Interview With Braves Brian McCann

Written by: Paul Greco on 3rd April 2009

Interview With Braves Brian McCann | read this item

Written by Kevin Orris of FantasyPros911.com

Right before the start of spring training, I was fortunate to get the chance to set up an interview with Atlanta Braves All-Star catcher Brian McCann. Some feel that McCann is a strong candidate for the 2009 NL MVP award including Atlanta Journal Constitution writer Mark Bradley. Be sure to leave a comment below with your thoughts on Brian McCann and what you expect from him and the Atlanta Braves in 2009. More interviews are on the way!

Kevin Orris: In 2008, you developed a new batting stance during spring training. What changes did you make and how did it help your hitting?

Brian McCann: I am always tinkering with my swing. My dad and I work hard in the offseason, looking at film and just getting me comfortable. I got into my legs more, and I am always looking at my hips and hands. It is an ongoing process.

KO: How long does it take you to become comfortable with the type of pitches and pitching styles of new off-season acquisitions, such as Javier Vazquez and Derek Lowe?

BM: Lowe is sinker/cutter/breaking ball/changeup guy, so we will just work on rhythm, sequencing and spots. I’m going to get to see Javier early so we will get on the same page. I’ll look at the game film, too, and get a feel for their style. But, it will mostly come as on the job training.

KO: How do you think the language barrier with Kenshin Kawakami will affect your communication and ability to work with him? Have you worked with many foreign pitchers before?

BM: I think he speaks better English than people think. We will be fine. I have worked with several Dominican and other Latin players that didn’t speak much English. But, I don’t anticipate this being an issue with KK.

KO: You are part of a new generation of catchers including Russell Martin, Joe Mauer, and Geovany Soto. Where do you think you rank among them?

BM: I hope that people consider me to be in the mix with them. I have tried to work extremely hard at the defensive side of my game. I worked on losing some weight this off-season and I feel lighter than I have felt in 3 years. Offensively, I have always done well so I hope to continue to improve that side of my game as well. I want to be a mainstay in the middle of the order, produce runs, and be a .300 guy every year.

You can read the rest of the interview with Brian McCann from our source of Fantasy Basebal information over at FantasyPros911.com

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Topics: Atlanta Braves, brian mccann, FantasyPros911.com, Kevin Orris