Position: 1st base

Bats/Throws: Righty/Righty

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 215lbs

School: Arkansas University

Hometown: Arvada, Colorado

Drafted: 30th round, 2004

The Interview:

Q: You suddenly have a reputation as a slugger that you didn’t have last year, what’s going on?

A: I don’t know, I’m just trying to see the ball well and have good at-bats every time up to the plate. I try to stay relaxed and focused and it’s going pretty well.

Q: You seem to have no problem getting over the wall here, are you trying to keep it down or gun for the fences?

A: No, my game plan is to stay on top of the ball and hit line drives, and the ball will take care of itself. If they get the pitch up a little bit and you stay on top of it, you get a little backspin and it carries. Not something I’m really trying for, just a sign that my timing is right, I think.

Q: This is your second season in pro ball, how’s this differ from rookie ball?

A: Oh, the fans are great, you don’t really get many fans to rookie games, maybe a handful of people, so it’s nice to have a crowd behind you cheering you on. It feels a lot more like competitive baseball with an audience watching.

Q: Have you taken any of the younger guys under your wing as a ‘veteran’ of the team?

A: Yeah, actually my roommate is Justin Sellers, so I’ve been working with him, trying to make it easier for him to acclimatize. But he’s fine so far, handling it all like a pro. Maybe a little too fine (laughs).

Q: You were originally drafted by the Red Sox, right?

A: Yeah, they picked me up and I came to Oakland in a trade.

Q: Is that a good result for you?

A: Well, the Red Sox are a great ballclub, I don’t have any problems with them at all. Would have been fine to play there if I had to.

Q: But if you had to choose between Oakland or Boston…?

A: Oakland! No question. It’s just a quality club, right the way through the system. A lot of clubs don’t put anywhere near as much thought into the minor system as Oakland does, so yeah, gimme the Athletics any day.

Q: Have you managed to get down to Oakland at all, either at spring training, or after the trade, or anything like that?

A: No, I wish. I think they reserve that privilege for the high draft picks. That’d be awesome, but I guess I have to earn it the old-fashioned way.

Q: Have you picked up any nicknames in the clubhouse?

A: Well actually Haas is a nickname, so no, I’ve stayed clear of anything more than that.

Q: Anyone else picked up any choice names?

A: None that I can remember.

Q: Because you know I’ll find out…

A: Oh, I know you will.

Q: Juan Navarrete - discuss.

A: Just totally cool. Really helpful, whenever you need a moment of his time, or you have something to get figured out. I had him as my coach in Arizona last year, and it was awesome to have him here this season. Makes it a lot more enjoyable and productive to be working under someone you can talk to about anything.

Q: How do you deal with 8 or 12-hour bus trips in the NWL?

A: To be honest, I try to sleep. It’s not always easy, especially when the air conditioning isn’t working like happened on the last trip. It was just so hot in there, but we couldn’t leave the bus for safety reasons, so I just tried to sleep my way through it.

Q: At least when you get back you have a nice bed to come home to.

A: Yeah, the host families are awesome, it’s nice to be able to relax between games and not be jammed in together, or in a hotel room on a highway somewhere. I think it makes your game a little better when you feel comfortable, and we’re all very comfortable in Vancouver.