ITW: Are you signed now?

Tyler Kolodny: Yeah, I’m signed and I’m actually here in Sarasota right now.

ITW: Are you going to be heading to rookie-level Bluefield?

Tyler Kolodny: No. Bluefield is the next level. I’m at Sarasota right now in the Gulf [Coast] League.

ITW: Do you have an advisor?

Tyler Kolodny: Yeah, I have an agent- Paul Cohen.

ITW: Were you committed to play anywhere before you signed with the Orioles?

Tyler Kolodny: Yes, Fresno State Us.

ITW: When you were growing up, obviously you’re on the other coast, what team were you a fan of?

Tyler Kolodny: I was a diehard Dodgers fan.

ITW: Would you say you modeled your game after anyone in particular?

Tyler Kolodny: I would have to say a mixture of David Wright and Jackie Robinson. Those are two guys that I look at and I really like; or even David Wright and Scott Rolen. I’d pick those two actually because they are at my position. Those two guys I really, really… I just try and learn from them.

ITW: What part of their games is it that you try to emulate?

Tyler Kolodny: One thing, especially with Scott Rolen, is the hustle. And the way both of those guys handle themselves on the field; body language. They’re focused but, at the same time, they look comfortable and stay loose. They have a presence and an aura about them that stands out from the other players. I like how they can pick it at third base also.

ITW: You mentioned playing third base and you were drafted as a third baseman. Were there any other positions you played at in high school?

Tyler Kolodny: As a freshman, I played outfield. As a sophomore, I played first base.

ITW: Would you say you feel most comfortable at third base?

Tyler Kolodny: Yeah, third base is my position and it comes natural to me.

ITW: Have the Orioles indicated that they are keeping you at third base?

Tyler Kolodny: Oh yes, definitely. I’m actually playing third base tomorrow.

ITW: When you were going through the draft process, did you know that the Orioles were looking at you?

Tyler Kolodny: Yes, but they were lower on the list than other teams. There were a good five or six teams that I thought for sure were going to be picking before the Orioles. So I wouldn’t say the Orioles were a shocker, but it was a little bit of a surprise.

ITW: Did you go in about the round you expected to?

Tyler Kolodny: No, I actually did not see myself going in lower than the tenth round. I talked to some people and scouts were honest with me. They said I was higher on their [draft] boards and I didn’t expect to go lower than the tenth round and I ended up going in the sixteenth [round]. It ended up being a long day; however, I am truly excited for the opportunity. There’s no regrets and now we’re all the same.

ITW: What areas would you say you stand out in?

Tyler Kolodny: I’d have to say, straight up, as a hitter. I do have power, but I get a lot of base hits and doubles and I’m a tough out. As a hitter, I would say, is my best asset.

ITW: What part of your game would you say needs the most work before you move up to the next level?

Tyler Kolodny: I need to improve every aspect of my game, number one. I am still a long ways away from reaching my potential. However, I would have to say, better accuracy on my throws or being more consistent about hitting to the opposite field. Sometimes… a lot of times, I get pull happy.

Michael Hollman is the Senior Writer for Inside The Warehouse and can be reached via email at Publisher@InsideTheWarehouse.com