Christian Yelich is an outfielder in the Miami Marlins organization.  He was named their top prospect by Baseball America and he played for the Greensboro Grasshoppers last season.  I want to wish Yelich the best of  luck and I thank him for his time. Please Follow Him on Twitter @ChristianYelich

Niklas: What did it feel like being a first round draft pick?

Yelich: It was such a good feeling and something I’m proud of to this day.

Niklas: What’s it like being the top prospect according to Baseball America?

Yelich: It’s an honor.   I’ve worked hard for it, but with that being said,  I need to continue working hard to get better and improve my game.

Niklas: Yes, I don’t know if you saw our website, but,  we have a video of you hitting a walk-off home run for Greensboro.   How did that feel?

Yelich: That was actually the first time I hit a walk-off homer and it came at a good time.  That was the best game I’ve been a part of.  Hopefully it sparked our run in the playoffs.

Niklas: Hard to believe that was your first walk-off HR, How was Greensboro?  How about the team?

Yelich: Greensboro was a great place to play and we had a good group of guys who played hard every night.

Niklas: Seems like it was fun.  How was the transition from first base to the outfield?

Yelich: I never actually played a lot of first base but I was labeled as one.  The transition to the outfield is going well and I’ve been working at it with our outfield coordinator.

Niklas:  What is your best tool… your speed, power, fielding, or hitting ability?
Yelich: I’d say my hitting ability but also my ability to be a balanced offensive player and steal some bases and hit some home runs

Niklas: So what’s your mentality going to the plate?

Yelich: I’m just trying to get a good pitch and hit it hard and I feel if I can do that, the results will be there in the end.

Niklas: What has been your best moment in baseball up to this point?
Yelich: Winning the SAL championship this year.  There’s nothing like winning it and it was a great group of guys to play with.

Niklas: You seem like you were on a great team.  What was your favorite team and player growing up?
Yelich: The Yankees growing up because of Derek Jeter.  I liked how he carried himself on and off the field.  He is a class act.

Niklas:  So watching them lose in the 2011 ALDS must
not have been fun for you.  Who’s stronger, you or Stanton?
Yelich: Definitely Stanton.  (Laughter)

Niklas: Who’s the funniest player (or manager) on the Marlins?
Yelich: Gotta say LoMo.   I don’t know him well,  but  the times we have talked, he’s been hilarious.

Niklas: I can only imagine what was said.  So how has your MLB experience been so far?

Yelich: It’s been great.  I’ve learned a lot so far and I believe I’ve improved as a player.

Niklas: What does 2012 behold?  Are you going to spring training?  What level will you start at?
Yelich: I’m not going to big league camp, and, I’m not sure what level I’ll be a.   I’ll know once camp breaks.

Niklas: What do you think of the new Marlins ballpark?  Will it be a hitters park?

Yelich: From the pictures I’ve seen it looks nice.  As far as a hitters park, I can only hope, but, we’ll see.

Niklas: Would you rather hit a walk off Grand Slam with your team down by three or make a diving catch that saves the game?

Yelich: In reality,  either one because we would’ve won.   But, for the purpose of the question, I’d say a Grand Slam…

Niklas: Favorite MLB Stadium
Yelich: Yankee Stadium
Niklas: Best Team You Ever Saw
Yelich: 1998 Yankees

Niklas: Second Marlin to say that team…Best Hitter and Pitcher in the MLB
Yelich: Pujols as a hitter and Cliff Lee as a pitcher

Niklas: Good choices.  Best MLB game you ever saw
Yelich: Game 6 of 2011 World Series

Niklas:Favorite food

Yelich: Mexican
Niklas: Super Bowl Pick

Yelich: Patriots… Tom Brady is a proven winner and he’s married to a super model.
Niklas: Can’t argue with the second thing you said, though, I’ll be pulling for the Giants

Niklas: Thanks so much for your time Christian.   Best of luck, and I know I will see you on the Marlins soon!

Yelich: No problem, I appreciate it.

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