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Rowleyball · 03-07-2003, 01:47 AM

Now as the official Bunting and Baserunning Instructor for the Houston organization, Rowley was sent back and forth between each of the Rockets’ minor league teams. These were the locations of the teams he worked with:

AAA - Oklahoma City
AA - New Orleans
A - Jackson (Mississippi)

“This has been a wonderful job; coaching really comes naturally to me,” Matt told a minor league reporter. “The guys are great and I’ve made many friends in this organization already. But still, my favorite part of this job is being able to shag balls during BP or cut in and take a few hacks. Playing this sport is my favorite thing on this planet. I couldn’t imagine a better job because I get to be around the game every day.”

In addition to his coaching duties, Matt has also spent time researching prospects around the league. Briggs relies on him for accurate and precise analysis of minor league stats. Matt will give him a tip on someone who is on the rise and might be available for trade for a fairly cheap price.

Rowley was also part of the team of scouts who analyzed amateurs available in the draft in June. Outfielder Carl Bornstein, the Rockets’ 2nd round pick, was a huge pickup for the team, and Rowley was a big reason why they ended up with him. Bornstein was passed by many teams because of his strange body structure (6’3” – 165 lbs) and unorthodox swing. The clumsy 21-year old had huge numbers at Stanford, but he dropped to the second round because teams didn’t want to risk choosing a 165 pound power hitter. While analyzing the entrees into the draft, Rowley saw Bornstein’s numbers and saw past everything else. He flew to Palo Alto to meet the lefthanded outfielder in person, and he was convinced that Bornstein had the kind of attitude and personality to succeed right away. In only 84 games in single A Jackson, the young phenom amazingly hit 23 HR drove in 73 runs in 327 at bats.

Matt has proved himself to be a valuable asset for the organization. “I’ve been busy this year,” Rowley admitted, “moving from the field, helping out guys with their skills, to the office, analyzing stat sheet after stat sheet. It’s been very rewarding. I never saw myself as a front office type of guy, but I am getting more interested in what goes on behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to what I can do to help this team win.”

Houston finished the 2013 season tied for last place in the Central Division of the Eastern League, winning only 68 games, but they do have one of the highest rated minor league systems in the UBL. The Rockets are building a core group of youngsters that look to be very formidable once they reach the majors.

03-07-2003, 01:47 AM	#29
Rowleyball Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Winter Park, FL Posts: 265	2013 Now as the official Bunting and Baserunning Instructor for the Houston organization, Rowley was sent back and forth between each of the Rockets’ minor league teams. These were the locations of the teams he worked with: AAA - Oklahoma City AA - New Orleans A - Jackson (Mississippi) “This has been a wonderful job; coaching really comes naturally to me,” Matt told a minor league reporter. “The guys are great and I’ve made many friends in this organization already. But still, my favorite part of this job is being able to shag balls during BP or cut in and take a few hacks. Playing this sport is my favorite thing on this planet. I couldn’t imagine a better job because I get to be around the game every day.” In addition to his coaching duties, Matt has also spent time researching prospects around the league. Briggs relies on him for accurate and precise analysis of minor league stats. Matt will give him a tip on someone who is on the rise and might be available for trade for a fairly cheap price. Rowley was also part of the team of scouts who analyzed amateurs available in the draft in June. Outfielder Carl Bornstein, the Rockets’ 2nd round pick, was a huge pickup for the team, and Rowley was a big reason why they ended up with him. Bornstein was passed by many teams because of his strange body structure (6’3” – 165 lbs) and unorthodox swing. The clumsy 21-year old had huge numbers at Stanford, but he dropped to the second round because teams didn’t want to risk choosing a 165 pound power hitter. While analyzing the entrees into the draft, Rowley saw Bornstein’s numbers and saw past everything else. He flew to Palo Alto to meet the lefthanded outfielder in person, and he was convinced that Bornstein had the kind of attitude and personality to succeed right away. In only 84 games in single A Jackson, the young phenom amazingly hit 23 HR drove in 73 runs in 327 at bats. Matt has proved himself to be a valuable asset for the organization. “I’ve been busy this year,” Rowley admitted, “moving from the field, helping out guys with their skills, to the office, analyzing stat sheet after stat sheet. It’s been very rewarding. I never saw myself as a front office type of guy, but I am getting more interested in what goes on behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to what I can do to help this team win.” Houston finished the 2013 season tied for last place in the Central Division of the Eastern League, winning only 68 games, but they do have one of the highest rated minor league systems in the UBL. The Rockets are building a core group of youngsters that look to be very formidable once they reach the majors.