Former Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana addressed the media just a handful of minutes after he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Guardians.
The following are a majority of the questions he was asked — which have been shortened for brevity — as well as his answers:
Q: What was the moment like and who were you surrounded by?
Bazzana: "My whole immediate family is here, I've got two brothers. And obviously my two parents, some aunts and some coaches from Australia and obviously some Beaver family... The moment was kind of crazy. As soon as it hit, it was like something exploded. Everyone kind of jumped up around me and I was just sitting there like, 'Alright guys, bring it in.' Its one of those moments that its (so crazy) that you can't really put it in words because it would understate it."
Q: When did you think this would happen and did you ever think you would be the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft?
Bazzana: I mean, I never really counted it out. But I didn't ever fathom this would be reality until maybe, possibly a year ago. In the middle of the (Cape Cod Summer League Season) that I thought maybe I could come out as the top pick. I still understood this year that I couldn't control how the picks turned out. Cleveland could've wanted something different. They could've wanted a pitcher or a right-handed hitter or an outfielder. I could've gone out and had my best season ever and still not been the pick.
Being the best position player in college baseball was my goal and I was going to control what I could control to go do that. The pick stuff would figure itself out. But (the summer in the CCBL) was when I realized I could go and be the best prospect in the class.
Q: Why was it important for you to be in Corvallis rather than Texas where the draft was held?
Bazzana: I think just having the right people around. There are people who have given so much to me, having this moment with them is special. There are only so many people you can have that moment with in Texas. It obviously would've been a great environment, but when people are flying so far and you want to be with them, there is only one table or couch in Texas. I wanted to do this and I care a lot about this program, being here is so special.
Q: What conversations have you had with Cleveland leading up to the draft?
Bazzana: For the most part it was just conversations of them trying to learn about me leading up to this day. Yesterday they touched on what they liked already in previous conversations, but they weren't going to show their cards too early. They kept digging and tried to figure out who they wanted to take and at what price.
I think the biggest thing when I found out I was going to be (taken), I know that I've spoken to those guys and they value that I have a passion and I'm playing for something big. I care about this game and I love this game, they know that there is not going to be quit in me and there is not going to be complacency. They're going to get someone who is striving to win and striving to win World Serieses.
Q: Did you know you'd be picked No. 1 before the draft or did you find out on the TV when we all did?
I kind of learnt within 15-20 minutes before the pick... But that's only like a phone call. I didn't want to go in there and be like, 'Yeah, I'm the No. 1 pick,' before it even got called.
Q: What's the impact back home in Australia knowing you're the first ever No. 1 pick from Australia?
Bazzana: For me, I've always preached to those kids (back home) since I was 16 ... don't set limits on yourself, just see how far you can take it and continue to progress... Being the No. 1 pick, it tells the story. You can't go higher than that, (so) don't set any limit. I didn't set my limit to be the fifth best player, you know? Just go be as good as you can and continue to get better... Figure out how to go be great if you want to be great.
Q: You were in Seattle recently and got to have a conversation with Adley Rutschman, you join him as the program's only No. 1 overall picks. What was your conversation like?
He just wants to be there for me and help me through this process. He's (made) himself I can reach (out) to and been very kind... I have the highest praise for that guy.
Q: Have there been any conversations about position with Cleveland? Do you expect to stick at second base?
We've had a brief conversation about position. I think they believe in me as an infielder and I'll probably start (my career) at second base. But, they also believe in my athleticism and believe there might be some versatility options as I move (through the minors). But again, we've only had brief conversations.
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