The Stealth Bomber Series: Interview with C Kyle Higashioka
http://0rz.tw/oBXXb
In our Stealth Bomber series, we talk to players in the farm system who
aren't yet on the New York radar, but hope one day to be so.
In this issue, we get in touch with catching prospect Kyle Higashioka. Kyle
was an ’08 draftee out of Edison High School (CA) and signed an overslot
deal in the seventh round. He came to the Yankees with a strong defensive
pedigree and good offensive potential. Higashioka spent last year with the
Staten Island Yankees and displayed one of the best plate approaches in the
entire Yankee system. Turning 20 in late April, Kyle will be playing full
season ball for the first time next year at Low-A Charleston.
*Note: Since we conducted this interview, Kyle was sent to minor league camp.
Gary Wallace: You just recently received an invitation to Spring Training and
are there right now. How exciting is that for you? Is there anyone you're
particularly looking forward to catching?
Kyle Higashioka: It's really exciting to be at big league camp with all the
veterans. It’s almost like you're already there. I just enjoy catching
whoever I can. Everyone there is really good and it's a treat to be able to
catch all of them.
GW: What does it feel like to don number 92 instead of your usual 25? Are you
planning on beating down Teixeira for taking your number?
KH: Yeah, I'm not a big fan of number 92 so me and Mark are arranging a
Greco-Roman wrestling match to decide who gets to wear number 25.
Not really.
GW: You took a big step last year in your plate discipline posting nice
strikeout and walk rates (14.3% and 10.5% respectively). Was that something
you focused on going into the season?
KH: Yes. I was aware of how much the organization values the on-base
percentage, so plate discipline was one of my priorities last year and it
continues to be.
GW: That being said, your average and power numbers haven't really been
there. Are there any adjustments in your swing you've been working on?
KH: I tweaked my swing a little this off season to hopefully add some more
consistency to my swing and a little more power.
GW: You'll be starting the season in Charleston playing full season ball for
the first time professionally. Do you think the longer season will allow you
more time to make adjustments and really get your bat going?
KH: Well I think it'll be nice to play a full season this year. I can't
really tell you how it'll affect my hitting but hopefully I'll have a good
year and I'll keep moving up.
GW: You had quite the defensive reputation coming out of high school. How
much pride do you take in your work behind the plate?
KH: I take a lot of pride in my defense and the way I handle the pitchers on
whatever team I'm playing for. I believe that my defense more directly
affects the outcome of each game than my hitting does, only because I am
involved in every play. Don't think that means I take hitting lightly though.
It’s just as important as defense in my mind.
GW: You caught a number of very talented pitchers last year in Staten Island
(Arodys Vizcaino, Adam Warren and Gavin Brooks all come to mind). Is there
anyone who really impressed you personally? What was the filthiest pitch you
caught last year?
KH: Well, first off, I thought we had the best pitching staff in the Penn
League last year. Just about every pitcher I caught was very good and they
all impressed me, especially with the way they handled themselves under
pressure and in the playoffs. I don't think I can pick one pitch that was the
filthiest of them all, sorry.
GW: How was arcade night?
KH: The arcade was fun despite the fact that I wasn't very good at skee-ball
or pop-a-shot.
GW: Thanks for taking time out to do this, Kyle. Hope you’re enjoying your
time in Tampa.
KH: Not a problem.
Big ups to Kyle for talking to NoMaas, and we wish him the best of luck in
the upcoming season.
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