Torance Matsui

Interview

Conducted by the BAD ASS Reporter

June 2, 2005

Generally regarded as the #2 player in the league, Torance surprised everyone except maybe himself by beating out Cav for the season MVP last year. He picked up things right where he left off last year and is challenging for the #1 seed. Coming off a dominating series win and series MVP honors I "sat down" with Torance Matsui to see what he is all about.

BAB: You had an unbelievable breakout season last year in which you set the
season record with an amazing .685 Avg. Do you see yourself as a power
hitter or a hitter for avg. or some combination of the two?

Tor: I'd have to say the combination of the two. I don't step up to the plate every at bat and try to hit a homerun. *cough* Cav *cough* I just try to relax, make solid contact, and let whatever else happens, happen.

BAB: Can you continue to challenge Cav in the HR department and come through
on your self made prediction and win the HR title this year?

Tor: I'll definitely give him a run for his money. I'm not going down without a fight. Like I said before, I don't try to hit homeruns everytime i'm at bat. Although I have been known to call my shots. If he beats me in homers this season, I wouldn't be too surprised. If I did, I wouldn't be too surprised either. I got off to a better start this season in the homerun category than I did last season. I just can't wait to see how it all turns out.

BAB: What current MLB player do you think your game most resembles?

I can't think of anyone off the top of my head. But if I had to say anyone, I'd have to say Vladimir Guerrero. Solid glove. Solid Bat. Still has the ability to go deep.

BAB: What MLB player did you grow up idolizing?

I had a few. Rickey Henderson, Robbie Thompson, and Barry Bonds.

BAB: It says in your bio that you are training to become a firefighter...How
much training have you done; how much do you need to do; and why a
firefighter?

I just started my firefighter training two semesters ago. Just about a fire class a semester along with my general education bullshit. I've got a few years left at Mission before I get my A.S. in Fire Technology. I didn't really know what I wanted to do once I graduated from high school, but firefighting was something that interested me.

BAB: You once had the nickname "The Tree Trimmer". Now that we no longer
play at Taylor any other ideas for a nickname?

Tor: the SURGEon general. What can I say? I like to surge...HARD.

BAB: I know you have strong feelings about the music business, and the hip
hop world specifically. What is your opinion of hip hop music today?

Tor: It's great. It gets better and better everyday. There is so much undiscovered talent in the world today. I mean, there are those "sucka MC's" out there who just straight up blow, but there are some real mothafuckas out there with some real talent who just haven't gotten their big break yet.

Generic Questions:

What is your favorite thing about B.A.B.?

Tor:I wouldn't say it's a single thing. It's more about who's there. The guys are great to play with and they make it fun.

What is the worst thing?

Tor: Obviously looking for a field to play on every week.

Which field is your favorite to play on?

Tor: Washington. The baseball field. It has the stands behind the plate and the field is wide open and pretty well maintained. I feel at home.

What position do you like to play the most?

Tor: Shortstop. I grew up playing 2nd base, but since we don't really have one, shortstop is the closest I could get.

Which player is your favorite teammate?

Tor: Probably Rob. That guy is laughs all day.

You have the first 7 picks in the draft, who do you take?

Tor: Clone #3, Clone #5, Clone #2, Clone #12, Clone #1, Clone #10, and Shitty Brandon. Ok...Real talk: Cav, Nick, B-Rid, Rob, Skillz, Tito, Bryan.