Texas Rangers legend and National Baseball Hall of Fame member Ivan ‘Purge’ Rodriguez expressed confidence in his team.
In an interview prior to kicking off Game 1 of the World Series held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on the 28th (Korean time), Rodriguez expressed his strong feelings for the team, saying, “We all feel that this year is ‘the year.’” He showed confidence.
Rodriguez made his big league debut in Texas in 1991 and played for Texas for 13 seasons until 2002. During this period, the team never went to the World Series. Afterwards, they advanced to the World Series in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, but finished in runner-up.
“This is the team I grew up with since 1988,” Rodriguez said. And so far, it has been great to see the stadium change and the team grow in many ways. It’s also great that there are only 4 wins left to lift the championship trophy. “Right now, I’m not even a player on this team, but I feel like I’m part of the team,” he said.
“I’m out there now working for the club as a fan, but we all feel like this is ‘the year’. I feel like the time has come. These players are playing in the right direction. This is true in all aspects: offense, defense, and pitching. He is also showing very good performance in the postseason. Coach Bochy told his players, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing. It conveys the message, ‘Don’t give your opponent additional opportunities by making mistakes in defense.’ “If we can do that, we will be fine.”
When and at what point did he feel that this year was ‘the year’?
He said, “I’ve been watching since spring camp. “When he became the coach of the Bocce Guy team, he expected it to be a very good team,” he said, expressing his thoughts.
About coach Bocci, “He is a person who loves players. He is someone who supports the team’s culture, supports the players, and never gives up. He commented favorably, saying, “If the players follow such a person properly, good things will happen.”
He continued, “Throughout the season, we watched us experience ups and downs through 162 games. Injuries, poor performance, and losing streak continued. But every time that happened, it rebounded again. I think this is a very good point. He quickly got out of the slump and returned to a level where he could compete again. “That’s why we are here,” he said, praising the rebound.
He, who contributed to the Florida Marlins’ victory in 2003, said, “I would be really happy if the Texas Rangers win the World Series this year. I always wanted to see Texas win the World Series. And now there are only 4 wins left. Winning four games in the World Series is not easy. It’s a completely different baseball. But we have a team that can win,” he said, wishing Texas a win.
He also shared his thoughts on Jonah Haim, who is a former catcher and is currently the team’s starting catcher. “can not believe it. He is a good hitter, but his defense is more impressive. The way he leads the pitcher, blocks, throws, and predicts game situations is impressive. In particular, the ability to read game situations is something that cannot be taught separately. He gave a favorable review, saying, “He has that.”
He continued, “To be honest, sometimes I think that catcher is the most undervalued position in baseball. He continued to praise Haim, saying, “I think Texas is one of the biggest reasons why we are here,” and “For me, the MVP is Jonah.”굿모닝토토
He is scheduled to receive the first pitch thrown by former President George W. Bush on this day.
When asked if he had any advice for former President Bush, he smiled and replied, “Please don’t stick it in the ground.”