September 1, 2011
Deck McGuire, a starting pitcher with the New Hamsphire Fisher Cats, was The Toronto Blue Jays 1st round pick (11th overall) last summer. He was promoted to AA New Hampshire in late July and is currently on the disabled list with back issues recently. He recently gave an interview to JaysProspects.com:
Jays Prospects: You’re proud of your school Georgia Tech. What was the best thing about playing for the Yellow Jackets?
Deck McGuire: Definitely the relationships I made in my three years. Guys that I’ll be friends with the rest of my life. Plus, I got to play for one of the top programs in the country. You have to beat the best to be the best!
Jays Prospects: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Deck McGuire: I play cards and relax with my teammates. Plus, I listen to a lot of country music.
Jays Prospects: Do you have a favourite baseball movie?
Deck McGuire: For the Love of the Game for sure. Billy Chapel is a stud!
Jays Prospects: Did you play any other sports growing up?
Deck McGuire: I was a big football guy too. I actually played quarterback all the way through high school.
Jays Prospects: You were picked 11th overall by the Jays last year. What was the experience of the draft like for you?
Deck McGuire: I didn’t really have one. We were playing Alabama in the regionals finals so I didn’t wanna know because that game was way more important. I found out in about the 5th or 6th and when we ended up losing the game it became the most bittersweet moment of my life.
Jays Prospects: Who’s the best hitter you’ve faced since turning pro?
Deck McGuire: Matt den Dekker from the Mets. I love his approach. He is almost impossible to fool twice.
Jays Prospects: Is there one Major League hitter you look forward to facing when you get to ‘The Big Leagues’?
Deck McGuire: Albert Pujols. Again, beat the best to be the best.
Jays Prospects: Jays fans are very excited about all the prospects in the farm-system. Who would be a player you’ve played with that has really stood out (pick 1 position player & 1 pitcher)?
Deck McGuire: Travis D’arnaud and Nestor Molina. Those guys are studs! And no one works harder.
Jays Prospects: What has your first season playing professional baseball been like?
Deck McGuire: Everything I dreamed of actually! I have gotten to see places I have never been before, meet new people, and get better at the beautiful game the whole time!
Jays Prospects: Your New Hampshire Fisher Cats are heading to the post-season. How excited are you to get to pitch in the Eastern League Playoffs?
Deck McGuire: I can’t wait. I have been on the shelf for a while so I am excited to get back into the atmosphere and help this team a chance to win a championship!
JaysProspects.com was able to track you down for this interview thanks to twitter @deckmcguire. Do you like the interaction twitter gives you with your fans?
Deck McGuire: I love it, I really enjoy the opportunity to meet them and answer any questions they may have. So throw them at me on twitter anytime!
Jays Prospects: Thanks for talking time for JaysProspects.com very much appreciated!
Deck McGuire: No thank you guys!