Tyson Gillies came to the Phillies along with Philippe Aumont and JC Ramirez in an offseason trade for Cliff Lee, sending the all-star to Seattle. Gillies has been hurt most of the year, which is disappointing because you can see during batting practice he has immense talent. Known to be a speedster who can get on base and steal, Gillies has some pop in his bat as well, able to hit HRs to all fields even with an elbow brace on. Thanks to Tyson for his time.

Check below the fold for the interviews

Q) What time do you think you can be back to the team, and what attributes/skills do you bring to the team to go on a second half playoff run?

A) I start running in about a week and a half, and then I’ll start doing all my testing, hop tests, and that fun stuff. I’m trying to hopefully be back for August, so at least I can help out in the last month and the team is doing really well so hopefully we can make a playoff run. I just want to be a catalyst, make things happen, help the team score runs, and win ballgames.

Q)  What pressures does it bring to be traded from one organization to another, and what differences are there?

A) The pressures are, well, you don’t know anybody and you have to start from ground zero all over again. Honestly, me personally, it’s definitely the people that make the organization and I haven’t felt pressured for a second. I felt welcomed as soon as I came here day one, so basically like I’ve been here forever.

Q) Because of the ear issues, you’ve been able to read lips for a long time and effectively. Does that help you at all on the base paths and in the batter’s box?

A) It can at times, but usually that’s hand signals and signs. But basically when you are a base stealer or up at bat you know what you are going to do in the situation.

Matt Rizzotti

Seems like Matt Rizzotti’s prospect status came from left field…. Actually, that’s where most of his HR balls are going. Rizzotti is smacking AA Reading at a .355/.411/.620 clip with 12 HRs and 47 RBIs. Prior to this year, the power numbers were there, but the average wasn’t. Now, with his elite power and elite average, Rizzotti has a chance to start in the MLB at first base. He took an 81 MPH breaking pitch and hit it opposite field for a line drive homerun. The 6’5 235 pound first baseman swings a power left handed swing that is similar to that of Jim Thome, his favorite player growing up.

Q) You batted .358 with 1 HR in Clearwater and .358 with 12 HRs in Reading, how do you keep the same average?

A) (Laughing) I didn’t know I was batting .358 here, I don’t know, I don’t know, to be honest with you it’s just kinda happening really… I’m just trying to see it and hit it.

Q) Is there a difference here hitting home runs as opposed to Clearwater?

A) It certainly helps that the fences are shorter; the FSL has pro-dimensions on every field you play at. You crush a ball you think you have a home run and it ends up being a double in the gap, but here that double in the gap may be a home run.

Q) Are you going to be a first baseman primarily in the majors or are you going to try the outfield?

A) It’s up to them, whatever way I can make up there I will. If they want me to catch I will.

Q) You were named to the all-star team, what does that mean to you?

A) Means I’m pumped. First that’s never happened to me so that’s a real honor. In college you get like the conference player and all that stuff and I made that but never in pro ball. It’s a real honor to me and especially to my family.