Miracle Extra -- Q & A with Kevin Boles

Miracle manager

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

The Fort Myers Miracle are in the home stretch of the regular season.

After road games scheduled for today through Wednesday, the Miracle are scheduled to face the Sarasota Reds at 7:05 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.

Miracle manager Kevin Boles talked about his first season managing at the high-Class A level. Boles managed many of this year’s Miracle players last season at low-Class A Beloit, Wis.

Q: How different has it been managing in the Florida State League from the Midwest League? Has the caliber of play seemed different to you?

A: You know, the league is very similar in a lot of ways. The players are just a little bit more experienced. They’ll throw off-speed at any time in the count. It’s a little bit faster. You’re going to face some guys who are 25, 26, 27 years old occasionally.

They have more experience as far as throwing off-speed pitches when they’re behind in the count.

Q: We talk a lot about hitters and pitchers and the improvements they make. But what about measuring defensive improvements, something that does not show up in the box score?

A: You look for players who make the routine play. The fielding at this level is also a lot better because of the facilities. All of the stadiums have nice playing surfaces. It makes for a quicker game. The speed in the infield is a lot faster. They build confidence at this level because the fields are so well-managed.

Q: How has playing a lot of recent doubleheaders affected your approach to managing?

A: Well, again, you want to score first, definitely. You’ve got to shift your defense.

You’re going to play the short game a lot earlier than in a nine-inning game. In seven-inning games, anything can happen. The team that scores first usually wins.

Q: But you guys have managed some come-from-behind wins lately, haven’t you?

A: The second game (on Tuesday), we actually came back. We had two home runs in the bottom of the fifth. Normally, that doesn’t happen. We’ve had a couple of comebacks in the doubleheaders. But you really want to try to get an early lead.

Q: How confident are you that this team can reach the playoffs?

A: We’re confident in our club. Clearwater and Tampa, I’m sure they’re also very confident in their players. And even Sarasota. They’re not out of this yet. Everybody has improved. Each club has moved up players, but it’s created new opportunities for other players. I would say that every manager in this division is very confident. We feel the same way with our club. There’s a lot of baseball to be played. There’s not one team that’s the favorite right now. Everyone’s in the mix.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Tommy Watkins has spent eight seasons in the minor leagues for the Twins, including 2002-03 with the Miracle.

Entering Saturday, Watkins was hitting .283 with nine doubles, 20 RBI and six stolen bases in 53 games at Triple-A Rochester.

Could Watkins get a September call-up to the Twins? Stay tuned.

PROMOTION COMMOTION

Just two regular-season home games remain:

7:05 p.m. Thursday: Thursty Thursday means half-price beer. It’s also Kickin’ for Chicken Night (tickets cost $4 and $6).

7:05 p.m. Friday: Fan Appreciation Night, with postgame fireworks (tickets cost $5 and $7).