Interview with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Seth Maness

Seth Maness talked with Redbird Rants this week.
June 4, 2011; Charlottesville, VA, USA; East Carolina Pirates starting pitcher Seth Maness pitches against the Navy Midshipmen during the 2nd inning of the Charlottesville regional of the 2011 NCAA baseball tournament at Davenport Field. Image Credit: Peter J. Casey-US PRESWWIRE
Daniel Solzman: Seth, thanks for joining Redbird Rants today. How are things treating you as we get ready for the start of spring training?

Seth Maness: Excited to get things cranked up again. I have been trying to get my things together and spend as much time with friends and family as I can.

Daniel Solzman: Can you talk about what it feels like to be named the organization’s minor league pitcher of the year?

Seth Maness: It was a great honor to receive the award, considering the deep pool of talent the organization holds. I am looking forward to seeing what next season holds and continuing to chase the dream.

Daniel Solzman: You had a successful career at East Carolina, where you were named as the only four-time Conference USA First-Team selection in league history. How did ECU coach Billy Godwin get you ready for the next level?

Seth Maness: Coach Godwin was a wonderful role model for me throughout my college career. I have the utmost respect for him. He is a man of his word and I really have to thank him for giving me an opportunity to play at ECU. Coach Godwin, along with pitching coach, Dan Rozel, talked to me about what it was going to take to pitch at the next level and prepared me for the mental side of things.

Daniel Solzman: The Florida Marlins drafted you in the 43rd round of the 2010 MLB Draft. You opted to go back for your senior season, where the Cardinals drafted you in the 11th round. What factors led to returning for your senior season?

Seth Maness: Coach Godwin and my parents always preached was how important education was. I think this was one the biggest factors in my return. I know that I am not guaranteed to play baseball forever but I know I will always have my Business degree in accounting.

Daniel Solzman: Did you get to do anything exciting over the offseason?

Seth Maness: Traveled to San Francisco to visit one of my good friends from high school and got to see the 49’ers play the Buffalo Bills. Always fun to see new places and spend time with friends and family.

Daniel Solzman: Who was your favorite player growing up?

Seth Maness: I grew up a big Braves fan because they were always on TBS during the summer. Watching them, I took a liking to Greg Maddux. His feel for pitches and also his ability to field his position was very impressive to me.

Daniel Solzman: You split time between Palm Beach and Springfield in the 2012 season. How did it feel to win the Texas League championship?

Seth Maness: Winning never gets old. Our team had an awesome run and it was a privilege to play with such good players. It was extremely fun to watch those guys play the game and I think everyone feeds off that positive energy and in return everyone grows for the better.

Daniel Solzman: You got to be on the same team as Oscar Taveras and Kolten Wong. How happy are you that you don’t have to face them in a game?

Seth Maness: Wong and Taveras are fun to watch because they do not get cheated at the plate. However, the Springfield lineup, one to nine, was the deepest and most powerful I’ve ever played with. Garcia, Scruggs, Curtis, Swauger, the list goes on. If I had been a visiting pitcher, playing the Springfield Cardinals, it would’ve been very important to stay on top of your game.

Daniel Solzman: What kind of meaningful advice have you received from the likes of a Chris Carpenter, Bob Gibson, or even Red Schoendienst?

Seth Maness: I haven’t had the opportunity to meet any of these guys just have heard stories. Looking forward to meeting them in spring training.

Daniel Solzman: What is the typical day in the life like during the regular season?

Seth Maness: Eating, Sleeping and baseball but trying to mix some golf in there.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining Redbird Rants and we hope to see you pitching at Busch sooner rather than later.