Shawn L (2007 SP)
Shawn has been working on a fitness regime in the off season to allow for himself to improve upon his season of 2007. The Blues are on the verge of indoor workouts and Shawn is ready to put together another strong campaign.
Well you must have been pleased with your season last year?
Of course I was very happy with my performance. Sometimes I did more than what I expected, although I knew that I could improve in some categories.
You lead the team in most offensive and pitching categories. Such play can come with pressure to perform all the time - did you feel that?
No, I didn't feel any pressure at all due to the fact that, I depended on the other players a lot. (e.g. I got RBI's because they took walks and stole bases so they could get in scoring position.
Would you say that 2007 was your best season in baseball?
I don't know I mean there's still 2008 2009 2010 etc. If you were to compare the seasons so far then I'd say 2007 would be my best season.
What caused you the level of success you enjoyed in 2007?
Hard work (what?), learning and correcting my mistakes, etc. Also the new things I learned, it also had a lot to due with the winter training, and training by myself. Also the people that Mark told to come so they could teach us.
You pretty much became the everyday #4 hitter last season. Is that a spot you enjoy, and did you hit in that role the year before?
Of course I love batting in that order! The year before I used to bat 6th , 7th.
You had a real eye catching stat in 2006 (year before last) that you struck out 160 batters and walked 80. It was something the coaching staff recognized before they even took over the team for 2007. Did you feel that reducing your walks was something that helped your season significantly?
Definitely walks are the worst things you could do as a pitcher! Also most of the times those walks would equal runs.
Have you ever wanted to drop down a bunt during a game?
YES! I always wanted to bunt during a game (only if it was an exhibition game or something like that.) Weirdly I never GOT a bunt sign either that or I missed the sign.
Have you ever tried to get yourself on a radar gun? If so what have you topped out at?
Yes I did one year ago, I got 65 mph.
With all the things you accomplished last season, is there still one thing you would like to improve upon for next season?
YES I do want to improve I want to lower the number of walks that I give up.
Your manager Mark Cotgrave was quoted as saying, "Shawn perhaps put together one of the best peewee age bracket (minor / major) seasons that I have every seen (in all areas; pitching, hitting and fielding), and I have been around the game for 13+ years. That's how strong a season he had. He has created high standards for himself moving forward." Do you care to comment.
No I think it’s perfect what he said.
Are you concerned about the new pitching rules being brought into play for the 2008 season?
I’ll just improve my control so I don’t have to throw more. So also when I am on defense I have to play well for my teammates so the rules won’t affect them.
What team did you fear the most when you were pitching?
All teams are good at something. Still out of all of them the best offense (that I pitched against) would be
What one player was the hardest for you to get out as a pitcher?
Depends every player has their own specialty ( some are clutch etc), but the most hardest would have to be not the power/home run hitters but the hitters that are contact hitters, and hitters that fight pitch after pitch off.
How is your off season training coming?
It’s going great!! I actually feel better than before!
Are you excited about the upcoming indoor workouts in January?
Certainly it’s been a long time since I played baseball, and I miss the sport.
What are you thoughts on the new look team you get ready to enter spring training?
I think that we are going to be a very strong team and maybe one of the strongest in
What is your goal for 2008 and therefore the goal you would like the team to accomplish for 2008?
Have control when I’m pitching. When I’m fielding, I have to watch out for bad hops, use my head, and don’t make errors. Base running I should run FASTER. Batting I want to make more eye contact.
Full details of Shawn's 2007 stats can be found here