Q and A with Michael Taylor (Part II)

Written by: Josh Landsburg on 6th July 2009

Q and A with Michael Taylor (Part II) | read this item

Michael Taylor, outfield prospect for the Phillies, and I continue our conversation from the previous story:

JL: What are your thoughts on the Reading Phillies this year?

MT: This team is feeling really good, because this is an affiliate that’s been in this city for forty some plus years, and they had a really bad year last year. Despite having some players doing really well, the team aspect of it was lost, and they just didn’t really get together and have the kind of performance you expected they would, especially offensively. I think we’re really excited to be in the hunt. Not only for ourselves, but also for the city of Reading, because they really come out and support us rain or shine by leading the league in attendance every year. We’re really excited about the opportunity we’re having with a chance for a playoff spot for the rest of the year. We have a lot of talent on this team, and I think everyone really gets along on this team. It’s been a great experience so far. We’ve played really well as a group, and we’ve had some turnover, but guys have stepped up and filled roles and done a good job.

JL: What about trade possibilities?

MT: It’s a part of this business, and it’s the business side of this game. I guess I’m keenly aware about what the Phillies need. Also, the position I’m in with the organization with the guys they have in the big leagues now, and obviously some of the young talented outfielders that are sort of coming behind me at a very rapid pace, so I guess I would be an attractive bargaining piece for the Phillies to deal. Now I don’t know what they’re going to do, they don’t talk to us at all. All I know is that I have to be on the bus tomorrow at 9:45, and be back here in twelve hours, so that’s pretty much the extent of my organizational knowledge. You know, I’ve definitely heard the rumors. I have friends and family always sending me links, saying this and that, but I just tell them that I can’t control that. So for me, I control what I can control, and that’s just coming out here and just try to play and get better. I mean to be honest with you, I have to get better every day. I have to be hungry for it. So, I’m hungry to get better and try and help this team win, but also to improve myself as a baseball player.

I came away from this interview thinking that Michael Taylor is a really humble guy, and he is someone with a good head on his shoulders. If he is able to succeed and someday become a valuable corner outfielder for the Phillies, they will not only be happy to have his talents, but they will be happy to have him as a person too. He has the potential to be a great clubhouse and team leader, and Phillies fans should be excited about his future.

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Hometeamgal says:

July 8, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Hearing about a potential prospect for the Phillies coming up through the system is another reason that this blog is worth reading. We will have to follow Michael Taylor’s progress.