Catching up with Top Prospect Tyler Naquin
It's a sunny Saturday with the wind blowing in and country music echoing in the air as Tyler Naquin strolls into Texas A&M's BlueBell Park. Though it's only mid February, summer feels as if it is right around the corner, and for Naquin it is. Before leaving for spring training in late February, he sat down with one of our Scrappers interns to talk about the off-season and his hopes for the future.
After a successful campaign with the Short Season Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the first round draft pick rounded out 2012 rated the 6th best prospect in the Indians organization. When asked what the best part of his off-season was Naquin has no hesitation, "Family, and just being back in my comfort zone". Though his statistics speak otherwise, the soft-spoken outfielder has never been one for the spotlight. Naquin was often the last player to leave the field, staying late to sign autographs and meeting fans. He prefers hunting, fishing, and spending time at home over a quicker paced lifestyle. When asked what he missed most from his summer with the Scrappers, Naquin easily answers "the field, and the fans".
As the conversation turned to baseball Naquin's tone shifts from friendly to focused. He has spent the majority of the off-season back at Texas A&M, working out and training with his old teammates. Naquin comments that one of his goals for the 2013 season is getting more discipline at the plate, a skill that is essential for a top prospect to transition to a Major League player. With arguably the best fielding arm in the 2012 draft class, above average speed, and well developed defensive instincts, hitting and gaining more power will be paramount to his success. He looks forward to moving up in the system and making an impact not only in spring training, but for whatever team he is placed on come opening day.