Off-Season Update: Vimael Machin

Vimael Machin was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 10th round of the 2015 MLB June Amateur Draft from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. The left-handed batter split time in South Bend and Eugene after the draft, playing in 44 games total. Machin played at third base, second base and shortstop. Last month, we spoke with the Puerto Rican native on what he has been doing since the end of the 2015 season.

 

After the season ended, where was the first place you traveled to?

After the season ended, I flew back to college in Richmond, Virginia (VCU), I was there for two weeks then I went to instructionals in Mesa, AZ, then back to Virginia.

What are some of your favorite off-season activities?

I have been working out everyday with my strength and conditioning coach Tim Kontos at VCU and I have been working on my baseball skills, especially hitting. Now that they switched me to catcher, I have been working a lot with catching drills and have been getting better everyday.

Do you have a favorite moment or event you attended this off-season?

Not really but I have been here in Virginia this off-season and I love it here I have a lot of friends here and it's been fun. They have been hanging out with me this off-season so I cannot complain about that.

Do you still keep in touch with some of your teammates from 2015? If so, have you gotten together or hung out?

Yes I have. We text sometimes and see how things are going, but since we do not live close to each other, it has been hard to hangout.

Do you have a regular workout routine to prepare for the 2016 season?

As I mentioned earlier, I have been working out everyday and I feel so much better now than I did last year. I feel I am in a better shape. Also I have been hitting everyday and catching everyday since they switched me to catcher. It is obviously a grind, but I also love doing this because this is what I live for.

What was your favorite part about the 2015 season? Are there any moments that stand out to you personally or a team moment?

My favorite part about the 2015 season is that I got the opportunity to meet new coaches that helped me a lot with my baseball skills and also met great teammates that helped me a lot with the game of baseball. I learned a lot even when I was not playing as I learned from the dugout. It was nice learning new stuff every day because I like getting better and learning from my mistakes.

How often did your family get to watch or hear you play? Did they ever get to visit during the season?

They watched or listened to the games every day online but they did not come to watch me play this past year because they are all the way in Puerto Rico. It was tough for them to come to the United States and watch me play but I am pretty sure they are going to make it this year.

What was your walk-up music for 2015 and why?

My walk up song this past year was "We Dem Boyz" by Wiz Khalifa. There was no real reason in particular. I just like Wiz Khalifa.

What is/are your goal(s) for the 2016 season?

My goals for the 2016 season are to get better everyday offensively and defensively and do whatever it takes to help the team win and win the whole thing. It is going to be a grind because it is so much different than college but I know I can help the team and the organization on whereever they need me.

Is there anything you want to tell the fans of the Cubs Organization?

Thanks for all the support. Do not stop believing in us and keep supporting us. We need you guys, because when it happens, it is going to be so special and you do not want to miss that.