Ducks Watch: Joash Brodin

Joash Brodin began the season with the London Rippers of the Frontier League and was batting .370 with 49 runs, 11 home runs, 54 RBIs, 10 stolen bases and a 1.039 OPS in 238 at-bats before the team folded in late July. He had 31 walks and struck out 28 times.

Brodin then signed with the Ducks. In 15 games, he is batting .302 with 15 runs, one home run, eight RBIs and three stolen bases in 63 at-bats. He was the starting first baseman for the East Division All-Stars this year, went 4-for-5 with three runs, a double and a home run, and was named the game's MVP.

Brodin, 25, also was an All-Star in 2010 with Oakland County in the Frontier League. He has played first base and the outfield and has served as the designated hitter for the Ducks. This is his fourth season of professional baseball after playing at the College of Charleston.

How did you wind up with the Ducks?

"I figured the Rippers would play to the end of the season. I wasn't too surprised they folded because I know they were losing money every day. We had like 30 fans every day. I wasn't too worried about finding a team. I gave a verbal commitment to Wichita of the American Association and was in Canada with my phone turned off. I was on my way to Chicago and I got a voice mail when I landed there from Long Island. I thought it was a good place and opportunity."

What was appealing about coming to Long

Island?

"I didn't think a team from the Atlantic League would call me. It was too good of an opportunity to turn down. I have heard nothing but good things about the league. The Ducks are always in the hunt for a championship every season."

How has the adjustment to the new league been so far?

"The play in the Atlantic League is noticeably better. It took me a few games to get better. I'm starting to get comfortable." [Brodin was batting .500 (11-for-22) in his previous six games entering Sunday.]

What is the biggest difference in leagues?

"The pitching is better in the Atlantic League. There are fewer drastic mistakes. It's rare for a pitcher to miss his spot by eight inches. It's more like three to four inches."

You rarely strike out, with a 167/137 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 1,220 career at-bats, but you have 10 strikeouts and three walks with the Ducks. Why do you think that is?

"Five of them came early. I was pressing. I take pride in that ratio. I wanted to come in and make an immediate impact and chased some bad pitches. Since then, I have got comfortable and not chased those pitches."