Rob Leary is in his first year as the man in charge of the Red Sox spring training program, replacing Brad Mills. Here’s what Tito said about him when he was promoted:
“We wanted to keep our coaches as coaches as much as possible,” Francona explained. “[Leary] is somebody we’re trying to find a way to get him to the major leagues and this seemed like a perfect time to do it. We could use his organizational skills and also get him acclimated to the big leagues. While he doesn’t know the American League yet, that won’t get in the way because he’s not getting asked to sit in the dugout during the game. He’ll get a chance to learn the league and learn our team and we can use his strengths in the meantime, which are plenty. He’ll help us prepare our scouting, he’ll run our spring training and he has a chance to really help our staff round into shape.”
Rob is a Bay Area native and was nice enough to answer some questions for us about his new job.
FW: What are the main skills you try to work on with the veteran players in spring training?
Rob Leary: Each players has different needs & methods for getting ready for the upcoming season. The staff formulates a plan for each player during the off-season and then executes it in spring training.
FW: How do you balance the playing time between major leaguers and prospects?
Rob Leary: There are basically three groups of players in spring training. There are the veterans who are preparing for the marathon 162-game season. There are the rookies in camp who are there to make a good first impression on their future teammates and staff. Several are getting their first taste of being in the major league atmosphere for the first time. The 3rd group is the group of players trying to win one of the few available spots on the opening day team. Tito and the staff do a tremendous job of making sure each player gets the proper amount of playing time and innings pitched.
FW: Did the cooler weather this spring change any of your plans?
Rob Leary: Our plans didn’t change but our wardrobe has. I know personally I’ve worn long sleeves or a jacket more this spring than the previous 23 springs combined.
FW: What are you most excited about with the new complex in 2012?
Rob Leary: There are several things to be excited for with the new stadium & complex. First & foremost is the fact the stadium will be a scaled down version of Fenway Park. Also, the Major Leagues & Minor Leagues will all be together. Currently we are 1 ½ miles apart which doesn’t sound like much but can be a hassle when heading one way or the other for meetings, workouts, games, etc…I’ve seen the plans and artists rendition and it looks like we’re going to have everything we need to help prepare all our players for each season. It will also have everything we need to further develop our minor league players.
FW: Now that we are most of the way through spring training, how do you think it is going for your first time at the helm?
Rob Leary: Well, first of all, Tito is at the helm but as far as the planning and executing of spring training I feel we’re off to a great start. Other than the cool & wet weather things have gone off without a hitch. The players & staff have been working hard daily to prepare for what we all hope will be a very successful 2010 season.
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