MLB Hot Stove Morning Brew: Tigers’ top prospect Jace Jung talks about playing in the Arizona Fall League
The Guardians have a new skipper to replace Terry Francona
After watching the World Series, fans got familiar with Rangers All-Star third baseman Josh Jung. The rookie had an unforgettable season, playing in his first mid-summer classic and winning the World Series.
Jung was outstanding in the postseason. His performance was overshadowed by the likes of Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia. The former Texas Tech standout batted .308 average, and had 13 runs, eight extra-base hits and eight RBIs.
He isn’t the only Jung that plays professional baseball, his younger brother Jace Jung is a top prospect in the Tigers system.
The younger Jung is currently playing in the Arizona Fall League and was able to watch his brother Josh win the World Series in person.
“It was special, to be in that environment in Arizona and also in Texas, it was an unbelievable experience,” said Jung in an interview with MLB Network. “I was a nervous reck, when you’re not out there on the field, you get all the nerves going and everything. When you’re on the field, you can control your nerves more.”
Josh’s little brother was appreciative that he was already in Arizona playing fall ball and then being able to drive and see his older brother play.
“I don't know if you had told me … that the Diamondbacks would be in the World Series and the Rangers would be playing them, I would have said, 'No way,'” said Jung. “But you know, that's just the great game of baseball and God's got a plan. I mean, somehow I was able to be here … be able to go to all the road games and really cheer him on as he goes for the World Series [title].”
Jung is playing for the Salt River Rafters after hitting 28 homers and improving his overall defensive game for the Tigers this season.
“So far it’s been a great experience. They’ve moved to third a little bit. I am playing second and third going into next year,” said Jung.
He was joined by fellow Tigers pitching prospect Jackson Jobe, DBacks power prospect Ivan Melendez and Rockies outfield prospect Benny Montgomery, just to name a few future MLB stars.
“There’s lots of talent out here. A lot of these guys are going to be in the big leagues next year. Just to be able to play by their side is unique and I am just trying to embrace every moment,” added Jung.
Jace is still a little aways from playing in the majors, but that doesn’t stop you from thinking about the comparisons to him and his bother.
“I’ll give him (Josh) the benefit of the doubt, playing in the big leagues already, he’s got a World Series now, he’s been to an All-Star game. That’s something that I want to do in my career. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt right now because he’s already had his first full year in the big leagues and I am hoping to be there soon too,” said Jung.
Guardians tab former big league catcher Stephen Vogt as new skipper
Longtime Guardians manager Terry Francona retired following the season leaving a massive void on the bench in Cleveland. After an in-depth interview process the Guardians will hire former big league catcher Stephen Vogt as their next manager.
Vogt brings no major league managerial experience, but the organization is prioritizing his overall demeanor and ability to communicate as main factors in hiring the veteran catcher.
The former 12th-round pick out of Azusa Pacific University is a former two-time All-Star and has played with six teams during his career. Vogt has some experience in coaching, striking a deal with the Brewers back in 2018 as a coaching apprentice following an injury that sidelined him for the year.
"I really love being a coach," Vogt told the San Francisco Chronicle last May. "I love being around the game, I love just being available for people. It hasn't been all that difficult a transition. Being a backup catcher your last few years, you have that player-coach kind of mentality. Now I just don't have to face major-league pitching anymore, and I'm really excited about that. But the transition has been very, very smooth."
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