AngelsWin.com Interview with Inland Empire 66’ers Manager, Tom Gamboa

Interview conducted April 4, 2011 by David Saltzer, AngelsWin.com Senior Writer

Monday was Meet the Press day for the Inland Empire 66ers. It was a chance for the media to come out and see who will be playing for the Angels’ High Single-A affiliate.

While the Major League season began at the end of March, the Minor League season has yet to get underway. The IE 66ers Home Opener will be this Thursday, April 7th at 7:05 against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (the former High Single-A affiliate for the Angels).

I spoke with Tom about the 66ers roster. They have some talented and highly rated Angels prospects on their roster. Most notably, they have Jean Segura who will continue his development as a shortstop and leadoff hitter and Dillon Baird who will continue to work at 3rd base and improve his bat. They also have several notable pitchers, such as Ryan Chaffee and Johnny Hellweg.

Tom spoke about how he works as a manager and how he develops players in the Angels’ way. Like Scioscia, he likes playing an aggressive game to force the opposition into making mistakes and manufacturing runs. Fans at the stadium will be in for some great games with the 66ers.

Over the coming days, AngelsWin.com will post more of the interviews recorded with the Angels’ prospects.

Overall, Angels fans should be excited to see the prospects play in San Bernadino. Watching them practice on Monday, it was obvious that they were already developing good team chemistry and skills. Many of the players have already played for playoff caliber teams for the Angels (in their Minor League careers) and they are eager to return to that level in 2011.

Click below to listen to the AngelsWin.com interview recorded with Tom Gamboa.