Paul Articulates - Discussion with some of the AA prospects

During the Binghamton Rumble Ponies' media day, several local reporters were able to spend some time with three of the teams' top prospects and ask about their preparation for this coming season.  Many thanks go out to Binghamton media director Jacob Wilkins, Matt Levine, and the rest of the Ponies' staff for the opportunity.

I was fortunate to join in the fun and see what they are thinking about.  Of course, all the players that make it to this level have been well trained to avoid controversial or news-breaking statements, and these gentlemen did well with that training.  The transcript of these interviews follows:

Jett Williams interview – April 2025

Q: Healthwise, I know last year did not go like you wanted it to, but how are things this year coming in to the season?

A: Things are great.  I’m ready for a full healthy season.

Q: When you were down in Florida, what was it like spending time with the big league players?

A: It was great.  You talk to them, pick their brains about things. You learn a lot about what they do, and how they go about their business, what they do on an every-day basis.

Q: What have they told you about the positions you will play this year?  Infield/Outfield?  What do you want to do?

A: It doesn’t matter, as long as I’m on the field whether that is at short, second, or in center field?  They told me I am going to get more reps in center.

Q: Last year you played in the spring breakout game and they came to Binghamton.  This year you were able to do the same.  Are you going to approach anything differently this year?

A: I think it is going to be about staying healthy and working towards the big goals ahead.  Come in every day and try to get better.

Q: Anything in particular that the coach?

A: They have not specified.  Just getting more reps at all three positions, getting at-bats, staying healthy.

Q: Who is going to steal more bases this year, you or Nick Morabito?

A: I think we are going to bring out the best in each other.  I think we have a really good lineup.  It’s a great bunch of guys that will push each other and have a lot of fun.

Q: Do you plan to use one of the torpedo bats?

A: I don’t know.  The bat companies have asked me to use one, so I am sure that I will have one around to try out.  Either way, you still have to have a good approach and hit the ball.

Q: As someone who has been here at this level before, how do you plan to take a leadership role in your time here?

A: I have already been talking to some of the guys who will be spending their first year here about how to get through the cold, how the pitchers throw a little differently here and at AAA.  I’m trying to help everyone as much as I can with what I have experienced.

Ryan Clifford interview – April 2025

Q:  You hit that home run and win the MVP in the spring breakout game.  How did it feel to go out and compete with those guys?

A: Feels good.  There were a lot of names in those lineups that have been playing for a long time.  Some pretty good arms out there. I was glad we were able to put up the numbers we did and come away with a win.

Q:  You have been listed in the top prospects for the Mets along with five or six other guys that you have come up here to Binghamton with? What is it like being with these guys coming up together?

A: It is a good group.  I have been with some of them for a while now and we also have some new faces this year.  It is just a great group of guys looking to push each other to be our best.  It is going to be fun to compete out there with them.

Q: What are the things you have worked on in the spring that you think you will be a little better at this year?

A: For me, I think just working on hitting the top of the zone, especially trying to hit the fastballs up.  I think if I can cover that then everything else will just come naturally for me.

Q: What are your goals for this season in general?

A: I’m trying to pick up the ball better, trying to be more consistent in my hitting.  Defensively, I am going to play a lot of first base for the first month, then transition to the outfield from there and become more versatile.

Q: Following up on that, on the big club there are some positions locked up by the big stars and some aren’t.  Do you think there is an opportunity for you to get up there quicker in the infield or the outfield?

A: I think it is all subjective.  Sure, some of the stars are locked in but there will be days when they are not “feeling it” and there will be opportunities.  I’m trying to stay versatile – it doesn’t matter to me where I play – I just want to do the best that I can to get the opportunity to get on the field.

Q: Do you plan to use one of the torpedo bats?

A: I have seen them.  I am not sure it is the best fit for me but it is working for some guys, so down the road who knows what will happen?  I go to swinging a no-cut bat and I like having more weight at the end of the bat.  I want to be able to hit balls hard even if it is out at the end of the bat.

Nick Morabito interview – April 2025

Q: With you being a newcomer to Binghamton, what have you been told so far about competing here in AA?

A: I am very grateful for this opportunity to be here in Binghamton – it is a big jump from high to AA but I’m prepared to take it on.  It’s a little colder here; I haven't played in cold since high school, but I’m excited and ready to embrace it.

Q: Have you received any advice from the top prospects in the organization about making the jump from A to AA?

A: I am close with the guys here, so I have been able to talk with them. Obviously I know the competition is going to be a little better, but I’m ready to get started

Q: How are you feeling as you prepare to go into this season?

A: Most importantly I’m healthy, my spring training routine has been consistent, and I look forward to going out there every day and working hard, staying healthy.

Q: What were some of the things you have been working on in spring training?

A: I worked pretty hard on my defense in spring training.  I have been working center field, a lot on my first step reactions and my overall range getting to balls.  Defense has always been something I take pride in.

Q: When you were in St. Lucie, did you run into some of the big stars like Lindor and Soto?

A: Not a lot – only played in one big league game because I was dealing with a little “wrist thing” in spring which is all good now.  It was pretty cool just being around those guys.

Q: What do you think you can bring to the Rumble Ponies lineup this year?

A: Hopefully do well in center field, steal some bases.

Q: Who’s going to steal more bases this year, you or Jett?

A: I don’t know – I am going to get as many as I can.   Hopefully he will get many too.

Q: Many of today’s hitters focus on power hitting in the leadoff spot.  You bring speed to the game.  Does that give you an advantage?

A: Yeah, having guys that can steal bases in the top of your lineup is an exciting part of the game – fans love to see it.  That’s what I like to give to the fans.

This is going to be a fun group to watch this year.  There will be an exciting brand of baseball played in Binghamton with a combination of speed, power, and pitching.  If you can make it to the stadium, it will be well worth the price of admission.