NL DIVISION SERIES: BREWERS VS BRAVES

October 11, 2021

Orlando Arcia

Truist Park

Atlanta Braves

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. I know you just got here, but can you give us an overall kind of vibe of the clubhouse? How is this team feeling going into Game 3?

ORLANDO ARCIA: Good morning. I think the energy and the vibe in the clubhouse is really good right now, especially considering we have Heredia there and he does a good job of keeping everyone engaged and energized, whether anyone in the dugout or the clubhouse. But for us as far as we're all concerned it's a normal day. It's a normal game we've got to go out there and take care of business.

Q. For you, what has it been like going against your former organization, the Brewers, and how has that maybe helped you in the postseason when it comes to the pitching staff, when you faced them? What have you been able to share with the guys?

ORLANDO ARCIA: I feel good, and obviously they have a tremendous team over there and they have tremendous pitchers. But I think, for me, it's just about getting in, doing the early work, putting in the time, reading the scouting reports, watching the video and just sort of scouting and learning about what they've been doing lately and going in with those preparations anytime I go in to face anybody.

Q. In Milwaukee, you were the guy who kept everybody engaged and energized. How hard was it to go to a new team to try to do the same? Did it take a while to feel comfortable?

ORLANDO ARCIA: I think I've said this before, but I'm going to be the same person, the same ball player regardless of where I'm at. So I just try to bring that same energy, and I know I referenced Heredia earlier, but I think between him and myself we definitely keep everyone loose but energized and engaged. And I think there's been a sort of positive reaction to that energy we bring.

Q. Getting back to Heredia, we see him chatting with Willy in both games 1 and 2. Are you laughing or are you talking with him? And just how much entertainment does he provide in that dugout?

ORLANDO ARCIA: Honestly, I think it's just constant laughter if you're anywhere near him in the dugout because you have no idea who he's talking to, but he's always talking to someone. He could be out there talking to a fan in the stands or could be talking to someone in the field, you have no idea.

But he's always talking and he always brings that energy. And so, honestly, I feel like I lost my voice from just being next to him during Game 2.

Q. In Game 1, did Omar Narvaez say anything to you when you came into the box or is it too serious a moment? And what was it like facing Josh Hader?

ORLANDO ARCIA: I mean, it was just a familiar greeting as always. We had a good relationship in Milwaukee. So it was the usual greeting we would exchange with one another.

And everyone knows that Hader is a tremendous closer. And so I think he was just out there trying to do his job. And same for me, though; I was just trying to put together a good at-bat and make good contact with the ball and drive that run in. Obviously it didn't work out. But here we are here today.

Q. I know you were, I'm pretty sure, with Milwaukee when Soler was with the Cubs. So, I'm thinking you might have seen him from afar quite a bit that season. But what's it been like having him as a teammate and the evolution of his game that you've seen?

ORLANDO ARCIA: Tremendous person. Tremendous teammate. And I think we've -- me personally, but we've all continued to enjoy watching him elevate his game. It's come to the point where I think we expect him to keep playing the way he's been playing, keep contributing all the way through the end of the season.

Q. I know we've all asked Joc about the pearls. Do you have any idea about the pearls? It's become this huge thing that he's wearing the pearls. Fans are wearing the pearls. A lot of guys wear the chains. Do you know why he wears pearls that you can share with us without breaking a code?

ORLANDO ARCIA: Honestly, he's just a clown. (Laughter). And between him, myself and Heredia, I'd say we're the three clowns of the team. One day he just showed up wearing the pearl necklace and he told us all he liked it and stuck with it ever since.

Q. In Game 1 there was a moment where Luis Urias was going for a ball by you. You yelled at him and you shared a laugh afterwards. How long did it take to get going against some of these guys? How fun is it to be able to share a laugh even during competition like that?

ORLANDO ARCIA: You know, it's the playoffs now. So I think you've got to take all those old relationships and you kind of gotta put them behind you a little bit. Obviously we were teammates in Milwaukee and all that.

But right now you have to focus on the job at hand and not give so much attention to the other team and whatnot. But when he made that play, it was kind of normal chitchat and I'm obviously kind of -- I talked to him a little bit over at third base. He looked over and finally he said, shh, that's enough.

Q. Did the fans say anything during those first two days that stand out to you? And did you steal any ice cream while we weren't looking?

ORLANDO ARCIA: During, when we were out in the field, prior to the game, I felt like I only heard kind of positive remarks. And good feedback from the fans. And so all positive stuff. And then I didn't see any ice cream nearby. So I didn't get a chance to take any.