Lunch Break – 8/1/2008 – An Interview With James Houser
By Scott Caruso | August 1st, 2008 | Posted in General
James Houser, Rays minor league pitcher, has become a friend of the site and agreed to do a little interview with us. It was conducted just 2 days before the trading deadline. I agreed not to ask him any questions directly about the suspension last season, which was a condition I was more than willing to comply with. Some of these questions might seem a little “fluffy” but I’m hoping to be able to do a few of these, so not all of the questions needed to be answered at once. Enjoy!
Scott: How are you feeling after the recent surgery? We all heard that it was “minor” but not many of us have heard how long you’re going to be out. Any details?
James Houser: My knee is feeling great today! There were no major repairs though like ACL, MCL, and any-other cl’s. I do thank GOD for allowing me to heal this fast.
Scott: I’m sure your name comes up in trade talks when Andrew Friedman is working the phone. Does it ever get nerve-racking thinking you might get traded away from the team you rooted for as a kid?
James Houser: I’m always trying to look at the positive side of things. It helps me not to get nervous about things I can’t control. I really do appreciate my name being talked about in a trade. It makes you feel special that you are important enough to be talked about. I’d really like to be a long-term Ray.
Scott: There have been some reports that your velocity has been down a tick this year. Where has your fast-ball been sitting this year?
James Houser: This is the best professional season I’ve EVER had! 83 to 85 I think, but it tops at 87ish.
Scott: What pitch have you focused on improving this season?
James Houser: Not so much a specific pitch. More consistency with all my pitches in any count, my work ethic, diet, fundamentals, pfps, bunt plays, holding runners. To sum that up: being a student of the game.
Scott: If you could pitch in any ballpark (other than the Trop), which one would it be?
James Houser: At Durham Bulls Park. That means I’m close to being where I want to be.
Scott: What is your greatest strength as pitcher?
James Houser: To learn from mistakes, and not accept failure from preparation.
Scott: What was the biggest thing you missed about baseball in your time away from the game last season?
James Houser: Competition, friends, coaches, fans, wearing my uniform, flush runs, soreness from a tough game. Winning games! Getting the game ball 45 mins before the game starts. Calling my parents after a game. Just normal things and everyday baseball life. Staying up late. Getting up later.
Scott: If you could face one hitter who is now in the big leagues, who would it be?
James Houser: I’m in the middle on this. I’d like to pitch to A-Rod for some reasons and I’d like to pitch to Randy Johnson for some reasons. The problem with pitching to Mr. Johnson is that if he’s hitting that means I will be also. I love to hit, but not off of him.
Scott: Can the Rays make the playoffs this year?
James Houser: Any team can win at anytime. It’s who prepares the hardest physically and mentally will win – with some luck involved. So yes, the Rays are an extremely determined team. If things fall in place they will be there. This is not being PC; this is 100% true from what I’ve seen in the minor leagues. Maybe I don’t really know. Someone should ask Don Zimmer. He would know.
Scott: What will it take for the Rays to win the World Series?
James Houser: Being a pitcher I am a little one-sided on this. You can NEVER lose a game giving up 0 runs! Pitching and defense first. When that doesn’t work score 1,000,000 runs!
Tags: James Houser
