost him all of 2004 and 2006. When he's pitched, though, Hacker has a 2.70 ERA in the minors and he was outstanding last season in Tampa and Trenton.
Where he's going: I've been thinking he'll open back in Trenton, but Hacker is on the 40-man and he'll turn 26 before opening day, so a push to Triple-A has merit, especially if he gets in some games in big league camp and opens some eyes on the major league coaching staff.
Ticket to New York: Consistency. Health is too obvious and goes without saying. Hacker doesn't have massive strikeout numbers, but he also doesn't walk many guys and he gets a lot of outs on the ground. If he's steady in Triple-A, he should earn a shot. That consistency, obviously, requires that he not go back on the disabled list.

I'll be down in FLA right after P&C report. Eric, if you're reading this, I'll give you a call/email when I am down there. How's about a tour of the ballpark/facilities?

In case you were wondering...

In case you were wondering about how the teams help the players prepare for the season, particularly the younger guys... From Yanks Eric Hacker, via email:

"They give us a schedule for the whole off season. It has day to day showing everything that we need to do. Now it is split up between pitchers and position players. There is also different agility stuff depending on if you are a pitcher, infield, outfield, or a catcher. It is up to the player to find a place to work out. I know some guys have personal trainers, work out in groups and some work out by themselves. Everybody has there own thing they like to do. Also our throwing programs are different for pitchers and position player."

I hope they treat it more seriously than I handled my "suggested summer reading list".

IIATMS Interview with Eric Hacker, NY Yankees

For many (if not most) of you, this will be an introduction to one of the newest members of the Yankees: Eric Hacker. I had the good fortune of getting to spend some time on the phone with Eric recently to discuss his recent promotion to the Yanks 40 man roster, his ascension from the minors, his numerous comebacks from two serious injuries and what it must be like for a 25 year-old to get "the call" to play for the Yanks. His easy-going Texas drawl belies his dogged determination to make it to the Bigs no matter the obstacles. From what I could tell, the Yanks have a guy who won't be afraid of anything, any challenge and has the character to succeed.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Eric was born in and currently resides in Dallas, Texas. Eric recently married his high school sweetheart, Christine. Eric attended Duncanville High School and was drafted in the 23rd round by the Yankees in 2002. He made his minor league debut in August of 2002 with the Gulf Coast Yankees. He quickly jumped to Single-A Staten Island Yankees in 2003 before suffering an elbow injury that required Tommy John Surgery in 2004. Returning in 2005, Eric pitched for the Charleston Riverdogs in Single-A ball. After missing 2006 due to a shoulder injury, Eric made a successful return in 2007 and was promoted to AA Trenton Thunder in 2008, helping the team capture the Eastern League Championship. He was named to the 40 man roster on November 11, 2008, just a few weeks before getting married.

Over his five minor league seasons, Eric's amassed a 30-15 record with a nifty 2.70 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. More of a control pitcher than a power pitcher, Eric has averaged a bit over 6 K/9 IP. His numbers in Trenton (AA) to finish 2008 over 17 starts were strikingly similar to his minor league career averages. (Eric's minor-league stats can be found here)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It's About The Money, Stupid: What was it like getting the call that you’re being added to the 40 man roster? Who told you about it?
Eric Hacker: [Agent Matt] Sosnick called me with the news. Brian Cashman had called him to let him know that I was going to be added to the roster. After Matt called, I saw it on the Internet. It was incredibly exciting. I’ve only been with the Yankees organization my whole career, so I didn’t know what to expect if I wasn’t going to be protected [from minor league free agency]. It felt great knowing that the Yanks still believed in me, after all I’ve been through, with the injuries, the ups and downs. Just incredibly exciting.


IIATMS: Who’d you call first? Next?
EH: My wife, naturally. She was more excited than I was. Then my parents and my in-laws and it snowballed from there. It was a lot of fun. Most of all, the call gave me some peace of mind as I was about to be married in less than two weeks from getting the call. It’s hard enough getting married but not knowing what was going to happen with my career made it that much more stressful. Being able to get married, go on a honeymoon, knowing that I still had a job with the Yankees….


IIATMS: What are you most looking forward to?
EH: The opportunity to play at Yankee Stadium. I can’t wait to be part of the team, doing whatever it takes to help the club win a world series.


IIATMS: Have you ever been to Yankee Stadium? Seen the new Stadium?
EH: While playing for the Staten Island Yankees, I got to see Roger Clemens pitch in the old stadium. I’ve only seen pictures of the new Yankee Stadium and I can’t imagine what it will be like to pitch there. I’m really excited to pitch in front of a packed house of 50 or 60,000 screaming fans.


IIATMS: Talk a bit about your injury that sidelined you in 2006: How’d it happen? What was done to fix it? How’d you approach the rehab?
EH: First of all, I had Tommy John Surgery in 2004. Then, 62 innings into my rehab, I pitched 7 or 8 innings and felt fine. I woke up the next day in a ton of pain, but I thought maybe I slept wrong or something. I took a few days off and then went to throw bullpen. I could barely reach home plate. I took a few weeks off to rehab with a therapist and came back but I still couldn’t do anything because of the pain. Took some more time off and shut it down for the third time. I had all the MRI’s done and they came back clean. Tendonitis or bursitis, whatever, they’re all the same! I’m a competitor and all I wanted was to get back and do what I could do to help my team, but after the third time, I had to get smart. This is my career and I couldn’t throw it away by being stupid. I ended up visiting Dr. [James] Andrews because I knew something was just not right.

Dr. Andrews suggested that I get it scoped right there on the spot to see if it’s nothing major but if he found something, he could do the work right then and I’d be ready to rehab and get ready for the following season. After I woke up, he told me it was a torn labrum. I missed all of 2006.

As I sat in recovery, I realized that this was not the end of the world. My goal has always been to pitch in the big leagues and I wasn’t about to let this stop me. I couldn’t worry about this. I spent the rest of the year rehabbing and was able to get back in 2007.


IIATMS: Do you view yourself as a starter or reliever?
EH: I’ve been a starter my whole life. I’ve always envisioned myself as a starter. I like to mix pitches up, conserve my pitches. It’s takes you deeper into games when limiting your pitching. As a reliever you don’t have to do that as much.


IIATMS: If the team came to you tomorrow and said "We see you as a reliever", would you be willing to transition?
EH: I will do whatever the team needs me to do. If they want me to pitch out of the bullpen, I will do that. It will be an adjustment, but that’s part of being a professional. I’m a competitor so I’ll do whatever they want and whatever they think is best for the team.


IIATMS: In your time in the minors, what do you consider your best experience? Worst?
EH: Rehab! But, I did learn a lot from the rehab sessions and I’m a better person having gone thru it. Aside from the rehab, the travel is the worst part. It’s not just being away from your family and friends, it’s the being on the road. The long bus rides, living out of a suitcase. Taking a bus for 7-8 hours, someone next to you, behind you, in front of you. No space.

Best experience, being apart of our championship team in Trenton this year.


IIATMS: Who was your best minor league instructor and why?
EH: Nardi Contreras for mechanics. Scott Aldridge for his ability to read hitters.


IIATMS: What sort of hazing goes on in the minors? Funniest hazing story? Anything like what we see the rookies having to go through?
EH: Nah, nothing quite like that. No real hazing. The guys that come up from the lower levels just have last choice for seats and have to double up before the other guys. Me, I’m more sneaky, like a prankster. I tend to pull off the little harmless pranks like setting up middle of the night wake-up calls, or ratting out someone for making too much noise when they weren’t doing anything. Nothing too serious, though.


IIATMS: Do the guys with major league contracts rehabbing in the minors have to buy meals for the team?
EH: Some guys are definitely more generous than others, but when a big leaguer visits, we know we’re in for a good meal, like Outback. The guys get excited for the steaks and chicken.
[IIAMTS' Note: Outback?!? I hope he's excited for some real dining when he gets to the City! I'll even treat.]


IIATMS: Are you often recognized and asked for autographs?
EH: A little bit. Usually after the games, I’ll get asked for a few and I’m happy to do that. But since I never was a #1 draft pick like Phil Hughes or Austin Jackson, the crowds aren’t chasing me, yet. But I always make sure I sign for anyone who wants.


IIATMS: Given any thought to what number you’d like? You wore #28 last year in Trenton but that number’s already being worn by Melky Cabrera.
EH: No number in particular. I’ve worn a few different numbers so whatever they give me is fine. I just want to put on the jersey and pitch, someone else can decide what’s on the back.


IIATMS: If you could sit down from any major leaguer and pick their brain for an hour, who would it be and why?
EH: Billy Connors [the Yankees pitching guru in Tampa]. Billy’s great to talk to about anything, not just baseball. His knowledge of the game, mechanics, how to face different types of hitters.


IIATMS: Do you model yourself after any current/past major leaguer?
EH: Wow, that’s a tough one. I’m a four pitch guy, so maybe someone like Brett Myers. I’ve got a sinkerball so maybe closer to Derek Lowe. Although, I take a lot of pride in fielding my position also. Maybe a bit of Mike Mussina.


IIATMS: Harder to pitch to younger undisciplined players in low minors or more developed ones in AAA?
EH: It’s not really harder to pitch to the younger guys in Single-A, but it’s more frustrating. They’re too impatient and aggressive; they hack at everything. With hitters at the upper levels, I can really “pitch” to them more. I can set them up and have some fun with the mental side of pitching. The low-A guys will come up swinging. There are a few exceptions, guys like Ryan Zimmerman, who you could tell at the lower level he was a more mature hitter; a guy who had a plan up at the plate.


IIATMS: Do you rely on heavy film study? How do you prepare?
EH: There’s not much film study in the minors. I’m big into stats, watching hitters. I take notes on everything: where the pitches are (up/down in the zone), what sort of leads runners take, which hitters like to run, hitting in certain counts, opposite field hitters vs. pull hitters. As I’ve progressed, I’ve become much more of a student of the game. I have a pretty detailed notebook that I am constantly writing in.

One thing I focus on are the guys on base. I love to use the pick-off move. Since I study who runs, I have a pretty good idea when one of them gets on base. I have a pretty quick delivery, which prevents many stolen bases. I didn’t give up to many stolen bases this year, which also a credit to my catchers.


IIATMS: How do you train for the season? What advice would you give to kids looking to develop themselves? How much cardio vs. weights vs. stretching vs. anything else?
EH: First of all, after any season, I make sure to take time off to let my body recover. The aches, pains, bumps and bruises all need time to heal.As I begin to get ready for the season, I start with cardio and light weights for my upper body. I use heavier weights on my lower body. The lower body strength is so important. That’s what gets you through the longer games and the season. Once I’m in-season, I have a routine that includes a lot of running, lower body work and “explosion” training (keeping the “quick twitch” muscles sharp). I like to run so I do that a lot.


IIATMS: Which player(s) are you most excited to meet as a teammate?
EH: I’m very excited to talk to Mariano Rivera. He’s the best and I hope to be able to sit with him and pick his brain a little.


IIATMS: Which player are you most excited/curious about facing?
EH: Tough question! I’d like to face the biggest challenge possible. ARod would be good to face but that’s not possible. Honestly, I’m just looking forward to facing whoever steps in the box.

Bullpen? check!

Pete Abraham was trying to figure out which free agents the Yanks would be after by position and when he came to the bullpen, he realized that the Yanks bullpen was largely complete:

Closer: Mariano Rivera.
Left-handed set-up: Damaso Marte, Phil Coke
Right-handed set-up: Brian Bruney, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez
Promising young guys who are moving up: David Robertson, Mark Melancon
Injured guys who could have a role: Humberto Sanchez, Jon Albaladejo
Guys you get a sense could help if they didn’t send them back and fourth to Scranton 500 times: Chris Britton
Assorted long reliever candidates: Dan Giese, Alfredo Aceves
Guys they’re still holding a candle for: J.B. Cox
Minor-league starters who could be good major-league relievers: Chase Wright, Alan Horne, Eric Hacker
Prospects below AAA who could make a move in 2009: Kevin Whelan, Anthony Claggett, Zach Kroenke

What I like about this is that Pete gives us some names that aren't exactly familar to all of us, namely the prospects and minor league starters who might become useful. Personally, I am excited to see what Mark Melancon can do. He's been discussed/mentioned as a possible heir apparent to Mo in a few years.

Also, as a sneak preview, I have an interview coming up with one of the minor leaguers mentioned here. Hopefully will have something to share within a week or so. Stay tuned!