Arizona Fall League Interviews: Roman Quinn

On Monday October 13, I had some time to kill after arriving in Scottsdale for business and wandered over to Scottsdale Stadium, just a block from my hotel, where the Arizona Fall League was taking place. As luck had it, the Scottsdale Scorpions were playing and I was able to get press credentials. I conducted a number of interviews with some of the Phillies’ players and coaches who were in attendance. Come back each day to see the latest interview!

The speedy Roman Quinn was the Phillies’ second round pick in 2011. The speedster stole 32 bases in 44 attempts in 2014, less than a year after rupturing his Achilles and is looking to continue to improve as he climbs the Phillies’ organizational ladder.

Ian Riccaboni, Phillies Nation: How is the Arizona Fall League treating you?

Roman Quinn: It’s been real good! I’ve been really looking forward to it. There’s good competition out here, especially pitching-wise. You get to face the highest level of pitching. It’s the highest level of pitching I’ve faced yet and I’m feeling pretty good.

IR: Any added expectations or pressure playing in the Arizona Fall League where you’re facing the top prospects?

RQ: There’s no added pressure to me. I’m just trying to get better to make up for lost time and get some at-bats.

IR: How is your Achilles doing? Your speed seemed to return (32 steals in 44 attempts in 2014) and you had good stolen base numbers. How’s that feeling for ya?

RQ: It’s feeling great, man! It’s back; it’s back to 100%! When I first started, when I first got back in May, it was kind of tight at first and my jumps were horrible. As the season progressed, it started loosening up a bit so I’m feeling pretty good.

IR: How comfortable are you in center field? You’ve been playing quite a bit of outfield and you’ve been playing outfield here in the AFL.

RQ: I’m very comfortable in the outfield right now. I feel like I’ve been getting good jumps and my arm really shows out there, too.

IR: You’ve progressed through the minor leagues with a group of players like Chris Serritella and Gabriel Lino. What’s it like being able to progress through each step with a familiar group of guys?

RQ: It’s been fun. Meeting new personalities (at the Arizona Fall League) has been really fun, too.

IR: What’s the one thing that you’ve been working on here in the AFL?

RQ: It’s definitely my switch hitting. Just getting more at bats and seeing more pitches from the left side.