Chat Room Session of January 28th with Guest Cody Haerther

[BleacherBum593]

Following is the edited chat room session of Sunday, January 28, 2007. The guest was Mr. Cody Haerther, a top prospect in the Cardinals farm system.


BleacherBum593 Let's get ahead and get started – I’d like to introduce our guest tonight - Cody Haerther. Welcome to the newly, independent FanHome Cody!

Cody Haerther Thanks for having me.

BleacherBum593 Just a reminder to everyone in attendance tonight. For the first part of the evening I’ll be asking questions of Cody that were submitted by the board members. Later on we’ll open up the session to anyone in attendance who has questions. Like Mr. Vuch last week, Cody has told me that time is not a problem, so everyone will get their chance to ask any followup questions that they may have. With that said - What did it feel like to get the call from the Cardinals in June of 2002, telling you that they had made you their 6th round pick in the draft?

Cody Haerther It was an honor. I had told them no a few rounds prior to the 6th round. I planned to go to college. But, they still took me and thus far it seems to have worked out for both parties.

BleacherBum593 What other teams were interested in you?

Cody Haerther I thought I was going to go to the Dodgers or the Yankees if I were drafted. The Dodgers wanted me to play second base and the Yanks wanted me to catch.

BleacherBum593 Speaking of 2B - I know we had a question for John Vuch last week about that. Any interest on your part in moving back?

Cody Haerther Well, I am finally feeling comfortable in the OF. But, where ever my best chance to play in the Big Leagues, I would go.

BleacherBum593 This past year, your younger brother Casey also got the call, but this one was from the Padres. He opted not to sign and instead has gone on to UCLA on a baseball scholarship with the same coach who recruited you out of high school. Have you and your brother talked about what it was like to both be drafted? And did you get to see him play this fall at UCLA?

Cody Haerther He was pretty excited about being drafted but things didn't work out the way we all wanted them to. But, he loves UCLA and is doing real well and looks to be the only starting freshman this week.

BleacherBum593 Still at 1B?

Cody Haerther I think he will start off at DH and hopefully play in the field as the season goes on. But, yes 1B is his main position.

BleacherBum593 I’m going to put you on the spot early. How much of the playoffs did you catch last year?

Cody Haerther All of them.

BleacherBum593 Good Answer - Game 5 of the 2006 World Series, what did you do when Wainwright got the final out?

Cody Haerther It was a lot of fun to watch players I've played with get to play in the WS. I was very excited for the team and being part of the organization.

BleacherBum593 One of your former teammates at Springfield had a very impressive post season - Josh Kinney. Have you gotten to talk to him about the experience?

Cody Haerther He came down to Springfield during the MLB all-star break and I got to talk to him then. He was very excited about getting called up and had some nice things to say about the experience.

BleacherBum593 With your addition to the 40 man roster this past fall, there’s an outside chance that you could a Sept call-up. What do you think will be your reaction and who’ll be the first one that you call?

Cody Haerther If I were to get the call up I would probably call my parents first and get them on the first flight out.

BleacherBum593 Many people may not realize it, but you got to play in the first game at Busch III last spring. An exhibition game between Springfield and Memphis. What did it feel like sprinting out to LF the first time before 30,000 people?

Cody Haerther It was awesome. For sure a moment I will never forget. It did not hit me until I got into LF and turned around to see the 3 levels of people (facing me).

BleacherBum593 This spring you’ll get your first taste of the big camp. And you’ll be in for quite a battle to win a job at Memphis to start the season. Cards have added Ludwick and Negron to the mix of Ankiel, Stavinoha, Gorecki, Marti, yourself and possibly Schumaker and Rodriguez. One of our posters would like to know if there is anything in particular that you have been working on to show the coach’s that you belong there? Are you working out a lot to try to beef up your power numbers for next year?

Cody Haerther I’ve been working a lot harder in the outfield this off season, particularly with balls hit straight over my head. My swing feels great right now, similar to how it felt in 2005 when I was with Palm Beach and Springfield. I have been working hard in the gym this off-season. But, last year I believe I got too strong which slowed my bat speed down. This year I have been doing less weight and more reps in my workout to help with my quickness.

BleacherBum593 I'd take that PB 1/2 season again this year.

Cody Haerther As would I.

BleacherBum593 You led in most offensive categories or pretty near the top 10 in all before getting the call to Springfield

Cody Haerther Yes, I felt pretty locked in then (2005).

BleacherBum593 The next 2 questions from the posters are tied together – What kind of conditioning do you do in the off-season? And on the average for a player not playing in a winter league how much of the off-season is spent on conditioning opposed to skill development?

Cody Haerther The season is very long and wears down your body so conditioning is very important. I never really stop hitting in the off-season. I’m always trying to improve on all the fazes of my game. Up until New Years I usually hit once a week with my hitting coach and hit off the tee in my backyard. Once the New Year arrives I hit 3 or 4 times a week on a field at a local Junior College.

BleacherBum593 What have been the biggest adjustments in the transition from amateur to professional baseball: wood versus aluminum bats; moving from 3B to LF, etc?

Cody Haerther I would have to say that the biggest adjustments between High School and the Minor Leagues is having a game everyday. In High School I remember playing maybe 3 games a week, whereas in the Minors you are lucky in you have 2 days off a month. I believe I adjusted to the wood bat rather quickly because I was hitting with them all through my High School career in order to get stronger and improve my bat speed. My toughest transition so far is moving from 3rd to the outfield. I believe I am getting better every year and feeling more confident out there. But, there is always room to improve.

BleacherBum593 Is there a player, or a series of players that you “modeled” your game or parts of his game from observation/emulation?

Cody Haerther Growing up in Los Angeles and being a catcher for most of my career leading up to my senior year in High School I always loved Mike Scioscia.

BleacherBum593 The jump from High A to AA is commonly referred to as the most difficult for a player to make. Did your experience validate this, and why do you think that seems to be the case (or for that matter, if he feels otherwise, why)?

Cody Haerther I agree with this completely. I think the main reason for this is that pitchers can, for the most part, throw all 3 of their pitches for strikes in any count, in any location. Also, being in the Texas League where there are only 8 teams makes it difficult as well. The opposing coaches and catchers remember you and try and expose your weakness, so it becomes somewhat of a chess game.

Ewttexas I'm the one who got the 2nd base thing going as promised. John Vuch said that you would be one of the better hitting 2nd basemen but they would be concerned about injury on the pivot. What are your thoughts?

Cody Haerther I would not be concerned of any injury. However, it would take a lot of practice to get the pivot down

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[BleacherBum593]

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BleacherBum593 From another poster - Cody, you struggled to hit the first half of last season, but then completely tore it up over the last 64 games, hitting .322 after the All Star break. What changed? Were you hurt, or was it mental adjustment?

Cody Haerther I was not hurt. May and June of last season was really the first time in my career I had struggled for more than a few games. I began to press and try harder which now that I have gone through is the last thing that you want to do. I now understand what it is like to go through a serious slump and how to trust my talent and to keep confident.

BleacherBum593 It was nice to see a non-prospect like Josh Kinney make it big last season. With you knowing a lot of the players who will be playing at the AA/AAA level, do you see any position players or pitchers who might come out of the woodwork and make it big if not at St. Louis perhaps at AAA? Besides yourself, that is.

BleacherBum593 That guy's really putting you on the spot

Cody Haerther This is a tough question, but Jordan Pals has as good of a sinker as I’ve seen when he’s on. While at Springfield, both Andy Cavazos and Troy Cate pitched extremely well, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them do well at the Major League level.

BleacherBum593 Who's the toughest pitcher you've ever faced so far in your career?

Cody Haerther In all honesty no one really stands out in my mind that I think I couldn’t have had a good at bat against. A few off seasons ago I got to face Barry Zito and that famous hammer of a curveball. Now that wasn’t much fun.

BleacherBum593B] And now that he's in the NL, you might get another shot at him - for real this time.

Cody Haerther I know, that would be interesting

BleacherBum593 In the minor’s is there one park (home or away) that you really enjoyed playing in?

Cody Haerther Springfield is by far the best place that I have ever played in. Its crowds are awesome and the playing surface is great as well. I also enjoyed the Rangers AA field in Frisco, Texas

BleacherBum593 From another poster - Who's the biggest clubhouse cut up for Springfield?

Cody Haerther Brendan Ryan hands down without a question. He is a very high energy guy who brings a lot of fun to the clubhouse and on the field.

BleacherBum593 Having seen both of them play, what's your thoughts on Amaury Marti and Rico Washington? Both are sort of older players for their level, but certainly have talent

Cody Haerther Rico is awesome, he has been around the game for awhile and knows how to play the game right. He is a great leader and everyone on the team enjoys playing with him. Marti is a man among boys. I have seen him jump around the weight room with over a 100lbs on his back 20 minutes before a game starts. He has superhuman strength but most importantly he absolutely loves the game of baseball.

BleacherBum593 Did you ever get the right age out of him - meaning Marti?

Cody Haerther No, one day you hear one thing, the next day its another.

BleacherBum593 Do you have a goal set for yourself this year? IE, making the big league team out of Spring training? Achieving a certain level of stats - BA, RBI’s, HR’s, etc?

Cody Haerther My goal for this season is to have a strong spring training and try and turn some heads. I would like to think I will be given a chance to play in AAA. With that in mind my goal would be to play well enough in AAA that if some spot were to come up in the Big Leagues that I would be a serious consideration.

BleacherBum593 Last two questions from posters and then we’ll open it up for a short Q&A period

BleacherBum593 On the surface, your ability to make contact, with a lower than average plate appearance:strikeout ratio from a LH hitter seems indicative of an ideal No. 2 hitter. How experienced are you in that role, and how comfortable do you feel taking pitches for the benefit of a base runner?

Cody Haerther I would have no problem hitting in the 2 hole if that’s where my manager seems that I will best help our team. When I was in instructional league after the 2003 season I remember hitting 2nd and seemed to really enjoy it. I believe it would also work to my advantage hitting second because if the leadoff guy gets on it leaves a giant hole in between first and second to hit through and move the runner to third.

BleacherBum593 If a younger player asks you for advice on hitting, what one or two important things might you tell him to watch for or do as he is moving up the ladder.

Cody Haerther Most importantly, try not to get down on yourself after a bad game or at-bat, which I am still trying to do myself. Also, try to stay as level-headed as possible because if you went 0-4 today, it doesn’t mean you can’t go 4-4 tomorrow. In addition, you’re not always going to get a hit, so don’t get discouraged when you hit the ball hard but you still get out.

BleacherBum593 Last question from me - Any thoughts on the Saturday Night Miracle game in Little Rock last year. Have you ever been a part of something like that?

BleacherBum593 For you in the audience, I’m referring to a game last year between Springfield and Little Rock (at Little Rock). Little Rock led 10-3 with 2 outs in the 9th and Springfield rallied for 8 runs at that point and held on to win 11-10. Wildest comeback that I’ve ever seen in person.

Cody Haerther HAHAH Yeah that was a crazy game. I think we scored something like 9 runs with 2 outs. I think that’s a once in a lifetime game to be apart of.

BleacherBum593 Thanks Cody. And with that we'll open the floor for questions.

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John F As a player, what's your take on players speaking ill of the organization they are involved with? (Example -- Delmon Young, BJ Upton and Elijah Dukes sullying the Tampa Bay organization and Durham Bulls AAA team)?

Cody Haerther I played against Delmon Young in high school and he always seemed like a genuine guy. I think it's wrong to bad mouth an organization that's going to pay you millions of dollars someday.

bedir than average You have had the good fortune to play for an organization with such a storied history, if you were ever to play for another club how would you share that history?

Cody Haerther It seems like a lot of the big league Cardinals have a lot of respect for their fans and their managers and if I were to play for another team I would carry that on

BleacherBum593 As a follow up to Bedir’s question - Have you had the chance to spend time with Brock, Gibson or the Redhead?

Cody Haerther No, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting those guys but hopefully will in Spring Training this year

ArRedbird Cody, I've enjoyed watching you hit. You seem to be able to use all fields. Do you have the stats on how many of your hits were to LF, CF, RF -- or what's your best guess?

Cody Haerther Last year, I got a little pull happy and wasn't able to hit that left center gap like I usually can, but in the past I'd say 3/4 of my hits were up the middle and to the opposite field.

John F Something non-baseball, because it was on our minds last week and on our minds THIS week: Who wins Super Bowl XLI? Indianapolis or Chicago?

Cody Haerther I'm not much of a football fan but I like watching Peyton Manning

John F Following up Bleacher's follow up -- who is the most impressive player (to you) that you have met to date?

Cody Haerther minor league or Big League?

John F Both, either... Former or current player...

Cody Haerther Howie Kendrick of the Angels is by far the best hitter I've ever seen (in the minors) but I got the chance to watch Pujols hit in the cage last spring and his stats speak for themselves.

ACutb As a player in the Cardinals organization do the minor league teams view certain organizations as rivals. An example is that the Cards and Astros always play such intense games in the recent history, does that type of rivalry make it all the way down to the minor league teams?

Cody Haerther No, not really. Every game is just as challenging as the next

John F Besides Busch Stadium, what Major League ballpark are you most looking forward to playing in?

BleacherBum593 My money's on Dodger stadium

Cody Haerther I have had a few workouts at Dodger Stadium, but I can't imagine playing in front of my family in my hometown.

Cody Haerther haha, well done Bleacher

John F Dangit, I need to research my questions better

BleacherBum593 That one was just too easy to pass up. I know your Dad will be asking for about 100+ tics that night

Cody Haerther And I will gladly give it to him

Revredbird Cody, forgive me if this question is redundant, but if there was one part of your game you'd like to improve most, what would that be?

Cody Haerther My defense and I've been working on it hard this offseason

BleacherBum593 I know the transition has been hard (3B to LF), but I've seen big, big improvements since first seeing you at Peoria with your dad

ArRedbird What player or coach has helped you the most with playing left field?

Cody Haerther Tom Spencer is the outfield coordinator and he works with me all the time as well as Chris Maloney during last season.

John F Do you have an opinion on the Designated Hitter rule? I realize the minors incorporate it on every team and the National League is the only professional baseball league without it (and by far more entertaining games because of it)...

Cody Haerther I don't really have an opinion on the DH at this point. It has given me a lot of extra at-bats (in the minors) so I can't complain.

GoCrazyFolks I know you aren't in this position yet, but as fans we often discuss a player giving a team a "home town" discount. Is this something you as players discuss? If so, where do you stand on it?

Cody Haerther I've never discussed this with any players before but I would love to play my career with one team.

Goose As a minor leaguer, do you pay any attention to how sites like Baseball America rank you in the Cards organization?

Cody Haerther Sometimes I look at the rankings but ultimately it's just a persons opinion and I can't worry about what others think about me too much

Revredbird What's Nick Stavinoha like? i got to see him play when he was in A ball (Quad Cities), he seemed like a real focused guy.

Cody Haerther Nick is a hard working good teammate.

GoCrazyFolks Is there any particular MLB player who you think your game compares well with? Similar swing/approach?

Cody Haerther Off the top of my head, I can't really think of anyone I would compare myself to but I've always thought I've had some similarities to Edmonds' swing.

Revredbird I've never seen you, but if it's similar to Edmonds it must be a thing of beauty

BleacherBum593 I'll vouch for the swing revredbird, as will ArRedbird

ArRedbird Yeah, Cody's got a good swing; reminds me of Eddie Matthews' swing -- but that dates me!

Cody Haerther Well, Edmonds came to mind but he is his own special talent

Cody Haerther Thanks ArRedbird.

bedir than average Ever thought about what it would be like to play for the USA in the Olympics ('08)or the World Baseball classic(/09)?

Cody Haerther It would be an honor to play for Team USA or the WBC. Who wouldn't want to represent your country while playing baseball?

bedir than average Cody if you could play another sport, which would you play?

KyleMac Basketball

Cody Haerther In all honesty, I've never really been good at anything other than baseball, but I am one heck of a shot with a gun.

GoCrazyFolks Is there a particular stat that you pay more attention to than others?

Cody Haerther I've always tried to have more hits than games played. If you have that, it means you're consistent.

Ewttexas Just want to thank Cody for spending the time with us and if you don't make the big club out of ST, I look forward to seeing you at Round Rock when you come back to Texas.

Coop Great Q&A guys. Makes us want to see it happening between the lines for sure. Thanks!

BleacherBum593 I'd like to remind everyone that we're taking next week off to watch Da Bears win the Super Bowl and then we'll start up the following Sunday (2/11) with Mike Lindskog - the Voice of the Springfield Cardinals - talking spring training and then he'll be followed the next Sunday(2/18) by Kyle McClellan

GoCrazyFolks Cody, thanks for taking the time to join us.

Cody Haerther Thanks for having me...anytime

ArRedbird Thanks for the time and the good answers, Cody. Good luck this season!

BleacherBum593 I'll second that. Cody it's been a real pleasure and hopefully you can find the time to join us in the future

Cody Haerther I appreciate all your support. Thanks for having me...I enjoyed my time...hope too see and talk to you guys soon.

Coop I'm calling it a night, Thanks Cody and all.

BleacherBum593 Thanks Cody - See you at Memphis on
March 30th (Memphis Redbirds vs the World Champion St Louis Cardinals)


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