Tremie's Baseball Career Takes New Turn as Manager
You're in your second year as a manager. Do you feel more comfortable this season now that you've had a little more experience?
I'm a little more comfortable this year than I was at the beginning of last year. It's been a learning experience for me since last year and things I've learned have made me more comfortable, not only managing but coaching third base as well.
What are some of the things that you learned? Have you changed anything in your routine?
I don't think that I've really changed anything, from the idea I had when I started out. I've made some adjustments here and there with the timing of when we do early work [and] when I think guys need to work more or work less.
What are some of the challenges or difficulties that you've faced the last couple of years as a new manager?
I've been real fortunate in the first few years that I've had some really good players. They have really good attitudes and are kids who want to work and improve. I feel fortunate that I've had those athletes here early on in my career.
Is that your favorite part of managing, working with the younger players?
I've always loved the game of baseball and always wanted to be in it. I felt that after I was done playing, [coaching] was something I would like to pursue. I've been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to do that and I enjoy what I'm doing.
Have you picked up any helpful advice from former coaches or managers?
I think that a lot of the decisions I make and a lot of the ways I go about things are formulated from a group collection of the managers I played for in the past, along with my own personality. I think all those things put together formed the idea of what I go by now, the way I conduct myself in my manager's role.
Would you say you have a certain style when you're managing? Do you try to be aggressive or just let the game unfold?
I wouldn't say that I'm aggressive. I let the guys play and if there's something I feel that needs to get done, a decision, I'll make it. But I let them play, let them develop and determine the way things are going.
Do you feel like you're playing career helped prepare you for where you are now?
Sure. The years and experience I had playing and being around different organizations, managers and coaches, and the playing experience itself, helps me understand a lot of what these guys go through. If I didn't have that experience I might have a tough time relating to it.
You were a catcher. It's often said that catchers make the best coaches. Did you ever put any thought to that, especially when you see in the Indians organization that there are a lot of former catchers now coaching?
Being a good manager isn't necessarily depicted by what position you played. One advantage that a catcher has is that they are involved in all aspects of the game usually as a player, dealing with the pitchers, defensive situations and offensively as well. A lot of times, the catcher kind of runs the game. To put it bluntly, he's like the quarterback. Having that experience helps. Does it give you an advantage over another person that played infield or outfield? No, not necessarily, but I think it definitely helps me, having that experience.
In 2006, you were a first-year manager with a first-year team. How did that work out for you overall?
It was actually enjoyable. It was very hot in Florida, but enjoyable. We had some good young players who worked hard. It was a good learning experience for me as a manager.
On a day-to-day basis, what kind of contact do you have with the people higher up in the Indians organization?
The day-to-day contact varies with several decisions, whether it's player moves or talks about certain players. We have reports that we send in to the organization every night and we have a way of communicating, but it just varies on situations how often that happens.
Did you set any goals for yourself this season?
My goal as a manager is to continue to learn and continue to get the most out of the ability of the players.
Is it difficult when you have a guy like Jared Goedert, who was such an integral part of the team early in the year, move up and you have to replace his role in the offense?
It's always tough when a team loses a guy that's having the offensive productivity that Jared's having. It's great for Jared - he did his job, he stood out and got his opportunity to advance. As a team, someone else has to step in and fill his shoes. Not to say they have to put up the same numbers he does, but as a group you have to have them contribute and fill the void that you have.
We're almost at the halfway point of this season. What are your thoughts on the team this year?
They're a great group, very talented group. I'm expecting great things out of them. They've already shown a lot of progress and they play hard, and I think it's a tribute to them the way they play the game.