EDITOR’S NOTE: Chris Paddock contributed to this interview
RSN: You dealt with some personal issues in the off-season. How are you approaching going forward from that?
JE: What I’m trying to do is put it behind me and move on. I got into a situation where I made some bad decisions, but I'm looking at it as a learning experience. I’m using it to motivate myself to have a good career, and looking at my future, I want to become a role model if I can.
RSN: Have you had any pressure from the media or your teammates to talk about those issues?
JE: Really, the only time I’ve had to talk about it was last year in instructional league. I just addressed the team and apologized for what happened. They pretty much told me that they would be there for me no matter what it was that they had to do. And they’ve done nothing but help me through it and keep me positive, and I’m thankful for that.
RSN: You struggled with the bat in the Gulf Coast League last year, hitting only .222-1-15 in 126 at-bats. This year you turned it around to the tune of .339-4-19 in 127 at-bats. What was behind your improved performance?
JE: The biggest thing was that I came in a lot more motivated and determined. Last year I was mostly just happy to be there, and didn’t work as hard as I could have. So while I've worked on a lot of the same things, it’s mostly been the extra effort I’ve put in. Now I just need to keep working hard, and hopefully I can earn a spot on one of the full-season clubs next year.
RSN: Last year after signing, you didn't hit for power as you did in high school, and you admitted to being too tentative at the plate. Where are you now in regard to power and your approach at the plate?
JE: I still have a ways to go as a hitter, but I’m almost back to my old self where it comes to power. Last year, especially toward the end, I was just happy to put balls in play. I wasn’t expecting to drive it anywhere. Now I’m back to trying to hit the ball hard. Like my hitting coach in the GCL said, “You can’t hit if you don’t hack.” So if the pitch is in my zone, I’m letting it go. I’m not trying to hit home runs, but I am trying to drive the ball.
RSN: You surprised some people last year with the quality of your defensive play. Where do you feel you are this season?
JE: I think I’m receiving better, and my blocking and pitch-calling are both improved. My throwing has maybe been a little down, though. Last year I was coming off my high school season when I got to the GCL, so I felt ready to go. This year, with the late start, I didn’t feel as quick when I came in. I had been working out with my old high school coach and some of the guys back home, but it’s not the same when it’s not game-speed. Now that I have more games under my belt, I'm getting back to where I want to be.
RSN: You caught one of the most promising pitchers in the Red Sox organization this summer, Felix Doubront. What can you tell us about him?
JE: He’s awesome. He throws strikes with three pitches. He’s a battler -- he doesn’t give in to nobody. You could be Barry Bonds up there, and he’d still throw you a fastball inside. And if you hit it, you hit it. And if not, he’s going to come right back with it. He gets ahead, he’s smart, and he knows what he wants to do. He doesn’t really ever panic. You could beat him around, and he’s the same kid out there. I love catching him. He’s fun to catch and he’s fun to watch.
RSN: What was it like playing at Fenway Park yesterday?
JE: It was a great time. The only difficult part was looking around and seeing over 30,000 fans when you’re used to playing in front of nobody. But that’s what made it so much fun, too. Coming from playing down in the GCL, it made me feel like a real baseball player. The atmosphere was great.
RSN: Having just come up from the GCL, did you know that you’d be getting into the game?
JE: I had caught the previous two days when we won the GCL championship, so I wasn’t sure if I would or not. So, when the phone rang in the bullpen and I learned that I’d be going in, it was like “wow!” Just squatting behind the plate, knowing that I’m in Fenway Park and all of those people are looking down at me -- it was the greatest feeling you can have. I was amped.