Q & A with Kyle Higashioka

Written by Greg Fertel | 14 August 2008

This time in terms of interviewing Yankees prospects, I got a hold of catching prospect, Kyle Higashioka, the 7th-round pick by the Yankees in this years draft out of Edison High School in Huntington Beach, California. Not only does Kyle have all the tools behind the plate to become a defensive stud, but hes also got a projectable bat. It was a pleasure interviewing Kyle, and I cant wait to follow him as he flies through the Yankees system.

APS: You batted .558 during your senior year at Edison High School. How did you do it? KH: Well actually I batted .390 my senior year, but I realized that when people know you and they start trying to take advantage of your weaknesses that you have to make adjustments. For me one of my major adjustments I made last year was learning how to hit to the opposite field better. APS: Tell us a little bit about your tools, offensively and defensively. KH: I am considered to be a consistent hitter with gap power and good plate discipline. I am also a solid receiver and blocker behind the plate, and I know how to call a good game and handle pitchers well. APS: Before being drafted by the Yankees, I understand you had a commitment to the University of California, 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? KH: Well, it took me about a month and a half to sign and in that time I was still trying to figure out what I wanted to do, but now that I'm here I feel like I made the right decision. And the fact that it was the Yankees that drafted me did help. APS: Before being signed by Yankees, they flew to Yankee Stadium and gave you a locker between catcher Jorge Posada and pitcher Andy Pettitte. What was that whole experience like? What did the players say? KH: Wow that has to be one of the best times of my life so far, not only because I got to hang out and take batting practice with the big leaguers, but because of the fact that all the guys were great people as well as great players. All the players said they were hoping I would sign and good luck to me whatever path I choose to take. APS: What is the most important aspect of your game that you want to improve on going forward in the Yankees system? KH: I really want to refine my catch and throw ability to be more efficient and to be right on the bag every time. APS: You caught Yankees 1st round pick Gerrit Cole last fall. Alright man, give us the full scouting report on Gerrit. KH: Well he was probably one of the toughest pitchers I have caught so far just because he throws about 95 to 100 with movement on his fastball; it's not just straight heat. He also has a hard slider and a good changeup and when he uses all of those pitches at the right times he's unhittable. APS: Tell us about your day at the ballpark. (GCL Yankees ballpark or the place play at) Also, how has the GCL experience been so far? KH: I get there at about 7 am, eat breakfast, then go get some early work in, then we do some defensive work, take BP, and go back in and suit up for the game, usually at noon. After the games I try to do as much lifting as the strength coaches will let me, take a shower and get back at around 5 pm. My experience has been great so far. I'm hitting well, and we're winning a lot of games lately so its all good. APS: Any player you idolized growing up? KH: Well now that he's not on the Red Sox I feel comfortable saying that Manny Ramirez is my favorite player of all time. The guy can flat out hit. Other than that I really admire the way he is never fooled by any pitches and how he rarely will chase a pitch out of the strike zone. APS: Were you a Yankee fan growing up? Dont worry; there is no wrong answer, other than the Red Sox of course. KH: The Dodgers and the Yankees. I was mainly a Dodgers fan growing up but once the Red Sox won the World Series, I started to really like the Yankees because I hated how everyone jumped on the Boston bandwagon. APS: Which player would compare yourself to in the majors today and why? KH: I'd probably say Jorge Posada because he's a very well rounded catcher. APS: Any hobbies in particular we should know of? KH: I like to play the electric guitar, and I also like to follow soccer in Europe just because I really appreciate the kind of skill it takes to play that sport, and because of the type of energy the European fans put into supporting their teams. Its very similar to Yankees and Red Sox fans.