I spoke with the Lansing Lugnuts manager, Clayton McCullough, last week in Lansing.  McCullough talked about his young players and highlighted what has impressed him this season.

Note that my voice recorder was not working on this trip, and my shorthand is non-existent, so I am reporting the conversation based on my notes.

BB:  How do you measure success for the 19 year-old players on your team?

CM:  Well it is not their stats.  This year they are learning about staying healthy for a full season, they are learning what it means to play a full season.  They are learning what it means to be ready to play every day for a full season.  They are learning the mental and physical demands of the game.  They are learning how to handle on-field, short-term, failure while battling that mental and physical fatigue.

BB:  I want to ask you what impressed you about some players and what do they need to improve for next season.

BB:  Kevin Ahrens?

CM:  I was impressed by his steadiness, he has been our most consistent player this year.  Kevin needs to work on his defense at third base.  He needs to develop a feel for the game there at third base.

BB:  Justin Jackson?

CM:  I was impressed by his production, he has driven in a lot of big-runs for us.  Even if he made an error earlier in the game he has come up with a big hit.  I see him as a big-time player who likes the big situations.  Next year Justin needs to stick with his offensive approach through an at-bat and through a game.

BB:  John Tolisano?

CM:  John has made a good defensive improvement and has become better at controlling the ups and downs of a long season.  Next season he needs to continue to work on his defense and is another player who needs to trust his offensive approach and stop changing it.

BB:  Eric Eiland?

CM:  Eric has had good at-bats and has also been a consistent player.  Eric just needs more reps (repetitions) and that's my suggestion for next season Eric just needs to play.

BB:  Yohermyn Chavez:

CM:  Yohermyn struggled in the middle of the season and made some adjustments at the plate and he has played much better in July and August.  For next season he needs to continue to keep those adjustements at the plate and make sure he is always ready to hit.

BB:  Moises Sierra?

CM:  Moises has had good at-bats and like Ahrens has been a very consistent player.  Next season Moises also needs to trust his offensive approach.  Moises is very strong and his strength lets him get away with things at this level.

BB:  Marc Rzepczynski?

CM:  I was impressed with his stuff.  I was also impressed with how much of a competitor he is on the mound.  Next season he needs to work on his command and keep pitching to contact and stop trying to strike everyone one.

BB:  Tim Collins?

CM:  I am impressed that Tim wants the ball every day, it doesn't matter what happened the day before.  Next season he could improve his fastball command and work on his third pitch.  He could also work on holding runners.

Batters Box thanks Clayton and we wish the Lugnuts good luck in the playoffs.