Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Ken Ryan Interview

Frank Carpano

Ken Ryan is a former major league pitcher with the Red Sox and Phillies. Ryan grew up in Seekonk, Ma and operates Ken Ryan Baseball Academy in Pawtucket. He recently appeared on NBC 10’s Sports Extra Program. Here’s the transcript of the interesting things Ken Ryan had to say.

Ken Ryan Interview

o Carpano -  What has surprised you most about the Boston Red Sox this year?

Ryan – Well I think their bullpen has been fantastic. It has been a key ingredient so far early in the season. Their offense has been pretty good. Jason Bay, I think everyone is surprised and excited by what he has been able to bring to the team, 14 homeruns, and just solid offensive production. Their rotation is starting to come around. I think the key and strength to this team is its pitching.

o Carpano – the bullpen is clearly the component of this team that is clicking on all cylinders.

Ryan – The bullpen is unbelievable with Papelbon has been lights out. Ramirez has been pitching terrific and Okajima. It’s solid. There are a number of guys down there doing a terrific job. You get that lead going into the seventh inning and they have been pretty much lights out. 3:03 The starting rotation is really starting to come around. We have seen Beckett the last two starts have been fantastic. Lester pitched a very good game today as well.

o Carpano – Do you think that Matsuzaka’s participation in the World Baseball Classic is the cause of his problems this season?

Ryan – I think so. The intensity of that early in the season and playing at that emotional level by going out there and trying to represent your country. I don’t care what they say. They’re going to go out there and go full out. I think obviously it took its toll early on and at this point just trying to get back in the mix, get that rhythm again, get on that mound and feel good about yourself. He’s going to need a couple starts to get himself there.

o Carpano – Whats next if Big Papi doesn’t begin to produce at the plate?

Ryan – Well hopefully he will produce. It is frustrating. He got a good hit yesterday but just a 1-5 day today and he had a couple strikeouts last night. I think you just got to hope this comes around. If we get closer to the all-star break or if it’s the all-star break and he is hitting .185 with 1 homerun, they’re going to have to make a move. They have already moved him down in the lineup like you have mentioned. But you know the talk is why is it happening? Is it his eyes? Is it a steroid thing? Right now I think it’s none of that. It’s up here in his head. If he can get out of it, they’re going to need him down the stretch.

o Carpano - You’re doing color commentary on minor league games on NESN , who are some guys on the farm we should be keeping an eye out for?

Ryan – I think Aaron Bates a guy in Double A. He’s playing very well, a position player. But right now in Pawtucket it’s Michael Bowden, Clay Bucholz outstanding. The strength down in Pawtucket is their pitching. These are two guys that could probably pitch in the big leagues right now. They’re going to be wanted by a lot of organizations. We talk about David Ortiz struggling. If they decide to go out and get themselves a big bat, they have the luxury of possibly dealing one of these guys to take care of that situation.

o Carpano – (Manny Ramirez is currently serving a 50 game suspension for steroid use) What is your opinion regarding whether Manny Ramirez should play in the All Star game if elected. He’s currently fourth in voting.  Isn’t this supposed to be based on your first half accomplishments?

Ryan – I think it is. We know the whole Manny situation. He’s tested positive for steroids and so forth. But the fans are voting and I guess in the end fans have the last say. But the whole situation is a really sad situation, the situation he is in. Any chance he will do the right thing and say no thanks I’m not going to play? 5:57 Ryan – Well Manny being Manny how many times have we heard that. How many times has he done the right thing in the past? Hopefully this time he will.

o Carpano – Talk a little about the Ken Ryan Baseball Academy.

Ryan – We have our summer camp coming up July 13th-18th. Our website is KRbaseball.com It’s a great camp for anyone who is interested in a baseball summer camp. Ages 9-12 and 13+ at Slater Park in Pawtucket. All the information is on our website at KRbaseball.com or they can call us at 401-724-7555