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Live Chat With Former MLB Catcher Ryan Lavarnway
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Ryan Lavarnway
10:36
They are different, but the adrenaline and the energy are very similar. The WBC is really, really special. Highlight of my career for sure
The Ghost of Nuke LaLoosh
10:37
Any thoughts of getting into coaching post-career? Give it a spin: what coaching/advice would you give to a high school pitcher?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:38
To a high school pitcher, throw strikes, challenge hitters, and learn what makes YOU your best. There are 100 different ways to pitch and get guys out. Figure out what works best for you, don't try to just emulate someone else.
George
10:38
What is the biggest adjustment you had to make going from AAA to the major league?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:38
I had to learn how to be successful without getting consistent playing time. That is a different skill. When you get at bats once or twice a week, sometimes it feels like you can get hot and go into a slump just during batting practices
JT
10:39
Hi Ryan, congrats on a great career! Do you think if the WBC were to be moved to directly after the World Series that it would have any significant impact on offseason training, considering that the tournament lasts two weeks?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:39
I don't know what the right timing is for the WBC. Short of stopping the season in the middle or doing an extended All-Star break, I don't know the answer. I'm just glad it exists because I love it
James
10:40
Loved your retirement piece at The Athletic! How often was that "sixth tool" (being really good at not quitting) put to the test? How do you deal with the mental aspect of being optioned/waived/traded/released 26 times in 10 years??
Ryan Lavarnway
10:40
IT was simultaneously put to the test a lot, and also never. Because quitting was simply never an option. Even when it would have been easier. Even when my own agent recommended it 5 years ago.
Liz
10:41
From your perspective, how did the stats/metrics that teams use to evaluate you (either defensive or offensive value) change throughout your career, and what stayed the same?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:42
The way catchers and hitters, and even pitchers for that matter, are evaluated has been turned completely on it's head during my career. As a player, I would have liked to have been coached on the ways evaluations were changing to improve my own game, instead of just being judged differently and not knowing how that game was being played at times
Snag
10:42
How did you get involved with Team Israel? Have you visited the country?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:43
They called, I said yes. I've been there twice now. Both times for 8 days. Both with the team. I became a dual citizen in 2019
Ryan
10:43
Who is the best pitcher you’ve ever faced? And who is the best you’ve had the pleasure of catching?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:43
My Kryptonite was Justin Masterson. At one point when we were facing him that day, our hitting coach even asked if they should just bench me that day lol
Nick
10:43
Favorite team you've played for?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:43
Pirates
Bulljive
10:44
Quick!! Whats 567x78??
Ryan Lavarnway
10:44
Easy, 44,226 ;)
Steven
10:44
Thanks for doing this Ryan! As a catcher how would your approach to games change with the new rules?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:44
You have to know the scouting report better, or be able to read a catcher's wrist band quicker. There's less time to "slow the game down" when momentum starts going the wrong way
That’s it, Fort Pitt
10:45
How does a player handle different roles, like starter, backup, or an up-and-down (majors to minors and back and forth) depth position?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:45
It's a hard thing to learn how to deal with, but if you want to be successful, you need to learn. After a while I started trying to "find a way to be successful even when put in a situation to fail"
Go Reds!
10:45
I was at the game you made your Reds debut and what a night you had there! Pretty sure your 6 RBI is a reds record for a player in their first game with Cincinnati.
Ryan Lavarnway
10:45
That was a fun game
Bulljive
10:45
Best player you ever seen?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:46
The first teammate of mine to make the Hall of Fame was Big Papi. I hope more of my former teammates make it too
Jason
10:47
I want to thank you for what you have done for Israeli baseball over the last 7 years. You are on many of the leaderboards for stats on Team Israel. What will your role be with the National Team be as well as youth growth in the sport in Israel?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:47
I don't know what my exact role will be yet, but I definitely want to stay involved
Uniform Collector
10:47
Do you have a uniform hanging in your closet from every team you played for?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:47
Not hanging in the closet, but folded up in the basement for sure
Why Not Us?
10:47
Hey man, loved your Athletic article. It struck a chord and I am going to read that to my new son! Thank you for sharing your experience. Wishing you all the best in whatever you pursue next!
Ryan Lavarnway
10:47
Thank you! I'm glad you got something from it :)
Ron Rychener
10:48
Ryan- What do think about the electronics intrusion into the signal exchange between pitcher and catechetical?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:48
If it prevents sign stealing and speeds up the game I'm all for it
Braydon
10:48
Hi Ryan,
Ryan Lavarnway
10:48
Hi!
Dotel/jackson
10:48
Did you have any conversation with Octavio Dotel or Edwin Jackson as you continued to add franchises to the back of the baseball card?
Ryan Lavarnway
10:49
Hahaha, no. But I played with Edwin on 2 or maybe even 3 different teams and he is an awesome guy
JTR
10:49
From a professional catchers perspective, how awesome is Realmuto??
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