Written by Greg Fertel | 09 August 2008

Now for my second interview with a Yankee prospect, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with this year’s 4^th round pick out of Franklin High School, Tenn., Corban Joseph. As you guys already know, Corban is currently playing for the GCL Yankees, and he is just smoking the ball. Corban’s a good sport, and it was a pleasure doing the interview with him. Ashish Skaria: From just looking at your numbers, we fans can see your amazing ability to make contact, as you had only 5 strikeouts during your senior campaign. Oh yeah, you also batted .510 with 15 homeruns and 58 RBIs. Tell us a little bit more about your hitting. Corban Joseph: Hitting is always been a fun part of the game as a kid. I used to throw rocks up and smack them around with a miniature wooden bat. It comes natural, but in high school I really focused on hitting.

Ashish Skaria: Right of the bat at the GCL level, you seem to be putting an extra base hitting clinic out there. How are you doing it and have you changed anything since high school?

Corban Joseph: Well I am just seeing the ball to hit the ball and not trying to do too much. But I had to change a few things since the GCL pitchers throw harder, but nothing that threw me off to bad.

Ashish Skaria: Before being drafted by the Yankees, I understand you had a commitment to the University of Kentucky, but you signed rather quickly. Was there ever a doubt in your mind that if drafted, you would sign with any team or did the fact that the Yankees drafted you had something to do with your signing?

Corban Jospeh: Well it’s been my dream to become a professional athlete. So I wanted to get drafted, and if I didn't, I had total faith in the UK program. There were a few teams, but I wanted to sign as soon as possible to get down and start playing ball.

Ashish Skaria: What is the most important aspect of your game that you want to improve on going forward in the Yankees system?

Corban Joseph: Well of course my hitting is very important, but I really need to work on my fielding and speed on the base paths.

Ashish Skaria: Do you see yourself staying at shortstop throughout your Yankee career?

Corban Joseph: Well actually I am playing second base, and I think I’ll be here for a while.

Ashish Skaria: Tell us about your day at the ballpark.

Corban Joseph: Well we wake up and get picked up by a shuttle, then head to the park for breakfast, after getting changed we head out to stretch and throw. We will do some team defense after infield then head to hit. After hitting on the field/cage we then head in for lunch and get ready for the game. After the game we workout then hit the showers and head back to the hotel.

Ashish Skaria: Any player you idolized growing up?

Corban Jospeh: Derek Jeter.

Ashish Skaria: Were you a Yankee fan growing up? Don’t worry; there is no wrong answer, other than the Red Sox of course.

Corban Joseph: Well, I really just enjoyed watching the game of baseball, but of course I loved the Yanks.

Ashish Skaria: Which player would compare yourself to in the majors today and why?

Corban Joseph: Chase Utley. I have somewhat of the same swing, hits for average, hits for power, and a good fielder.

Ashish Skaria: Any hobbies in particular we should know of? Corban Joseph: I love the outdoors fishing and hunting.

< Prev		Next >