The Stealth Bomber Series: Interview with CF Damon Sublett
Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 9:28 pm by Admiral Piett
In our Stealth Bomber series, we talk to players in the farm system who aren't yet on the New York radar, but hope one day to be so.
In this edition, NoMaas' Admiral Firmus Piett talks with CF Damon Sublett. The Yankees drafted Damon in the 7th round of the 2007 draft out of Witchita State. The 24-year old has posted a line of .285/.389/.442 over 224 minor league games. He began his pro career as a 2B, but was moved to CF in 2009, where he helped the Tampa Yankees win the Florida State League championship.
Admiral Firmus Piett: You have a reputation for being disciplined at the plate, working walks and deep counts. Is that something that has always been a part of your game, or have you had to work to attain this quality?
Damon Sublett: I've had that approach to hitting since I was a kid. I've always thought that in order for your team to score, somebody has to get on base. I also think that making the pitcher work harder can only be a good thing. I like seeing a lot of pitches and working deep in the count.
AFP: The Yankees moved you to CF last year and your strong arm and speed should serve you well there. What was that transition like for you and how does it change your focus moving forward?
DS: Well, it happened kind of quickly, and I didn't have much time to make the change, but in some ways that probably made the transition easier. It didn't take long before I really liked playing out there, and now I think I actually prefer it over an infielder spot. But my focus is the same as its always been - keep working on being a better player, and continuing to be a valuable player to the Yankees. If that means a different position, I'm good with that, I'm here to play baseball.
AFP: Your pro career so far has been abbreviated by injuries, but you were able to stay on the field more in 2009. Did you change anything in your conditioning program to help prevent future injuries?
DS: Well, after missing a big part of the 2008 season, I've pretty much played every day. I have spent a lot more time in the last 2 off-seasons working on getting bigger, stronger, and more flexible, and I think that has made a difference.
AFP: What does your off-season conditioning program include?
DS: I could go forever on this question. I love to workout and be in the weight room. This year I started a little earlier than I normally would, as I wanted to put on 20-30 pounds. I'm in the gym 5-6 days a week. I lift 5 days and week and I run a couple times a week. I gained about 25 pounds this off-season so hopefully all the hard work will pay off.
AFP: What was it like playing for Luis Sojo?
DS: I would have to say that was a unique experience. Luis kinda puts out a mostly 'laid-back' attitude, but underneath that, there's this competitive element that helps keep the focus from wandering too far.
AFP: Tell us about your experience winning the FSL Championship with your team.
DS: The 2009 season was kind of like in 2 parts. The first couple of months, we had trouble putting together any kind of consistency, but then in early June, things just started to click - not just for me, but for pretty much the whole team. I knew soon after that we were going to have a good shoot at winning the championship.
AFP: What are your goals for the 2010 season?
DS: I've got several things I would like to focus on - but my main priorities are: first, get past the idea that I'm somewhat new to the outfield - I want to be a defensive asset, not just 'good enough to get by'. I think I've already made some real good progress there. Beyond that, I also think I'm ready to move up a notch or two in offensive production. I've learned a lot the last couple of years, and I think it's going to start paying off by improving my consistency over the long run.
AFP: What specific areas of your game do your coaches emphasize for you to work on?
DS: Right now, we are focusing on basestealing and creating more backspin when impacting the baseball.
AFP: During the season, what does a typical day look like? Do you have any habits or superstitions?
DS: I get to the ball park around 1:30pm or maybe earlier. I hit in the cage and do any early work before batting practice which is usually around 4:00pm. After BP I have some sort of pregame meal and then I usually have an hour or so to sit around and relax before the game starts. I don’t really have any set-in-stone habits. I like to call my wife before each game, so I guess that would be the biggest thing. Other than that I just go out and play hard and hope for the best.
Many thanks to D-Sub for chatting with NoMaas, and we wish him the best of luck in the upcoming season.
Tags: damon sublett, farm system, interviews





Putting on 25 pounds in one off-season really isn’t that hard.
How do you get more backspin when hitting the ball?
These interviews are fabuloso!
Adam,
You have a level swing and drive through the lower half of the ball
Thanks, Chip. Would that give the ball more lift? Looks like Sublett has the plate discipline thing down. Next is the power.
Putting on 25 pounds in a week is probably no problem for you, Fat Pete. I think he was takling about actual muscle here and not just straight ass fat that you are use to.
I used beer and hot dogs, Fat Pete feeds off criticism of A-Rod. Without it, he would starve to death.
Did Johnny Damon keep his old apartment? Why is this guy subletting?
^That’s hilarious.
Will any one be in a position to smell a smoke smell on me?
it also bring back to mind about the day I ran into my husband.