22 years old, Josh Reddick made his major league debut earlier this season when trades and injuries took out first base and outfield depth. Reddick stuck around and impressed many before being optioned down to Triple-A.
With Rocco Baldelli hitting the disabled list, he came right back up. Reddick is hitting .217/.250/.478 with one home run and three doubles in 23 at-bats. His first home run came off of Orioles starter David Hernandez August 2nd. The next day, he cranked his first home run off of Brian Bass.
After an interview last September, Reddick took some time out of his whirlwind days to answer a couple questions about his major league experience.
In your first call-up, you said you got called to pack your bags and you thought you might have been traded. Why do you think they didn’t tell you you were being called up until later?
Well, from what I had gathered, I was going to go up just to be an emergency guy in case someone couldn’t go. I found out later when I talked to Theo that they knew all along that I would be joining the team that night.
Which experience was better for you: your first at-bat, your first hit or your first home run? What were you thinking after that home run?
I’d have to say all three were really exciting moments for me. Just imagine how many kids actually dream of playing a game in the majors. I was that kid not too long ago and to fulfill that dream of getting a hit and even a home run was just icing on the cake.
What’s your favorite story so far about the big leagues?
Just being here has been a joy to me. I don’t really have a specific story to tell. Just being around these guys is a fantastic thing for me to experience.
Which major league Red Sox player would you say has made the most impact on your time in the bigs so far and why?
The outfielders. Jacoby, J-Bay, and JD have all come and talked to me on separate occasions on how the field plays and how to react to the game. They have been a huge help in just honing my skills up here and how to play the fields.
How has Terry Francona done in communicating with you on what they expect you to do and your playing time?
From day one, Tito told me that they didn’t know how long I was going to be here which is what I had expected. I knew coming into it that playing time would be limited and I haven’t let that hold me back from getting my work done. I’m just happy to be apart of this ball club and feel honored to know that they believe in me to compete and succeed up here.
Why do you wear sports glasses sometimes and sometimes contacts (at least, I’m assuming you wear contacts)?
While on the road in Portland before getting called up, I was wearing my contacts. However, the last game before I was sent up here my contacts cracked and had to throw them away and the glasses have been my backup plan.
Now that you’ve had some time to settle in, how are you approaching your at bats? Are you going up with a gameplan, looking for a pitch and location to hit or are you just gripping and ripping? Has your gameplan changed from the minors to majors?
I am sticking with the game plan I have had all year of looking for one pitch and waiting to get it until I have to battle with 2 strikes. I don’t want to change the way I approach it because this year has been such a big step for me in my development in having plate discipline. i will continue to improve that because there is still plenty for me to learn.
Do you feel your game is at a point where you can stay up in the majors full time or are there any aspects of the game you still feel need work to succeed at the majors?
There are still some big steps i need to take in being a full time major leaguer. Plate discipline is a huge factor that I need to improve on. I mean, I still ain’t the most patient person at the plate and I can only improve on that… and probably paying attention to certain situations in the game at the plate. Know the way the game is going and know what to do up there instead of just going up there hacking.
What’s the biggest difference between the majors and the minors that you have found so far?
The intensity and competition. These guys approach the game the way it should be played. and they are at their best every day.
Who in Double-A do you think Sox fans should keep an eye on and why?
Ryan Kalish. He is a great player and a great person. He plays the game the way it should be played. All out. Plus, he can rake.
If you head back down to the minors at some point, what would you want your teammates to know about being in the majors?
It’s a dream come true and enjoy every second of it.
