Andy Pagés made his debut last season with the Dodgers and won a world championship with the team. In 118 games with the Californian squad the Cuban slugger hit .248 with 13 homeruns, 23 doubles and 46 runs batted in.
Last month Pagés let it be known that he would suit up with Cuba in the World Baseball Classic causing quite a stir amongst the Cuban faithful. Some fans being in favor and others against his participation with island’s WBC team.
Last winter he had a flirtation with the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Winter League and only migration issues prevented him from seeing action with the team. Recently at the plate Pagés has been one of the league’s hottest hitters batting .367 over his last 15 games.
You decided to play for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic. What factors influenced your decision?
My dad told me he wanted to see me play for Cuba.
Last year you get called up to the majors and your countrymen Miguel Vargas was already here. How did he help you get accustomed to the big leagues?
I literally talk to him almost every day. We talk about the pitchers he faces and the ones I’ve faced, since we might face them in the next series or something like that. From the very beginning, when I arrived here, he told me how things were and how one should work to stay in the big leagues. I spoke with him earlier today.
You started off very slowly at bat, but in the last month you’ve been one of the hottest hitters in the big leagues. What adjustments have you had to make at the plate?
I’ve felt good since the beginning of the season. My swing felt good to start the season, I was just hitting the ball and it was going where there were people. What was left for me was to keep practicing and trusting in my work. The time has come, and I’m seeing the results.
Will you play winter ball as a way to prepare for the World Baseball Classic?
I don’t know right now. I mean, last year the team gave me permission, but I couldn’t because of migration issues, but I don’t think the team will allow me to do so this coming winter. If they do, I’ll definitely be able to play for a while.
You were crowned champion last year in your first season in the major leagues. Do you have any goals for this year other than that?
One of the things I learned last year was that it’s not worth thinking about what’s going to happen in the future, because it’s very unpredictable. You can be here today and somewhere else tomorrow. I’d say that as long as you do the things how you are supposed to do day after day, the numbers will come.