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Have you ever wondered what kind of music is on Madison Bumgarner‘s iPod, or what kind of job he would have it he wasn’t playing baseball? Wonder no more… Below is my interview with Bumgarner at the San Francisco Giants Media Day prior to the 2012 season.
 
Getting To Know Madison Bumgarner

Steven: What kind of music is on your iPod?

Madison Bumgarner: There’s a little bit of everything. Probably mostly country though.

Steven: What about when you’re working out?

Madison Bumgarner: I don’t know, just depends what mood I’m in. It might be Rock, it might be Country. Just depends what mood I guess.

Steven: What’s your favorite baseball movie?

Madison Bumgarner: “For the Love of the Game” maybe, “Major League”. Any of those.

Steven: What is something you love to do other than playing baseball?

Madison Bumgarner: I’m more of an outdoors man. I grew up with horses, we got horses, cows. I like to hunt and fish. Just anything to get outside.

Steven: If you weren’t playing baseball, what profession would you be in?

Madison Bumgarner: Probably a construction worker or something, I don’t know (both laughing).

Steven: On an off day, where are fans likely to spot you?

Madison Bumgarner: At a restaurant somewhere, a steakhouse, or in my apartment.

Steven: Who was your favorite player as a kid growing up, and who do you think is the greatest player of all-time?

Madison Bumgarner: I grew up a Braves fan, so I liked all the guys on the Braves. I like Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, Chipper, all those guys. I have no idea who the favorite player of all-time would be, I don’t know.

Steven: At what age did you realize that you could make a career out of playing baseball?

Madison Bumgarner: I guess when I was a sophomore in high school I realized I had a chance to get drafted. I guess my junior and senior year I started progressing a lot more, and had a chance to hopefully make it to the big leagues.

Steven: Is there any teams that you follow in any other sports?

Madison Bumgarner: No, not really cause you know like I said, when I’m at home, I’m outdoors a lot, so I don’t really watch a whole lot of TV.

Now On To The Baseball Questions

Steven: What has your typical offseason day been like?

Madison Bumgarner: Well offseason day I get up and feed all the animals we have. Then I’ll go and do my running, workout, throw and get ready. You know, everything that I got to do. There’s not a whole lot of time left in the day. Just whatever, relax and spend time with the family.

Steven: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Madison Bumgarner: No, I don’t. Just stretch and get ready. I don’t have any superstitions or anything.

Steven: Just get out there and play huh?

Madison Bumgarner: Yeah

Steven: Other than AT&T Park, what is your favorite stadium to play in and why?

Madison Bumgarner: I like Colorado pretty good. I like the city. I like the stadium, where it’s at. How it’s located. They get a pretty good fan base there most of the time too, so it’s fun to play there.

Steven: Which part of your game are you going to focus on while at Spring Training, and what drills do you think will help most?

Madison Bumgarner: Everything, I don’t know if I can single one thing out. Try to get everything better. Same as I always do. Try to make everything a little better.

Steven: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year?

Madison Bumgarner:  I don’t really set any goals really. I just go out there and want to do the best to my ability. Try to just keep getting better. That’s pretty much it, just keep getting better. Try to keep us in the game every time I’m out there.

Steven: Where were you and how did you react when you got the news that you were coming to the show for the first time?

Madison Bumgarner: I was in Norwich Connecticut, and definitely shocked and surprised, little nervous. I got on the plane and called my wife and had her fly out here. It was such short notice,  she was the only one that got to come. I’m thankful she got to come be here with me. It was definitely something that I would never forget.

Steven: Is there anything that you’d like to say to all the Giants fans out there?

Madison Bumgarner: Man, it’s awesome playing in this city, and playing for the Giants. We have one of the best fan bases that I’ve seen and been around. It’s definitely something special, special to be apart of. I just want to thank everybody for all of their support and everything.

Steven: Alright, thank you Madison. I appreciate you taking the time to do this with me.

Madison Bumgarner: Thank you, no problem.

~King of Cali (Steven)

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Steven Robles interviewing Brian Wilson at Media Day (Feb 2012).

I was invited to the San Francisco Giants Media Day prior to the 2012 season. I took full advantage of it and interviewed Brian Wilson. I was excited to see what he had to say, cause you never know what kind of answers you’re going to get from him. He sure didn’t disappoint either! Below is the interview, I’m also working on trying to get the audio of the interview posted as well. I hope you like it!
 
Getting To Know Brian Wilson

Steven: What kind of music is on your iPod?

Brian Wilson: Dubstep, it’s taking over the world. It’s very apparent, so yeah it’s filled with Dubstep, real grimy music.

Steven: What’s your favorite baseball movie?

Brian Wilson: I’d say “For The Love of the Game” did a pretty good job, but overall “Major League”. It’s just a classic film.

Steven: What is something you love to do other than playing baseball?

Brian Wilson: I like paddle boarding, it’s kind of fun. It’s real tranquil. It’s good for balance. I enjoy doing Yoga, but not in a sense of saying, hey guys look at me I do Yoga. I actually enjoy the way my body feels after a workout. It feels very strong, powerful, and yet my mind feels really calm. It’s something that I think people should probably consider once or twice.

Steven: If you weren’t playing baseball, what profession do you think you’d be in?

Brian Wilson: I’ve never really given that much thought. I really didn’t have other options. I basically have just been playing baseball. I would probably be trying to find a way into baseball if I wasn’t playing baseball. I know that’s not a fun answer, but I can’t think of anything awesome.

Steven: On an off day, where are fans likely to spot you?

Brian Wilson: Running the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Walking into Starbucks. Now that I’ve given that away, I’m gonna have to find a new spot, thanks!

Steven: Is there any teams that you follow in other sports?

Brian Wilson: Yes, I follow the Boston Celtics, the Bruins and the Patriots.

Now On To The Baseball Questions

Steven: What’s your typical offseason day been like?

Brian Wilson: Wake up at 8:30, loosen up the body, eat breakfast at 9am, go to Starbucks afterwards. Get an ice coffee, go workout, throw, eat lunch, and repeat.

Steven: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Brian Wilson: No, I think if I had a superstition, it would be not having a superstition, and making sure that I don’t follow a specific routine and get dependent on that. Baseball’s just a crazy game, and so many things happen. You have to stretch at a certain time, but I wouldn’t say that’s part of a routine. It’s just, I have to stretch at this time, I have to get loose at this time. I don’t put my uniform on a certain way. I think each game is different, so I’m different each game.

Steven: Other than playing at AT&T Park, what’s your favorite stadium to play in and why?

Brian Wilson: I like playing in San Diego cause the park is huge. I like Philly because they hate you. I like Dodgers stadium for the same reason. It’s just kind of fun getting booed. It’s a different energy, and it’s like they understand who you are. A tad respect maybe, or maybe just pure hatred. I don’t know, it’s still a really good energy to come out to. Wrigley field, their fans are great. They’ll heckle you, but still pretty nice. I haven’t played in Fenway, but I’ve been there. I’d like to play there. I played in the old Yankee stadium, and that was cool. That’s about all I can think of right now. Texas was fun, cause we won a World Series, so I like that field. We did pretty well.

Steven: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year?

Brian Wilson: Well, I set my goals pretty high. Win the Cy Young, win MVP, but more of my goals are team related goals. If you find yourself worrying about your own objectives, you’re going to get lost. If you can have a common goal with another teammate that revolves around your team. You yourself will end up probably playing pretty well. Team goals, starting off winning the division, obviously end up winning the World Series. I think every team should be thinking about that, cause it’s not out of the question. If you’re not thinking about those kind of things. Then maybe you’re just going through the motions or you’re afraid of succeeding, but I know the Giants as a whole, that’s something we think about in Spring Training is getting back.

Steven: Where were you, and how did you react to the news that you were getting the call to come to the show for the first time?

Brian Wilson: Let’s see, my first debut was April 23rd, 2006. I think that was the day. I was in Triple-A, and we had just flown into Tacoma. The manager called me in the office, and I pretty much thought he was going to scold me for the night before because I didn’t save the game, I blew it. I was just prepared for him to tell me how bad I did. That’s how the meeting starting off. Started off with, you know you can’t pitch like that, especially where you’re going. There was like sort of a pause, I had my head down, kind of pissed at myself. Then it kind of sank in, where I’m going? What does that mean?  He said, congratulations you were just called up, and I looked at him like no I didn’t, I did? Then from there on it was this weightless feeling. I was just floating and dreaming. It was pretty awesome, and then I went on the DL that night after my first outing. So, pretty memorable.

Steven: I always hear you say “Got Heeeem”, and I hear that on MLB Network. I believe Kevin Millar, so I’m not sure who started saying it first. Did you get it from them, or did they get it from you?

Brian Wilson: I think that’s just one of those things where it’s a baseball term now. It doesn’t matter who started it. It’s just something fun to do, and I think they do a great job with saying “Got Heeeem”. It’s got a thousand different meanings, and each meaning is unique in itself.

Steven: Can we hear you say just one right now?

Brian Wilson: I don’t even say “Got” anymore, it’s just a subtle “Heeeem”.

Steven: Is there anything you would like to say to all the Giants fans out there?

Brian Wilson: Yeah, I would like to let each and everyone of them know that I greatly appreciate their support. I know it’s frustrating at times when we don’t succeed. I genuinely understand that they’re true fans of the game. They’re very intelligent, and I’m just really thankful for them allowing me to play a sport that I love in front of them. They need to know that they’re much appreciated, and much needed.

Steven: Alright Brian, I appreciate you doing this Q&A with me.

Brian Wilson: Thank you!

~King of Cali (Steven)

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The San Francisco Giants selected shortstop Joe Panik in the 1st round (29th overall) of the 2011 draft. He’s now working his way through the Giants farm system, and Giants fans hope he’s on fast track to the Big Leagues. Panik has been kind enough to sit down and do an interview with Steven Robles of SF Giants Rumors. This interview was taken place after batting practice on May 11, 2012 (San Jose Giants game).
 
Getting To Know Joe Panik

Steven: What kind of music is on your iPod?

Joe Panik: I have a little bit of everything, rock, rap, country. Definitely like to listen to a little slower music before games to kind of relax the mind.

Steven: So do you listen to slow jams when you’re working out? (Both laughing)

Joe Panik: (laughing) No, definitely wouldn’t do that. Wouldn’t really get me all jacked up, for sure.

Steven: What’s your favorite baseball movie?

Joe Panik: My favorite baseball movies is definitely “Major League”.

Steven: What is something you love to do other than playing baseball?

Joe Panik: I enjoy going to the movie theater. Love watching movies. Kind of gets you for a couple hours out of reality and into a different mind-set.

Steven: Are you a Netflix subscriber?

Joe Panik: Use to, but after a while I kind of ran out of movies to watch. I just enjoy watching movies.

Steven: If you weren’t playing baseball, what profession would you be in?

Joe Panik: If I wasn’t playing baseball. I probably would be teaching.

Steven: On an off day, where are fans likely to spot you?

Joe Panik: Probably at the mall. I enjoy shopping and just getting out and mingling in the crowd.

Steven: Who was your favorite player as a kid growing up, and who do you think was the greatest player of all time?

Joe Panik: Favorite player growing up, definitely Derek Jeter. Shortstop, did things right on and off the field. Probably the best player of all time gotta say Willie Mays.

Steven: You just made a lot of Giants fans happy right there (both laughing).

Steven: What was your first reaction when you were drafted by the San Francisco Giants?

Joe Panik: It was pure excitement. Getting drafted by the defending World Champions by such a great organization. It was a great feeling.

Steven: Prior to the draft what other teams besides the Giants were showing interest in you?

Joe Panik: There was a good mix of teams. Probably, I’d say Padres, Diamondback’s were showing interest. It was a good mix of teams.

Steven: Great, all the NL West teams?

Joe Panik: Yeah (laughing)

Steven: At what age did you realize that you can make a career out of playing baseball?

Joe Panik: I was always good growing up, but I think once I got to high school it really kind of started setting in. I was traveling around and really started making a name for myself.

Steven: Is there any teams that you follow as a fan in other sports?

Joe Panik: Growing up in New York. I followed all the New York teams. The Giants football, Rangers hockey and the Knicks basketball.

Now On To The Baseball Questions

Steven: Heading into Spring Training, which player were you most excited to meet and pick their brain?

Joe Panik: I’d say Brandon Crawford. Being at shortstop, I played with him at Fall League a little bit. Getting more time with him. Just seeing how he want about his business, such a good defender. Is something I was looking forward too.

Steven: What’s the difference between hitting with a wood bat versus an aluminum bat? What adjustments did you have to make?

Joe Panik: Definitely a lot less room for error. Sweet spots a lot smaller, so basically you have to try to be more consistent with your swing, and get the barrel to the ball. Stay more line drives. Where as with a medal bat you can pop balls up and over the fence. Where as a wood bat you have to really get into it and carry the ball.

Steven: Do you have any Pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Joe Panik: No, I’m not superstitious.

Steven: Besides playing shortstop, is there any other positions that you feel comfortable at?

Joe Panik: I’m comfortable at second base. I really got comfortable there this past fall in the Arizona Fall League. Really feel comfortable there making all the turns and all the throws.

Steven: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year?

Joe Panik: I would say probably just improve all around in my game. Polish my game defensively, offensively and just try to make myself better all the way around.

Steven: You have been compared to ex-Giant and St John Alum, Rich Aurilia. What’s your thoughts on that, and have you met Aurilia? If so how did your first conversation go after being drafted by the Giants?

Joe Panik: You know I haven’t met Rich yet. Just being compared to him, he had a heck of a major league career. Anytime you’re compared to somebody like that, it’s a good thing.

Steven: Have the Giants met with you and laid out a plan or time frame to get you ready for the Big Leagues?

Joe Panik: No they’re just taking it day by day with me see how I’m progressing, and they’ll take it from there. Nothing has been set in stone.

Steven: I know there’s a lot of Giants fans that are excited and looking forward to you making it all the way to the show. Is there anything you would like to say to the Giants fans out there?

Joe Panik: I’m working my hardest to try to get there as quick as I can.

Steven: Thank you Joe for taking this time to do this interview with me. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing you make your Major League debut in San Francisco!

~King of Cali (Steven)

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Baseball America has recently listed Brandon Crawford as the San Francisco Giants #6 Top Prospect. Brandon grew up in the Bay Area (Pleasanton, Ca), and also grew up a Giants fan. Crawford went to Foothill High School and then went on to UCLA before getting drafted by the San Francisco Giants. Bay Area fans have been able to see Crawford in action for the San Jose Giants in 2009 (25 games) and 2010 (5 games).  

Getting To Know Brandon Crawford 

SF Giants Rumors: What kind of music is on your iPod?

Brandon: You name it… Lil Wayne, Ke$ha, Taylor Swift, Usher, Justin Bieber… everything. My favorites are probably Lil Wayne, Eminem, Tupac, Drake, The Dream, & Avant. But I really do like all kinds of music.

SF Giants Rumors: What’s your favorite baseball movie?

Brandon: The Sandlot… Major League is a classic though too.

SF Giants Rumors: Your dad was a long time season ticket holder at Candlestick Park, so I’m sure you attended a lot of games. Is there any game that you were at that stands out in your memory?

Brandon: I don’t remember specific games at Candlestick. I do remember the second to last game ever played there because everyone got to walk down on the field after the game. I thought that was pretty cool. I also remember how cold and windy it was.

I was at the playoff game against the Mets in 2000 when J.T. Snow hit a home run late in the game down the right field line. That was a really exciting game. I was also at Game 3, I think, of the 2002 World Series. Neither of those series ended up so well for the Giants though.

SF Giants Rumors: Since you grew up a Giants fan, what would be your All Star Giants team?

Brandon: Good question, I’ll just put guys that I saw play…

C- Buster Posey (my current favorite player)

1B- J.T. Snow

2B- Robby Thompson

3B- Matt Williams

SS- Royce Clayton (he was my favorite player for a while when I was younger)

LF- Barry Bonds

CF- Darren Lewis

RF- Willie McGee

DH- (if necessary) Will Clark

SP- Tim Lincecum

SP- Matt Cain

SP- John Burkett

SP- Russ Ortiz

SP- Kirk Rueter

RP- Brian Wilson

RP- Rod Beck

SF Giants Rumors: What is something you love to do other than playing baseball?

Brandon: I play a good amount of video games, have a decent sized movie collection, and listen to music. When I’m not playing, I like to relax.

SF Giants Rumors: If you weren’t playing baseball, what profession would you be in?

Brandon: I’ve always thought being an architect would be fun.

SF Giants Rumors: Since you’re from the Bay Area, where are fans likely to spot you when you’re in town?

Brandon: San Francisco is a great city, there are lots of places to go there. If I’m at home, like I said I like to relax, so I’m probably hanging with my family.

SF Giants Rumors: Is there a player that you played with on the San Jose Giants that you think will someday be an impact player for the San Francisco Giants?

Brandon: I don’t know if you’ve heard of him yet, but his name is Buster Posey. Haha.. Really though, that team had quite a few guys that have already or will eventually make an impact, it’s hard to pick just one. Buster and Bum (Madison Bumgarner) obviously already have made their presence felt, and I think there’s a good chance others may do the same.

SF Giants Rumors: Who was your favorite player as a kid growing up, and who do you think was the greatest player of all time in a Giants uniform?

Brandon: I always liked Royce Clayton, like I said, But my favorite player from about 1995-2005 was Alex Rodriguez. I apologize Giants fans, but to my defense, I did start liking him when he was still a rookie.

The best player for the Giants that I watched was Barry Bonds. It would be hard to not say Willie Mays was the best ever though.

Now On To The Baseball Questions

SF Giants Rumors: Congratulations on your 2nd Big League Spring Training invite. How are you feeling this second time around?

Brandon: Thank you, I’m excited. I can’t wait to get started; I feel ready to go. This is a big spring for me personally and I think it’s a good chance for me to show what I can do.

SF Giants Rumors: Which player at Spring Training would you be most interested in picking their brain and why?

Brandon: I think it would be good to talk with Miguel Tejada because he’s been in the game for a long time and has  lot of experience. I talked with Renteria a decent amount last year and picked up a few things and I’m sure I can do the same with Tejada. I want to talk to Buster about his approach at the plate last year as  a rookie. I’d like to talk about how pitchers he’s never seen before pitched him and how he handled them.

SF Giants Rumors: What has your typical offseason day been like?

Brandon: Wake up about 10:30… eat breakfast… hit/take groundballs/throw… lunch… work out/ run… video games… dinner… watch How I met Your Mother or Two and A Half Men.

SF Giants Rumors: When you were drafted by the Giants in the 4th round of the 2008 draft, you said that day was bittersweet. You were excited to be drafted by your favorite team, but you expected to be picked higher in the draft. Has that been a motivation to push yourself harder to show other teams what they passed up on?

Brandon: I’m glad I went with the Giants and happy with the position I’m in with the organization right now. I doubt I’d be with the Giants if I went in the first round. The draft is behind me. There are a lot of reasons I push myself. I’m very competitive, so I always try to prove I’m better than the player the other team has at shortstop.

SF Giants Rumors: Do you have and Pre-game rituals or superstitions?

Brandon: Not really. Sometimes when I’m hitting well I guess I try to eat the same thing before every game, or put my bat in a specific spot in the bat rack, but those things never really stick. I’ll do it for a few games and then have a 0-4 game and scrap it.

SF Giants Rumors: In 2010 you hit .236 between San Jose and Richmond. What have you been doing this offseason to work on getting your stroke back?

Brandon: I’ve really worked on making my swing shorter and more direct to the ball. In 2010, I had kind of a long swing with a lot of moving parts. I actually think I had better at bats last year than in 2009, the numbers just didn’t show it. I’m continually working on my approach and making consistent contact.

SF Giants Rumors: Which part of your game are you really going to focus on while at Spring Training, and what drills do you think will help most?

Brandon: I’m going to continue to work on my swing because that is the part that needs the most work. I will be working on all facets of my game though because they can always improve.

SF Giants Rumors: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year?

Brandon: I’d like to continue having better at bats and making consistent contact. If I keep improving on those things I think I will get to where I want to be.

SF Giants Rumors: Is there anything you would like to say to Giants fans?

Brandon: Can’t wait to see you guys in San Francisco. I appreciate all the support you all continually show. Thank you Brandon for taking the time to do this Q&A. SF Giants Rumors would like to wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you make your Major League debut in San Francisco soon!

~King of Cali

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It’s been a busy week with all the latest San Francisco Giants news. SF Giants Rumors was able to get an Exclusive Pablo Sandoval Video, and now we want to put the icing on the cake!

Technorati Tags: 2010 World Series Champions, 2011 Spring Training, Giants Hot Stove, King of Cali, Kung Fu Panda, NL West, Pablo Sandoval, Pablo Sandoval Rumors, Q&A With Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants, SF Giants Rumors