Q&A with top Rangers’ prospect Leody Taveras
There has been a lot of new for Leody Taveras since being signed by the Texas Rangers in July 2015.
He's played for four minor league teams, including his most recent 13-game stint with the Spokane Indians, all at 17 years old.
I caught up with the Texas Rangers' fourth-ranked prospect about what it's like playing in Spokane and how his older cousin, former major leaguer Willy Taveras, influenced him.
*Special thanks to Indians' athletic trainer Luke Teeters for translating
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What is your reaction after playing your first 10-or-so games in Spokane?
LT: I'm thankful to God for the opportunity to be here in the first place. It's one of my dreams to play here. I wasn't scared, I was prepared to be here.
What was the fan atmosphere was like?
LT: It's definitely better than being in the Dominican. It's a better overall experience.
How has Willy (Taveras) influenced you as a baseball player?
LT: He's helped me out a lot. He's helped me get to where he's at and helped me get this opportunity.
What was it like to see Willy succeed at the major-league level?
LT: It gave me a lot of motivation to continue playing and continue working. I want to not just be as good at him, but be better than him one day.
Is it overwhelming to be as young as you are and playing at a level such as this?
LT: Thanks to God, I've always felt prepared. I've never felt scared.
What do you think is your best tool as a baseball player and why?
LT: I don't feel like one tool that I have is better than the other. I feel that I'm well balanced.
How helpful was it for you to have people on the team — such as Luis Terrero, Carlos Garay, Brallan Perez — that can help with your transition into the states?
LT: I've learned a lot from them, and their experiences beforehand helped me out.
How exciting was it for you to get the call-up to Spokane? It seems like a place you wanted to play at.
LT: I was really, really happy. The first thing I did was call my Mom and Dad and say I was really excited.
