Yankees Prospect Interview: Shane Greene

Shane Greene was drafted in the 15th round of the 2009 MLB Draft and in 2013 he reached Double-A for the first time. He pitched 154.1 innings between High-A Tampa and Trenton, pitching to a 3.38 ERA with a 3.03 FIP, 8.0 K/9, and a 1.7 BB/9. He has a chance of making it to Triple-A in 2014, if he doesn't start the season there, and could be a call up to the majors at some point during the season.

First of all, I want to congratulate you and the Trenton Thunder for winning the Eastern League Championship. What was that like?

Thank you, winning the championship was the most special moment in my baseball career. Words can't describe that feeling you have when you are under that dog pile.

Where does that rank among the best moments of your career?

As far as where it's ranked... It's probably number one, if not number two behind getting drafted by the New York Yankees.

What did it mean to you to be named to the FSL All-Star Game? What was that experience like?

Making the All-Star team was an honor. As everyone knows, I haven't had the best minor league career and this year I set some goals that I thought would help me turn things around and they did. The experience itself was awesome! Being so close to home I got to enjoy it with my parents.

Transitioning from one league to another midseason must have been tough, what changes in competition did you see and how did you adapt?

The transition from Tampa to Trenton wasnt bad at all off the field because I have been playing with basically the whole Trenton team the last few years so it was good to get reunited with them. But on the field I could tell hitters were more disciplined. I learned quick that you can't get away with some of the same pitches that I could in Tampa.

What does your arsenal of pitches include?

I throw a two-seam fastball, that most people call a sinker, a changeup and two different sliders.

What part of your game do you feel that you improved the most in 2013?

The most improved part of my game would have to be my command of all my pitches. Being able to throw off speed in fastball counts and most of all not walking the house.

What do you hope to work on in 2014?

Next year I'm just going to stick to the same game plan and goals. Attack guys and make them hit my pitches.

What coaches or players were most influential in helping you refine your craft throughout your career?

The one player who sticks out to me is J.R. Murphy. We played together for a few years and became really close friends. The guy has a good head on his shoulders and he helped me through a lot of my early struggles mentally.

How do you plan to spend the offseason and ready yourself for 2014?

This offseason I'm not going to do anything different. I'm going to train with my trainer Chuck Wolfe with some hunting and fishing trips mixed in, rest the arm as much as possible, and get back to the grind come spring training.

I would like to thank Shane for taking the time to talk to us. Be sure to follow him next season as he makes his push for the majors and you can follow him on Twitter @S_Greeney.