Question and Answer with Brian Dopirak- Part I Posted!

[Chris]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v472/DJAXXFAN/dopirak.jpg

 

Brian Dopirak, Infielder for the Daytona Cubs, has graciously agreed to answer questions from posters on NSBB! If you would like to send a comment to Brian, or if you would like to ask Brian a question, feel free to post it here. I will allow the questions/comments to be posted until August 16th at midnight. Once the interview with Brian has been completed his answers will be posted here.

 

This session will be coordinated as in accordance with The NSBB Q & A Guidelines

 

Thank you to Brian for taking the time to interact with us on such an up close and personal level! I encourage everyone to visit the official website of the Daytona Cubs A special thank you also goes to to Bo Fulginiti, Broadcaster for the Daytona Cubs, for setting up this interview! In addition, thank you to all of you for making NSBB such a wonderful community!

Edited August 24, 2005 by Chris

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

First of all, let me begin by thanking you for taking our questions.

 

If I'm remembering correctly, you and Ryan Harvey played for the same high school. Now that you are both in the Cubs system, do you keep in touch? What kind of things do you talk about if you do?

 

Secondly, you had some struggles earlier this season after having a phenomenal year last season. Now that you appear to have turned the corner this season, was it hard to keep your focus during your struggles?

 

Third, what do you like to do in your free time?

[NorthsideAvenger]

Hey Brian;

 

I don't know if you know this or not, but alot of Cubs fans have been calling your "Home run" the "Dope-slap." What's up with that? 2 serious questions; 1: What's the biggest difference between--if any--High A and Low A in your eyes? And let's end the debate among Cubs fans....who has MORE power.....Yourself or Ryan Harvey?

[rawaction]

Thanks for answering our questions, Mr. Dopirak.

 

I saw you play quite a bit in your time at Lansing, and you seem to be a popular guy with your teammates. Are you the popular guy in the clubhouse, and who is your best friend on the team?

 

Many prospects have had down years in Daytona. How tough of a hitters' park is Jackie Robinson?

 

In connection with that question, what do you attribute your struggles to this season? Ballpark? Great pitching in the league? Fatigue from playing in the Arizona Fall League?

 

Last question, how's the defense coming along? What do you feel you need to work on most to improve in that area?

 

 

Keep up the good work. You are one of the most talented and powerful hitters I have ever seen. Keep your head up. There's more accolades to come in your bright future.

[Outshined_One]

Brian,

 

Since your first few years saw you pretty far away from Florida, what's it like playing so close to home for you now; especially with a team based in Dunedin, who you guys played earlier in the year? Have you spent time visiting old friends and coaches who are still in the area?

 

Secondly, I've read a few articles that you're really dedicating yourself to improving your defense at first. What steps have you taken to help improve your game in that area?

 

Third, what was it like playing the Arizona Fall League with some of the best and most advanced prospects in baseball? Were you honored that the Cubs thought highly enough of you to give you the opportunity to play there? What adjustments did you have to make, especially considering the quality of the pitchers there?

 

Thanks for taking your time in answering our questions! Here's hoping for nothing but the best for you!

[Jon]

Mr. Dopirak-

 

As a power hitter, what's the one situation you just love to be in at the plate both in terms of count and runners on base. What goes through your mind when you step in the box in that situation? Mentally, do you find it easier to hit with the bases empty or are you able to concentrate more with men in scoring position?

 

What was it like playing in a few Cactus League games with the Cubs the past couple of springs?

 

In a recent MiLB.com article, Coach Zisk mentioned that you had few mechanical problems earlier this season. What was he referring to? And speaking of Zisk, what is it like working with him?

 

Thanks!

[imb]

When you were in High School, swinging an aluminum bat, were you ever afraid of potentially killing a pitcher with a line drive up the middle? Did the other team ever inquire about possibly moving the pitchers mound back to about 75 or 80 feet? Also, any idea how far your longest home run ever went? I imagine in high school, you must have put out some long ones.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

How did it feel to get all that press this past offseason and be considered the top Cubs prospect and one of the 25 best prospects (at least according to BA) in all of baseball?

 

What do you consider to be your biggest strength and weakness at the plate? How do you address this weakness?

[JC]

Brian,

 

Thanks for stopping by. Your progress has been eagerly followed by the fans in this community.

 

I've got to think that when you look around the Cubs' system, at the very least, you must take stock of the players that may technically be ahead of you in progression at your position. And, of course, Derrek Lee is currently manning first base at the major league level.

 

Understanding that you have no control over those circumstances, do you still keep track of how others are doing at levels around you?

 

Also, who has been the toughest pitcher you have faced so far in your career? Likewise, is there a particular pitcher that you just see the ball really well from?

 

Have you ever talked trash at first when you are holding a runner on?

 

Finally, have you ever played against a big name major leaguer on a rehab assignment? If so, did it feel any different battling against a guy you've seen on TV?

[mhuber92211]

Hi Mr. Dopirak thanks for joining us, log on sometime!

 

Really just a small question for me... I was wondering if you feel added pressure because of your status amongst many of the "informed" cub fans. Many of us see you as a shining example of how the Cubs system of positional players is coming into its own.

 

Also (I guess I lied about this being short :)) is it hard to get the right mix of wanting to win with the team and needing to work on things? What I am getting at is many times we hear that players need to work on certain things while they are progressing. But is it hard to put aside trying to win the game with old habits?

 

I sincerely wish you luck in your future and can't wait for your first major league "Dope-Slap" to the bushes in dead center field at Wrigley (Heck the Scoreboard isn't too far! :P)

[Tim]

Thanks for stopping by!

 

1) I was curious what it was like to play in your home state of Florida this year. Was it a lot of fun to be able to have friends and family come to the park or was it a lot of extra pressure?

 

2) Not a question, but a compliment here. Every spring when I go to Fitch park, I have seen you staying on the practice field to work on your defense after everyone else leaves. I wanted to let you know that as a baseball fan, I am a huge admirer of yours for that even more than the majestic home runs you hit.

 

3) Also, I've seen you work very hard during the spring at taking the ball to the opposite field. Has that been something you continue to consciously work on during the season?

 

Thanks again!

[UK1679666180]

As much accolades as you rec'd at Dunedin HS, neither you or Harvey were the team's MVP at any point of your HS career.

 

Of course, with Steve Doetsch on that same roster, it is easy to see why. Do you get in contact with Steve during the season as much as you do w/Harvey?

 

Also, how much of an impact did Coach Hilbert have on you and do you still keep in contact with him?

Edited August 26, 2005 by UK

[NCCubFan]

Thanks for taking our questions. Interacting with players in the Cubs organization in this manner is a large part of what makes this the best Cubs site.

 

As JC mentioned in an earlier post, first base for the Cubs is currently in Derrek Lee's capable hands. Has there been any talk of you moving to another position, such as corner OF, in order to increase your chances of having a starting job with the Cubs in a few years?

[burnt out cubbie fan]

I saw you hit a home run in Wisconsin last year against the Timber Rattlers that still amazes me to this day. Do you ever find yourself being surprised or amazed with how far or hard you can hit a ball?

[Chris]

Earlier today I had the opportunity to begin our Q & A session with Brian Dopirak of the Daytona Cubs! The interview was not able to be completed but the answers from today's session is posted below! The remainder of the interview will be completed when Brian has the opportunity. Once the interview is completed the remaining answers will be posted. A special thank you to Brian for taking the time during the rain delay to take questions and to Bo Fulginiti for lining up the interview!

 

Brian did ask me to relay to all of you his appreciation and thanks for the nice comments that you have extended so far!

 

 

 

Question and Answer Session With Brian Dopirak, Part I

 

 

vance_the_cubs_fan

Location: Monroe, LA

 

First of all, let me begin by thanking you for taking our questions.

 

If I'm remembering correctly, you and Ryan Harvey played for the same high school. Now that you are both in the Cubs system, do you keep in touch? What kind of things do you talk about if you do?

 

Yes we keep in touch. We talk about how our seasons are going and keep tabs on one another. We give our best wishes to eachother and share tips.

 

Secondly, you had some struggles earlier this season after having a phenomenal year last season. Now that you appear to have turned the corner this season, was it hard to keep your focus during your struggles?

 

The focus was always there, I just feel that I was trying to exceed too much and I tried too hard. Now I'm trying to stay within myself and have good ABs.

 

Third, what do you like to do in your free time?

 

I like to fish. I'm a big fisherman.

 

_________________

 

 

NorthsideAvenger

 

Hey Brian;

 

I don't know if you know this or not, but alot of Cubs fans have been calling your "Home run" the "Dope-slap." What's up with that? 2 serious questions; 1: What's the biggest difference between--if any--High A and Low A in your eyes? And let's end the debate among Cubs fans....who has MORE power.....Yourself or Ryan Harvey?

 

I think it's cool that there's a nickname for that sort of thing! I dig it, it's flattering!

 

It's better competition all around. The pitching gets better at every level. As far as command goes the pitchers get smarter. The fielding gets better as well.

 

Oh man, that's a toss up! It's always been back and forth, even in High School, but there is a point that you can only hit a ball so far! Ryan can hit a ball to the moon!

 

_________________

 

 

rawaction

 

Thanks for answering our questions, Mr. Dopirak.

 

I saw you play quite a bit in your time at Lansing, and you seem to be a popular guy with your teammates. Are you the popular guy in the clubhouse, and who is your best friend on the team?

 

I think I'm a good teammate. I associate with the Latin guys as much as the American guys. This is my second home and I go and get dinner with the Latin guys just as much as I do with the American guys.

 

Many prospects have had down years in Daytona. How tough of a hitters' park is Jackie Robinson?

 

It can be tough, especially with the crosswinds coming in from the beach. However, there are also times when the wind is blowing in and times when the wind is blowing out, you just have to deal with it.

 

In connection with that question, what do you attribute your struggles to this season? Ballpark? Great pitching in the league? Fatigue from playing in the Arizona Fall League?

 

I was trying to do too much. There has been good pitching but I tried to do too much.

 

Last question, how's the defense coming along? What do you feel you need to work on most to improve in that area?

 

The defense is coming along. I'm working on my footwork and I'm working on getting the right jump on the ball.

 

Keep up the good work. You are one of the most talented and powerful hitters I have ever seen. Keep your head up. There's more accolades to come in your bright future.

 

_________________

 

 

Outshined_One

Location: Chicago, IL or Madison, WI

 

Brian,

 

Since your first few years saw you pretty far away from Florida, what's it like playing so close to home for you now; especially with a team based in Dunedin, who you guys played earlier in the year? Have you spent time visiting old friends and coaches who are still in the area?

 

Yes I have. I had dinner with my High School Coach while in Dunedin. It's nice to visit with family and I like seeing my mom and dad. Family is important to me.

 

Secondly, I've read a few articles that you're really dedicating yourself to improving your defense at first. What steps have you taken to help improve your game in that area?

 

I'm working on my footwork around the bag and working on taking and digging picks. I'm working in BP off live balls.

 

Third, what was it like playing the Arizona Fall League with some of the best and most advanced prospects in baseball? Were you honored that the Cubs thought highly enough of you to give you the opportunity to play there? What adjustments did you have to make, especially considering the quality of the pitchers there?

 

It was exciting and I loved every second of it. I was able to play with great players and great talent. It was a great experience.

 

I was very honored to be there, especially after the seasons that Sing, Collins and Lewis had.

 

I took the same approach as I did in Lansing. I stayed within myself and had fun.

 

Thanks for taking your time in answering our questions! Here's hoping for nothing but the best for you!

 

_________________

 

DJAXXFAN

Location: Tennessee

 

Recently I heard someone with clubhouse access refer to you as "Dopey". I'm going to name the other 6 dwarfs. If you would, tell me which player comes to mind when I say that dwarf's name:

 

Sneezy: I don't know about that one

 

Bashful: Jeff Culpepper

 

Grumpy: Scotty Moore, he always has a serious frown when playing, ha ha

 

Happy: Me! Issmael Salas as well.

 

Sleepy: Tony Richie

 

Doc: I don't have anyone for that one

 

__________________

[Laura]

 

NorthsideAvenger

 

Hey Brian;

 

I don't know if you know this or not, but alot of Cubs fans have been calling your "Home run" the "Dope-slap." What's up with that? 2 serious questions; 1: What's the biggest difference between--if any--High A and Low A in your eyes? And let's end the debate among Cubs fans....who has MORE power.....Yourself or Ryan Harvey?

 

I think it's cool that there's a nickname for that sort of thing! I dig it, it's flattering!

 

It's better competition all around. The pitching gets better at every level. As far as command goes the pitchers get smarter. The fielding gets better as well.

 

Oh man, that's a toss up! It's always been back and forth, even in High School, but there is a point that you can only hit a ball so far! Ryan can hit a ball to the moon!

 

 

 

Good thing he likes "Dope-Slaps!" :D

[SeldomSeen]

DJAXX- Nice hard hitting journalism! :wink: Dopey, huh? It sounds like Brian is really enjoying the experience of professional baseball, and seems like a great teammate. Thanks for all of your hard work to make this site as great as it is.