Tweet
Pittsburgh, Pa.
When the Millers season ended a year ago, many of the messages from the players were the typical messages you'd hear from a locker room that suffered a conclusion less than ideal. However, although this core has been together for a few seasons now, there were some interesting takes that put where the Millers are in perspective.
"We've got a good group of young guys who'll need to carry us more next season." Veteran Pat Vickers proclaimed. "The talent level is high, and as long as Joey (Cook) is in the lineup we have a chance."
Wait a second, we've heard this line before but in reference to superstar Jamie O'Hearn, not Joey Cook. This spring we spoke with Vickers to follow up on his comments and he was clear, Joey Cook is the best player on the team.
"Look, Jam-O is a HOF talent and one of the best hitters in the game no doubt, but what Joey does is incredible. He's ... I don't know man, it's hard to explain ... he's just special." Vickers said.
Last season, his first full season in the BLB Cook slashed .283/.345/.485/.830 with 33 HR and 103 RBI...those are nice numbers, sure, but the best player on the team? What makes him special?
We asked 3 long time scouts about Cook and these were their responses:
"Barrell is 65, I think it could get to 70. He's not athletic, but damnit he's athletic in the box. He's got incredible balance and his swing is pure and powerful. The lower half is outstanding, there's room for more power too. He's a competitor, and the intangibles are all there."
"He's a killer. There's no moment that's too big, I saw him play a game at SC, and he hit three balls at the pitchers head. Line drive smashes that rose each time. The bat plays and will always play"
"He's the best third baseman in the game right now. Plus glove, tools, intangibles, and now results. I'll be surprised if he ever struggled"
Call me the skeptic but this is one journalist who's seen a lot of baseball but never realized his ablity like that.
We spoke to Cook, about his offseason perpetration and how he is feeling heading into the year. "It's alright, worked hard this offseason, but I've got a lot of work to do. Just looking for good results."
Never been mistaken for a journalist, Cooks intensity is one of the things that makes him such an intriguing player.
As we head into opening day, let's take a look at who'll be lining up for the Millers.
2B Pat Vickers - 7th straight opening day start
3B Joey Cook - 2nd opening day
1B Milt Stoll - 5th Opening Day with Pitt
RF Jamie O'Hearn - 8th straight opening day start
DH Danny Garcia- 4th opening day with Pitt
C Dave Girard - 2nd
LF Robby Syzmanski - 1st with Pitt
SS Geoff Kelly - 1st with Pitt
CF Jackson Simmons - 1st with Pitt
Fan Poll record Predictions: 98 Wins - 64 Losses
BLB.com Preseason Predictions: 100-62
Post Gazette Predictions: 97-65
GM Mike C prediction: Hopefully more wins than losses.
When the Millers season ended a year ago, many of the messages from the players were the typical messages you'd hear from a locker room that suffered a conclusion less than ideal. However, although this core has been together for a few seasons now, there were some interesting takes that put where the Millers are in perspective.
"We've got a good group of young guys who'll need to carry us more next season." Veteran Pat Vickers proclaimed. "The talent level is high, and as long as Joey (Cook) is in the lineup we have a chance."
Wait a second, we've heard this line before but in reference to superstar Jamie O'Hearn, not Joey Cook. This spring we spoke with Vickers to follow up on his comments and he was clear, Joey Cook is the best player on the team.
"Look, Jam-O is a HOF talent and one of the best hitters in the game no doubt, but what Joey does is incredible. He's ... I don't know man, it's hard to explain ... he's just special." Vickers said.
Last season, his first full season in the BLB Cook slashed .283/.345/.485/.830 with 33 HR and 103 RBI...those are nice numbers, sure, but the best player on the team? What makes him special?
We asked 3 long time scouts about Cook and these were their responses:
"Barrell is 65, I think it could get to 70. He's not athletic, but damnit he's athletic in the box. He's got incredible balance and his swing is pure and powerful. The lower half is outstanding, there's room for more power too. He's a competitor, and the intangibles are all there."
"He's a killer. There's no moment that's too big, I saw him play a game at SC, and he hit three balls at the pitchers head. Line drive smashes that rose each time. The bat plays and will always play"
"He's the best third baseman in the game right now. Plus glove, tools, intangibles, and now results. I'll be surprised if he ever struggled"
Call me the skeptic but this is one journalist who's seen a lot of baseball but never realized his ablity like that.
We spoke to Cook, about his offseason perpetration and how he is feeling heading into the year. "It's alright, worked hard this offseason, but I've got a lot of work to do. Just looking for good results."
Never been mistaken for a journalist, Cooks intensity is one of the things that makes him such an intriguing player.
As we head into opening day, let's take a look at who'll be lining up for the Millers.
2B Pat Vickers - 7th straight opening day start
3B Joey Cook - 2nd opening day
1B Milt Stoll - 5th Opening Day with Pitt
RF Jamie O'Hearn - 8th straight opening day start
DH Danny Garcia- 4th opening day with Pitt
C Dave Girard - 2nd
LF Robby Syzmanski - 1st with Pitt
SS Geoff Kelly - 1st with Pitt
CF Jackson Simmons - 1st with Pitt
Fan Poll record Predictions: 98 Wins - 64 Losses
BLB.com Preseason Predictions: 100-62
Post Gazette Predictions: 97-65
GM Mike C prediction: Hopefully more wins than losses.
Comment