• 10 months ago
Arkansas Razorbacks Ben McLaughlin with the media after Friday afternoon's practice at Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.
Transcript
00:00 So another year back, we haven't got talked to you in a while.
00:03 I guess how's fall and now getting back out there?
00:07 How's that going?
00:08 >> It's good, I'm excited for this team and the season.
00:12 Feels good to be competing again.
00:14 Happy to be back here and I think this team's gonna do some special things.
00:18 >> Yeah, and you've had another year under this coaching staff.
00:21 I guess, is there anything in specific during the off season that you worked on?
00:25 >> Yeah, just getting myself bigger, faster, stronger.
00:28 I think it's been huge for me, just making sure I'm in a good spot to compete at
00:32 the highest level.
00:33 I think just putting on some weight, feeling more athletic has been very
00:37 beneficial to me.
00:38 >> Yeah, got a hold of one today?
00:41 Always feels good to get a hold, just walk me through it.
00:43 >> Yeah, had a couple at bats early,
00:48 didn't feel great in the box necessarily, but Frank's a guy I've seen many times.
00:53 He's a great pitcher.
00:54 He just left the change up off and
00:56 I was just trying to get my best swing off, felt good to get it.
00:59 In that situation, being down one.
01:01 >> Yeah, and every year, seems like nowadays you'll always have a huge group of
01:06 new people, just meeting everyone new and
01:09 getting to know basically a whole new team again.
01:11 >> I mean, just being around this team, it's a different group, but
01:16 it's a great group, bunch of guys with the same goals.
01:19 I mean, we have one goal in mind and
01:21 that's what we show up every day to compete for.
01:24 And that's what I love about this team.
01:26 >> And then DBH mentioned that you and Jack Wagner may or
01:29 may not split time at first base and split time throughout the field.
01:33 Does he kind of mention how he kind of wants to use you here as you get close?
01:37 >> No, not yet.
01:38 I mean, I think having that competition is huge for both of us.
01:42 We push each other every single day.
01:44 And no matter which way he goes with that,
01:46 I think it's only gonna help this team be great.
01:49 I think we're both unselfish guys.
01:51 So no matter who's in the lineup, who's playing first,
01:54 it doesn't really matter to us because we know we both can do it.
01:56 >> I guess, what have you seen?
01:57 I mean, facing all the new pitchers that you all have,
02:00 is there anyone in particular that kind of sticks out in all these scrimmages?
02:04 >> I mean, I think they're all great.
02:06 I don't think it's fair to just point one out just because the staff is
02:10 unbelievable top to bottom.
02:12 So I think all those guys together are gonna be a pretty special group.
02:16 >> And I guess Razorback fans, they've kind of had a rough fall going through it.
02:21 I guess we're two weeks out.
02:22 Just, I guess your message to them is we get ready to go.
02:26 >> I think they should be ready for something special.
02:28 I feel like they've been let down recently, but this baseball team is special.
02:32 We're gonna get the job done.