David Laurila Q&A with Luis Exposito

Luis Exposito has returned, and David Laurila recently had the chance to sit down and chat with him. After missing all but nine games of the 2007 season because of disciplinary reasons, Exposito is back in uniform and looking to reestablish himself as one of the top catching prospects in the organization. A New York-Penn League All-Star with the Lowell Spinners in 2006, the 21-year-old native of Miami was originally signed by the Red Sox as a draft-and-follow out of St. Petersburg Community College . Exposito is beginning this season with the Greenville Drive.

David Laurila: You sat out most of last season due to disciplinary issues. What did you learn from the experience, and what impact might it have on your career path?
Luis Exposito: I missed a big part of last year, but it has only made me that much better of a person and a better ballplayer. It has also strengthened my contact with God. It was a huge lesson learned to be sitting out from baseball for such a long time, but it also seems kind of ironic that I missed so much and came back more prepared and in better shape. Really, nothing on field has been lost, so I don't think it will have a big impact. I feel the Red Sox have stuck with me and that they keep seeing something special in me. It's time that I've matured and stepped up to the plate to let the world know who I am.

DL: It looks like you've added a lot of muscle since I saw you play in Lowell.
LE: I've just basically been working hard. When times got tough, I started really digging down and asking myself, "How bad do I want it?" I was working out twice a day, and knew I had to show up in shape and ready to attack the year with a new attitude and a new me.

DL: What did you focus on in spring training?
LE: I really wanted to break camp [with a full season team]. It was my first spring training and it was awesome. I did what I had to do regularly, which was get up, show up, and play hard. I eliminated going out and partying because all that did was pay a toll and affect my play the next morning. I followed curfew and just basically played pressure free and as hard as possible.

DL: What are your goals for the 2008 season?
LE: The goals I have set are reasonable. Whenever I'm in the lineup, I'm going to play hard, get the job done, and take advantage of every opportunity I get. Hopefully I'll open up some eyes.

DL: Where do you feel you are as a defensive catcher right now?
LE: As a catcher, right now I feel extremely well. My arm is very strong this year. I've improved on every aspect of my game. I've been working hard during early work and building relationships with my pitchers, and I feel that I can catch at any level right now.

DL: How about as a hitter?
LE: As a hitter, I feel that I've also improved a great amount. I'm using more of my hands and letting the ball travel more, and I'm seeing the ball better than ever this year. I'm expecting a lot of great things to come this season.

Tweet