Keeping up with the Houston Astros Carlos Correa

Part 1: Correa’s Past

Jun 18, 2013; Dayton, OH, USA; West shortstop Carlos Correa, left, and Byron Buxton, right, during the Midwest League-All Star Game at Fifth Third Field. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

CTH: What do you do in the offseason to get ready for the season?

Correa: During the offseason, I wake up early in the morning, go to the gym for three hours. Then I go to get something to eat and then work on my baseball skills to better myself. I’m regularly working for six hours a day in the offseason to improve my skill set. I start lifting again in October and start hitting in November until spring training.

CTH: What did it feel like to be the number one overall player drafted in 2012?

Correa: Great, it was good for me to see all my hard work that my family and I have put into learning baseball paid off. I was living the dream at that time. Was I surprised that I was drafted number one? Yes, but I knew my talent, and I knew the Astros had a good idea of what to expect from me in the future.

CTH: What inspired you to play baseball, and which player did you idolize as a kid?

Correa: When I was five-years-old, my dad wanted to take me to a baseball game to just have fun. We went to the game, and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to play baseball too, like them. I started playing baseball at the age of six and enjoyed playing shortstop. My favorite player was Derek Jeter because of the way he played and carried himself as a baseball player and person. I model my play after Jeter’s game, and I hope I will be as good a player as him someday!

CTH: The past two seasons, you won the championship with Quad Cities and Lancaster. What made those two teams successful?

Correa: They were both special teams with great players trying to work hard to get better. The Astros did an excellent job of putting great talent on the teams, and we found a way to be successful with hard work. Those teams had great coaches who wanted their players to work harder to become better.

CTH: Which player have you played with or against that has really impressed you?

Correa: I have played against many prospects, but the two that really stands out is Byron Buxton that one year that he was doing well. The second player is Corey Seager, who I can see being a good shortstop like myself. It doesn’t matter who you play against, as long as you go out and compete, you can win against even the best players. We all play and compete.

CTH: Which coach has helped you the most in your development, and has it helped you getting the professional coaching at 18 and 19 years old?

Correa: All the coaches have had a big influence on my career so far, giving me the skills to succeed through their instructions. The base coaches have helped me learn how to steal bases, and the hitting coaches have helped me with my swing. Is there one particular coach that stands out? No, because they have all helped me become better.

Next: Part 2: Correa on Correa