http://nationals.scout.com/2/558131.html


By Frankie Piliere
Posted Aug 17, 2006

The Nationals made the signing of third round draft pick, Stephen King,
official on Wednesday.  Soon after King signed his contract in Melbourne,
CapitolDugout.com caught up with the young shortstop to discuss his feelings
on the big day, his goals, and much more.


CapitolDugout.com: First of all, what are your overall feelings about being
part of this organization?

Stephen King: Overall, I feel great.  The Nationals seem to be pushing in the
right direction, and from what I understand the youth in the organization is
going to be a key factor in the future development, which means more chances
to make it to the bigs quickly.  And, that's only good.


CapitolDugout.com: It's been a long wait for your official signing.  How did
the layoff affect you and was it a pretty nerve-racking month or so?

Stephen King: The long wait, while being very boring at times, was very good
for me.  It helped me strengthen my sprained PCL and just get stronger and in
better shape overall.  Although professional baseball was my number one
choice, I was not that nervous as I had a great school with superb coaches
and followers to go to if the Nationals did not come through.


CapitolDugout.com: There is some split among scouts as to whether you are
best fit for shortstop or third base.  How do you feel about that and have
the Nationals indicated where they see you playing?

Stephen King: They see me as a shortstop.  While I can play third base, I
greatly prefer shortstop and i know I can play it at the next level.  Now, it
is just a matter of proving that I can play there, and as long as I do that,
I'll be at shortstop.


CapitolDugout.com: Some players go into pro ball without expectations while
others try to prepare themselves for what they are up against.  Do you have
any expectations of what pro ball will be like?

Stephen King:  It's going to be heaven.  Who doesn't like waking up every
morning knowing that their job for that day is to play baseball?


CapitolDugout.com: As of Thursday, there are only four games left in the GCL
season.  Do you know if you are going to see any action or are you just wait
for instructs in the fall?

Stephen King: I signed a 2007 contract so I won't be playing any games until
next year.  For now, I'll just be working out.


CapitolDugout.com: What are some things that you'd like to work on the most
to improve your game headed into next season?

Stephen King: I haven't seen live pitching in ages.  I don't know if I'm
going to get the chance to stand in against some live batting practice, but
that would definitely help get my timing back because I'm sure it will be a
bit out of tune.  Other then that, I just want to get some more rhythm to my
swing.

CapitolDugout.com: If a Nationals fan wanted to know what type of player to
envision when they thought about you, what type of player should they see?
 In other words, what should they know about your overall game?

Stephen King: Someone that is always giving it there all; diving for balls,
running out ground balls and just always having a good time.


CapitolDugout.com: Have the Nationals talked to you at all about what they
expect in your future or just what type of player they see you as?

Stephen King: They speak highly of me and my future.  But, now it's my job to
work hard and deliver on the expectations of both them and myself.


CapitolDugout.com: You'll be working with all new coaches very soon.  What
are some things that you feel that they'll pick up on as positives about you
and things they might find that you need to improve on either at the plate or
in the field?

Stephen King: Some positives they would pick up on would be my work ethic and
willingness to change.  I feel I have pretty good overall mechanics as well.
 What I would need to improve on would probably be my approach at the plate.
 I tend to try and do to much with the ball at times.


CapitolDugout.com: It's a long way off, but what would be some of your goals
going into your first spring training in 2007 and do you feel that you have a
shot of breaking camp with a full season team if all goes well?

Stephen King: What I plan on doing is going out and out working others, and
just have a lot of fun with it.  If I do that, I will play well.  And, then I
feel I would definitely break camp with a full season team.