A word from Justin Turner
Yes, the Ramon Hernandez-Ryan Freel deal was mostly about Matt Wieters. And yes, there were the big-league parts (RH impact hitter to the Reds). But the two Minor Leaguers the Orioles got are not nothing. Neither may be elite players, with Brandon Waring having great raw power and the question of whether he’ll make consistent enough contact as he moves up to reach that power, and Justin Turner being a real “baseball player,” in scouting parlance.
I had the chance to chat with Turner yesterday after the trade was announced. He’s the kind of baseball rat that every winning team needs to have. Whether he’s an every-day second baseman or a utilityman in the future remains to be seen, but he’s definitely the type who will somehow make his way to the big leagues and contribute. Here’s a sampling of what he had to say about the trade, his new organization and leaving his old friends with the Reds.
On the trade:
“I was kind of surprised at first. You never really know when that kind of stuff is going to happen. I’m looking forward to the opportunity and the change of scenery and hopefully good things will come of it.”
On whether he’ll have a better shot with the O’s, who don’t have as much infield depth as the Reds:
“I haven’t talked to anyone with the Orioles [front office] there. I have some good friends who are infielders there. There’s Blake Davis, a shortstop. I played with him for 4 years at [Cal State Fullerton]. Scott Moore, who I grew up with, is a third baseman with them. From talking to those guys, it might create a better opportunity for me. The bottom line is I’ll still have to go out there and play and perform. I’d like to think that if I have a good year, no matter what organization I’m with, I’d get a chance to reach the big leagues.”
On possibly playing a utility role:
“You see that more and more, guys playing all over the field. It definitely helps your chances of staying up there as a utility guy. I’d like to stick at second base and be a second baseman, but if that doesn’t work out, I’d be more than happy to be a utility guy and help out that way.”
On ending his relationship with the Reds, especially his double-play partner Chris Valaika:
“It’s definitely going to be tough and it’s going to be a change. Chris was one of the guys I contacted first when I heard the news. He’s excited for me and happy for me. It does kind of stink to be separated from him. We’ve played together for three years. We had a good feel for each other and we were a good combo up the middle. I guess that’s the business of baseball. I wish him the best of luck and just look at this as a new opportunity.”
