Getting to know Johnny Barbato
By: Chad Raines
Growing up as a huge
Boston Red Sox fan, with Roger Clemens as his idol, 22 year old Johnny Barbato
may not have foreseen the day where he would be traded to the New York Yankees.
However, the former sixth round pick out of high school in 2010 is looking
forward to being a member of the storied franchise.
With much speculation
surrounding the severity of his injury, Barbato stands by the fact that he
thinks he can avoid Tommy John Surgery. After playing catch and throwing an
inning in October, Barbato believes he will be good to go by the start of the
2015 season.
Barbato was able to talk
to us at the Bronx Bomber Blog and we asked him quite a few questions. Here’s
the conversation we had with him, enjoy!
1. Question: “Who
was your favorite team and player growing up?”
Barbato:
“Roger Clemens and the Boston Red Sox.”
2. Question: “Is
there a particular player you try to model your game after in a way? If so,
who?”
Barbato:
“Well it would have to be Roger Clemens.”
3. Question: “What
was your initial reaction when you heard you had been acquired by the Yankees?”
Barbato:
“Well I couldn’t believe it. I was so shocked but super excited at the same
time.”
4. Question: “What are
you most looking forward to in working your way to the Bronx?”
Barbato:
“Well just new places and opportunities and coming into the year showing
everyone I’m healthy and ready to go.”
5. Question: “What’s the
most exciting thing about being a Yankee on and off the field?”
Barbato:
“On the field I would have to say that I am playing for a team that is
legendary. The guys that have played with the Yankees through the years and
it’s just surreal to think about having a chance to play for them. Off the
field, I would just say that Yankees fans love their players and will always
support them.”
6. Question: “How
do you plan on building on the success you had in AA last season?”
Barbato:
“Just staying healthy. I think if I can stay healthy everything will be fine.”
7. Question: “Is
there any chance you’ll need Tommy John Surgery or are you going to be good to
go in 2015?”
Barbato:
“Well I’ve been playing catch and everything is back to normal and I threw an
inning in October and everything was good to go.”
8. Question: “Has
the club indicated what they anticipate your role to be in the coming seasons?”
Barbato:
“None of that has been talked about yet.”
9. Question: “What
is it like being a member of the Yankees being that you were a Red Sox fan growing
up?”
Barbato:
“Well ever since I was drafted, all of that went out of the window because I
found out pretty fast how much of a business this game could really be. And now
knowing the Yankees are the team everyone wants to play for and to be a part of
the history is surreal and I’m excited and thankful for the opportunity.”
10. Question: “Is
there anything in particular you need to improve on in working your way up to
the big leagues?”
Barbato: “When it comes to making my way up I think I get away with being up in
the zone too often in AA and I am pretty sure that wouldn’t fly in the show.”
The fastball, curveball
and change-up relief pitcher could land in the Bronx in the near future. He is
currently on the Double-A affiliate of the Yankees, the Trenton Thunder’s
roster and will be a major bullpen piece for them. Johnny, we here at the BBB
wish you the best of luck in the future and really appreciate you joining us
for the interview!
Follow one of the newest
Yankee prospects, Johnny Barbato on twitter @Johnny_Barbato
Follow me on twitter
@Chad_Rain
All stats courtesy of
baseball-reference.com
Excellent job getting Barbato to join you for an interview! Good potential, hope he pans out.
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