Baby-Bombers.com Exclusive: Q&A With Chris Raber

After the 2007 Season, Baby-Bombers.com had the chance to talk with first-baseman Chris Raber

By: Robert Pimpsner

December 6, 2007 – First off, I would you to thank you for taking your time out for this Q&A session.

How did it feel to make your professional debut this past season?

It felt great. Having the opportunity to start my professional career at home against Brooklyn in front of a sold-out crowd was a great experience.
 

What was your favorite moment of the 2007 season?
My favorite moment of the 2007 season would have to be the opening night game in Staten Island in front of a sold out crowd.
 

How did it feel having two 6-RBI games in one month and hitting your first professional grand slam?
Having those two big games was certainly a pleasant surprise. Being able to have my first professional homerun be a grand slam and have some family at the game was something I will never forget.
 

Were you upset from the team’s early exit from the 2007 Playoffs?
Yes, I was upset with the way the playoffs ended for us. I felt as if we were playing good baseball down the stretch and we all had high expectations for the post-season.
 

Was it tough to make the transition from aluminum bats to wood bats?
The transition from metal to wood wasn't too bad during the season. It took a little bit of adjusting in the first week but then once you become familiar with the feel and find a model that feels good it isn't that big of a deal.
 

How difficult was it to adjust to pitching in the NY-Penn League?
There were a lot of good arms in the NY-Penn League. You were consistently seeing guys with good stuff. Being able to play everyday though made it somewhat easier to adjust though.
 

Did you feel that you made progress at the plate and in the field?
I feel I made a lot of progress at the plate and in the field from the time I walked in the door until the end of my first season. The instruction the Yankee staff provides is first class combined with hard work was the key to my progress.
 

During the ’07 season you had 8 stolen bases in 10 attempts. Is this an area of your game that you plan on expanding on in your first full season next year?
Yes, I like to run and expect to steal some bases next year. I have been working extremely hard on my strength and conditioning this off-season so I feel I will be in the shape necessary to do so.

What would you say was the hardest part of the 2007 season?

The hardest part of the 2007 season would probably have to be just staying as consistent as possible each and every day and not ever being too high or too low.

Excluding yourself if you had to choose one player from the 2007 Staten Island Yankees that could rise through the Farm System who would it, be?

I would have to say Zach McAllister. He has very good stuff and is still young. He has the size and strength to move up through the system.

Would you say that the rivalry between the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees rubbed off on some of the players and helped motivate them to do better against the Cyclones?

Yes, I think you can say that, but at the same time I feel the fans have a lot to do with it as well. The atmosphere was always exciting when we played each other and the players often feed off of that.

What are you doing to help yourself get better for next season?

I have been working extremely hard in all aspects of my game including weight lifting and running as well as the hitting and defense.
 

Where do you see yourself next season?
I see myself just working extremely hard and playing up to my potential and only take care of the things I can control.

How would you compare the coaching at the professional level with that in college?

I would say the coaching at the college level and professional level have some similarities. Both are focused on making you the best player you can be and that is the main thing.
 

Were the coaches at the professional level more knowledgeable then that in college?
The Yankees have an unbelievable staff of instructors that are very knowledgable in all areas of the game and they will work extremely hard with you.
 

Has the style of coaching changed from college to the professional level?
I think the hold the same goal and that is winning. Obviously the minor leagues is about players developing but coaches still strive to win and win a championship.