AL DIVISION SERIES: MARINERS VS ASTROS

October 10, 2022

Scott Servais

Minute Maid Park

Seattle Mariners

Workout Day Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We'll get started with Scott Servais.

Q. One quick question regarding the New York-San Diego series. I wanted to get your opinion on that. There was a lot of timeouts sometimes called by, in order to cut the pitcher's consistency, what say you. Do you think that's a tool that should be used often or is this overused? I wanted your opinion about it. And obviously what brought you here, this game against the Houston --

SCOTT SERVAIS: That's a very interesting first question, I got to say. Let me try to work my way through that one.

So your question is, just to make sure I'm clearly understanding, the pace at which pitchers work or you're talking about the fact that something was checked on his body? Which one are you talking about?

Q. Not the one about the check with the ear --

SCOTT SERVAIS: Yeah. No, we're talking about the ear.

Q. We're talking about sometimes doing over timeouts or what say you in order to cut the rhythm of the batter.

SCOTT SERVAIS: Oh, yeah, yeah, I understand. Just the momentum of the game. Trying to slow it down and whatnot.

Yeah, it's something that, it happens quite a bit in the postseason. It's not really any different than any other postseason. The games do get a little bit slower. They will slow down. The magnitude of the play, the game, the pitches are sometimes a little bit bigger. So seeing guys take a little bit more time between pitches, whether it's stepping out of the box or walking around the mound, pretty normal. So I can't really comment on the whole Mets-San Diego. We were flying here. I didn't see much of the game. I won't comment on that one.

But interesting opening question, I gotta say. I wasn't expecting that one.

Q. The opponent that you have in front of you guys, a very tough opponent that you guys know. Anything different about facing them in the postseason rather than the regular season?

SCOTT SERVAIS: Obviously, the Astros have a very talented team. They have dominated the division here for a number of years. Everybody on their roster has got a lot of postseason experience. We understand that. We understand what we're up against.

We are super excited to be here, okay? And our team has done a lot of things here over the last month, couple months, to put ourselves in this position, and we feel really good about our chances, but we got to go out and play. The game is taken care of on the field. It doesn't matter what I say here.

But we're looking forward to it. Our team has taken on a very good, I want to say, focused identity here over recent weeks. I feel really good about our club. We're in a little bit different team right now than we were earlier in the year, so...

Q. Two-part question: Thoughts about going against Verlander and what have you thought about Altuve once again this year?

SCOTT SERVAIS: First of all, Justin Verlander, I mean, what can you say? Unbelievable Hall of Fame-type career, on top of his game, maybe better than he's ever been most recently. We certainly have seen him a lot through the years, and he's not slowing down, unfortunately for us.

Again, a really good competitor, got great stuff, knows what he's doing out there in the big moments. It will be a challenge for us, no question about it. We've faced him quite a bit, do understand that's really good at making adjustments throughout the course of a game. So as he's adjusting, we have to recognize where we're at and what he's doing against us.

So again, playoff games oftentimes come down to two or three different at-bats throughout the course of the game. Our guys, I think, are aware of that and big thing for us is not try to do too much.

José? Again, another guy I've seen a lot of over the years. Fantastic player, knows what he's doing, ton of experience. He also has had his moments in the playoffs.

Again, I'm looking at what we bring to the table. Again, we're in Houston, glad to talk about the Astros, but I'm more excited about our team. If we play our game, I feel really good about our chances in this series.

Q. What are your memories of playing for Dusty back with the Giants and what's it like going it against in the playoffs a manager that you played for?

SCOTT SERVAIS: Yeah, a ton of respect for Dusty. I got the opportunity to play for a number of different managers throughout my career. When you eventually get the opportunity to sit in this seat, you take bits and pieces from each guy that you played for.

And the thing I certainly learned from Dusty, the impact you can have on players when you get them to believe in themselves. Dusty is ultimately known as the ultimate players' manager. How does he do that? He's a good motivator. He can relate to anybody that's ever put a uniform on, which is a credit to him.

So I certainly have learned a lot from him in the short time I played for him. I think getting the opportunity to manage against him, again, ton of respect. I know how he does it in his clubhouse. And, again, everybody manages the game a little bit differently, but he does it the right way. He's a pro. His experience as a player, coaching, managing, I mean, he's pretty much done it all in the game.

Q. The series that you guys won here earlier in the year, obviously there were fireworks, but the end result was winning two of three, something you hadn't done in a while. How big was that? I know the last few games that you played against 'em you didn't have your full lineup against 'em, but how big was it to come in here and show that you can win after a lot of years where some goofy things happened and a lot of tough losses?

SCOTT SERVAIS: I think we have had some rough years coming into this ballpark and winning. Part of it was we were at a certain growth point in our development. As a team and an organization, we were turning things over. We were going with a much younger team. A team that maybe wasn't ready to come in here and compete.

I think after how we ended the season last year on a real positive note and had a very good vibe coming into this year, I think guys were anxious to get down here and play much better in this ballpark. And I think we have. I think we've pitched very well against the Astros this year. We did not play particularly well against them in the second half of our schedule against them.

But early on, when we had more of our regular lineup in there, I liked how we played against 'em.

These games come down, like I said, two or three at-bats, executing, staying in the moment, and we're in a good spot team-wise right now. So I understand matchups and regular season and all that other stuff. Be careful reading too much into that at this time of year.

The Astros, I'm sure, can attest to that. You play teams when they're hotter, colder, injured, healthy, everything is different at this time of year because if you can walk, you're going to be out there playing. This is the playoffs. This is what these guys are driven towards. So you get everybody's best effort at this time of year.

Q. With Logan going tomorrow, just with the extra rest, how much more conviction do you have in what he can bring for you guys and is the plan to go with Luis in Game 2, and if so, beyond that, have you guys mapped out the rotation?

SCOTT SERVAIS: We will pitch Logan tomorrow. After that, to be determined. As far as Logan's going, he's had a phenomenal season. You go back to the adjustments he made in the off-season, the secondary pitch has gotten much more consistent, different look to his whole repertoire and how he uses it.

I thought he had an awesome first half. I thought he was very deserving going to the All-Star Game. It didn't happen for him. A little bump in the road in the second half in August. I think he's really turned it on in September. The last couple outings have been phenomenal. His ability to carry his stuff deep into the game. The last time out there in the 8th inning, we're seeing 97, 98 Miles an hour with quality breaking balls. He's a very good competitor.

So as far as having confidence and putting him out there in Game 1 in this environment against Verlander, no better guy for us. Take it and run with it.

Q. In what way have you seen Julio grow the most from the beginning of the season to where he's at now?

SCOTT SERVAIS: Good question. I think just understanding the game and what is called for at the big league level and how quickly you have to make adjustments. I think when you go along through the minor leagues, you just don't play the same teams as often, and you certainly don't have all the information and reports on how they break you down.

So I think he's understanding the importance of preparation at the big league level, which is way different than it is at the minor league level. His routine right now is as solid as any guy that's got five or six years in the league has ever seen. He is locked in. It took him a little while to figure it out, how much time to spend with the media, how much time to give friends and family when's on the road, like teammates, and how to put it all together at 21 years old. I could never have, I wasn't ready to do that. So credit to him.

But I think that's the biggest thing. His ability to make adjustments in game is outstanding. He understands what they're doing to him in the batter's box and how he needs to maybe make an adjustment to get the result he's looking for.

But above and beyond that is his preparation and his routine when he gets to the ballpark every day. That took him awhile. It did. Like, do I show up this time? What do I do when I get here? Like, he right now has an awesome routine and that's a credit to him and also some of our veteran players that have helped him out.

Q. Thinking about Mitch Haniger and his story, the last couple celebrations, you're there, when you've seen him able to enjoy this moment, all that he's endured to get back on the field, all the years he's been here, what have been your reflections own just watching his journey?

SCOTT SERVAIS: Both Mitch and Marco González have been here the longest with me. And to kind of see the whole turnaround from where we were in 2017 and 2018 to kind of the step back, rebuild, whatever you want to call it. And those guys being a part of the entire thing through it.

Now in Mitch's case, dealt with a very serious injury, and his ability to get back on the field and perform at the level he's at, it's a credit to him. I don't think anybody saw or could anticipate what would happen health-wise with him.

But when you're in those moments and you finally get to the point now you are clinching and you are winning a first round series in the playoffs. And, you know, get to talk to him and appreciate it, I have a ton of respect for him. Because ever since we acquired him, for me, he's like the epitome of a professional player. Like, he is as prepared with his body, eating the right things, sleeping the right way, working out at the right moment, understanding his swing, understanding the opponent, understanding his teammates -- he's got the whole gamut. He's got it covered, and he does not back off. It's almost like a machine. It's a robot. But that's what makes him good, and understanding that.

But I have a ton of appreciation for that and what that can do to the rest of the guys in the clubhouse.

It's not for everybody, okay. He may think it is but it's not for everybody. But guys go, Oh, this is what Hanny's doing. Hanny's watching video. What does Hanny think about this pitcher? What's Hanny doing on his off day? What's Hanny doing in between workouts or whatever?

Like players are curious. They see the guy going through it. Every day grinding through it. The success he's had. And maybe it will help me. So that has rubbed off in our clubhouse.

Q. Two questions, could you expand on something you said a few moments ago. You said you feel like your team in recent weeks or so has taken on a more focused identity. Can you tell us more about that?

SCOTT SERVAIS: Always proud of the way we prepare. I always have been. I think we just have become, there's more tunnel vision here than maybe there has been in years past. And rightly so.

When you play for the Seattle Mariners, it's been 21 years since you've been in the playoffs. The tunnel vision has been on a singular focus of how to end the drought. And not just -- we talked about it as soon as we got close, this was that we were just started. This team is just starting. And our team has bought into that and they believe that.

So the focus has just become more, it's just more tunnel vision. And you're talking to guys and it's about one thing at this time of year. That's the beauty of the playoffs. It's about one thing. What do we need to do to win today's game.

It's not about preparing for the next day. Or we need to give this guy three or four days off. Or this guy needs a mental break. It's all about, No, no, Skip, what do you need me to do today? Whatever I can do to help the team win, I'm in.

Like that's the beauty of the playoffs. And that's where our team's at right now. So that's what I meant by that.

Q. We had a chance to talk to José Altuve today and ask him what he's seen from the Mariners this year. And he said that the Mariners are playing not to be heros, they're playing to win. And I'm guessing all 30 managers would like it if that was said about their team. How have -- and it hasn't just been the last two weeks that that's been the case, right. So with that in mind how have you managed to instill that type of mentality in your clubhouse?

SCOTT SERVAIS: It takes time. And I think along the way you have to make some tough decisions. And maybe there's some people who don't buy into that philosophy. And then you have to kind of weed them off your roster, so to speak.

But you're ultimately looking for a group of guys who can buy into that. And doing the little things and not being focused on being a hero. We have seen it play out for us a number of times throughout the last couple years. We play in all the close games and we have a knack for winning them. I think we win them because we're not looking to be heros.

We talk about it openly. When we're in those moments you'll often here hear guys say, This is our type of game. We got this. And I may start it. I may whisper it in the right person's ear that can pass it along to the rest of the group and it become as vocal battle cry, so to speak. But that's what it takes.

At this time of year it's all about team. It's one thing that matters: What's going to allow us to win that game.

Q. I was curious, the difference between players coming into the dugout when you're down, in the past, when you're down three or four runs back in 2019 or 2020. The vibe in the dugout at that point versus even on Saturday. What are the main differences you see with either players talking or just the presence they have, I guess, to know that it's not over?

SCOTT SERVAIS: Yeah, first of all, it's different players that are in there. That has a lot to do with it. In 2019 and 2020 and 2021 we didn't have Julio Rodríguez. I got to be honest with you. What he has meant to our team, not just on the field but the constant energy and joy to play baseball is very unique in our game. And I don't know if there's too many players that have it.

I say this, he's 21 years old. I hope to God I'm saying it when he's 31 years old. Because if that's the case, I mean it's going to be some kind of special.

So he's been a lot. But the players are different. The personalities are different in how they approach this thing. And the unique thing about our team, and I've said it multiple times, is we almost interact like a college team or an amateur team. They get along that well. They are that tight.

The families get along. We have a number -- I never seen so many little kids in my life. They're all the same age. They all have little ones at the same time. They're all in it together. They're all living through -- they're living life at the same pace, so to speak.

Again, the backgrounds are all different. Coming from different parts of the country and the world. But they're all going through it together. And they're leaning on each other. It shows up in those moments. When you're down in a ball game and you're in a bad losing streak or whatever -- and I've often talked about this -- is, you know, look around the people in the room. Like the cavalry's not coming in. It's the guy next to you that you need to lean on.

And that's part of being a good teammate. Which we talk a lot about as well. So I've openly talked about this. This is my favorite team. I love this team. I love how we compete and prepare and all those other things. But those intangible things that you don't often see until you get in those games like we did the other night. Then it shows up. And it's fun to see it when it all comes together.

Q. Obviously this is the biggest moment to date for Logan Gilbert coming up tomorrow. But these past two Septembers, this year and last year, when you guys were in the thick of the playoff race or jockeying for playoff position, he was at his best. Do you think that's a coincidence or is there something about his wiring that makes him step up?

SCOTT SERVAIS: It's not coincidence. I think you know where I'm headed there. Logan, to get in these moments, and have the confidence to go out and perform, it's all about your preparation ahead of time. That's what builds confidence.

Nobody prepares like this guy that I've been around. And he does some of the quirkiest stuff I've ever seen. Really, it's balls, it's a bag he carries around with I don't know how many toys and trinkets and all the other exercise and things he does with it. It works for him and we're not changing it. But he believes in it and he does not get off it. He stays on the program and the process.

For me that's what you are looking for in a young pitcher. You also want him to be able to throw 98 miles an hour and throw nasty stuff. Which he checks that box as stuff.

I'll go back to a funny story with Logan. First time I ever met him, we drafted him, we bring him in like we do all the first round draft choices. And you get to meet him, he'll stop in office. And he's nervous as heck. And the kids, he'll have a suit and tie on and the whole thing. And I talk to him for a few minutes.

And in 2018 we were kind of going through a playoff push. We were in a big spot. And he was in the stands that night sitting down close to the dugout. And I happened to notice him about the fifth inning of the game. I was like, Oh, they stuck him down close to the dugout tonight.

It ended up being a walk-off, Nelson Cruz walk off homer that night. And as the guys are jumping up and down and charging the mound or whatnot I happened to look over to him. And as I'm walking out I said to him, You will be out here in two years. I'll never forget it. He remembers it too. Okay. It's just you have those moments with players.

I knew he needed to be a dude for us to ever get here. Okay. So why not start in that moment? Because this is ultimately where we needed to get to.

So he's been dialed in. He believes in the Mariners. We certainly believe in him.

Q. Curious, when you guys put together your roster for the Wild Card series, just being a three-game series, didn't appear at least from the outside there were a lot of challenges. What is a five-game series in terms of settling on roster composition mean? Does having more pitching seem prudent? Not asking you to give away any secrets, although you're welcome to. But if you could kind of just walk us through the challenges there.

SCOTT SERVAIS: I think it is different three to five. Certainly much different even when you get to a seven-game series. But for us probably as much as anything you look at the health of your team.

Carlos had the hamstring bark up the other night on him. So you're taking all those factors into play when you're putting a roster together.

The one thing that is a little bit unique in this five-game series is the off days. There's an off day before Game 2, there's an off day before Game 3. And that plays into the decision making as well.

Q. Just thinking about the importance of Houston in your own baseball journey. Of course they drafted you out of Creighton third round. You play your first game for the Astros and your last game for the Astros. Maybe reflect on some of the people who made the biggest impact on you during that time.

SCOTT SERVAIS: Great question. I'll go down memory lane here for a minute. Yeah, when I was first started with the Astros Bill Wood was the general manager. Bob Watson was the assistant general manager at the time. This was going back to when I got drafted in 1988. I was a third-round draft choice. Luis González was the fourth-round draft choice that year.

We came up together in the minor leagues. A lot of other good friends. Obviously Darryl Kyle was one of my best friends. Playing with him in the minor leagues and in the big leagues. And when I got to the big leagues Bagwell was here. That was his rookie year as well. Biggio was already kind of established here. But we were going through something at the time. We were rebuilding. Fortunate for me rebuilding was the right team for me to be on because they gave me a chance to stick in the big leagues and play a little bit.

But, yeah, a number of memories. I bought my first house here. My two older kids were born here in Houston. I lived here for five years before I got traded to the Cubs. And then moved out of Houston.

So a lot of memories. The people you meet along the way when you're coming up are so oftentimes the people you're closest to. My third base coach, I met in Double A. Manny Acta is my third base coach. He's been here since day one. Manny Acta, I met up with at the Double A team. My roommate when I met the team was Manny Acta.

So I've known Manny a long, long time. He obviously cut his teeth with the Astros and then moved up their system in the managing before he moved on to big league jobs elsewhere.

So a lot of ties here to Houston. Gosh, Dr. McMullen was the owner here at the time when I came in. Gosh, it's on and on and on. I think, you know, I can go too long. I'll stop right there.

But, yeah it means a lot. Every time I come back to Houston. Still have friends here. Certainly get a chance to see some old teammates that you spent a lot of time with.

Q. You mentioned Carlos's hamstring. Is that okay? Is he going to be able to post?

SCOTT SERVAIS: He's good.

Q. So was it just?

SCOTT SERVAIS: He had a cramp in his hamstring. It happens. Happens more when you get older, obviously. I have them sometimes in the middle of the night. (Laughing.)

Unfortunately, he took a big hack the other day. And then when I went out there it was his hamstring. He had a cramp in it. He feels better today. He got out and run around a little bit. Again, you won't see Carlos stealing any bases, but he'll be good to go.