Author: Will Sommer
I recently had the chance to chat with Josh Thole, the Mets top catching prospect, he is currently playing for the Binghamton Mets, the AA affiliate. Thole is currently batting .362 in 47 AB's. Hope you enjoy.
Will Sommer
Hi. My name is Will Sommer. I work for metfansforever.com. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions?
Josh Thole
Yeah, certainly.
Will Sommer
Thanks. I was just wondering, you were with the big camp for most of the spring training and I was just wondering what you learned from either Brian Schneider or Sandy Alomar, Jr. or from any other players?
Josh Thole
Yeah, Schneider and Castro, Sandy were definitely a big help to me. The biggest thing that they helped me with, I think, was the game calling, the mental part of the game. That was the biggest thing for me, coming into spring training, being able to control pitching staff and all three of them guys really helped me out.
Will Sommer
Now last season, you were basically a full-time first baseman. Has the transition from first base to catcher been difficult for you?
Josh Thole
No it hasn’t been that difficult at all. It definitely takes a lot more time and a lot more work and a lot more preparation but I feel like I’m picking all that up pretty easily and I’m having no issue with that.
Will Sommer
Now just to get back to Sandy Alomar, Jr. who gave you great compliments. What does that mean for you as a young, up and coming player?
Josh Thole
Well, I think first and foremost, it means a lot. I give a lot of credit to him, the amount of time he puts in with me. It means a lot when it comes from a guy who has the experience and is very well, well known throughout baseball.
Will Sommer
I bet you never thought that would happen to you.
Josh Thole
Yes, exactly. You got that right.
Will Sommer
Now in your first three minor league seasons, 2005 – 2007, your batting average was mid-to-high .200s. What changed last season when you hit exactly .300?
Josh Thole
I think it was just, well I mean, I was just a little more consistent all season, but the biggest thing was, was I just made a little adjustment with my hitting. I just spread out and just stayed in the what I call the two-strike approach and just tried to put the ball in play as much as possible, so I think that I give a lot of credit with that then - - my manger last year, Tim Teufel, really helped me out with that a lot.
Will Sommer
Now this year, you’re starting AA, since that’s a promotion, what does that do for you in terms of, the mental aspect part of the game?
Josh Thole
Well I truly believe that it’s getting close to the big leagues when you’re in AA. You’re a phone call away, so I think it’s just the biggest thing that it helps you out and gets you ready. If you get a chance to get called up or when you get called up, then just be ready and this is the league that you got to do it and really stay focused, 100% through it all.
Will Sommer
Now since last year during spring training, I think, you have unfairly been criticized for your defense. What have you done to improve that?
Josh Thole
I just keep putting in the work and then whatever happens, happens. Everything will pretty much take care of itself.
Will Sommer.
When you’re growing up, who was your idol ?
Josh Thole
Definitely Mike Matheny. I’m from the St. Louis area, so I grew up watching him catch in St. Louis every day.
Will Sommer
Growing up did you ever envision that you would be where you are right now?
Josh Thole
I mean it’s definitely a dream when you’re a little kid but you just never know where that dream’s going to take you, so I never knew what to expect. But this is something I always wanted to do since I’ve been really little.
Will Sommer
Just a couple more questions - - to quickly get back to baseball real quick, I’ve always wondered this, when you’re in the minor leagues, do you think you are the number - - you’re the closest catcher the Mets have right now to being in the Majors. Do you ever think of that, like you are the number one catcher prospect the Mets have in the organization?
Josh Thole
No, not at all. That stuff doesn’t really come to me that often because you know what? The bottom line is I have to play no matter what, wherever I’m at, so whether you’re number one, number five, number ten, whatever, you still have to play well and that’s my whole goal this season.
Will Sommer
So Francisco Peňa never really worried you then?
Josh Thole
Yeah, 100%. Wherever I’m ranked, I just throw all that out the window. That means nothing, honestly.
Will Sommer
Now, you were at one of the exhibition games, correct, at Citi Field?
Josh Thole
Yes.
Will Sommer
What was that like for you, even if it was an exhibition game?
Josh Thole
It was unbelievable. It was honestly one of the best moments I’ve ever had playing baseball. To break into a brand new stadium was pretty exciting.
Will Sommer
When you were there, were you saying to yourself, “This is where I’m going to be in a couple of years?”
Josh Thole
Well, that’s what you shoot for. It makes me push myself a little bit harder just to try to get to the big leagues that much faster, you know?
Will Sommer
Yes, and it’s my final question. If you had to make a prediction, when do you think you’ll be in the major leagues?
Josh Thole
Hey, you know what? That’s for the organization to determine. When they feel that I’m ready, I promise I’ll be ready, so when they feel that it’s time to go, then that’s it.
Will Sommer
All right and that’s it for Mets Fans Forever Thank you very much.
Josh Thole
Okay, you’re welcome.
Will Sommer
Best of luck this season in Binghamton.
Josh Thole
Okay, thank you very much.
Will Sommer
Have a good season.
Josh Thole
All right, thanks.
