Showing posts with label Bray Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bray Day. Show all posts

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Bray Day! Episode 19

Aaron Bray's postings have been a touch more rare lately as he's busy, you know, playing for the Astros. But he did have a minute to check in and fill us in on what's happening in minor-league Astros camp:

Things are going well down here in Florida. The weather is nice down here, and we go hard everyday from early a.m. to mid afternoon. We started playing games - playing three, one against each of the nearby teams: Detroit, Atlanta and Washington. Things are going to start getting a little heated as people will be cut and are battling for spots on rosters. Today we had an off-day so I was able to go out and play some golf, it was nice to have a day away from the field. Tomorrow it is back to work and finish hard since we have only about a week left. We have one camp day left and the rest of the days we play games.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

It's Bray Day! Episode 18

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Yesterday, Aaron was able to give us a brief update of his Spring Training, so far...
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Spring Training is going well. I arrived Sunday night. Today, Monday, I was able to watch the big league guys take B.P. I went and did some hitting on my own, since it's voluntary for me. It is kind of awe-striking to be so close to big leaguers. I thinks that is what's good about me coming early. I can get my feet wet and get the jitters out. I am excited for my official day to get here, that way I can start doing some things officially. I will say this: the weather has been nice the two days I have been here - 70 today while I was in the batting cages. I am looking forward to having a great time and working hard. Not much has happened up to this point. Check back in a few days and hopefully that will change and I will be busy.

Got a question for Aaron? Send it to astroscounty (at) hotmail.com

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Bray Day: Episode 17

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Astros fans,

It's that time of year. I am sure most of you are really excited about the upcoming season. I know I am, and I cannot wait to arrive in Florida. I am finishing up my workouts here in Charlotte and will be heading out the 27th of Feb. to get down to Kissimmee. I will be making a stop in Jacksonville to stay the night with family, and Sunday I will get up and get to Kissimmee. Monday, I will start working out for a few days before my official report date, which is the 9th of March.

I actually plan on starting to pack this week so I know what I need to go get before I leave. I will of course be packing clothes and toiletries, but as for the good stuff...I will have my laptop. I use that to be able to talk to my girlfriend and I will be able to see how big my pup grows while I am gone. My laptop will be used the most, it gets a little boring sitting in the hotel. Then my iPod. I love listening to music especially when I am driving down, laying in bed or on the bus. My PlayStation 3 will be packed and Call of Duty will be ready to be played when I arrive at my hotel. Then all of my baseball equipment, which most of it will probably be waiting on me when I get down there, thanks to my agent. I'll have my gloves, Old Hickory Bats, batting gloves, 3n2 cleats and dri-fits.

I am eager to get down there and get to work. But I am very nervous, because I have heard what to expect from former minor league players, but I have to see for myself what it is exactly like. Wondering what Spring Training is like has been running through my head the past month. What to expect, what will I do, how does it work....Those questions run through my head as I prepare for my upcoming trip.

I hope all of you have a great week and I look forward to giving you updates throughout my time in Florida.

Aaron

Got a question for Aaron? Send it to astroscounty@hotmail.com

Friday, January 29, 2010

Hey, everyone, meet Astro

Some of you have sent messages asking for a picture of Aaron Bray's new dog, Astro, alluded to in his last post. Here he is:

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Bray Day - Episode 16

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Fans,
I'm sure you all are excited as Spring Training is right around the corner. As I mentioned before, my days are usually filled with working out during the day. That normally lasts five hours. I am sure to make time to get some Call of Duty games in on my Play Station 3. After that I make time to take care of a recent addition to my family that would be my new puppy Astro (which was not the name I gave it, it came from my girlfriend). He is pretty energized and keeps me busy during the rest of the day into the night, and is fun to play with. That's really been my days this week. I have gotten after it in the weight room the last month and a half, and put on some good weight. Now I am working on getting faster. With steroids being cut out, I'm sure a lot of you have noticed the change of the game. You see more bunting, stealing and hit and runs. That will take me into my question for the week.

You are the all-time hits leader in UNC-Charlotte history. What were a couple of the biggest moments you enjoyed with the 49ers?

The way we played at Charlotte was that way. We bunted for hits (no sacrifices unless it was the 9th inning), we stole bases, and used our speed to beat teams. I enjoyed that a lot. Since the question asked me about big moments, I will brag for a second - which I hate doing because I go out and play hard every time, I am not a flashy player. But moments that I enjoyed were being a Freshman All-American and Conference Freshman of the year.

The reason why is because not too many freshmen get to see the field. I feel with those accolades it showed how dedicated and serious I was to my older teammates about playing this game and being a 49er. My sophomore and junior year we made it to the NCAA Tourney. My sophomore year we were one game away from a Super Regional and we broke many school records - one that sticks out is 49 wins. That team I played on my sophomore year is arguably the best Charlotte team. So to be a part of that was really cool. Since we made two NCAA Regionals we won our Conference Tourney twice, so I have two Championship rings. To have those rings and the memories is something I won't forget.

In my senior year I was fortunate enough to break a great player's record for hits in a career. I did it in a Conference tourney game that kept us from being eliminated. Also the fight our team had: we lost so many kids to injury, and a couple of us were playing hurt, so to win over 30 games and become the winningest class was cool. I also have to say beating UNC-Chapel Hill (on March 25, 2009; 2-1), who was ranked in the top 5 was really cool. After all the years of losing to them in the 9th inning, we finally got a win against them.

Really just being able to see the baseball team at Charlotte grow into what has become. My freshman year we played on a really nice field with a big section of bleachers. Those bleachers grew into a $6m stadium. Just to be a part of the rise of the baseball team is something I have enjoyed.

I hope all of you have a great week!!!
Aaron

Got a question for Aaron? Email astroscounty (at) hotmail.com

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bray Day! Episode 15

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astros fans! I have been busy the past couple days. I hope all of you are doing well. I thought I was busy when I was going to class, but without class I feel as if I am busier. I'm up early I go to the gym. After the gym I am either in the practice gym at UNC-Charlotte doing agility drills or down at the field to do my conditioning. Then once that's done, I get to mess around on the field. I usually throw and hit. This week I plan on starting to take ground balls and fly balls. Why both? I guess being considered a utility guy I will try not to limit myself to the infield. As I say every week, I am excited to get down there to Florida and start playing. I feel after one season I learned a lot of stuff to make me better. I took what I was taught by my coaches and used some advice from other players and molded the two together. Once you feel like it is all clicking together, you're itching to get out and show it off, and that's how I feel now. This leads into my question for the week.

What do you think is the biggest distraction that keeps guys from "making it" in baseball?

There are so many factors to baseball players not making it. I mean I believe all the sports have the same reasons for players not making it. You have girls, money, drugs, off field issues. To me as a player the one I feel that gets most players is work ethic. The reasons listed above are obvious and rare. But work ethic can take the top athletes out of their game. There are sport gods and they are always watching. I feel like if your work ethic is not very good you will not make it. If you're in the weight room and you're skipping reps or cutting your running short and just doing it to be seen, you're not hurting the coach or any of your teammates, you're hurting yourself and it will cost you. I was told by someone that if you don't make it, it better be because they took the jersey off of you. So you work hard and give them a reason not to let you go. You work hard, you do what you're asked. It is all about integrity. Doing the little things when no one is watching. I feel that a good strong work ethic keeps players in the game, also along with talent. But if your work ethic is good, you will keep getting better as a player.

I hope you all have a great week!!!!!
Aaron

Thursday, January 14, 2010

It's Bray Day! Episode 14

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Astros fans,
Hope all is well. I'm sure everyone is all caught up in the Mark McGwire news. So I'm going to stray away from that topic. I hope all of you are ready for a new season up ahead. I know that the talent we had on our team in Greeneville last year is good and looks promising. I know all this hard work I have put in the last few months will pay off. So, be excited for the future if the organization.

You mentioned talking to some people about Spring Training, what was some of the advice they gave you?

As for my question, advice that I received was advice you get all the time. Spring Training is not easy and you need to bust your butt. Showing up to spring training in shape means make sure you're more than in shape. So I've used the advice of guys who have been successful in the minor leagues. They also told me that when you get the opportunity to show what you have, you make the best of the situation. Spring training could be discouraging to some because you feel you don't get enough at bats or enough innings on the mound.

I hope you all have a great week.
Aaron

Spring Training is a little over a month away! There's no way I'm getting through all the minor leaguers!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Bray Day! Episode 13

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astro Fans,

It has been a while since I have posted. I hope all of you had a great Christmas and New Years. I know I did and I can't wait to head to Florida to get away from this cold weather. I was in Pennsylvania for Christmas and came back right before New Year's.

So you've graduated and are done with school. How did finals go and what happens now?

My question will be answered now due to the fact that school is over now and exams went well. Now all I have to do is concentrate on baseball. I have been working out hard and getting into shape. My days freed up with no class and go to the gym and the field to work out. Then to an indoor facility to work out at as well. Things have been going well. I have made some changes, talked to some guys that have played pro ball before and got some input. I found out how to take Spring Training. It is long and hard. Being in shape is my number one priority. I am looking forward to going to Florida, it is only a few months away. I hope all of you have a great week.

Thanks, Aaron

Got a question for Aaron? Send it to astroscounty@hotmail.com

Monday, December 14, 2009

Bray Day, Episode 12!

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astros Fans,
I am taking a break from studying for my exams, which start tomorrow at 11:30. This whole school year has been very different from previous years. I found myself being lost, I did not have baseball or a strict schedule to follow. It has been a different school year, but it is over with after this week. As I always mention, I am so excited and can't wait for Spring Training. I have been working hard and will continue to do so. I hope all of you are having a great week and looking forward to the Holiday Season.

What areas of your game are you focusing on improving this season over last?

As a player, I am working on all aspects of my game. I am not limiting myself to working on one particular aspect. I am working on getting faster and quicker along with trying to get stronger. So I have been in the gym running and in the weight room lifting. I have also been going indoors to hit, throw and take ground balls. Now with school being over, I will be able to go outside to a field if the weather cooperates. It helps out that I have my brother and dad to help me out when I need someone to throw to me. Then my school (UNC-Charlotte) has been nice to allow me to come out there when I want to get some work in. I am just looking forward to getting better and showcasing my hard work at spring training.

Have a good week,
Aaron

Got a question for Aaron? Send it to astroscounty@hotmail.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Bray Day: Episode 11

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astro Fans,
It is the month of Christmas, which means school is almost over. For me it will be over for good. I am busy finishing up on some papers and will be busy studying. The days are going by and before you know it I'll be in Spring Training. I am excited and cannot wait. I hope all of you had a Great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to Christmas.

Finals will be over soon, and you'll be a graduate with a History degree. What will you do to celebrate, and what happens to your training regimen once you get over said celebration?

My celebration will be working out harder. With my schedule clearing up, my days will be strictly baseball now. Which excites me. My workouts will now be everyday until I leave to go to Florida. They will get harder than in the past couple months. Having all the free time is good. I will be able to concentrate on baseball and baseball only.

As I said earlier, readers. I hope you all are having a good end to your year and are looking forward to Astros baseball.
Thanks,
Aaron

Got a question for Aaron? Send it to astroscounty@hotmail.com

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Bray Day, Episode 10

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astros fans!

Sorry for the late response. I had a good week, and I am looking forward to this week, with the short week of class and Thanksgiving coming up. I was able to go to Athens and watch Georgia play Kentucky; unfortunately, my team lost.

What was the atmosphere of the clubhouse like, and what was the best prank of the season?

Our locker room was good, we had a good atmosphere. Everyone got along, and we were always joking around with each other. That's what made the season go by well, because we had that good relationship. As for pranks, there weren't many. We got Jio Mier with the shaving cream after a walk-off bomb. When players got bats, we would hide the box of bats, just little things that would be funny - not harmful. Everybody have a good week and a great Thanksgiving!

Aaron Bray


Got a question for Aaron Bray? Email astroscounty@hotmail.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Bray Day - Episode 9

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astros fans, hope all is well!!!
This wek has been hectic, the semester is coming to an end. So I have made many visits to the library to get some papers done. My working out has picked up more and I am excited for baseball to start.

Now to the question:
This week we took a look at your season splits. How often do you look at your stats during the season, and looking back at your season did any of these surprise you? What do you feel are your strengths that may not be reflected in the box score?

I will say that in hard times, such as slumps, I did not check my stats. Toward the end of the season when I was playing better I checked occasionally, but I was more worried about getting my work done. Because by putting in a good day's work, the results will come. Nothing really surprised me during the season. I knew I could compete and play well.

I would say a stat that is not kept in the box score is just having a good at bat, or playing good defense. Having a good at bat is a good thing. No one likes to strike out, but what if you have an at bat where you see 8-10 pitches? That's a good AB. Defense-wise it's being in the right spot at the right time - whether backing up or being the cutoff man. These are a couple things that are not shown in the stat book, but they help teams win.

Have a good week, Astros fans!

Got a question for Aaron Bray? Email astroscounty@hotmail.com

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Greeneville Astros - Aaron Bray

Next up is Astros County's adopted player, and loyal columnist, Aaron Bray. Read all your Aaron Bray content here.

Aaron Bray
How did he get here?: Drafted, 27th Round (2009 draft)
Stats: 6'0", 180 lbs, Bats: Left Throws: Right
Age as of April 1, 2010: 22

Season line: 48 games, 189 PAs. 44x158 - .278/.388/.323 - 6XBH-20RBI. 35K:28BB

Splits:
vs. LHP (34ABs): .176/.282/.235, 8K:5BB, 2XBH-1RBI
vs. RHP (124ABs): .306/.416/.347, 27K:23BB, 4XBH-19RBI

Home (79ABs): .291/.364/.329, 15K:8BB, 3XBH-10RBI
Away (79ABs): .266/.410/.316, 20K:20BB, 3XBH-10RBI

Bases Empty (81ABs): .284/.420/.309, 19K:19BB, 2XBH-0RBI
Runners on (77ABs): .273/.352/.338, 16K:9BB, 4XBH-20RBI
w/RISP (50ABs): .300/.379/.320, 9K:7BB, 1XBH-17RBI

June (10ABs): .200/.333/.200, 4K:2BB, 0XBH-0RBI
July (52ABs): .288/.406/.442, 10K:11BB, 4XBH-9RBI
August (80ABs): .300/.398/.363, 16K:13BB, 4XBH-9RBI
September (3ABs): .667/.750/.667, 0K:0BB, 0XBH-1RBI

K/PA rate: 18.5%
XBH/H rate: 13.6%
K:BB ratio: 1.25

Thirty-two of Bray's 35 starts in the field were at first base, where he posted a .972 fielding percentage, participating in 19 double plays among 1B, 2B, and 3B. Ten games were spent at DH.

Bray finished the season strong, hitting .405/.488/514 over his last ten games and, unlike many of his rookie counterparts, got better as the season went on, posting season higs in runs, hits, extra-base hits, RBI, BA, OBP, and SLG in August. Left-handed pitching gave him some trouble, but he hit .306/.416/.347 against righties. The K:BB ratio is encouraging, as well.

Citizen Steve, what say you on Aaron Bray?
Team player. Did whatever was asked. Old for the League, and it will be interesting to see what he does in Lexington next year. Needs more pop.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Bray Day - Episode 8

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Astros Fans,
Hope all is well for everyone in Astros County. This week was a long one - filled with working out, working a baseball camp and, of course, doing school work. The clock is ticking, before I know it school will be over and I will be down south for spring training.

Today's question comes from Duman:
You were drafted as a 3rd baseman but didn't spend a lot of time there this year. What was it like to start you pro career playing a new position? And if you don't mind, give folks a report on what it is like playing in Greeneville? How their facilities compare to the rest of the Appy League and how sick you got of eating at Applebee's?

It was different starting out a new career at a new position. I went in with a positive attitude, I just wanted to play and I got that chance to. I just hope the organization was pleased with what they got. I consider myself a hard worker and thats why I did while I was there.

As for playing in Greeneville, by far the best facility in the Appy league. From cages to locker rooms to playing surface. It did not get any better than that, and I enjoyed playing there. As for eating at Applebee's every night after the game, I will say it got old. I have yet to eat at Applebee's and Subway since I returned home. I had a rotation of what to eat when I went there. I loved traveling because we were able to eat at different places. The Appy League must have a contract with Applebee's because there was one every where we went.

Have a great week...
Aaron Bray

Got a question for Aaron? Email astroscounty@hotmail.com!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Bray Day - Episode 7

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello everyone,
Sitting here watching this World Series game 4. It still has potential to be a very very good series. A lot of moves have been made in the last couple of days for the organization, I can't wait to get to spring training and get to work. I hope everyone had a good Halloween, mine was a little wet but I had fun. Hope everyone has a great week. The Holidays are around the corner.

Today's question comes from Citizen Street:
Which Greeneville pitcher had the best "stuff" this season, and why?


I would have to say the guy on our team with the best stuff was Juri Perez. He had command of everything and worked at a good pace. He threw his off-speed well, not a lot of people can do that. He threw hard and painted on the corners. Along with good stuff, he used his head when he pitched, he was smart. That is the most important thing to do as a pitcher.

And a follow-up question from me, as a former History major:
Are you taking any history classes?

Yes I am. The majority of my class load are History classes. History of Rome, Caribbean History and Latin American History are the classes I am taking. They are tough classes but I need to get them done to finish the degree. I don't know if I mentioned it, but History is the only class I can pay attention to.

Thanks for taking your time out to read this fans I appreciate it.

Got a question for Aaron Bray? Send it to astroscounty@hotmail.com

Monday, October 26, 2009

Bray Day - Episode 6

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Astro fans,

Hope all is well this week. I had a nice relaxing weekend, I am going to go to the Carolina Panthers game today. Hopefully they can win and get back to .500. I'm excited about being able to watch the ALCS tonight, I hope LAA gives the Yanks a run for their money. I hope all of you have a great week.

(Ed Note: Rough day, huh? Carolina lost to the Bills, and the Angels...well.)

Who was your favorite player growing up, and who do you pattern your game after today?

Growing up I was a huge Nomar Garciaparra fan. I got to see him play when he was in the minors and I followed him ever since. When I was younger I collected all his cards, I just liked the way he played the game.

As for modeling my game after anyone I guess it's a mixture. I like going on YouTube and watching Manny Ramirez swing. He is one of the best hitters in the game, so why not learn from the best? As for defense I played third and second at school, so I watched Cal Ripken Jr. and Orlando Hudson and Brandon Phillips. They are some of the best defensive players in the game. They all play the game hard, I just try to take a little but from everybody.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Bray Day: Episode 5

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each week, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Astro Fans, Hope all is well. I don't know if many of you are following the playoffs, but there are some wild finishes. Playoff baseball is the best time of the year. My roommate just got done reading to me about Manny taking a shower while the game was going on last night as it looked like the Dodgers had a chance to win. If Manny is involved in the story you know you will get a good laugh out of it. School is going well, before I know it the semester will be over and I will be heading to Florida. Which I cannot wait for.

What was your experience showing up in Greeneville on your first day? What was your transition from "drafted player" to "professional baseball player" like?

I showed up to Greeneville the day before our due date. I went over to the stadium and did not see anyone. I went to our hotel that we were living in and checked in, met two players and then went to my room. I sat in the room all day, watched a storm come right through Greeneville through the window. Around 11 o'clock I turned in and 30 minutes later I was up again, and my roommate (Ryan Humphrey, 15th Round) had arrived. He moved in, then I went back to sleep. I was still excited and nervous at the same time about what the next day would bring.

Well, when I got drafted it was more of a mentality of, "Man, I just got drafted. Not many people get to experience that." The transition went from dream to reality. In the first couple of days when we were there we had meetings with front office personnel. That's when you find out how cut throat this business is. Being drafted is forever, but playing professional baseball as a career is not for everyone.

Hope you all have a great week!!!
Aaron Bray

Monday, October 12, 2009

Bray Day: Episode 4

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each Monday, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hope everyone had a great week. I know I am excited for this week. Fall break is here so I get a short week of school. Friday starts alumni weekend for UNC-Charlotte baseball. It will be nice to see friends that have moved back home that are coming back for the weekend. I'll get to play some golf on Friday, which by the way I am not good at.

Deputy Jason asked, in reference to Episode 3, What do you mean by "if I go to Spring Training"? Is that something you don't know until right before it happens?

We will receive something in the mail with info on spring training. Not everyone gets invited, I'm sure being a first year guy I'd be invited back, just not jumping the gun. I'm not exactly sure how the process works since this is my first go round.

Can you talk about the workouts that you're doing to prepare for next season? And how unbelievable is it that guys report to Spring Training (I'm looking at you, Miguel Cabrera) 30 pounds overweight?

As for workouts, we were sent home with a certain workout plan to go by all off-season. The first few weeks have to deal with post season recovery. Then it gets into working out hard and of course put on weight but if you're going to show up to spring training overweight, it better be muscle and not fat. It is important you don't go to spring training overweight. From what I heard, spring training is not easy if you come in out of shape. Miguel Cabrera could probably get away with it, but me being a player who needs to prove himself needs to go into it in the best shape. That's why I am in the weight room getting after it.

Have a great week!!!

Got a question for Aaron Bray? Send an e-mail!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Bray Day, Volume 3

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each Monday, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Check the sidebar for archives.

Hello Astros Fans,

Hope everyone had a great week. I know I did, except for Saturday when my Georgia Bulldogs had a chance to take down #4 LSU, but could not capitalize. I know today was the last day of the major league regular season so I can't wait to start watching some playoff baseball. As I mention in every blog I am still in school and behind, but this week I finally caught up and I am looking forward to relaxing. In my four years as an athlete, I think I went to the Library four times, I have a feeling in the next month I will double my trips to the Library. I am looking forward to getting my degree, though. Now for the question of the week.

What was the last day of the season like? Were there any team meetings, did
the manager talk to y'all? Were there hugs? Was there crying? Signing of
yearbooks?


The last day of the season in Greeneville was different from any other last day of the season. I hate to sound negative, but after my first year in the minors I wondered who of the guys I was teammates with would be in Spring Training and who would not be? Would I be going to spring training? Would I play with most of these guys next year? It was different because before it was fun and although it is still fun, it is a job and a business and you never know what could happen.

As for our last day, we had a team cookout that the coaches did for us. They used the money we had to pay our fines with, so paying a fine works out well for us. We did have a couple of meetings to go over certain off-season events, such as workouts and what needs to be gone while were away. As for hugging I think there were a few, but for the most part it was handshakes and goodbyes. Instead of signing yearbooks we signed our cards for each other as a keepsake. But I did enjoy my first season in Minor League Baseball.

Got a question for Aaron Bray? Send an e-mail!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Dispatches from Aaron Bray: Volume 2

Aaron Bray was the 27th round draft pick for the Astros in last June's amateur draft. He was also the winner of the Astros County Adopt-a-Player contest. Each Monday, Aaron will write a column for Astros County detailing his off-season. Click here for Post #1.

Astros County,
I hope all of you enjoyed the first week's post, I am happy to be doing this. Another week of playing catch up in school. I got tests and papers to write as I try to finish my degree. But with all that work, my dad and I found time to head to Houston and catch two games. I am in the hotel now after a 10-4 defeat, but I did enjoy my day at Minute Maid Park. It was a hot day, so the roof was closed and that made it easy to relax during the game. I got to see a teammate of mine from this summer, Jose Altuve, as they were honoring the MVPs of the Minor League affiliates. My trip will end tomorrow with a couple innings of the 1:05 game then it is back to home to Charlotte to go back to class and continue to work out. And now for my question for the week.

Can you detail the circumstances around your getting drafted by the Astros? What was it like in the leadup, what conversations did you have with the Astros (and any other teams), and what were you doing on Draft Day?

Well, to start off, I received a questionaire from the Astros area scout during the last week of April. It said "Send in immediatley", so I did. Never once did I talk to the scout, never got one phone call on draft day from houston until my name was called with 821st pick. I was at home in my town house relaxing. My girlfriend was off to work, my roomates were gone because of school being out. I'm alone in a house expecting to be drafted by the Cincy Reds. I went to the workout for them, and did well. As the second day of the draft went on I began to get frustrated, as most people probably would. As I got ready to turn of the computer my name popped up. From there on it was blur....Phone call after text after phone call. It was a great feeling and I was happy to be an Astro. That was my draft day. Besides being nervous all day, I was excited.

Thank you all and have a good week.
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Got a question for Aaron this week? Send it to astroscounty@hotmail.com