Q & A with Bats' First Baseman Yonder Alonso

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - BatsBaseball.com's Jason Stella sat down earlier this week with Bats' first baseman Yonder Alonso.

JS: Since the all-star break, you have really picked up steam at the plate. Your average since the break is 80 points better than before. What do you think has been the key to you getting hot as the season has entered the stretch run?
YA: You said it yourself, we are just entering the stretch, and we are getting close to the playoffs. We want to make a push for it, so every game is crucial. Being with my teammates has helped out a lot, they have helped me out a whole lot.

JS: You have hit .315 this year with runners in scoring position, almost 20 points higher than your normal season average. What has allowed you to be so successful in these crucial situations?
YA: I just don't try to do too much. I don't put too much pressure on myself. I feel if I don't get it done a lot of the other guys will get it done for me. It's just a matter of trusting each other and knowing if I don't get it done, somebody else will.

JS: This is your third season as a professional, and your numbers have improved as you have moved up in competition level. Why do you think you have been able to show improvement even as you have started to play against more skilled and experienced players?
YA: Just the focus matter of the game. Every day you have got to bring it, and every day you got to give it your best and not take any day for granted and mature a little bit. I feel like every year I have matured just a little bit and gotten a lot better at the smaller things of the game.

JS: You have risen through the Reds' organization very quickly in your three years. As you have moved up through each level, what have you noticed to be the biggest changes, both on and off the field?
YA: The pitching and catching has gotten a lot better. The overall organization has done a great job with the players we have. I'm just so thankful to be here in this organization, because they definitely take care of their players.

JS: This past offseason, you played in the Arizona Fall League, and two offseasons ago, you played in Hawaii. Describe these experiences, and how they benefited your career.
YA: Hawaii was great; it was like a min-vacation while you were playing baseball. It was unbelievable. I went to the Fall League, it was fun as well. It was good experience with good baseball there. I went to winter ball in Puerto Rico after that, and it was a blast. Just playing with older guys who know the game and are a little bit more crisp has helped me out a lot with my game.

JS: As you try to continue your development here in Louisville, what do you feel are your biggest strengths, and what do you think you need to work on the most before getting a shot at the big leagues?
YA: Just my overall game. I feel like there's so much more room for improvement for myself and other players here. I fee like every day if I can just improve on one little thing, whether it's a mental note or a physical point, I feel like it's going to help my game for the next level.



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