Interview with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Anthony Ferrara

Anthony Ferrara, currently pitching for the Palm Beach Cardinals (A+, Florida State League), recently joined Redbird Rants for an interview.

Daniel Solzman:

Thanks for joining Redbird Rants. How are things treating you with Palm Beach?

Anthony Ferrara: Great, from all the on field things like us having a great group of guys to the awesome city, it’s been fun playing here so far this season.

Daniel Solzman: What does it mean to be named to the Florida State League All-Star team this season?

Anthony Ferrara: It’s a huge honor especially looking at the rosters and seeing the prospects selected it makes me feel like I’m doing something right in someone’s eye.

Daniel Solzman: What was the experience like last season with being named to the Midwest League All-Star game?

Anthony Ferrara: Last year was definitely my most memorable of my baseball career from winning the championship and the all star game was unbelievable and set up great and it was perfect being at Modern Woodmen Stadium.

Daniel Solzman: You got drafted by the Cardinals in the 7th round of the 2008 draft out of Riverview High School. How close did you come to South Florida instead of signing with the Cardinals?

Anthony Ferrara: USF is a great school–that baseball program is growing big time and a lot of my friends are contributing to them becoming a good team but me not being much of a school person and the support I had from friends and family made the Cardinals a safe and easy choice that I definitely don’t and won’t regret.

Daniel Solzman: What’s it been like playing for manager Johnny Rodriguez this season?

Anthony Ferrara: The past 2 seasons with Johnny have been a blessing considering he’s as competitive as me and he brings out the best player in you.

Daniel Solzman: How has Palm Beach Cardinals pitching coach Dennis Martinez helped with your pitching mechanics this season?

Anthony Ferrara: El Presidente has been my favorite coach, I think, of my career. He’s done a little mechanically but not too much. He’s mostly teaching the mental aspect and how to prepare day in and day out as a starter but what gets me the most about him is how down to earth he is and personable. Considering his achievements in the game, he is the least bit big headed and very inspirational.

Daniel Solzman: What’s a typical day like during the season on days when you pitch and what about on days when you don’t?

Anthony Ferrara: I try to keep things simple . Days I pitch, I just try to get a good meal in for lunch and lounge around the clubhouse for a few hours before the game and days off, I really concentrate on my long toss and trying to work on creating a consistent feel for my pitches.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining us. Any final words for the best fans in baseball?

Anthony Ferrara: Coming into the Cardinals, I always knew they were a great organization and always competitive but until I signed I realized we really do have great fans that are very intelligent and do care a lot about the future in the minor leagues.