coach32sm

Angel is leaving on Sunday and will play on Tues (DH) it is on ESPN Deportes if you have it. "Coach"

Im not sure where this "one second off 60" is coming from. Maybe one big guy had a second taken off, most have a few tenths and even that is unique. From 7.1 to 6.8 is a hell of a lot and puts that guy in a minority of speed. We get a lot of 4 tenths and close to that. Raymond Quinones who was our SS for 3 years was a top showcase kid who is in UNC Greensboro, he was a 4 tool guy had average speed with us, he was one of the first guys to work with "PHEW" and he went from 7.2 to 6.7, thats a big difference especially for a great athlete and a Div ! prospect. The whole thing is mechanics and if you saw what we do you would understand it. When you get 2 olympic (and world record holder) showing you and drilling you, and it is incorporated into you daily workouts it comes to fruition. For example we have a brute catcher who is 6'2 255 he will easily get a second off his time because he is a truck and is losing a lot of baby fat as well. Our other big catching prospect is a 15 year old Soph. who is 6'2 220 and in the same boat, but runs much better he will probably get down a few tenths. Fernando Frias who was our RF for 4 years was our next "Manny" He was drafted and went to JC instead, he's a beast at 6'0 245 and ran 7.0, he's gone as fast as 6.8 and will , if he still continues to work with few while off from college (and on his own) will get to about 6.7, but he's a masher with plus, plus major league power so it's not as vital for a kid like that, he's a power guy, speed would be a plus, and 6.8 is more than sufficient. Hope that clears up a lot As far as pop times, ask any scout that ever saw Salome in HS, we had a few here the other day doing home visits with our possible 1st rounder and it was funny how a few just started talking about Salome's arm and 3 of them all said "I have never seen an arm like that." I saw it for 4 years, you guys can just wait and see, then believe, as he gets back to mechanically sound form. Jean Carlos Rodriguez who is now with the Angels has an arm a notch below, off the charts Plus, I do not get insulted with any disagreement, just down argue if you dont know and don't doubt what you can't see. Thanks "Coach"

Actually, I'm a baseball fan, I like teams that do things right and good organizations that develop kids and do it the right way. I've liked the Brewers system for awhile. One change I would make is their belief that each player MUST succeed at EACH level before moving. (Fielder, Weeks etc. ) Braun was one of the few exceptions. Sure I'd like Angel to do well and if it's not with the Brewers it will be with someone else, but they nurtured him so I'd like to see them reap the benefits. As far as the running thing. As I said my friend spoke at the National Convention, some people were skeptical as expected, and unfortunately he didnt bring any videos or anything, so it wasnt as effective, but by the end of the talk most people understood what he is doing and hat he has and will do, many people asked if he could work with their team, and he (Ed Loveless- Go Go) will speak next year again, fully loaded. Just remember I told you I have a kid, 15 yrs old who runs 6.5 ad I think he will run 6.1 , Ed (Phew) thinks he will run 6.0 so we will see by his senior year. "Coach"

He's 100% healthy. I took pictures of him but never finished taking the ones I wanted of him catching, have some lifting though and talking to young catchers here, if I knew how to post themI'd send a few. The Dominican league has 9 games left, then an 18 game round robin and if they win, 7 more games, so he should play in a bunch of games, and he should help them move on. "Coach"

No not what you think, but he will be going to play in dominican Republic with the Toros. He will leave at the end of the week. The good thing is he will be a team mate of Alberto Castillo who is a master with young catchers, a great teacher. dont expect angel to hit well the first few games, he has not seen live, game pitching in a loooong time but he is ready everywhere else and will hit soon enough. Hope that helps with the pipeline for those who care. Enjoy the winter Meetings, I sure hope the Brewers make lots of moves. Heard they wanted Maine for Hart, good for Brewers bad for Mets. Take Care "Coach"

Nonsensical and non research, well in 2005 he caught 133 games, I think thats more than 110, or am i wrong. You fans are absurd with your attacking by the way. Ease up, maybe the players you criticize so brutally will relax and play better not being scrutinized and you might win a title. anyway, Zaun should catch somewhere between 100-110 games and it's a bit foolish to play a rookeis prospect only 50 games, if so I would think it would be Angel, with Lucroy developing and playing EVERY DAY in AAA "Coach" Also, how do you get the paragraphs to be more readable? I forgot!!!!

I meant to say 110 or so

They will probably trade for a pitcher and throw a few prospects in the deal, including one of the catchers, that's the only thing that makes any sense to me "Coach"

It doesn't make sense for the Brewers to have a prospect sit behind a guy for a year when he needs to get his ab's and work on defense, it also doesn't make sense to move a catcher fromAA to the big leagues to only have him sit and learn. So what do they do with both young catchers? They can't both play AAA and stunt their growth in defense and/or bats, and it doesn't make much sense to leave Lucroy at AA so do they move him to AAA and have Angel "learn" from Zaun? I doubt it, so therefore one goes. Is that why they pushed Lucroy to boost his trade value or was it legit and they dump angel? It's going to be very interesting. I told you guys the Brewers would sign a ML catcher, a few weeks ago and that now changes the landscape!!!! I assure you Zaun will catch about 140 games or so unless he tanks and the Brewers eat 2.1 or so. Enjoy your winter, I know I will. "Coach"

Signing of Zaun is not good for the young guns. I guess one of them will back up and one will be in AAA. If Zaun does not do the job, then a promotion, but with the amount they are giving Zaun I doubt if he'll sit much, but I'm sure he will nurture the lucky one. Time will tell. will one be dealt this winter? "Coach"

Hey strawbossisevil, you hit the nail on the head, that is exactly what I've been saying. I know Angel and see what he does and how he thinks, more so than anyone else, so I see the good and the good intention. He has had a rocky road for a few years with the injuries and the suspension (which was for amphetamines, triggered by ADD medication and NOT STERIODS) I can see the organization and fans getting down on him, but again, put that all behind and let's move on. Angel might go to Winter bal for a few weeks soon, but he really needs to stay in NY and work as he is doing and work with our running and footwork guys. And the article on Lucroy was great, it shows a great side of him. I like players that are not full of themselves as he came off, I wish him luck. Let's hope the Brewers don't go out and sign a big league guy and both guys are out, as one probably will be in a trade if that happens. PS I am in Arizona as the National convention is starting and as I said, as VP I have to provide a host of speakers, one being Ed Lovelace from PHEW who is our running guy. I'm sure he'll get a lot of disbelief as he talks about what he has done and can do, but I have seen it. He will hopefully have videos and I think he's actually going to show a little bit of stuff on video with Angel included. We'll see. We'll talk soon. And boy is it nice when it's warm, let's play two. "Coach"

Hey thanks, and sure, I think the kids do more for me. It's a great thing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. don't know a lot of people who actually love their work, that's why Im there at 5:30 Am and most days don't leave until 7 or 8 ish. It's a paradise for me, and PHISH, yeah my one vice (LOL) "CoacH"

Wow! where did you find that??? So much has changed yet so much stays the same. At that time only 23% of the students at GW were graduating, but 99.9 % of the baseball team did, and still does. The big difference is that yes they are still a team of all dominicans but most are second generation and born in the US. Many of the players (to my chagrin) have become more Americanized (I-pods, computers, girls, etc.) Fortunately the love for the game is stronger than ever. I went into pro ball to coach shortly after that and was offered a full time job, but could not and would not leave my "kids" I still feel like that even with every offer I get. I always have a new one I have to nurture. I've been to the Dominican Republic so many times since that first time with Javier, (to this day he is like my son, we remain close). Adrian, mentioned in the article, is now a teacher in Washington Heights. Actually two players who were drafted (one from St. John's last year, the other from Louisiana) decided they would rather give back to the program, school and community and come back to GW, teach and coach. All my assistant coaches over the years, except my first and one currently, played for me. My rules are still the same, we play hard as hell, no BS on the bench, we are very intense and focused and all baseball. I still NEVER sit, ever, and I still NEVER raise my voice, it serves no purpose, for me anyway. Speaking English, I prefer it but dont force it, some kids have trouble with the language. I understand most of what is being said and my coaches are Dominican so if anything is going astray, it's stopped immediately. We still work long hard hours to the point of absurd, but I know besides making us a better team, better men and better team mates, it keeps most of them off the streets. All my athletes have two choices, pro ball if they are so lucky or college, nothing else. A few of them went to the Armed Forces, but all the others move on to one of the other two choices. Last year as I was given National Coach of the Year and awarded with a special coaching award. One of my former players, unbeknown to me, showed up (in Chicago) paying his own expenses etc, and asked if he could present me with the award. He gave a speech of how he would now be dead or a drug dealer if it werent for the program, he is now an anasthesiologist working on becoming a doctor, he had the whole place in tears. Those are the things I stay at GW for. Many of these kids dont have two parents and some not even one, so it's important for someone to be there to guide them and to be a part of their lives. I guess I'm the lucky one. The sad part is that we get no support especially financially. I don't want the kids raising the money so I do it all myself. We're hoping that someday when one of our stars makes it big, he will help out not like Manny, but that's another story. We work hard at trying to win Championships. Last year after an unprecedented 25 consecutive Division 1 Championships we finally did not, but we hope to start a longer string this year. Our team for the next three years is awesome and next year have a great few kids I have been working with for awhile and then our bat boy the younger brother (12 yrs old) of our stud 2B will be a freshman, he can almost play for us now, I cant wait. So there is always someone in the wings for me to think about. This year, if all goes right I should get my 900th win and I guess that just makes me old. We should also have 4 All Americans (SS Mike Antonio- 2B Xyruse (Cyrus) Martinez- RHP Yael Regalado- LHP Nestor Bautista and C-Nelson Rodriguez) and a few more right there with them. Hope that answers all the questions. Happy holidays (and PHISH was awesome again, great second set and unreal "YEM" encore) "Coach"

Southpaw, just curious, did you ever play the game? What level? do you still? I guess people still don't read rt. correctly, I said Lucroys game on Saturday was atrocious, not he. That was the point for the fourth time, you cant base someone's ability by one game or other's opinions, I really thought I made that clear, I was not say HE WAS ATROCIOUS. As far as a second off guys times, not everyone has a second taken off, most are just a few tenths. But a lot of people on this sight have said that Angel is SLOW when I said he not only had great speed for a catcher in high school, but very good baseball speed in general. So what's slow for Angel 7.9? Well come by before Spring training and I will show you 6.8, that's a second. If you're planning to come by, the school address is 549 Audubon Ave New York, NY Take the number 1 train to 191 street, if by car take the GW bridge to Audubon Ave and turn left to 192. If coming from the East take the Cross Bronx to Amsterdam and turn go straight to Audubon, turn right al the way to the school. If by south take the FDR Drive or Westside highway to the same. Laguardia is the best and closest airport. Take the Triboro to FDR and follow above. We start at 3 and usually finish about 7. You are all welcome. Also until Angel was hurt in August he had the highest percent of CS in the organization, I think that's an indication of his progress. Did I offend anyone with that bit of info? Am I being biased? I'm pushing for Angel but wishing no one any bad luck or il feelings, neither does Angel. My kids are taught to help each other. If you can see any two or 3 guys on the team that play the same position, helping each other you would see what I mean, They understand that competition is healthy and we treat each person the same. I've stated many times how Angel works with our catchers, and now Jean Carlos is doing the same. We have 4 catchers this year and they all work together, pushing each other. None will ever say anything bad about the other, that's just the way we do it. during the season you will see LOTS of bantering between each of them, all in good fun, and that too usually pushes the other guy. Also, my bias isn't oozing, my respect and desire for Angel to succeed is, just like your parents. "Coach"

Hey guys I am at my second love... PHISH in Albany this weekend and will be catching my 100th show so rock on or jam on... I was not going to post any more but quite a few of you sent me personal e-mails and thank you I appreciate them, let me make something clear, hopefully we can get back on track. As for myself, just so you understand my background. I was in pro ball, spent the last 27 years coaching one of the top programs in the US been #1 in the country and might be again this year. I coached and won championships in Pro Ball as well. I have coached all over the world and played and coached against most of the powerful baseball countries and at times coached them. In the States I have coached, besides GW a top summer and Fall team(S) and done well. My program has produced 6 major leaguers who at least had a cup of coffee, and the near future will see more. I have almost 900 wins, and chair several national and State organizations and have spoken and been a clinician in too many places and countries to remember. This is not to pat my self on the back although it certainly looks like it, but just to give you some insight into my following points.... When Angel got drafted I came across the Brewerfan website, I was impressed. (By the way I am an uuuuggggghhhhhh Met fan) There were post about Angel so one day I posted something anonymously, somehow someone knew who I was and the cover was blown. I was asked about Angel a lot and since he was hitting 400 at the time most people loved him even though you had "Captain Lou" All I did was tell you about Angel his good and bad, and offer some insight. There were good things written and bad things on the site but who cares that's the beauty of sports everybody has an opinion. Angel seemed to fall into bad graces with some and I was angry at him as well, but you really can't control injuries and that's what started it for him. And the organization felt he quit on them, hence pushing Lucroy. As far as Lucroy, I never saw him play until last week. Ive heard good things about him as a player and I never bad mouthed him.Why? I don't know him nor have I seen him. I was getting tired of a lot of "ignorant" things said about Angel from people who just go by what others say. I was trying to make a point that I saw one game and he DID look bad. But how can I judge a guy on one game, that was my point when I said he was atrocious, I said it was one game and that's what many people do; base opinions on one comment or one game or even one season. I figured most people would be curious as to what a player does in the off season and how he gets ready, it was and never will be about other players or bashing, that's not me. As far as some of my statements about my players, what the hell would I gain by saying "outrageous" things where I am a high profile guy in my profession and would be left with pie on my face. But yes Angel has gone 1.7 and actually his protege who is now with the Angels Jean Carlos Rodriguez has as well (he's another story and headache though) My sophomore catcher is right behind them and he's a beast as Manny was in high school. I had the kid who had 96 SB in one season and was one of the top 5 in high school at the time. (and for the record I have a track background as well. I was on the verge of making the 80 and 84 Olympics) i have several Olympic athlete friends including Ed Loveless who's company Phew works with my team. And yes he HAS taken 1 second and more off players times. He will be one of my speakers at the BCA National convention where I am Vice President of the association. He has been asked by several Major League teams to come in and work with their athletes. He does work with my other Sophomore who runs now 6.4 and he also says he will run 6.1 he's 6'3 185 and 15 year old. We work harder then anybody around and get tremendous results, that is why we are so proud and hopefully good. Now as far as Dominicans, i am an adopted Dominican since Ive have had nothing but, for 27 years. As I have coached around the world it is obvious that the Japanese, the Koreans, the Venezuelians, the Italians, the Americans (even broken down into regions) all have their own style, that is obvious, at least to me as I coach with and against them. It's not DNA its a belief and a style. Dominicans have a saying "nobody walks off the island" and they believe that if a scout is watching them, he doesnt want to see them walk they want to see them mash, that's how they will get signed, so they swing, that is their style. We rarely walk more than we strike out as a team, when we do we usually win a championship, it's hard to get them to understand that, especially when their coach is a big offensive minded guy who loves the 3 run homer. We have always had boppers. We use wood now in our league so even there things have changed. DNA? No style and belief, and many Dominicans still believe in swinging the bat, and of course many just try to get on base anyway possible. Instead of rambling.... understand that again, all I wanted to do was give the good and bad of one of your top prospects. And as stated earlier, I wish them both luck and as any proud father would, Im pushing for my son. If he doesnt get the job, then he didnt do what he had to and we have to change plans. That is it, that is all it's ever been. PLEASE DONT JUDGE SOMEBODY ON SOMEONE ELSES SAYSO OR WHAT YOU READ. GO OUT AND SEE FOR YOURSELF. Lastly Angel's problems came from knowing he had a cannon and a first relying on it, then when he had trouble, trying not to rely on his arm, but mechanics, so his feet got messed up and his release point was out of whack. His arm and footwork are back in sinc and he will show you his Pudge like times again, i see it often now, so will you. Good luck to all Happy Holidays, and anyone going to Phish.... I hope they are as good as last night they were awesome. "Coach" Edit: paragraphs

Was I watching the same game? Didn't they steal 3 bases off him? Or was that a different game? But 1 out of 4 is 25% and that's OK. and by the way, this biased stuff is ridiculous but then again I can take a hint so if you think my opinion is "worthless" then all of you have a great winter and enjoy your posts, I have a championship to win and a few careers to hopefully help, and then to pray that some of my kids get faster cause I went out on a limb on that. Sionara "Coach"

His high school IS the point, that is my point exactly, people throw things around that others say without getting the facts straight. And again any time you want to come by and see us you are welcome. And I guess you are missing the point in all of it. The big lug thing comes from many people on this site saying he should move his position and he is slow, no hands, stuff like that when in fact he is a superior athlete. Plus I've had almost all but Dominican players for 27 years I think I know the style and the beliefs in the game. New York ball in general, is "swing the bat" we are very aggressive in NY. Also I dont need to defend my program it speaks for itself, I was trying to give you a reference of where my knowledge comes from and that I don't just throw things out there. And yes "Phew" the people that work with us do take adults and make them "much" faster. Not only my high school kids but some of my kids that are in college and pro ball. And my sophomore will run 6.1 Ill guarantee that. I had the fastest guy in the country awhile ago and he stole 96 bases in one year, this kid is almost as fast at the same age, and has better facilities and training. Also I did not take a shot at anyone, I said it was one game and that's what people do, look at one thing or one comment or one game. The game I saw, Lucroy didn't look very good and I was with several players and coaches who emphatically agreed and didnt even know who he was. Im sure he's a great kid and a top prospect, all I said is, I hope they get an equal and fair shot and then the cream will rise. Both are great players with great futures and I wish them both the best of luck. I can only speak for Angel because I see him everyday and I know him so well and for so long. And lastly, pitchers telling me stuff about Angel is "hearsay", what is this? Court? I was making a point, I do coach all over the world as well as all over the US in the sumer and run into a lot of players and I do ask questions. And to all of you reading this, remember, all I am trying to do is give some insight, if you don't want it I can use my time elsewhere. I am not trying to sell my program for that serves no purpose to me or the program, we are what we are, just some first hand stuff from a guy who has many pro players and quite a few in colleges who will emerge soon, and as I said my team is loaded with big time prospects and maybe you would like to hear about them as they mature. I get "Manny in high school" questions every day. Thought it would be nice to let you know for example, my SS Mike Antonio who should be a top pick, of what he is like now so some day you will remember "how it was" Cant please all the people all the time" so for awhile, have a good one and we'll speak somewhere down the road, maybe in April when Lucroy is starting behind the dish at Miller Park and Im the biggest Lucroy fan, screaming at Angel for not doing his work. C'est la vie "Coach" Enjoy the turkey

HiAndTight. My two track guys are legit, come to the BCA National convention and hear them speak. I am the vice president and recruited them to speak to the high school coaches of the country. Several major league teams have contacted them to actually work for them. I can give you a list of quite a few guys who actually went from slower than 7.4 and gotten to 6.5 or better. I have a 15 year old Sophomore who is working with them and at his age he has already run 6.4 and will get to 6.1 by his senior year. The Dominican thing is an expression "You can't walk off the island" Ever hear of it? Im not trying to sell my players or my program, burt we have had more success than most teams in the US and getting better. Any time you want to come by and see what we have, you are welcome to watch our factory produce top national players. We have one of the top three SS in the country and our 2B is a sure major leaguer in a few years. We probably will have another 5 guys or so drafted in 2010 and 2011. Our Sophomore class has 4 players that can compete with anybody, it's not a coincidence. I have no ax to grind and no financial gains coming my way. I only know what I see and I have seen a lot coaching all over the world. I work many major showcases in the US as well If you want to talk about blocking, the game I saw with Lucroy on Saturday was atrocious, at least 5 balls got past him, he actually needs a lot more work than Angel, he doesn't throw exceptionally well or have great footwork,but he has been labelled the next catcher so everybody jumps on the bandwagon. And now I sound like everybody else only seeing him one time, but he didnt look very good regardless. Lastly, Angel did not EVER go to high school (and high school is not capitalized unless you use the name of the school) in the Bronx. Washington Heights is in Manhattan. Again, as I said earlier, I have spoken to several pitchers over time that Angel has caught for and they all love throwing to him and compliment his game calling. I hope you all jump on the Salome bandwagon when he is the #1guy, he will be, either here or somewhere else, he's just too good, and please stop thinking he is a big (well short, but big) lug, he is a great athlete who's father was a big time boxer. He would have followed in that line but he found baseball and found our program where he flourished. Come see us work in the winter, you may have a coronary just watching!!!! "Coach"

No offense taken. I can understand why people think I might be biased, its like a parent who thinks his baby is the cutest and brightest, but Ive been around a loooong time and on every level as well, so I know a little and can be objective (I hope) If both catchers are taken into Spring Training with a dead even chance I think Angel will show everybody how good he is. Most people loved him on Brewerfan but he had an injury filled year and the organization got a little down on him feeling he quit on them (what have you done for me lately) but after a 181 first month he was back to mashing. It was almost impossible for him to play productively and told the team he would play hurt but wouldnt really contribute much, he couldn't hold the bat. Anyway, he is working with us where we have an Olympic Gold Medal runner and a World Record holder in the 100 and hurdles. They have taken some of our players from 7.4 60 to 6,5. They know their stuff and they say Angel's footwork is off the charts. I see him and see him like in high school plus his mechanics behind the plate are exceptional now, he will be back to unheard of pop times under 1.7 Let's just hope the organization gives both or all 3 catchers an equal shot and then the best man should win. Remember Angel hit 400 and then hit 360 in AA he would have had a great year after the 1st month and if he didnt get hurt in AAA too. Dont worry about his walks most Dominicans don't walk anyway, and when you hit like he does it's not as important, and Im sure he will get better at it as time goes by. Happy Thanksgiving to all. hope to see you in Milwaukee in the Spring. "Coach"

Don't worry about Salome. As long as the job has not been given outright to anyone it's up for grabs and I see Angel everyday, he's another person, wait til you see him physically and on the field. He's a machine, newly oiled and psyched to play. His footwork is off the charts and his arm is back to HS days. Pictures to follow when I can figure out how to send them. Will try to take some photos today. "Coach"

I saw the AFL championship game, I wish Lucroy luck this Spring. Another GW alum was put on the 40 man roster. Henry Villar with the Astros, we are proud of him a quality kid and a fine pitcher who needs a little size and will dominate. Mike Antonio our 2010 SS is #56 among HS players but we expect him to be in the top 10 by draft day and a top 1st rounder. angel is busting it like never before, soon he will be back to his high school 6.6 speed and that is not a stretch, he's getting quicker everyday and looking great. his protege Jean Carlos Rodriguez just signed with the Angels after a year and a few days with Philly. "Coach"

I'll try to get him to "pose", but that can be difficult (LOL). The problem is I have to wait until my hand is OK to take the pictures then I need some help on how to get them on the site. Hopefully soon, within the next few weeks though. Im glad Lucroy is doing well, should be an interesting off season and subsequent Spring. I know we wil be one of the top, if not the number one team in the country this year with our usual arsenal and now sporting 4 90+ or close anyway guys and Mariano in the pen. We'll be an interesting follow, and the beauty is 2012 will have 3 draft picks so we'll be great for a few more. Anyway, stay warm and keep baseball in your heart, dreams and life. "Coach"

Agreed, but Angel WILL HIT that is for sure, maybe after a slow transition, but his defense will be just fine. His arm is lethal and we're working on getting everything in line to get it's potency into something that can translated into throwing guys out. He does cal a good game and he blocks great despite his reputation, and pitchers love to throw to him, he's a bull dog leader. Give him a chance, he's also a personable, good guy who works his butt off. I hope everything falls into place for him to show you all how good he can be. In a few weeks when I get my other hand back (the cast just came off, I'll take a picture of his 21 inch biceps and pass it on) "Coach"

TOUCHE! Give the kids a chance in Spring training and keep your organization back ups as that. Dont know how Lucroy will do although he looks pretty good NOW, but Angel is on a mission and he looks great and is taking every step to make sure he is free of injuries and ready to catch 140 games in the big leagues. From my view he is ready to go and will only get better this winter. "Coach"

When did he say that? I had lunch with Angel today, he looks great, his head is in the right place and he's ready. You'll see a different guy next year and I dont know how you start a guy from AA as your ML catcher without him having any time in AAA. Time will tell. "Coach"