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Stitcher Today on Season Ticket, host Chris Gasper (@cgasper) sits down with Red Sox All-Star center fielder, Jackie Bradley Jr., for an exclusive interview. Bradley Jr. talks about hearing his name in trade rumors, what he's been working on improving this offseason, and his reaction to the rival Yankees' big offseason. He also details how he became one of the league's best fielders, playing Fenway Park's tricky outfield angles, and the hardest catch he's ever made. Guest Jackie Bradley Jr. (@JackieBradleyJr), Center Fielder, Boston Red Sox Interview Highlights On losing to the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros in the first round of the 2017 playoffs Chris Gasper: For the team, the offseason came probably a little sooner than you guys would have liked, losing to the Houston Astros in the first round of the playoffs in four games. Does it soften the blow at all, though, when you see that that team went on to win the World Series? Jackie Bradley Jr.: At the moment it doesn't. But, you know, if a team was going to win it, you like to know that you were knocked out by the team who actually won it. I don't think it's softens the blow, though. Losing is losing, whether you lose by 20 or one it's a loss. It's not going to count any different. But I'm happy for them and we look forward to another year. On his first impression of new Sox manager, Alex Cora Chris Gasper: Some changes in the offseason — John Farrell is no longer the manager, Alex Cora the new manager of the Red Sox. Have you had an opportunity to speak with Alex and what's your impression of him? He's a guy that not that long ago was sitting where you are as a major league player. Jackie Bradley Jr.: Yeah, I actually have had lunch down there in Florida with him. We talked, enjoyed ourselves and, like you said, [he's a] very young manager. He played with some of my teammates! So, he's not too far removed from the game and it's going to be nice to have that mixture of old school and new school. He knows what winning is like since he just came from a championship team, so we look forward to seeing what he can do for us.

"During batting practice, I would just treat every single ball as if it were a live situation. And I just got better and better." Jackie Bradley Jr., on how he became such a good fielder

Chris Gasper: Do you have a vibe a feel for what type of manager he will be? Jackie Bradley Jr.: I don't exactly. But from talking to him, he seems like he's a very good communicator. I think you would like someone who can just sit and talk with you and tell you how it really is or be there for you. And I think that's huge in his game, especially for young players, and sometimes for the veteran guys as well. They like to know that somebody has their back. So, it's going to be good to see him operate. On hearing his name in trade rumors Chris Gasper: Your name has been mentioned in trade rumors. Have you spoken to Red Sox general manager, Dave Dombrowski, at all about those trade rumors and gotten any sort of assurances from him that you're not on the block? Jackie Bradley Jr.: I have personally not spoken with Dave Dombrowski. Chris Gasper: What is it like when you hear your name intrade rumors? Does any of that stuff filter into your world? Jackie Bradley Jr.: No, not for me. I have the perspective that it's something out of my control. Maybe if it were something I could control I would have an emotional attachment to it. But, you have to realize it's a business and they want to do what's best for the team. And I want to help the team. So, at the end of the day, if it happens it happens, if it doesn't it doesn't. The "what ifs" and stuff like that, you can't let that control your offseason. And I truly don't let it control mine. On improving in the offseason Chris Gasper: What have you been working on this offseason to add to your game? Jackie Bradley Jr.: I think it's really simple: it all boils down to consistency. Consistency and forming, creating and keeping good habits, throughout the season. Those keys right there are what's going to make you a successful player. On consistency and injuries Chris Gasper: You've had some great first halves — like in 2016 your first half was outstanding, you made the All-Star team. And last year you first half was good. And then the second half wasn't as good. .204 was what the average was, .579 OPS. You mentioned consistency. Can you put your finger on what the difference has been for you in the first half versus second half? Jackie Bradley Jr.: I don't know. I don't know. Obviously, everybody feels good coming out in the first half. There are some people who start out a little slower. To be honest with you, last year was my first year dealing with injuries. I actually [wasn't] injured for too long but, for me, it felt like an eternity because I had never missed games because of injury. So, working through those and trying to stay healthy and keeping my body in a good position to be able to perform every single night, that's always number one because that gives you the best opportunity to help your team win. Chris Gasper: You had a knee injury and a left thumb injury, which, I can imagine, for a left-handed batter is really difficult. That was in August — how are those injuries now? Jackie Bradley Jr.: I'm great. I feel great. No lasting effect on either one of [those injuries].

"Sure does look good on paper! But I've never seen paper win ballgames." Jackie Bradley Jr., on the Yankees offseason