2012 Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Advice & Analysis
 
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Cleveland Indians fans have had, to say the least, a rough few years. The Tribe haven't been able to win more than 69 games the last two seasons and 2008 only saw a .500 winning percentage. Trades and injuries have changed the vibe in Cleveland from when they won the AL Central in 2007. But even with this fall from grace, Indians fans can look to a brighter future, starting with their closer, Chris Perez.

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with TheFantasyFix.com. I know our readers would love to know a little bit more about yourself.

TFF: Did you play other sports growing up?

CP: I played soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, and pretty much anything else that involved competing. When I was about 13, I concentrated solely on baseball.

TFF: While growing up, were there any professional baseball players you tried to emulate?

CP: Yes, Frank Thomas when he was with the Chicago White Sox. He was one of the most dangerous hitters during that period, and his spring training was in nearby Sarasota, so I got to see him quite a bit. I was also a catcher most of my life and I really liked watching Pudge Rodriguez (he's still playing!) because he had the best arm I've ever seen.

TFF: Being a catcher must really help you understand the Pitcher/Catcher relationship.

TFF: What did you major in at "The U"? Ideally, what would you like to do after baseball?

CP: My major was criminology with a minor in anthropology. Ideally I wanted to be an FBI profiler. If you ever watched the TV show Criminal Minds, that is exactly what I wanted to do.

TFF: On a side note, as a former Hurricane, how do you feel about the Al Golden hire for the football team?

CP: I have a little mixed feelings with the Al Golden hire. On one hand, he won at Temple which is hard to do. On the other, he really doesn't have a very long coaching track record at the D-1 level. So I really hope he is the guy, because he's young enough to be there for a very long time. I guess I'm a optimistic pessimist.  

TFF: Well being an optimistic pessimist is definitely the best kind.

TFF: Early in your career you represented Team USA Baseball. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience?

CP: I've had the enjoyable experience of playing for Team USA twice; once on their collegiate National Team in '05, and on the World Cup team in '07. Both experiences are something I'll remember for the rest of my life. Playing in the MLB is awesome and very special in it's own right, but to play for Team USA and have the Stars and Stripes across your chest… there's nothing like it. To be part of two select teams is pretty humbling. The time in '05 was really fun because everyone was in college, and we got to travel to Japan and Taiwan. We were pretty much on vacation with a little baseball thrown in. The time in '07 was more business-like. We were a mixture of older and younger professionals, some with major league time, there to win the gold medal. We also went to Taiwan and participated in the IBAF World Cup of baseball. We ended up winning the whole tournament for the first time since the '70's.

TFF: What was it like being a first round pick? Did you have to deal with lots of pressures? People treating you differently? Asking you to borrow a few bucks?

CP: I have a really strong family and was fortunate that no one came to ask to borrow a few dollars. I don't think I personally had any more pressure on me because I was a high pick. There was more pressure on me because I was always the youngest player on my team. I also had pretty good seasons so I kind of let my play do the talking.

TFF: How did it feel getting traded so early in your career? Did you feel betrayed by the Cardinals or did you know that it was just part of the game?

CP: I knew it was part of the game, but I was totally shocked that I was traded because I was so young. When I first was told of the trade my initial reaction was happiness and excitement. But as the day went on I started to realize that I was leaving behind a great organization in terms of fan support and tradition, but more importantly I was leaving behind a lot of friends that I had made coming up through the minors. It was also a great feeling that a team thought so highly of me and I knew I would have a tremendous opportunity with Cleveland.

TFF: Which guys on the team have you become the closest with since coming over from St. Louis? Any noteworthy jokesters in the Indians clubhouse?

CP:  I'm pretty close to the whole bullpen, we are a family within a family. We all have similar interests and likes, and really pull for each other during the season. We have a couple of funny guys on the team, Shelley Duncan and Frank Herrmann come to mind.

TFF: Kerry Wood really gave you a roller coaster ride in 2010. It must have been hard having a veteran breathing down your neck. Tell us about that.

CP:  It would have been a lot more stressful if Kerry wasn't such a good guy/teammate. Woody was great for all of us; we really looked up to him and tried to learn all we could from him. I told him a couple of times that I vividly remember the game when he struck out 20 Astros. I watched the entire game on WGN. So there was definitely respect there. I really didn't have a problem wondering when he was coming back, or if he was going to be traded. I concentrated on myself and pitching as best as I could so that if something did happen I would get first crack at the closers' role.

TFF: In your first full season in the AL you improved in virtually all possible statistical categories. What will you do differently in 2011 to continue improving and not let hitters get a read on you?

CP: I'm going to try and do the same things I did last year because I didn't trick anyone; I went out there and got ahead of hitters and made tough pitches when I needed to. I also had a little luck, which never hurts. The way I approach hitters, I pitch to my strengths and adjust to what they do. I throw a lot of fastballs and read how the hitter is adjusting to my speed/location to see if I need to throw a slider or change locations. If I go out there and hit every spot all season long, I will have a great season. That's the challenge of the game – you are challenging the hitter and your own self with trying to hit all of your spots.

TFF: How differently do you prepare now that you’re a closer, than when you were in middle relief? Different pitches, different mindset, etc?

CP: You probably won't believe me, but as the closer, hitters are a little more patient, except in one-run games. So I try and throw the first pitch of an appearance right down the middle to get ahead. Other than that I really try to pitch the same in any role… dominate, be aggressive and attack the hitter. Now when guys get on base, it's totally different trying to protect a lead as the closer vs middle relief. As the closer you sometimes have to navigate a lineup and pick out your best option to attack to protect a lead.

TFF: Have you embraced your nickname "Pure Rage"? It's kind of like the modern day "Wild Thing" for the Indians.

CP: I'm cool with it. I think if you asked anyone that is close to me, the nickname definitely doesn't fit me. Off the field, I'm pretty laid back and easy going. On the field I'm more serious, quiet, and focused. When I'm pitching that's really the only time I have "Pure Rage." I like to compete, but I love to win. Actually I hate to lose more. That's what keeps me coming back, to compete and win at the highest level.

TFF: Have you ever played Fantasy Baseball? If so, how did you do?

CP: I've played twice, once in high school and once in college. Honestly it took too much time to do, so I never really enjoyed it. I would always forget to change my pitchers, or someone I started would get a day off, so I would always lose. I appreciate it though, because it really does bring in more fans and helps keep fans close to the game.  

TFF: Well, we and our fans appreciate that you appreciate us.

TFF: What are your goals for this season? How about some stats projections...

CP: My main goal is to stay healthy. If I'm healthy I know I will have a successful year. Stats wise I can't really predict how many saves I'll have because it really isn't up to me. I'll try to predict my blown saves at 3; 2 in the first half and 1 in the second half. I think I will also be able to get a few more strikeouts this year by making better two-strike pitches and by mixing in a few more change-ups.

TFF: We so figured you would say zero blown saves! 

TFF: Other than Fausto Carmona, which Indians starter should we expect the most out of in 2011?

CP: I'm going to say with the four that are guarantee spots: Carlos Carrasco. He has the ability to throw four pitches for strikes and three of them are plus. He looked totally different last September than he did in '09. As a dark horse look out for Anthony Reyes. He's totally healthy now and has good velocity. He has a nice break to his slider and always has that change-up. I've played catch with him a few times and he looks/feels totally different.

Thanks again Chris. You were a great interview and we at The Fantasy Fix wish you good luck in 2011. One request – try to take it easy on our buddy Will Rhymes over in Detroit, other than that...strike em all out!

Written by Alan Harrison exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

or for Free Fantasy Sports Advice use our Quick Fix to get help with your team!

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Tags: Fantasy Baseball, The Fantasy Fix, Chris Perez, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, Cleveland Indians, Fausto Carmona, Chris Perez Interview, MLB, St. Louis Cardinals, Carlos Carrasco, Anthony Reyes, Ican Rodriguez, Frank Thomas
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Photo by Mark Cunningham, courtesy of willrhymes.com
Towards the end of the 2010 season the Detroit Tigers may have found their 2nd Baseman of the future. And with a name you'll never forget, we introduce you to none other than Will Rhymes.

Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with The Fantasy Fix. I'm sure our readers would love to know a little bit more about you.

TFF: Did you play other sports growing up?

Rhymes: Not really, I focused on baseball from a young age.  I only played one year of organized sports other than baseball.  Somehow I made the middle school basketball team in 7th grade.  I was about 4‘10” and I would just run up the court and pass the ball to Emeka Okafor, who turns out is a pretty good basketball player.  I think I scored like ten points the whole year. I did foul out a lot; I was a tenacious defender.

TFF: Wow, Emeka Okafor? Sports stars always seem to gravitate towards each other even at a young age.


TFF: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

Rhymes: That is a hard one for me.  I grew up a huge baseball fan, and I had a lot of guys I really liked and respected.  Honestly, I’ve always been a fan of the game first and of players second.  I liked Kenny Lofton a lot because he came up with the Astros and had a great career.  I also liked Roberto Alomar. He was just a really solid all-around player.  


TFF: So since you are from Houston, did you want to play for the Astros?

Rhymes: In college I just wanted to get drafted and get a chance.  Obviously playing for the Astros would have been great.  I went to a lot of games growing up, and playing in your hometown has to be amazing.  On the other hand it might be a pain because everyone you know would be asking for tickets all the time.


TFF: What did you major in at William & Mary? If baseball doesn't work out long term, what would you want to do?

Rhymes: I majored in Biology.  I was thinking about medical school, if I had washed out of pro ball after a couple years I think that is what I would have done.  Now I have absolutely no idea what I would do.  I’ve considered myself a baseball player first all of my life… its hard to imagine not putting a uniform on everyday.


TFF: What was it like getting your first paycheck and seeing that many zeroes?

Rhymes: Awesome.

TFF: Damn straight. By the way can I borrow five bucks?
Rhymes: No.


TFF: What's it like playing for one of the best coaches of all time, Jim Leyland?

Rhymes: It is great. He demands a lot and he expects the game to be played a certain way.  That being said, he is a good teacher, and really works well with young players.  He gave me an opportunity to play in the big leagues and I am forever in his debt for that.


TFF: Is it hard being a relatively smaller player of your size (5'9" 155 lbs)? What was the learning curve like once you made it to the Bigs?

Rhymes: The path to the big leagues is certainly harder if you are small, there are going to be a lot of obstacles.  But I don’t think being small makes it any harder to play the game.  People always talk about upside and potential.  The big leagues is about performance, not potential, so if you get there you are on a somewhat level playing field.  

There is a learning curve.  The competition is much better in the MLB than the minors.  The pitchers have better stuff and there is a lot of depth.  The last couple guys in the bullpen are throwing 95 these days so you just have to learn to grind out every at bat.  Consistency is what separates players, you have to win the mental games and be prepared and confident every day.


TFF: There's an interesting story behind your first major league home run? First called a triple and then changed to a HR. So let's hear it from your side.

Rhymes: I was facing Zack Greinke who had got me out the previous ten at bats or so, and I got a hold of one pretty good.  I thought it was gone off the bat but Comerica is big and the ball doesn’t travel a lot of the time so I knew it would be close.  Mitch Maier jumped up and tried to rob it, obstructing everyone’s view.  Turns out the ball hit off a railing just over the fence.  I am now a fan of the instant replay system, they overturned the call on the field and I got to jog home after short break on third.  

It was awesome, the guys gave me the silent treatment in the dugout, I’ll never forget it.  Not surprisingly I was the first person to get his first homerun via instant replay.  Thanks Bud Selig.


TFF: What's it like being the new guy in the clubhouse? Did the other players put you through hazing?

Rhymes: It is a little weird at first, you don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.  I knew most of the guys from spring training but I just tried to speak when spoken to.  Our veteran guys like Inge and Damon, really went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and settle in.  

Of course there is a little good natured hazing.  You have to bring drinks for the older guys on the buses and planes.  You have to take cabs to the visiting parks to beat the bus with the veterans.  For the main hazing event all the rookies had to dress up in ridiculous outfits in Chicago, that wasn’t pretty.  Well some of the guys were a little too pretty.

TFF: Part of me wants to know which of the guys were too pretty, but I think its better left alone.


TFF: Which guys on the team have you become the closest with?

Rhymes: We really have a pretty knit group, we are all friendly.  I hang out with a lot of the younger guys; Austin Jackson, Casper Wells, Brennan Boesch, Daniel Schlereth.  Also with Don Kelly and Ryan Raburn.


TFF: Speaking of friends, I hear you are close friends with Jeff Niemann? How do you know each other, how long?

Rhymes: Jeff is one of my best friends, and someone who has really helped me through the years.  We played on the same team from age 13 through high school.  We live in a kind of strange world, it is not quite the real world.  Unless you have played professionally you just don’t understand a lot of the stuff we go through.  So, it is good to have someone who has been through more or less the same things as you from a young age.  Plus he has good stories.    

TFF: Good stories huh? Well then Jeff will have to be our next interview.


TFF: Have you ever played Fantasy Baseball? If so, how did you do?

Rhymes: I haven’t, I’d probably be terrible.  I’d just pick my friends and people I like; probably not the best strategy.  I’ve kind of sworn off fantasy sports after witnessing the fantasy football draft and aftermath last year on the team plane.  These guys take it entirely too seriously, and it is all they talk about.  I’ve never seen baseball players read or do so much research.

TFF: Professional baseball players going nuts over Fantasy Football? Crazy! I suppose now is an appropriate time to promote our Quick Fix program for all you Tiger players/fans out there reading this. Just email us your question about baseball, football, basketball or hockey and we usually get back to you within 24 hours. Will – I think its safe to say we won’t be getting any emails from you.


TFF: You ran the bases a lot in the minors, can fantasy owners expect some swipes in 2011?

Rhymes: I hope so.  When you hit in front of Miguel Cabrera, one of the best hitters in the game, you can’t afford to run into an out.  I think I only had three attempts last year.  If I steal second and Miguel is coming up, they will walk him and that is not in the best interest of the team.  I’m going to run a lot in spring and try to show them that I can run effectively, but if I’m hitting in front of Miggy, I might as well chain myself to first base.  


TFF: What are your goals for this season? How about some stats projections...

Rhymes: My main goal for the season is to help the Tigers win.  If I can do that I really don’t care what my numbers are.  But since this is a fantasy site, I’d look at my numbers from AAA and the big leagues last year.  I think those are fairly representative of what I’ve done my whole career.  I usually hit around .300, steal 20-30 bags and hit a few homeruns.  I guess I’m not much of a fantasy player.  I got a couple teammates who are, Miggy and Victor are going to have huge years.   And if you can get Magglio he might go off as well.


TFF: Well The Fantasy Fix has faith in you to pop onto the fantasy radar, just like your teammates Brandon Boesch and Austin Jackson did last year.

A million thanks to you Will. I personally know you are a straight-up hard working guy and have no doubt that you will succeed in Detroit. And for all you fantasy nuts out there, keep a close eye on Mr. Rhymes this year.

Written by Evan Marx exclusively for TheFantasyFix.com

Follow The Fantasy Fix on Twitter @thefantasyfix

or for Free Fantasy Sports Advice use our Quick Fix to get help with your team!


Tags: Fantasy Baseball, The Fantasy Fix, Will Rhymes, 2011 Fantasy Baseball, Detroit Tigers, Miguel Cabrera, Jeff Niemann, Austin Jackson, Brennan Boesch, Don Kelly, Daniel Schlereth, Casper Wells
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