WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL A - NETHERLANDS VS CHINESE TAIPEI

March 11, 2023

Andrelton Simmons

Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium

Team Netherlands

Pregame Press Conference

Q. So you guys had an off-day yesterday. Did you do anything, see Taiwan, any players do anything, go anywhere as a group?

ANDRELTON SIMMONS: Yeah, we walked around a lit bit. We had like a group dinner. It was fun, entertaining. After, I walked around a little bit, just people watched a little bit. It was cool. Chill night.

Q. (No translation.)

ANDRELTON SIMMONS: It's been fun. I always enjoyed playing in the Classic. Normally after every four years, getting back together with a group of friends, guys that I grew up playing with, and some guys that I got to know over the years playing in this tournament, representing your country, it's really exciting.

It's fun. A little better than spring training. I enjoy it. And doing it again this year, I mean, any time I get the opportunity, for me, it's special. There's a lot of talent on this team, and being able to be a part of it is special for me, so I appreciate it.

Q. (No translation.)

ANDRELTON SIMMONS: Don't know if I heard your question completely right, but it's fun. It's like a playoff environment when the fans are into it and it's full and it's loud. You've just got to be better at being good at using your eyes because sometimes you're not going to be able to hear your teammates very well.

But I enjoy it. I enjoy it. What else do you want? That's what you dream of is playing in front of a full stadium and a loud stadium and a big stage. It should be really interesting and really fun.

Q. (No translation.)

ANDRELTON SIMMONS: I mean, I know a couple of the guys from the big leagues. I mean, I kind of know how the team normally plays or what type of style of baseball they may, so I'm a little familiar with that. I'm not going to go into too much details because I don't want to give away any little advantages, but yeah, Chinese Taipei's team is always a team you've got to keep an eye on. They have the talent. I know they can do a little bit of everything. They can hit home runs. They can bunt.

So they are a pretty all-around baseball team. Just got to be ready and bring our best game, and hopefully we come out on top.

Q. I've asked other guys about this but what's it like playing with such a talented infield? You have Didi at first, Xander at short, Jonathan at second, and what's the difference between playing third and short? You're a great shortstop. Is it harder? Is it easier? How's that?

ANDRELTON SIMMONS: I would say, there's a little more -- well, first of all, it's always fun to play with those guys. I mean, over the years, I got to know them. I played with Didi and Schoop since we were kids. I got to play with Xander in the Classic. Played against him a lot. Everybody knows what kind of talent he has.

Playing third, it's a little different. More I think similar to short than playing second just because of the angles maybe, but there's maybe a little more -- you're in charge of bunts. You've got to know when to guard the line and when to not.

Yeah, I'm a little familiar with third base but I'm doing my best in practice to pick the coaches' brain and try to work on stuff. I don't feel maybe as confident yet at third in practice. It's slightly different, a little similar, you've got a little less time. You've got to rely on that first step or jump pretty quick at third.