Q&A: Paul Skenes, Dylan Crews talk expectations, postseason

Just hours after Dylan Crews was named the SEC Player of the Year and Paul Skenes the SEC Pitcher of the Year, the two met with the media to discuss the upcoming postseason run, their seasons, and more. Here’s a rundown of what the two said.

Dylan Crews

On battling through slump: “I look up and I’m still doing pretty well. I had a little hiccup in the road but I’m just trying to stay mentally focused.”

“It’s important for us to control the line of scrimmage in baseball, which is the strikezone.” Says they’ve continued to lock in on that throughout the final stretch of the season.”

On the pressure throughout the season: “This has always been a program of excellence and expectations. We’re not listening to anything outside of the locker room and just trusting the guy next to us.”

Approaching this tournament: “We’re going in here trying to win this tournament, honestly. We all really want to win and fulfill those expectations.”

On Paul Skenes: He’s one of those guys you know what you’re going to get out of him every single day. He’s a true leader on this team and he’s getting the younger guys on board with his approach to the game.”

On handling pitchers pitching around him: “It’s something I’ve had to work on and adapt to. I’m still not perfect at it. Just learning how to hit in deeper counts, walk more, and take those types of at bats.”

Handling injuries: It’s not something we’ve kept secret, we’ve had a lot of unfortunate injuries on this team. Having guys like Pearson and Travinski and guys in the bullpen stepping up when we’ve needed them. They’ve been mentally ready for us.” Mentions freshmen in the bullpen stepping up and being ready.

On winning SEC player of the year: “It shows the hard work is paying off and it’s for the people that have helped me get to where I am today. Looking back, this is something I’ll always remember and I’ll always be thankful for.”

Making All-SEC defense team: “Based on history I definitely proved myself that I can stay there and I want to stay there as long as I can, but if I have to be in the corner then I’ll be the best I can at that position.”

Paul Skenes

SEC Pitcher of the year: “It’s really cool obviously. That’s not the reason I came to the SEC, but it helps acknowledge what we accomplished in the SEC this year.”

“I think we’re in a really good spot after that Georgia series. We saw a lot both at the plate and on the mound.”

Preparing for the postseason: “Has to be super dynamic and flexible since I’m not sure when I’m pitching and who I’m pitching against. I’m going to have to gameplan for myself. Not knowing who we’re going to play makes it challenging, but also makes it fun.”

Staff dealing with the injuries: “guys like Thatcher Hurd, Griffin Herring, and Gavin Guidry all have bigger roles now that people are out. I still believe we have the best staff in the SEC even with the pitchers that have gone down. We just have to have guys step up like we know we can. It’s going to be great to see.”

Did this season go as planned? “No, I don’t think you can really have a plan and it stick together. Obviously we had some guys get hurt. I didn’t know I was going to not be hitting. We figured that all out. Honestly I didn’t know what the plan was going to be entering the year, but it’s been a cool journey to see and to let it play out.”

On hitting: “I want to hit for sure, but I want to win more than anything. I think the risk-reward is not worth it and that’s been my mindset this year and that’s increased as the year went on. I really miss hitting and I also miss catching.”

How he’s grown as a pitcher: “My awareness and my plan. I’ve gotten stronger and I’m throwing harder, but my awareness of how to pitch has gotten much better.”