Long Beach State University Athletics
Press Conference Quotes from California
5/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 29, 2008
Long Beach Regional Pretournament Press Conference No. 3 California
Head Coach David Esquer: Opening Statement "We're excited to be here with four quality teams. We're not afraid to say its the best regional in the country. We've kept track of all the teams all season and seen them all. Everyone is deserving of being here and no matter who you're matched up against its going to be a quality game."
Regarding being in Long Beach as opposed to a site farther east. "I think that any west coast team gets tired of beating up on each other (other west coast teams) on a yearly basis and to see some new competition and new faces is always exciting. I'm not saying we'd rather be there but I'm saying that we and other coaches and teams out here don't see it as a disadvantage."
On Long Beach State after the losing skid "We definitely don't expect to see the same team we saw (earlier in the season). We have nothing but respect for them being able to turn it around after that streak and win the Big West.
On switching around pitching staffs for the postseason "Before you get into the tournament, you have to definitely look at matchups. I don't think anyone in this tournament can afford to switch around their staffs...every team here is pitching their no. 1 guy. I think with all four teams here you have to go with your best right off the bat."
Regarding if there is a true favorite in this regional I really don't think there can be (a favorite) to be honest with you. I think each one of these teams is capable (of winning). We'll start out tomorrow and see if someone can build a hot streak and pitching will have a lot to do with it. When you break down each one of the teams, I don't think there is another regional where all four teams are capable of coming out.
Pitcher Tyson Ross: On his friendship with San Diego pitcher Brian Matusz during their time on Team USA "We spent a lot of time together in the bullpen talking about pitching and stuff. We're pretty good friends."
On the afternoon start tomorrow "Pitching under the lights is more of an advantage to pitchers since its hard to pick up the spin, but we've been playing in the daytime so its nothing new to us.
David Cooper: Regarding the 10-day break Cal had during the latter part of the season "I don't think it was that big of a deal. Most of our guys got their work in and basically we made sure to see some live arms during the time off."
On his experiences at Blair from his Cal State Fullerton days "At night the ball doesn't travel as well so you have to keep hits low. The infield is very fast with big gaps (in the outfield). Traditionally it is a pitchers park because of the (lack of) homers, but there are a lot of hits to the outfield too."
Regarding his decision to transfer to California from Cal State Fullerton "It's been exactly what I wanted it to be, It's more of a university feel as opposed to Fullerton which is more of a commuter school. I like the camaraderie of the school and its been exactly what I wanted.
