Portland Sea Dogs manager Carlos Febles (center) talks with Alex Sponseller (left) of the Journal Tribune and Christian Sandler (right) of the Brunswick Times Record during Media Day on Tuesday at Hadlock Field.
At 39-years-old, the former big league infielder has been with the Red Sox farm system since 2009 and is looking forward to the opportunity.
“I’m very excited, I’m very happy to be here. This is an unbelievable franchise and it was something that I was always looking forward to, not just being a manager but as a coach. Now that I have the opportunity, I am going to enjoy it, I am going to have a blast here,” said Febles during Tuesday’s Media Day.
So far in the spring, Febles likes what he sees with his young squad.
“On paper we look pretty good. If we stay healthy (there’s) no doubt we will have a good season,” said Febles. “It’s going to be about health, and if that’s the case then it will be interesting to see how they will do.”
Febles expects his players to work hard starting day one.
“A bunch of guys will come in and work hard. They will come and work their tails off … as a manager you cannot ask for more,” said Febles.
When assessing the team’s strengths heading into the year, Febles emphasized the loaded pitching staff the Sea Dogs boast.
“We have some great arms – in our rotation and our bullpen. We have three or four guys that can finish the game for you. Not a lot of teams have that, but we do,” said Febles.
Starting pitcher Mike McCarthy feels that Febles’ influence has already impacted the team on and off the field.
“I’ve played for Carlos a couple of times and he’s incredible, he makes you play the game the right way,” said McCarthy. “Expectations are high, this isn’t going to be a screw around mentality – it’s going to be come to work and play. We’re going to have a lot of fun, but we’re also going to work really hard.”
McCarthy and his teammates look forward to making Febles and the city of Portland proud.
“You’re going to be held accountable for your actions and the way you treat your teammates. We are really glad to have him and to play for him and make Portland proud on and off the field,” said McCarthy.
Other than winning ball games, Febles takes pride in helping his players develop as they go through the motions of minor league baseball.
“You feel great about that, when you see guys go through the system and play in the big leagues … it feels pretty good on the whole, as an organization,” said Febles. “You know that at some points they will go through different hands so you feel proud of those guys. They are the ones that put the work in so the credit goes to them. It feels good to see them perform in the big leagues.”
Although many of these players will have a shot at advancement this season, Febles will make sure to keep his team grounded as they try to put up wins night in and night out.
“It’s there – you don’t even have to talk about it – they know they are getting close to their goal,” said Febles. “They learn what they need to do to perform and stay healthy. For them, they need to come and compete and have a good season and let the front office decide what they’re going to do.”
NOTE: Look for more from Sea Dogs’ Media Day in Thursday’s Journal Tribune.
— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282- 1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.
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