Andy Barch is West Virginia's play-by-play radio announcer and was kind enough to answer some questions about the first-place West Virginia Power. He has been with the team all season and has witnessed first-hand the blossoming of many prospects this season. If you haven't already, listen to Andy call the games on MiLB.com. They are a joy to listen to.
Be sure to check out today's Round 'em Up, Sunday's game review, and the minor league boxscores if you haven't already.
Let's get to the interview.
Bernie's Crew: How is it calling games for perhaps the hottest team in the minor leagues right now? It has to be a blast announcing for a first place team.
Andy Barch: Its been a lot of fun. Obviously, this job is much easier when the team is winning, and more people listen when the team wins. Their style of play has been very exciting. They may fall behind early, but they usually finish strong. Getting the chance to call games for a team like this is truly an honor.
BC: There are tons of burgeoning stars on this Power team. Which player has been the most impressive in your estimation?
AB: This team is full of great players, but if I had to choose one guy who has been the most impressive this season, it would be Eric Fryer. He started the season in extended spring, and now he has a chance to win the league batting title. He has worked his tail off the entire season, and his numbers didnt dive when he assumed the every day catching duties. You have to admire a guy who works his tail off to prove the organization wrong. He has been an unbelievable surprise and he's a big reason why this team has done as well as it has.
BC: What can you tell us about Eric Fryer? He has burst on the scene in 2008, but was relatively unknown previously. How do his swing and offensive abilities project? Is his defense up to snuff?
AB: As mentioned above, he's an incredible worker. He puts in a great deal of work and does a great job of taking care of himself. An opposing manager once told me that he loves Fryer's game, and he believe's that Fryer's got major league bat speed. He takes a lot of pitches, he's got a great approach, he hits well to all fields and he takes what pitchers give him. His defense has been just fine. He made the transition into left field better than I thought, and he hasnt missed a beat behind the plate. This year, you're beginning to see why he was a 10th round pick. Although he's played more like a first rounder this season.
BC: Which pitcher has shown you the most this season?
AB: Amaury Rivas was really awesome when he was here at the beginning of the year. His four seam fastball was routinely in the mid-90's and his two-seam fastball was an incredible pitch that a lot of batters had trouble with at this level. Its going to be fun to see how he progresses the next few seasons. Mike Ramlow and Roque Mercedes, who were both here last year, have also improved drastically. Ramlow's fastball has more life this year and he's been one of the finest relievers in the league.
He works quickly, he's smart, he's aggressive and very simply, he gets guys out. Mercedes didnt do so well when the year began, but he's been extremely impressive coming out of the pen. He's throwing more strikes, getting himself in more favorable counts and most importantly, these guys are a lot more confident than they were a year ago.
BC: There have been varying reports on Milwaukee's supplemental round pick, Evan Frederickson. He dominated in Rookie ball, but has spun his wheels a bit in WV. Is his velocity in the mid-to-high 90s like reported after the draft? I hear he has a pretty nasty slider.
AB: He's got the tools to be a very good pitcher. His fastball can reach the mid-90's, but its been very erratic. I love his off speed stuff and his slider. That slider is filthy. He's been a little inconsistent, but we can't lose sight of the fact that this is his first professional season. I think they will have to change his delivery in the off-season. Its going to be a work in progress, thats for sure. He was in the rotation, but he's been moved into the bullpen. He's been wild, but again, I think Milwaukee will be able to tweak his mechanics and get him under control. It may take a year or two for it all to click, but when it does, I think he's going to be a great player.
BC: What has been the highlight of the year for the Power in your mind?
AB: They were down 8-0 on Saturday, August 2nd. They scored their first run in the fifth and they blew up for nine runs in the seventh. They went on to win the game 12-8. It was one of the most remarkable come from behind victories I've ever seen. It was also played on a day where they arrived around 9:00 AM (10 hours before the game started) after spending the previous night on the bus driving back from Lakewood, NJ. That game, in a nutshell, described this team. You can knock em down, you just cant knock em out.
BC: Some of the biggest news surrounding the Power has been the possible move out of West Virginia after the season. What are you hearing? What are the fans saying?
AB: The fans are just curious as to whats going to happen. They've loved having the Brewers in town because they've sent tons of great prospects our way. Its not just the talent on the field, but they've sent us incredible individuals who have helped us create a place that has ultimately become "the place to be" in Charleston. The players, coaches, rovers, administrators, etc. have all been very coopertive and very helpful. I wish I had more news for you on this, but unfortunately, I've got nothing for right now. As far as I know, the two sides will wait until the season is over to talk about the future.
BC: In your opinion, which player on the current Power roster has the best chance at making the big leagues?
AB: Thats a very good question. At this level, its so hard to tell because most of these guys are still a few years away. Jonathan Lucroy, who was with the team in the first half, I think has a chance. He calls a good game, there arent many pitches he cant get to, and he can rake. Zelous Wheeler has exceptionally quick hands, a great attitude and his versatility I think will help him go a long ways in this game. Caleb Gindl is a guy that sometimes goes overlooked. He's shaped kind of like Brian Giles, but he can move very well in the outfield and he's got one of the best outfield arms in this league. He's also a very good hitter. He's got a great approach, hits to all fields and he's a go-getter.