Before the Cyclones first home game, I talked to SS Philip Evans. Evans, the Mets' 15th round pick in 2011, who signed for the third-highest bonus in the team's draft class behind only CF
Brandon Nimmo and RHP
Michael Fulmer.
Ready for the Season:Feels good, man. Excited, ready to go. All the fans coming to watch us this season, hopefully put on a show for them. Have a solid season, finish a little better than we did last season.
First New York ExperiencesGone around Coney Island. Done all that. The food here is great. Just try to get out of the hotel as much as possible.
Whats he been eating?
For sure some pizza and some Nathan's hot dogs.
What did you learn in extended spring training?
I just learned a lot of things that I didn't know before. ?I tried to take things that I could polish up my game: footwork, my reads off the bat, my throws to first, my hitting. Just kinda shape it all up, be as consistent as possible. That's pretty much all I took from extended; it was a grind man, but I got through it and now we're here.
Footwork ImprovementsJust kinda protecting myself around the bag. Just trying to be more athletic around the bag, just try to keep myself away from injuries.
Throwing ImprovementsJust hitting the first baseman in the chest?every time?- be more consistent with that. I'm trying to make his job as easy as possible.
SwingFeels great. I just want to get in the box and start hitting. In terms of facing our own guys, it's tough man. They know how to pitch us, they've been watching us for two months down there. They kinda got to know us as we got to know them. I just try to hit the ball hard every time up, try to help the team win.
What's he improved since he was draftedMy strike zone has shrunk a little bit. My pitch selection is way better. My swing feels good for the most part.
What he did all winterPlayed a little volleyball. Did a little surfing. Did a little powerlifting.
Surfing - After I'm done, my whole body is just toasted. I just want to sit on the beach and hang out a bit.
Dad
He was a sales rep for the 3M company, but he's done doing that. He opened up a panini and smoothie shop so that's been going alright. I mean, get some free smoothies.
Favorite Order at Dad's ShopI try to mix it up. I make my own smoothies. You just throw all of the fruits, all of the protein powders, all of the yogurts in there, all different stuff.