Jakub Janda did another interview with starting pitcher Leon Boyd of the Dutch National Team, which is playing at the 2010 European Championship. A few weeks ago both already talked a little bit.
Jakub Janda: Leon, how would you describe the Dutch success at the Haarlem Baseball week?
Leon Boyd: We played well all around. Started very strong with our pitching and defense, and then our offence really stepped it up in the rest of the tournament.
JJ: How do you value 10-0 win against Cuba in comparison with last year win against Dominican Republic at the WBC?
LB: It was a great win for us, and it really boosted us for the rest of the tournament. I don’t think many games will ever compare to the wins vs. the DR in the WBC, but run ruling Cuba for the first time ever was quite the accomplishment for us.
JJ: Is your starting rotation set for games at the ECH? Who gets who?
LB: Oh, that’s a secret, don’t want to give anyone any advantages you know!
JJ: You should have started the tournament against the Czech Republic but got rained out. What were your expectations of the Czech team?
LB: We know they have some good ball players. They have had numerous players in the Dutch Hoofdklasse over the past few years. We know they can play solid ball, and are not taking them or anyone else lightly.
JJ: Do you know any of their players personally?
LB: I was Jan Drabek’s roommate when we played for the Hoboken Pioneers in Belgium for my first season in Europe in 2006.
JJ: You are considered new champions in making. Is it right that only a championship would be considered a success?
LB: We expect success, with that said we aren’t looking any farther ahead that tomorrow’s game.
JJ: Last one – after the ECH, is the Dutch team playing anywhere else this year?
LB: We are planning on going to Taiwan for the Intercontinental Cup in October as far as I know.
Have a great time.
Jakub Janda
Jandis(at)volny.cz
Photo: © Ron Wickert, www.eott.nl