St. John's University Athletics
10 Questions: Coach Blankmeyer Checks In From Taiwan
7/27/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
July 27, 2010
QUEENS, N.Y. -
St. John's baseball head coach Ed Blankmeyer is spending the summer serving as an assistant coach for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. Blankmeyer and Team USA have a 9-2 record and are currently in Taipei, Taiwan for a four-game series against Chinese Taipei in final preparation for the V FISU World University Baseball Championships held in Tokyo, Japan beginning July 30.
1. After the roster was cut down, you said that pitching and speed would be the team's identity. Has that been the case through the first 10 games?
Through the first 11 games we have indeed leaned on our pitching staff and their 1.05 ERA. Offensively, our scoring opportunities have been infrequent as of late. In the past 8 games we have stolen just 12 bases and our team on-base percentage has been .344. Our speed on the bases is a factor, but has been neutralized as of late. We have struggled to come up with the big hit with runners in scoring position and have not plated runs with outs in key situations.
2. The squad won its first nine games, but has dropped two-straight to Chinese Taipei. How have they cooled the squad down?
They really pitch and defend at the international level. Our two losses have been by scores of 3-1 and 1-0. We have not gotten the key hits or two-out RBI and the guys are pressing a bit. We have also seen pitchers with underhand deliveries and specialty guys out of the bullpen and we have not adjusted well.
3. Nine members of the squad reached Omaha this year, including three players (Geritt Cole and Steve Rodriguez of UCLA, and Jackie Bradley Jr. of South Carolina) that played in the final College World Series game to ever be played at Rosenblatt Stadium. The team defeated Japan 4-1 in the final amateur game to be played at Rosenblatt. What was the experience of playing at Rosenblatt Stadium like, especially for the players that never reached Omaha in NCAA competition?
It was a great experience for all. This game was billed as the LAST amateur game to be played at Rosenblatt and there were a lot of great memories. We had Warren Morris from LSU as our honorary coach. He hit the famous walk-off home run for LSU to win the 1996 College World Series. Having played in two College World Series myself, it brought back a lot of personal memories. The players played well, there was great excitement in the air and a great USA win!
4. The three BIG EAST players, George Springer (.316, team-best 10 RBI), Ryan Wright (.276, three RBI) and Matt Barnes (2-0, 1.12 ERA), have done well to represent the Conference. Being in the same dugout, what have you seen from them this summer that you may not have noticed coaching against them?
The BIG EAST is well represented. They are playing very well and have contributed significantly. As an opposing coach you are well aware of how talented each player is, but being with them you get an understanding of their makeup and how they go about preparing and how they approach the game. They are all quality young men that have bright futures in professional baseball.
5. As an assistant coach, what have been some of your responsibilities with the team on game day and/or at practice?
My major skill responsibilities are to work with the infielders and assist our hitting coach with the hitters. On game day I hit infield-outfield and throw batting practice. My in-game responsibilities are to set the defense and to make any recommendations on lineup or defensive changes. As the first base coach, I try to help the running game by picking up tendencies of the pitchers and other steal keys for the runners.
6. You're part of a very experienced coaching staff. What have you learned from your colleagues that you might bring back to Queens?
Yes, the coaching staff is very experienced and has a West Coast background. You pick up different philosophies, ways to handle practice and drills as well as game management ideas. It is great having the opportunity to talk baseball with them. It is our team and we are learning from each other. In this game, you can always grow and learn as a coach.
7. The team is now in Taipei, Taiwan, for a four-game set against Chinese Taipei. Can you describe some of your initial impressions of the city?
Taipei is very active. My first impression was that the city is very congested and the streets are filled with taxi cabs and scooters, which seem to be the primary methods of transportation. They have bustling street markets and the cuisine is big on fish. The people are very nice and are supportive of the USA.
8. The pitching staff threw a combined no-hitter against Korea and has thrown three shutouts, while posting a 1.05 ERA. What has been the staff's key to success?
Pitching has been our strength throughout and it is because of our power arms. Velocity is a key in international play. We are averaging 10 strike outs per game and holding the opposition to a .151 average. We are fortunate to have such a strong staff that includes a number of guys that will be top drafts in 2011.
9. On the home front, Jeremy Baltz recently became the first St. John's player to earn All-America honors from the ABCA, Baseball America, Louisville Slugger and the NCBWA in the same season. Can you put into perspective what kind of accomplishment that is, especially for a freshman?
Jeremy had an outstanding season and those honors are proof. His approach at the plate was very mature for a freshman and both his consistency and clutch hitting were particularly impressive. He is a quality young man with a bright future ahead of him.
10. Also on the home front, Anthony Varvaro has joined Rob Delaney in the Triple-A ranks after a promotion to Tacoma. What does it mean for the program to have a pair of alums in Triple-A?
I am glad to see Anthony get moved to Triple-A. He has endured some set-backs along the way, but he has really been performing well. Both of these guys have a chance to pitch in the major leagues. They have worked hard and paid their dues. They are both deserving of the opportunity and we are proud of them.
