[Cambridge]

Mark Wagner was the Red Sox selection in the 9th round of the 2005 draft. A right-handed hitting catcher out of UC-Irvine, Wagner made his professional debut with the Lowell Spinners last year, hitting .203-0-6 in 24 games. A 21-year-old resident of Lakewood, California, Wagner is starting the 2006 season with the Greenville Drive.



On his first spring training: "It went well. It was a good first step to get ready for my first full season. In a way, I was kind of in awe, especially getting to dress for some big league games. It was a great learning experience talking to Tek (Jason Varitek). I asked him about a lot -- the whole nine yards. One thing I wanted to know was how he did it in the minor leagues -- how he worked to get where he is now. He didn't tell me I'd have to figure that out myself, but he did say finding out what works for you, and what doesn't, is important. He talked a lot about preparation. As a catcher, you're in constant communication with the pitchers and coaches, and you need to understand your game."

On the start of the season: "I missed the first two games with food poisoning. It was upsetting not playing in the opener, but I was pretty sick. It was great to finally be on the field yesterday (Saturday), but even though I played well defensively I didn't have quality at bats. I was fired up to get the season going, and was maybe a little jittery. I almost felt like a fish out water at the plate, which is funny when you've been doing it for almost 20 years. I was rushing too much, but it was only four at-bats and I hope to get 400 more this year."

On catching Ismael Casillas's four hitless innings on Saturday: "He threw great. We were on the same page, and he was throwing everything for strikes. It's not fair to the hitters when a pitcher is pounding the strike zone with all of his pitches, and that's what he was doing."

On his first impressions of the South Atlantic League: "To be honest, it doesn't seem that different from last year in Lowell. I know it's only been four games, but there doesn't seem to be a big difference in the jump in talent. I asked a few people about that, and they told me there isn't a big difference between the A levels. There's probably a little more consistency as you go up, but not in the talent itself."

On one of the things he learned in the offseason: "I started doing yoga to work on my flexibility. Lear (Rob Leary, the Red Sox minor league field coordinator and catching instructor) recommended it, and so did a few other guys. At first I wasn't too keen on it, because I've always kind of looked at it as a girl's thing. But I decided to give it a try, and it was like, 'Wow.' A lot of the pitchers do it, and it's really been helpful. I'm in great shape right now, and that's one of the reasons."

[jsinger121]

Another great interview David. Keep it up.

[Sox Sweep Again]

Cambridge, on Apr 11 2006, 07:55 AM, said:

...
On one of the things he learned in the offseason: "I started doing yoga to work on my flexibility. Lear (Rob Leary, the Red Sox minor league field coordinator and catching instructor) recommended it, and so did a few other guys. At first I wasn't too keen on it, because I've always kind of looked at it as a
girl's thing. But I decided to give it a try, and it was like, 'Wow.' A lot of the pitchers do it, and it's really been helpful. I'm in great shape right now, and that's one of the reasons."

Oh brother... yoga's for girls. Sheesh!

Good interview, hope he has a good year and becomes the new Shoppach someday for JHB.

[ULSTERSOXFAN]

Sox Sweep Again, on Apr 11 2006, 05:52 AM, said:

Oh brother... yoga's for girls. Sheesh!

Good interview, hope he has a good year and becomes the new Shoppach someday for JHB.

Mark's my nephew, and believe me he ain't no fruit. The only reason he did yoga, was that he's so dedicated to enhancing his catching skills he's willing to even try some "weird" shit, (But thats as weird as it'll get)He's busted his balls in that freakin' desert they call Lancaster. If he doesn't make it to Portland next year, I'll get some of my "Southie" brothers to have a Guinness and a talk with Mr.E. :beer :cool .
P.S. He's an honest ,humble kid who any Sox fan would be proud of.

This post has been edited by ULSTERSOXFAN: 20 September 2007 - 03:14 AM