| | For some major league veterans, the All-Star festivities might get to be a little old after awhile. But for Minnesota Twins outfielder Matt Lawton, the excitement level couldn't be much higher.
| |  | | Lawton has 17 stolen bases this season. |
Lawton, picked by Joe Torre as a reserve outfielder, has arrived at his first All-Star Game via an outstanding first half. He hit .330 with seven home runs and 54 RBI. He is the team leader in most offensive categories including hits (104), total bases (153),
walks and on-base percentage (.427).
Lawton recently joined ESPN.com users in an online chat from the clubhouse in Atlanta where he chatted about what it felt like to be picked, who he most looked forward to meeting and more.
In case you missed the pre-game chat, the following is an edited transcript.
FanOfTheGame: Matt, What are you feeling right now just moments before playing in the biggest game of your
life? Hope the rest of the season is as good as it has been!
Matt Lawton: Right now there is just so much electricity in the clubhouse and seeing guys like Jeter and Wells is
just a huge thrill. It is a great atmosphere. I'm really looking forward to the player introductions!
Wilmer: How has your experience been so far in Atlanta? Is there any player in particular who you
wanted to meet? and congratulations for a great season,you deserved to be there.
Matt Lawton: When I first heard I was going I wanted to meet Barry Bonds. I met him last night and it was a
huge thrill.
Stutz: You are on pace for a career year, do you think that you will be more recognized for your
talent after this year?
Matt Lawton: Definitely. There will be a lot of people watching tonight so there is just more atttention.
Hopefully I can continue to play well and make it back next year.
D. Boxton: How do you think the All-Starts should be picked; fans, players, coaches, or leave it the way it
is?
Matt Lawton: I think the fans having a chance to voice their opinion is the best way. The fans get to see who
they want and I think the managers picking the reserves is the way to do it.
Eric Rohloff: Were you surprised that Joe Torre picked you? What was your reaction when you found out?
Matt Lawton: It was pretty wild. I was doing a photo shoot when they called me, actually my dad, and it was
just so overwhelming. I never dreamed it would happen.
Jake: Are you glad that you don't have to bat against Clemens?
Matt Lawton: I'm sure I will have to face him soon, we have a couple series' coming up with them. I've had
some success against him. You want to face him just so you can tell your kids you hit off him.
Brewfan: Who is your favorite team to play against?
Matt Lawton: Always Cleveland. Being in Jacobs field is great. I love playing against Manny. They are always
at the top of the division and you just want to play them.
Darren Drewitz: Mr. Lawton now that you have been in an All-Star game do you feel that there is more pressure
or less pressure to do well the rest of this season and the rest of your career.
Matt Lawton: It's not going to bring more pressure but you want to do well to prove you deserved to be
there. Fans will put me under the microscope more now. No added pressure though.
Stutz: Did you have a mentor as a kid and if so who?
Matt Lawton: Belive it or not, one of my favorites growing up just walked by me - Joe Morgan. He was a
short left-handed hitter like me so I looked up to him a lot.
Hank: Would you call this day the greatest in your baseball career or would there be another?
Matt Lawton: This is it. It hasn't even really hit me yet. After the introductions, it will just be such a thrill. I'm
looking at the roster now and it's unbelievable.
Mark McDonnel: Matt, as a long time Twins fan I see the future of the team getting brighter. What do you think it
will take the Twins to get to the next level?
Matt Lawton: Right now we just made a big step by signing Radke. You can't talk about contention until we
get some more pitching. That will take us to the next level.
Dane Chase: Since you have been in Atlanta who on your team or on the other team has become your new
best friend and do you have any good stories to tell about pranks or anything?
Matt Lawton: Tony Batista has been joking around with everybody. He keeps things lively. I think he is just
so excited to be here like me!
Dave: What in your opinion is the most important part of baseball?
Matt Lawton: The most important part is just being good enough and healthy enough to be playing. Most
people aren't that lucky.
Thanks to everybody for your support and I hope you continue to follow my career. I have to
run now but it has been really fun. I wish I could have answered all your questions.
Take care. | |
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