Ryan Lavarnway was previously interviewed on Fire Brand July 17, 2008. At that point, Lavarnway was rehabbing from a broken scaphoid bone in his left wrist after being drafted in the sixth round of 2008.
Lavarnway has gone on to be a major contributor to Greenville’s playoff push, as the Drive are currently in the championship series. With 21 home runs, Lavarnway has had an extremely impressive season for a 22-year old catcher: .285/.367/.540. There is some thought that Lavarnway could be the Red Sox’s first homegrown full-time catcher since… forever. Ryan was kind enough to take some time out of his busy schedule and answer some questions…
In your first full professional season, you’ve hit 20 home runs and counting. It is rare for someone to put up those home run numbers at that level. How have you done it?
A lot of hard work. From instructional league last year all through the off-season and spring training with both the Sox’ minor league hitting coordinator, Victor Rodriguez, and our hitting coach here in Greenville, Billy McMillon, I worked on developing a daily drill routine and a stronger mental approach in the box. Im still working to perfect both the physical and mental aspect of my game. These drills keep my swing tuned and the mental approach helps me be prepared to take advantage of mistake pitches and drive the ball.
You don’t seem to have any problems with the switch from an aluminum bat to a wooden bat. Have you seen any significant differences?
Not really. I think getting used to swinging every day was more difficult than the transition from aluminum to wood bats.
Do you consider your wrist at 100 percent or do you feel that there’s still a part of you afraid to really let it fly?
My wrist was ready to go 100% when I arrived at spring training. It was nice to be able to swing hard again from day one without having to worry about it.
How have you developed as a catcher to this point? What have you improved?
Our manager here in Greenville, Kevin Boles, was a catcher when he played. The Sox’ minor league catching coordinator, Rob Leary, also comes into town monthly with drill routines to help me improve. I have spent a lot of extra practice time one-on-one with each of them this season working on recieving, blocking, and throwing.
Which coach, and why, do you credit for your development so far?
I don’t think I can give any one coach sole credit for any player’s development. Hitting coordinator Victor Rodriguez and hitting coach Billy McMillon have both helped improve my swing, stance and approach. Catching coordinator, Rob Leary, and our manager here in Greenville, Kevin Boles, have both worked with me tirelessly on my catching. Pitching coach Bob Kipper and I have had many long talks about how to work with pitchers and call a game. As well as all the other minor league managers and rovers I worked with in Spring Training.
How much stock do you put in what happens at the major league level? For example, did the Sox’s acquisition of Victor Martinez, who can catch, impact you?
It is always good to see your major league affiliate win. Beyond that, it is not my job to try to guess what the general manager is thinking. I need to work every day to improve my skills so that when my opportunity to play in the big leagues is presented I am ready.
What part of your offensive game do you feel needs the most improvement to succeed at the big leagues and why?
Consistency. Both physically and mentally. The hitting coaches in spring training told us day in and day out that consistency is what separates major league hitters from those who wont make it.
Have you tried to be a team leader for Greenville, or have you sat back in the shadows and let the team gell on its own? How important do you think it is to be a teammate that others can look to for stability and guidance?
I’ve noticed that the guys who have been in the organization longer generally tend to be the vocal leaders. That being said, I try to make sure that I go about my business the right way. I work hard and follow team rules. Guys take it upon themselves to do the same.
Any plans during the offseason, both personally and professionally?
Just a lot of working out. I bought a house in my hometown and look forward to moving in and working on the lawn.
I have a couple follow-up questions to Ryan that I’ll publish if and when he’s able to answer them. Thank you to Ryan for answering these questions!
