Andy Pagés has had a decent first year in the majors with the Dodgers. In 116 games the native of Pinar del Río, Cuba slashed .248/.305/.407/.712 with 13 longballs,23 doubles and 46 run batted in. During the postseason Pagés has been used sparingly, but did have a two homer Game 5 against the Mets in the NLCS.
In total during the playoffs the young Cuban has hit .211 in 19 at-bats and knocked in four runs to go along with his two roundtrippers. With Dodgers win against the Yankees tonight Pages joins Orlando Hernández and Bárbaro Garbey as the only Cubans to win a World Series title in their rookie seasons.
I caught up with Pagés before Game 5 of this year’s fall classic and we spoke about an array of topics including the possibility of the slugger playing winter ball this year in the Dominican Republic with a historic club in the circuit.
Tell me about your first postseason experience.
I would say that it is a dream come true, since every child when they see the World Series or something like that as a child, the first thing that comes to mind is: I hope one day I can play there. So being here is a dream.
You haven’t had many at-bats this postseason but you had a few timely hits nonetheless. What has been your plan of attack in the batter’s box?
Obviously I study the other team’s pitchers and try to always stay ready for when the team needs me.
It is also your first experience in the Major Leagues, what do you plan to work on during the offseason?
I think it was a good year for me, since I have improved in many things compared to my previous years. I am going to let things happen, try to keep my body ready and talk to as many people as possible who can help me in my learning.
Could we see Andy Pages in a winter league?
I am in talks to play with the Escogido Baseball Club, but we have not made a decision yet. We also don’t know if after all this the team will allow it, since this has been my longest year, in which I have played the most games. So everything has to fall on the same page to be able to play there.
Do you have a message for the people of Pinar del Río?
Thank you always very much for the support, for the messages you always send me. That is very appreciated.