[Cambridge]

RedSoxNation.net had a chance to cover some bases with Andrew Pinckney at the conclusion of the minor league season. Pinckney, a 22-year-old native of Atlanta and Emory University, was the team’s 33rd pick in this year’s draft. Drafted as a third baseman, he showed his versatility by playing several infield positions with the Lowell Spinners, hitting .273. We talked to Andrew about that versatility, working with Scott Fletcher at Emory, and his first year of pro ball.

http://www.soxprospects.com/players/images/drewpinckney.jpg

RSN: You were drafted as a third baseman, but became "Mr. Versatility" at Lowell this season, playing multiple positions in the infield. Tell us about that experience.

AP: It was very interesting, to say the least. I had to learn quickly how to play some positions that I had never played before, or hadn't played since high school. It was good, though, because I now know how to play them all -- that can only help me.

RSN: You led the Spinners in errors -- at which position did most of them occur, and what are your strengths and weaknesses defensively?

AP: Well, I made them everywhere. I think this was due to the fact that I was new to the positions and didn't know where I was going to be playing every day. Toward the end I started to feel more comfortable, but it took time getting used to all the different spots.

My strengths are that I am pretty athletic and can play anywhere. My weaknesses this season were being too timid at times, and not being aggressive enough -- I feel that led to a lot of my errors. But now that I have experience at all the infield positions and know that I can't afford to play afraid at these new spots. I feel like I will improve on the errors next season.

RSN: Luis Alicea, your manager at Lowell, said you may don a catcher's mitt next summer. Where did this idea originate, and what are your thoughts on trying your hand at the position?

AP: He just told me that he thought I could play anywhere, and that a lefthanded- hitting catcher is the quickest ticket to the pros. He also told me that it keeps you focused on the game at all times, and thinks this could be a big help for my career. My thoughts on it are that I willing to give it a try if they think that it could get me moved up quicker.

RSN: Alicea spoke well of your versatility, but said you might be "too hyper for the outfield." What do you thing he meant by that?

AP: He seems to think that I would be gazing off in to the clouds the whole time, but I think I could do it. It just goes back to being focused all the time, which is something that I do, but can improve on.

RSN: You played college ball at Emory University, which is a Division 3 program. Why did you go to school there?

AP: I transferred there after the first school I went to didn't work out. It was really the best place to go to at the time and it has really paid off for me.

RSN: One of the assistant coaches at Emory is Scott Fletcher, whose major league career included a stint in Boston as a utility infielder -- what did you learn from him?

AP: He was our infield coach at Emory, and I really got major league coaching from him on fielding and the mindset you need to be a successful player. He really talked a lot about being aggressive, and bringing the fight to the other team.

RSN: The head coach there was Mike Twardoski, who had a solid minor league career -- including an outstanding season at Pawtucket -- but didn't make the big leagues. What lessons did you learn from him, considering that he came close but didn't quite make the big show?

AP: He really preached to me about doing the little things like being on time and not missing signs, because those things add up in the end. He told me that doing all those things right, and playing well, is the key to making it.

RSN: Tell us about the transition from Division 3 ball to pro ball, knowing that many of your teammates and opponents came from Division 1 programs.

AP: It was like night and day. Where I played you were lucky to see someone throwing ninety once in a season, but like anything, once you get used to it, it becomes easier to handle. It was a challenge to begin with, adjusting to this level of play, but I figured out how to deal with it.

RSN: You were drafted in the 34th round (as the team's 33rd choice) -- do you feel there's more pressure, or less, being taken that low?

AP: To begin with I felt more pressure, but once I got to Lowell and Luis told us we were all in the same boat now, and that draft status didn't matter, I felt a lot better.

RSN: One of your teammates this year, R.J. Swindle, throws a 60 mph curveball. What are your thoughts on watching him pitch, and what would it be like facing him?

AP: Man, I would hate to face him. I would get so mad seeing that 60 mph floater coming at me!

RSN: Another teammate, Christian Lara, is considered one of the best prospects in the organization. What were your impressions of him this year?

AP: I really liked how Lara played. He has great instincts and will be a great player as soon as he stops sliding into first base!

RSN: You wore the number 10 on your Spinners uniform. Given a choice, which will wear throughout your career, and why.

AP: I would wear 10 -- I love that number. I have worn it my entire college career, and it’s the number of my favorite player -- Chipper Jones.

RSN: Tell us about seeing yourself on a baseball card for the first time, and how many you've sent home.

AP: Man,that was really a trip. I couldn't believe it to begin with, and I can't get enough of them to give to my parents, because they give them all away so fast. I think it is so cool and it is something that I will keep for the rest of my life.

RSN: Which teams and players did you root for growing up?

AP: The Braves and Chipper Jones!

RSN: Would you rename the ballpark in Atlanta "Aaron Stadium"?

AP: Yes! Holy crap! I don't know why they didn't. I was really personally mad when they named it Turner Field, not Aaron Stadium.

RSN: Barry Bonds is chasing Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron -- are you rooting for him to break the home run record?

AP: Yes and no. No, because I think it’s the most hallowed record there is, and I like the fact that Hank has it. But records are made to be broken, and I think it is incredible that someone is actually challenging it.

RSN: Who's the most underrated player in MLB?

AP: I think Melvin Mora is probably one of the most underrated players.

RSN: What was your opinion of the Nomar Garciaparra deal?

AP: You know, Boston did what they had to do, because they wouldn't have gotten anything for him after the season. I hated to see him go, because he was Boston to me, but it's a business.

RSN: Do you have a favorite moment as a sports fan?

AP: The Braves winning it in 1995, finally!

RSN: Let’s get off the playing field for the last few questions. What are your interests outside of the game?

AP: I am big into fishing and hunting. I love both and can't wait to do either of them once Baseball is over.

RSN: What's in your CD player right now?

AP: Audio Slave. It’s Sound Garden's old lead singer and Rage Against the Machine's Band. They are awesome!

RSN: What are your all time favorite books and movies?

AP: Favorite book would have to be Song of Solomon by Ton Morrison, and movie would have to be Fight Club.

RSN: Last question: If you could spend a day with any three people in the world, who would they be, and what would you do?

AP: It would have to be my cousin Taylor, my really good friend Hugh, and my Brother Steven -- we would be at our beach house in Florida fishing all day long. Or I would be with my two of my best friends, Travis and Robert, and my brother, and we would be dove hunting.

RSN: Thanks, Andrew.

AP: You’re welcome.

[Naehring Nirvana]

Wow, that's really great. Sounds like a team player. We need guys like that in our system. Hopefully he becomes our own version of Jose Oquendo in a few years.