Sea Dog's Vazquez Looking to Add Offense to his Catching Game (Interview)
(From L to R) Vazquez, Spring, Ranaudo, Almanzar |
Pete Lepak (RedSoxLife) : Congrats on making the Eastern League All Star Team. What does this success mean to you?
Christian Vazquez: Its awesome you know, it’s the first time I’ve made an All Star team in my life, [and] its an honor.
RSL: A scout in the Spring of 2013 said you were the best young catcher he has ever seen because you have a strong arm and you manage the game very well. Lately, you have been hitting the ball very well too. What do you feel is your strength?
CV: Catching is my strength. The first priority of the pitcher, the starter and the bullpen, is to win a game, so [when I am catching], I get to help. And when I get to Boston, we need to win every game and try to win the World Series. My hitting is a plus to me, but my strength is catching and throwing the guys out at second base.
RSL: Which one is more fun for you?
CV: I love catching and throwing somebody out. I love that.
RSL: So you have been working with the Molina (Jose and Yadier, Puerto Rican MLB catchers) brothers?
CV: Yeah, in the off-season.
RSL: What have they taught you?
CV: Everything. We work on everything. We work everyday. Running, lifting, and after that we go to the ballpark to practice everything else.
RSL: What have you been working on the most this season in Portland?
CV: My bat. I don’t hit too well, but I am working to stay to the middle, don’t think too much, stay on top of the ball... it’s the little things that will help me.
RSL: Who were you most excited to play with in Spring Training when you were training with Boston?
CV: David Ortiz. He is the father, the old guy. We all follow him in everything. He is very funny.
RSL: You seem to be a pretty funny guy as well. I was standing to watch the HR Derby and I noticed you were laughing with everyone as well.
Vazquez (right) clowns around with (#36) New Britain Rock Cat, Josmil Pinto |
RSL: You got a chance to talk to and meet many of the fans yesterday [During FanFest]. Do you like signing autographs?
CV: Of course. They pay to see me. It’s fun.
RSL: How are the fans different in Puerto Rico than in New England?
CV: In Puerto Rico, the [fans] talk too much to everyone. Bad things, good things, everything.
RSL: Do you like playing any other sports on your free time?
CV: Volleyball, basketball.
RSL: Puerto Rico has a big volleyball following now, huh?
CV: A little bit, but now they play a lot of soccer, too.
Currently, Vazquez is the #15 ranked player in the Red Sox organization, and the second ranked catcher behind Blake Swihart.
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