Questions for Ron Potesta (7/7)

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Ron Potesta has graciously agreed to do another Q & A on the Diamond Jaxx broadcast this Thursday, July 7th (weather permitting). Ask away in this thread... Edited July 15, 2005 by CaliforniaRaisin

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I guess I'll get the questions started, then.

 

Three of the best curves in the system have passed through Jackson at various times this season. How would you compare Rich Hill, Carmen Pignatiello and Sean Marshall's curveballs?

 

I know Sean Marshall throws a sinking fastball and that curve. Does he throw his other two pitches in games (slider and change)? And if so, how good are they and is he comfortable with throwing them in games?

 

Thanks, Ron!

[Outshined_One]

Hey Ron, thanks for taking questions.

 

How's Felix Pie doing? How much more time does he need before he's back at 100%?

 

Secondly, how has Carlos Marmol looked out there? The Cubs calling him up to AA raised some eyebrows around here, but hopefully this move is for the best.

 

Thanks again!

[Brian]

Do you keep track of the A ball teams and how the players at that level are doing in anticipaton of the players that will be headed to AA in the not so distant future.

 

And if so what are the players are you most looking forward to getting a first hand look at?

 

 

As an aside please don't forget these two words when Brian Dopirak makes it to AA - "DOPE-SLAP".

 

thanks

[oldcubsfan]

Thanks Ron.

 

How does David Aardsma look and how do you judge his potential to help the Cubs?

[Flames24Rulz]

Ron,

 

which players on the Jaxx do you think could make the biggest impact on the major league team given 2 to 3 years?

 

Thanks Ron, keep up the good work!

[TXCubsFan]

Ron,

 

Thanks again for answering our questions about the Diamond Jaxx.

 

Could you give us a status report on Rocky Cherry? Has his fastball comeback? Does he look like an organization player or a legit middle relief prospect for the Cubs?

[Jon]

Ron,

 

I know you've gotten in a few words over the air regarding your (continual) disappointment over the lack of fans at Pringles Park. I've heard players briefly describe before the difference between playing in the minors and playing in a stadium with that 2nd or 3rd deck. Aside from the extra motivation and energy, for most prospects, do you have a sense of the importance of playing in front of large crowds day in and day out at the AA level? Have you had any discussions with any current or former players/coaches about how large crowds can better prepare you emotionally for playing at a higher level, especially where people are going to know who you are, or does it really not make much of a difference?

[VVMattVV]

Which of the Jaxx players are most deserving of a September call-up?

 

The Jaxx were blessed with many All-star selections, but how could they snub Brandon Sing with the year he has had?

[CubsWin]

Are there any whispers of promotions after the all-star break? I would think that players like Nolasco and Pinto would be candidates.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Once again, I will try to record and post the audio of the Q & A. I can't promise that I will be home in time from work to record the whole thing but I will try to get as much as I can. I should have it posted by the end of the weekend.

[CubsWin]

Ron,

 

Thanks again for agreeing to share your knowledge with us at NSBB. Your patronage to this site as enriched it greatly.

 

For me, Murton, Pie, Sing, Aardsma and Marshall are the most likely to become major league contributors of the players currently on the D-Jaxx roster. How would you amend that list?

 

And, of the D-Jaxx not listed above, who would you say has the highest ceiling and who is the safest bet to become a major leaguer?

 

Thanks again.

[Chris]

Ron, I was driving down the Interstate and noticed a basketball goal outside the clubhouse at Pringles Park. Do the players spend any free time playing basketball? If so, who is the best basketball player of the bunch?

 

PS- Be sure Aunt Florence has her window open tonight!

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Which of the Jaxx pitchers enjoys hitting the most? Who's the best?

 

Thanks, Ron!

[Tim]

Ron,

 

Before his surgery, Thomas Atlee was looking like a legit short relief prospect. He was a bit up and down in his performance at Daytona this year, but I hear he has pretty powerful stuff. Could you give a quick rundown on how he's looked at West Tenn so far?

 

Thanks!

[RyCubsFan]

Ron,

 

Bacon has been hot lately. Do you ever see him being a role-player on a ML roster? Can he make enough contact?

 

McGehee is quietly having quite a good season. Which position do you see him playing as a big leaguer? Does he have the chance to develop more power (after all, he's hit a lot of doubles) so he can stay at the hot corner?

 

Seeing Soto play last year, and Reyes this year....who has the higher ceiling in your estimation?

 

Thanks Ron!

[Chris]

Ugh, the game has been rained out!

[Chris]

Quick update: Ron plans on using the questions in the next pregame (weather permitting)

[Chris]

Ron is currently answering our questions during the broadcast. If you'd like to listen, go to http://www.diamondjaxx.com and follow the link to listen live!

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Len Kasper and Bob Brenley were commenting on the Cubs broadcast today about how Greenburg and Murton said that the West Tenn team has very good chemistry. One funny thing they mentioned was that the team was on the speakerphone with them when they got the call up to the show. Along these lines, does the team do any sort of interesting activities on their off time together and what are some interesting nicknames that the different players have?

 

Thanks for doing this again.

[Jon]

Ron answering Tim's question on Atlee: He's looked okay when under control and very effective in relief when he hasn't walked anyone so far. He certainly has the potential to be an effective relief pitcher.

 

By the way, if anyone has not seen a picture of Atlee, take a look at the size of his legs.

 

Oh, and in response to Raisin's question, Ryu really enjoys hitting. Searles does a bit, too.

[burnt out cubbie fan]

Just so you know, I am recording it.

[Chris]

I was hoping my question about the basketball goal would lead to an amusing response. :shrug:

[Chris]

Ron explaining the call to Murton and Greenberg.

 

Good question burnt!

[Chris]

"Screaming like a school girl"

 

:lol: