(Photo by Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images)
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Royals #19 prospect, Daniel Tillo. Last season Tillo split time between A+ and AA and also flashed some great fastball velocity in outings with team USA. Tillo finished the season with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.309 WHIP over a 130.2 IP. Tillo made the change from a starter to a reliever. Tillo would have likely made his debut sometime in 2020.
The 24-year-old relief prospect also has some fun off the field interests that any Royals fan would enjoy. Tillo runs a youtube channel called “AnythingSportsCards” on this channel he opens boxes of MLB, NFL, and NBA cards and he uploads a video once a day. A fun fact is that he actually collects cards of himself. I would definitely recommend every Royals fan to check his channel at least once.
Onto the questions!
Q: Favorite part of the being in the Royals organization?
A: It’s definitely an organization that cares about the type of person each and everyone is. More than baseball approach when it comes to the Royals and I really respect that and love that.
Q: What was it like making the transition from a starter to a reliever?
A: It was fine!! Killer mentality doesn’t change when you go from a starter to reliever. They said I will help them out in KC as a reliever quicker than if I continued to be a starter. Either way, I want to help win ball games in KC.
Q: What was it like playing for team USA?
A: It was an honor to wear the red white and blue across the chest! Definitely something I will remember forever. I have my jerseys already hung up in my basement that I will get to look at forever so it’s awesome. It’s bigger than baseball to wear your country’s colors on your chest and I take pride in that.
Q: What do you want Royals fans to know about you?
A: I want them to know I’m gonna do my best to help KC win games! I’m a competitor and I love winning more than about anything. I’ll do whatever it is to win ball games. Been a royals fan my entire life and that’s just a little something extra special to hopefully someday put that uniform on!
Q: What got you interested in sports cards?
A: My older brother got me into cards. Ever since I was around 10 I’ve been collecting and the last 2 years or so I’ve been going hard at it. I love opening packs it just makes me feel like 10 again! I also have a youtube would love to get more subscribers and love on it! @anythingsportscards on youtube!
Q: What does it mean to you to have been in big league camp (albeit shortened)
A: It’s awesome to be around veterans and pick their brains on what they do to have success at the highest level of baseball. They’re also just grade dudes and easy to talk to and easy to approach. It might have been my favorite moment of baseball so far being in the big league locker room showing up every day to work!
Q: Favorite player growing up?
A: Derek Jeter. Did everything right on and off the field. Icon.
Q: What is your favorite pitch that you throw?
A: Probably my fastball haha. The mid to upper 90s out of the bullpen and letting it eat!
Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: This pandemic does!! Lol. I’m ready to get back out on the diamond and to start playing games again! I understand though we have to be smart about it when the time comes to play, I’ll be ready.
Q: Which do you like to do more? Start or be a reliever?
Q: How did playing basketball help you in baseball?
