The Oakland Athletics made quite a few big moves in the off season – many of them adding a number of new prospects to the minor league system, and the Stockton Ports were not unaffected by all of the trades. Ports RHP A.J. Cole was picked up from the Washington Nationals for pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Rob Gilliam, IF Miles Head was acquired by from the Boston Red Sox for Andrew Bailey and Ryan Sweeney, and OF Eliezer Mesa was the player to be named later in the Mark Ellis trade to the Colorado Rockies. Mesa, who played in the California League on the Modesto Nuts last season, traveled all of 30 minutes to join the 2012 Ports in Stockton. However, the journey for A.J. Cole and Miles Head was a bit longer, so we sat down with those two to talk about the adjustment to the Athletics organization as well as the California league.

A.J. Cole pitching for Stockton 4/13. Photo Courtesy of Sean Kahler.

A.J. Cole

You grew up in Florida, and played on the East Coast, how do you like California so far? What’s the biggest difference being out here?

It’s a lot different, I mean I’ve been out here before, but it’s a whole different atmosphere playing baseball, and I’m getting used to it – it’s taking a little bit, but it’s not bad so far. The way the ball flies, that’s probably the biggest difference. And the weather, it’s a lot cooler over here – its nice weather.

How have you had to adjust as a pitcher, and how different is the offensive environment in the California League compared to the South Atlantic League?

Well since I’m still new out here, I still have to adjust and figure out the best way for me to pitch. I know the ball’s gonna fly out here no matter what, so I’ve got to find little adjustments to try to keep the ball down more and make them hit more ground balls and fly balls.

How are your relationships with the pitching staff developing? What have they been working with you on so far this season?

So far, I’ve been getting better with the pitching staff – getting in there, getting to know them a lot better, and we’ve been working pretty good so far. We’ve just been working on little things – not major changes, just little tweaks. Both of our goals are to get through the season, stay healthy and just perform well.

Have they talked about where they see you going, or where do you see yourself in the future? You were the #4 prospect for the Nationals, how do you think being a prospect for Oakland will change your career?

Hopefully I see myself in the big leagues sometime soon; I’m trying to work hard for it. And they’re trying to help me, any way they can to get me there, because that’s their goal for me. But, you never know where you’re going until the time comes. And a lot of times, I don’t listen to prospect numbers or anything like that, because personally I think they’re just numbers. You still have to prove to yourself and anyone else what your abilities are, and mostly by proving to yourself what you’re capable of doing. So I’m just going out there and doing what I know I can do, getting through the season.

Miles Head

Miles Head knocks out a HR on Opening Night 2012. Photo Courtesy of Sean Kahler.

You grew up in Georgia, and played on the East Coast, how do you like California so far? What’s the biggest difference being out here?

The weather out here’s great, it’s a little different being far away from home, and away from my friends and family. But it’s a pretty cool experience to be out here for the summer. I hadn’t been here before, and I’d say the biggest difference is there not many Chick-fil-A’s out here and no sweet tea, so it’s kinda weird for me.

What would you say are the biggest differences between the South Atlantic League or Carolina League and the California League? Have you had to adjust as a hitter?

In the Cal League, the ball flies a lot better out here, from what I’ve seen and where we’ve played. But other than that, there’s not really a big difference. And no, I’ve just been trying to stick with my approach that I’ve been working on for the past 3 or 4 years since I’ve been in pro ball, just trying to stick with that.

You’ve been doing incredibly well here so far, what do you attribute that to?

I would say just my approach, my mental approach at the plate, going there not trying to do too much, and staying within myself.

You were drafted by Boston as a third baseman and they transitioned you to first, and now you’re in between, how’s that process working out?

I like it; I mean its fun being able to play two different positions. It’s a little different, I’m a little rusty at third because I haven’t played there in a couple years, but I feel like I’m getting the hang of it.

Have the coaches talked to you at all about where you’re going to end up? And which position do you actually prefer?

They haven’t said anything to me; I’m just going out and playing every day where ever they put me. Just keep hitting – that’s what I’m gonna do. And I would say first right now, because I’m used to it, but I like them both the same.

How are your relationships developing with the coaching staff and those in the A’s organization developing? How do you think you’ll develop as an Athletics prospect?

I love the coaching staff, we get along great. They’ve taught me a lot of stuff since I’ve been here. As a team, we have really good camaraderie and everyone gets along really well. And I hope good, just gonna keep working at it and hopefully I’ll be in the big leagues in a couple years.

Finally, any goals or expectations for the season?

I would say goals – just stay consistent with myself, that’s the biggest thing. Not try to go on any long hitting streaks or any bad fielding streaks – just trying to stay consistent.

Editorial Note 4/25: Currently, Miles has yet to allow an error in the field and is on a 19 game hitting streak – that’s the type of consistency we like to see!