ESPN interview with Mark Teahen

[PunkinDrublic]

We ask, Mark Teahen answers
posted: Sunday, January 28, 2007 | Feedback | Print Entry

Mark Teahen was the best prospect landed by the Kansas City Royals in the Carlos Beltran deal in 2004, and early last season, Teahen emerged as an offensive force, batting .313 in his last 316 at-bats, with 19 doubles, 5 triples, 14 homers and 60 RBIs. He had shoulder surgery in September, timing the procedure so he would be ready for the start of 2007. He exchanged some e-mails and kicked around some questions:

1. How has your rehab gone?
Teahen: I have been throwing and hitting for the past month or so. The hitting has come back rather quickly, but the throwing is more of a process. I am on a throwing program that is geared towards me being 100 percent by the start of spring training. Today (Tuesday) I threw at 120 feet for the first time, and everything felt strong. As long as things stay on track I should be more than ready for Opening Day. As hard as it was to cut my season short last year, I feel it gave me the right amount of time to ensure full health for this year, and hopefully result in a better start for the Royals.

2. How did you hear the news of Gil Meche's signing?
Teahen: I was actually in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Even while on vacation I was checking the Royals transactions, and was extremely excited to see the signing. Late last season Mark Grudzielanek and I had actually talked about Gil Meche and how he would be a good fit for our team moving forward. His age is a plus, because he should be peaking along with our young core of players, and he also has the experience to solidify our rotation. It was refreshing to see the Royals dive into an active market and spend the money we had to in order to get the guy we wanted. I think moves like Meche along with the signing of guys like Octavio Dotel and David Riske send the message to the players, fans and entire organization that Dayton Moore and the Royals are not going to be content with our recent past.

3. Describe a typical day for you in the offseason, from Christmas until spring training.
Teahen: My typical day of this offseason has been a bit more busy than past offseasons, because I have had the pleasure of rehabbing my shoulder. An average day starts with breakfast around [8:30 a.m.], and then I head to our complex in Surprise, Ariz. around [9 a.m.] to go through my shoulder exercises and throwing program. I also mix in some hitting or do some defensive drills. From there I go to the local gym and get in whatever workout that day calls for. I then have lunch and try to relax or run errands, like everyone else. I also try to mix in some ping-pong to keep my reactions sharp. My night ends with a well-balanced meal and sometimes a good book.

4. Who's the toughest pitcher in the American League for you?
Teahen: C.C. Sabathia. His left-handed, three-quarter release is tough for me to pick up, and he has some of the best velocity of any left-hander in the game. When Sabathia has his good slider it keeps you honest, and has provided me with quite a challenge. I feel Johan Santana is the most complete pitcher in the American League, though. His changeup is so good that it does not matter what side of the plate you are on. He seems to get the most off-balanced swings of anyone I've faced, because he has the ability to change speeds on all three of his pitches.

5. There is an expectation that in time, Alex Gordon will be promoted to be the Royals' third baseman and you will shift to the outfield. How much has that been talked about between the Royals and yourself?
Teahen: The idea of me [possibly] moving to the outfield at some point in the '07 season was first presented to me in September while we were deciding the best time to have surgery on my shoulder. A position change was not high on my list of things I wanted to accomplish, but I understand the game and the fact that the Royals have to find a way to get both Alex Gordon and I in the lineup. My discussions have been limited with [Buddy Bell] and the front office, because I don't think the final decision has been made as to what position I will be playing. The one thing that Dayton Moore and Buddy Bell expressed to me is that they will do whatever is best for the team, and at the end of the day I will do whatever gives the Royals a better chance to win ballgames.

I have only seen Gordon play a few games last spring, but he did display a great deal of talent. He clearly has a nice swing, and seems to play a good third base. He also runs well for a corner infielder, and plays the game hard. The most impressive thing I noticed with Alex was the fact that he does not let all the praise and accolades diminish his drive to constantly improve.

6. Who is the player on the Royals who will surprise this year?
Teahen: I am excited to see what Ryan Shealy will accomplish in his first full season in the big leagues. I played against Ryan at nearly every level through the minor leagues, and I am glad he is now a teammate rather than an opponent. Ryan can hit to all fields and has power to all fields as well. He seems to smell RBIs and was clutch in the second half of the season for us last year. My sleeper pick is Angel Berroa, who struggled last year, but has been working diligently this offseason to return to his Rookie of the Year form.

7. Who is a player with another team that you like to watch hit or pitch?
Teahen: I like to watch Derek Jeter swing the bat. He seems to always be in control of his at-bat. He also gets better as the situation gets tougher, whether it be with two strikes, or late in the game, Derek Jeter seems to have the relaxed intensity to handle the situation. He does not try to do too much, but rather, he hits the ball where it is pitched and does not give away at-bats.

8. You mention reading good books ... what books have you read this offseason?
Teahen: I am currently reading In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote, because I saw the film Capote, and was intrigued to read the book. Prior to that the best book I read this offseason was The Blind Side, Evolution of a Game, by Michael Lewis. It gives an insight into the increased importance of the left tackle in the NFL, and offers the insight through an inner-city athlete that is given the opportunity to [pursue] a football career when he is given access to a wealthy private high school. It is an informative and intriguing story, but I do have to mention I am a bit partial to Michael Lewis writings, because I was part of the Moneyball draft class of the A's in 2002.

9. How would you describe the ultimate teammate (production aside), and who would fit that description, in your time in pro ball.
Teahen: The best teammate I have ever had is Joe McEwing. My rookie year he, along with numerous other veteran guys, took me under his wing and showed me how to be a Major League player. Joe gets to the park before any other player. He works nonstop, and when he looks like he is resting he is simply breaking the game down in his head. Joe is the first guy to pick someone up if they are struggling, and if I ever did anything that warranted a high-five Joe was on the top step. He has not been handed anything in his baseball career, but through hard work and dedication to playing the game right, he has made a successful career of it. Joe is also a good family man, and I look at him as a role model off the field as well.

10. What do you envision doing two years after you retire?
Teahen: Two years after I retire should be a long time from now, so time will tell, but I envision being involved with baseball in some facet. I see myself getting involved with the business side of the game, and as I go through the process of a Major League career I am getting a better grasp of the intricacies that make an organization successful. I see myself having a family at that point in my life, and after playing a game that takes you away from your family so often, spending time with my family will be a high priority.

[Halfcan]

wow

[tyton75]

interesting read..

and I never thought of playing ping pong to work on your reaction time; but I'll bet it would work really well

[FringeNC]

Teahen is one of the most articulate athletes in recent memory.

[Archie Bunker]

Originally Posted by PunkinDrublic

I think moves like Meche along with the signing of guys like Octavio Dotel and David Riske send the message to the players, fans and entire organization that Dayton Moore and the Royals are not going to be content with our recent past.

Originally Posted by PunkinDrublic

My sleeper pick is Angel Berroa, who struggled last year, but has been working diligently this offseason to return to his Rookie of the Year form.

[Eleazar]

That is the second time I've heard someone say that Berroa has really been working hard this offseason. Hopefully it translates to the field.

[acesn8s]

I'm glad to see our Royals are going to Cabo to rehabilitate after surgery. It must be the Tequila.

I hope the Royals success doesn't depend on Berroa.