NL DIVISION SERIES: PADRES VS DODGERS

October 8, 2024

Jackson Merrill

Petco Park

San Diego Padres

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. When the Padres came to you and first mentioned the words "center field," what was your first reaction?

JACKSON MERRILL: To be honest, they didn't even come and mention center field. They came and mentioned left field. Center field was kind of just one day I got thrown in the lineup in there and the rest is history. It just kind of happened that way.

Q. Are you still taking ground balls at shortstop? Did you ever think that maybe one day you would be back there?

JACKSON MERRILL: I just take them there now for fun, just keep my hands kind of smooth and keep my footwork kind of good. But whatever happens, happens. If they want to throw me back in the infield I'm ready. At the same time I'm happy where I'm at.

Q. We've heard Mike talk about it a couple years ago, I think it was when you were hurt, you sat with James Wood and Mike Shildt a bit watching games. What do you remember from that? Was it in the regular season, postseason and what your takeaway was from all that?

JACKSON MERRILL: I think it was early 2022 season. I had a broken wrist. I came and watched a couple games. I got to sit in the stands with Mike and watch baseball and take in baseball for what it was.

I think they were playing the Marlins and I saw Manny go deep twice. That was pretty cool.

Just ball talked the whole game. It really opened my mind to what this game really is and how important it is in my life.

Q. From what you remember, what percentage was you talking versus Mike?

JACKSON MERRILL: I think it was pretty 50/50, but I think there wasn't a single pitch in that game that we didn't pay attention to. I think we were locked in for every single pitch. We knew what pitch was coming next. That's how kind of focussed we were on it.

Q. All year long you've kind of showed a ton of maturity in terms of handling what's been put in front of you. I imagine, since the postseason started, you feel the different energy in terms of how the game is played. How have you been able to manage all of that energy and still stay doing the same thing you've been doing?

JACKSON MERRILL: I think the postseason energy kind of takes control of everything. I don't really think there's too many moments in the game where you have to think too much. I think your adrenaline, your heart and your desire to play the game, I think that's what really takes over.

That's what's helpful for me; I'm here to play baseball and have fun. And that's the way I've gone about it the whole year and the way I've gone about it the postseason.

Q. You might have just answered that question but you've talked all year about playing a kids game, having fun and that approach. Has it felt any different now that you're playing in October in these big-time series, big-time environments?

JACKSON MERRILL: It's felt even more fun than it was before. The amount of people that come and watch and the amount of fans we get, I'm super thankful to be here and to be a part of this.

Q. Your focus is all about the game and what's in front of you, but are you surprised about the conversation revolving around Manny Machado trying to throw a baseball at Dave Roberts and the Dodgers?

JACKSON MERRILL: I'm not really too concerned about what happened in the past or what happened the other day in the game. Regardless of what happened, we're here for one task and one task at hand.

Manny has been a really good leader. He's done a really good job keeping us focused on that one thing. I don't think any of us think of any different way besides being a leader.

He's always been there, he's always doing the best he can, working hard to stay in the good shape he's in. But I think we're all past that. We're ready to move on and play baseball today.

Q. You played some electric games here at Petco Park. What are you expecting from this version of the Padres and Dodgers in the playoffs?

JACKSON MERRILL: I'm sure it will be loud. Adrenaline will be bumping, a lot of emotions, but I think everybody's ready to handle it and just play baseball today.

Q. Have you thought about the fact three years ago you were playing high school ball and now you're playing in the postseason? What do you attribute to the success and how successful you've been here at this level?

JACKSON MERRILL: I think about it sometimes. I think about how cool it is and just how fortunate I am, but I think really it's just the people around me that got me here.

I don't think I could have had a better group to come up with and a better group to play with this year, too, to just have as much fun as I possibly can have, and I'm just thankful. All my buddies in the minor leagues, every coach that's ever helped me, everybody along the last three years that's got me here, I'm just thankful for it all. I'm just taking it all in right now.