Brian Daubach: The Interview

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Brian Daubach, Manager of the American Defenders of New Hampshire of the Can-Am League. Daubach was an integral member of the Boston Red Sox from 1999-2002 averaging 21 home runs and 75 RBIs during that stretch. The interview focused primarily on Daubach's experience in the Can Am League, his managing style, Dan Duquette, and his time as a player in the majors.

For more information about the American Defenders of New Hampshire and Brian Daubach, please check out http://www.americandefenders.us

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Jorge Says No! interview with Brian Daubach

1. Why did you decide to manage in the Can-Am League?

-I was comfortable with the people I was working with...obviously with Dan Duquette (Former Red Sox GM) being apart of it. Also, it's good to give something back to the New England area-where I played with on the Red Sox-so I was thinking about that too. And also, it was a good opportunity to do some other things like media work with the Red Sox, so it's been a good fit so far.

2. How do you feel about working with Dan Duquette?

-Dan was a big reason why I came. I had some other opportunities, but when you talk about Dan, he's been a big help so far. It's my first year managing and he believes in me and he's trying to help me do it. So what more could you ask for then a former big league GM helping you during your first year managing.

3. Is there any manager that you played for-at any level-that you try to base your managing style around?

-Well, I think I take a little bit from all my managers. Ron Washington, who I played for in the minor leagues and is now the Manager of the Texas Rangers, he was really the first guy who I played for that really believed in me. He was super positive and just tried to get the best out of every player. He was just super, super positive. And my first big league Manager was Jim Leyland, who was really a fiery guy and a in your face kinda guy. And obviously there's Tito Francona, who was such a good communicator and he's just such a great guy and he's great to play for.

4. So I guess you're not surprised that Ron Washington is having success right now managing the Texas Rangers?

-Well, I was on the first team he managed, kinda like what I'm doing this year, 15 years ago. It's a long haul to get to the major leagues as a manager.

5. Do you still aspire to coach or manage in the major leagues?

Well yeah, I think that's what all out guys want...players too. The goal should be at first to get back to affiliated baseball and then try to get to the big leagues.

6. Your roster is comprised of players, aside from Juan Padilla, who have no major league experience. Do you think these guys are playing to get back into the majors or are they simply playing for the love of the game?

-It's a mixed kind of group. You have guys, who have been released from other organizations and they're trying to get back. And you have other guys that are hungry just to get a taste of it. And that's the beauty of Independent baseball.

7. What level of play do you think the Can-Am League is right now?

-I'd say we're probably a high A level. It really depends on who is pitching that night. The level of pitching varies from night to night and that's probably the big difference. I'd say that the league is a little better offensively...the pitching is not as deep as some other leagues in affiliated ball.

8. And if any of your players do get signed to play affiliated ball, how would that affect your managing style?

-It'd be hard. Obviously if a guy leaves that means he's doing really well. It'd be hard for our team, but it'd be good for the kid to get to that league because that's what we're all about.

9. Have you seen any scouts at your game (majors or minors)?

-We've had some scouts here. We had 3 or 4 scouts already.

10. It took you eight years before you made your major league debut. Do you think that your experience in the minor leagues will help you manage the Defenders?

-Definitely. Especially since I played so recently, my last year was 2006, so it's still pretty fresh in my mind. I understand what these guys are going through, outside of playing in the Independent League. You know, whether it's missing the year because of injury or not being very good, I lit a fire under myself I wound up batting third for the Red Sox in the ALCS. I've experienced almost every aspect of the minor leagues.

11. I never understood why it took so long for you to reach the majors. You always put up solid numbers in the minors. Why do you think it took so long for you to make it to the show?

-I don't know either. Once you've been in the minor leagues for years, you get labeled. Whether it's fair or not, that's just the way it goes. Once you're a AAAA player, it's hard to break that mold. Fortunately, the Red Sox gave me a chance and the Marlins didn't and I took advantage of it.

12.What’s it like to play in Boston?

In my opinion growing up in St. Louis, it's a great baseball town. I always thought St. Louis was the best, but you know, the Boston fans are so passionate and every game is like a playoff game.

Even as good as the Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots are, the Red Sox are still the focus of the sports fan, number one in the town. It's everyday...it's at bat to at bat...it's a crazy passion. The fans just love it so much and fortunately, I finally got a World Series.

13. From a player’s perspective, how would you describe Yankee-Red Sox rivalry?

-Very intense, especially now since they play so many games against each other. Best rivalry in baseball for sure. I've played in Mets-Yankees, Cubs-White Sox, but nothing compares to Yankees-Red Sox.

14. What was it like to play in the postseason?

-Yeah, it was very exciting. We were down 2-0 to Cleveland and we came back and won that series. And you know, we played the Yankees really good and that's the time when the Yankees had won 3 out of 4 World Series. We played them really good and we had a chance to win that (99 ALCS), but that entire season was just kinda like a blur. To be able to play in that my rookie year, that was pretty special.

15. You were a replacement player during the ’94 strike. Did you ever deal with any resentment from players?

-No.

16. How does it feel to hit a homerun?

-You achieved the maximum goal for an at bat, especially depending on the situation. There's nothing better. Everything comes to together. It's not an easy thing to do.

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A huge thanks goes out to Mr. Daubach for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak with me. Mr. Daubach could not have been nicer and I wish him lots of luck this season.

In addition, the front office of the American Defenders of New Hampshire, namely Jodi M. Callinan, was very kind and accommodating. If you haven't checked out the Defenders' website yet, head over there immediately (click here!).