Roy Merritt Q & A, Davis Ready to Make Brooklyn Debut

June 26, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Drafted in the 29^th round of the 2007 draft, Cyclones southpaw Roy Merritt may be in the big leagues much quicker than most people think. Going 1-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 17 games with Kingsport last season, Merritt has continued to thrive in the organization, having yet to give up a run in four outings in 08. Chatting with DemBrooklynBums.com on June 23 before Brooklyn took on the Hudson Valley Renegades, Merritt discusses his game and philosophy on the field, as well as how he’s gettng along with his new teammates.

DemBrooklynBums.com: You’ve appeared in three games so far this season, but you haven’t pitched in Keyspan Park yet. Are you ready?

Roy Merritt: Yes, I am ready to go. I’m prepared and just waiting for the team to call upon me.

DBB: Since no one at Keyspan has seen you pitch yet, would you be so kind to tell us a little about your game?

Merritt:I’m more of a lefty specialist that throws a fastball, slider and a changeup. My fastball clocks in at about 83-89 miles per hour. I’ll come into a game usually when there are two lefties in a row in the order or a tough lefty they really need to get out. That’s pretty much what my job is.

DBB: Have you ever been to New York before? How is it different from where you grew up?

Merritt: Yes, this is the first time I’ve been here. I’m from Houston, so it’s very similar and very different at the same time, if that makes sense. Everything here is pushed together; I’m used to driving everywhere and when you drive here, it’s really congested. I still like the experience here though.

DBB: If you could compare yourself to someone at the major league level who would it be and why?

Merritt: That’s a tough question and one that I don’t really have an answer for. The guy I grew up watching was Ken Griffey Jr. I always played outfield and then pitched. I was drafted by the Cardinals as an outfielder out of High School, but then I decided to go to College.

DBB: So knowing that, are you happy in the blue and orange of the Mets organization or would you have liked it more to play in St. Louis?

Merritt: To be honest, I’m just happy to be playing. This is what I’ve always wanted to do.

DBB: How is everyone getting along on the team? What do you think of your teammates?

Merritt: I’ve been playing with most of these guys in Extended Spring Training and we joke around a lot. We keep it fun. This is a professional team, but we know it’s a game and we keep it light.

DBB: How do you think you’ll feel wen you finally get a chance to pitch at Keyspan?

Merritt: I’m just going to take things as they go. I have no reason to be really nervous. Of course I’m going to have some butterflies, every one would in that situation, but it’s nothing that’s going to stop me from giving me all out there. I’m really looking forward to it.

Notes-

Mets first round pick Ike Davis took batting practice with the Mets at Shea yesterday and should be in the lineup today against the Aberdeen Iron Birds.

MLB.com wrote a nice piece on him yesterday that is definitely worth checking out.

Click here to read it.

Links:

Box score to last night’s 1-0 Cyclone loss.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.