Many thanks to Braves first-baseman/outfielder Scott Thorman for taking the time to speak with me. I caught up with Scott in the Braves clubhouse before the Player and Pitcher of the Year awards several weeks ago.

Martin Gandy: This spring you were sort of the forgotten guy in the outfield/first base mix, yet here you are [in the Majors], you had a great year at Richmond, how do you feel about that outcome?

Scott Thorman: I wouldn't say forgotten. I knew going in that I was a long shot. There was Adam's job at first, and they were looking for a right-handed hitting first-basemen/right-fielder, you know, I was a left-hander. I kind of understood what was going on. I wanted it go to camp, and have a strong camp and leave a good impression, I think I did that. I went to Richmond and started off pretty well, you know, the opportunity arose and I got called up - here we are.

MG: Did playing in the World Baseball Classic affect your preparation?

ST: I don't think so. If anything it heightened it. If anything it got things cranked up a little bit early. I probably started hitting about three weeks earlier than I usually would, a little bit before Christmas. It was very exciting, I got to go down to Orlando a little bit early and work out with some of the guys, so that was good. I think if anything, it only helped.

MG: Did it help or hurt your visibility with the team in Spring Training?

ST: No, I don't think so. If anything I was there early. I don't know exactly what the rules are, but they have rules for working out too early on the field. Technically we were allowed to start February first, the `Classic' guys and guys that ended the year on the DL. So if anything I got to work out, you know Pete and Reits were down there, and Chipper and Andruw, standing around the cage with those guys it was just us hitting early on the field. If anything it was an excuse to get there early and really be in the mix and fit in.

MG: How about in terms of missing Spring games?

ST: Yeah, you know that was tough. I think I ended up missing just about two weeks. But, I've been in the organization my whole career; everybody kind of knew what I was about. I did miss those two weeks, but so did everybody else. It's not an excuse; I think it was a great opportunity. I hope it flies and they do it again.

MG: Do you prefer first base or the outfield?

ST: You know what, it's slowly moving towards the outfield. I'm still very comfortable at first, I've played there five years, but I'm in the outfield every day working hard in BP, taking fly balls off the bat. I don't know what the numbers are, but I've had many more games in left field than at first base - you know the more I get out there, the more I feel comfortable.

MG: Have you struggled at all with the bench role, with the platoon role that you've been handed here in the last month?

ST: Well that's new to me. It's a tough role for any player to come of the bench and get a big hit in the eighth kind of thing, but I've enjoyed it somewhat because you get to take a step back and really watch the game and how it unfolds and see the way it's taking shape. I like that and whatever my role may be I'm happy to help out.

MG: What positives are you taking away from this season?

ST: Everything! First year in the big leagues, just trying to soak it all in. Keep my mouth shut and my ears open kind of thing. Do what I can do to help the team win; watch guys how they go about their business, take things that I like and try to get into a routine, and try and get comfortable and fit in.

MG: How's the attitude in the clubhouse, with the streak coming to an end and not making the playoffs?

ST: It's a different feeling a lot of these guys have never known - not making the playoffs. You know, it's tough. All good things have to come to an end at some point; it's unfortunate that it had to be this year. Same thing, the professionalism is the same; we're still out there to win ballgames. Every game we think we've got a chance to win we're running out there thinking that and playing good baseball. Sometimes it's not working out for us, but I would say the attitudes are great, everybody's staying with it.
Interview Note: He kind of looks around the clubhouse and bobs his head indicating that the raucousness of the clubhouse has not changed as I could see and hear.
We're not walking around like Zombies by any means, it's one of those things, and maybe this is what it's going to take to remind everybody that it's tough. I think maybe it will spark some people.

MG: Are you playing any winter ball this year?

ST: No. Not as far as I know. I've played in every game at Richmond; I've never played this long into September and October. No, right now I'm planning on finishing the season strong and we'll go from there.

MG: Congratulations again on making the Player of the Year for Richmond.

ST: Thank you.