Barber: Welcome once again to Dodger Talk. Today is a bit different. I usually interview one Dodger at a time. Today I have 4. Bob Gillespie, Nick Strincevich, Augie Galan, and Pete Reiser, the four players selected from the Brooklyn squad to this year's all-star game. They helped the National League to a 9-2 victory over the Junior Circuit. Augie Galan was named the MVP of the All-Star Game. Let's talk to you first, Augie, Describe the All-Star experience for you.
Galan: It was great. It's always nice to be selected to the game and get a chance to hang out with the stars of the game. I've never thought of myself certainly as being in the same category as some of these other guys but I'm pleased that some people think that highly of me.
Barber: You provided the big hit of the game. An eighth innning grand slam to break the game open against the Tigers' Bill Fleming. Walk us throught that.
Galan: Well before that at-bat I was 0 for 3 and was mainly just concentrating on doing something positive to keep from being emberrased. I got a hold of the pitch and was able to hit it over the fence and that felt real good.
Barber: You recently signed a 3 year extention to keep you with the Dodgers. Why did you decide to stay in Brooklyn?
Galan: I know a lot of guys who have switched teams in order to get a little more money and found out they weren't happy anymore. I am payed well here. I'm taking a pay cut sure but I realize I'm not the same player I was. These bones are getting older. My family is happy here. I'm happy here. The organization has always treated me well and playing here gives me a chance to go to the World Series every year. Why leave that.
Barber: Nick, same question to you. Why did you decide to sign an extention with the Dodgers?
Strincevich: Well I feel the same way Augie does. I found a very welcoming clubhouse when I got here. Every time you step on the field you know you're going to have a packed house cheering you on. I've always felt once you've found happiness then stop looking. Don't risk it trying to find some place with a bit greener grass cause chances are it won't be as good. My kids quickly fell in love with Brooklyn, made a bunch of friends and want to stay here. I want to stay here too.
Barber: Now the trade that brought you here involved Rube Melton going to the Pirates. Did you have a chance to talk to Rube at the game?
Strincevich: Yes but we really didn't talk about the trade. He's doing great in Pittsburgh. We both made the all-star game so I guess this is one which worked out for both sides.
Barber: Bob Gillespie, you made your first ever All-Star game but you didn't get a chance to play. Did that bother you?
Gillespie: No, I was so happy about being there with all of these guys who I have always admired that I really didn't get upset about not getting in the game. It was a wonderful experience that I will always remember. This season has been so great. I feel like it's too good to be true.
Barber: You battled with Joe Hatten in spring training for the last position as a starting pitcher on the team. Through the first half of the season you've been the team's best and most consistent pitcher. Why have you been so good?
Gillespie: Well I spent a lot of time with Hal Gregg this offseason. He really taught me a lot about the mental side of the game, how to outthink the hitter as well as some other tips and I feel that has really hepled me. I'm feeling really good right now and just can't wait for the rest of the season.
Barber: That bring us to Peter Reiser. You're batting average is about the same this year as it was last. But you're on pace to hit 15 more homers and drive in 30 more runs. Did you bulk up during the offseason?
Reiser: Believe it or not, I really didn't do anything differntly this offseason. There have just been periods of time this year when I've been in the zone, seeing the ball good and hitting it hard. I just need to be more consistent in that regard and really put some fear into opposing pitchers.
Barber: Right now the team is in 5th place but just a game out of second. How do you guys see the season going from here on out.
Galan: Well we've won 5 straight and about 2/3 of our games in the last 2 months. If we can keep that up then we will be right with the Cardinals in a very short period of time.
Reiser: We'd love a chance to play the first month over again but that's not going to happen so we have to take advantage of the rest of our games and hopefully we'll still be playing in October.
Barber: Thank you all for stopping in today and congratulations to Bob Gillespie, Pete Reiser, Augie Galan, and Nick Strincevich, all of them all-stars. Good luck the rest of the way and we'll see you next time on Dodger Talk.
