With Spring Training finally getting in full swing, some of the former players we covered have been down at the Tampa Yankee complex for a while preparing for another full pro season as they try to carve out roles and progress in the organization.

One of those players who had a brief stint with the Staten Island Yankees last July before finishing strongly in Charleston was utility man Chase Odenreider. The 24 year-old Omaha Nebraska native is entering his third pro season this year.

He’ll be looking to build on last year’s performance with the Riverdogs where he spent time at the hot corner and in the outfield finishing with a .291 average with four home runs, 19 RBI’s and four stolen bases in 46 games (134 plate appearances).

The former 2006 Yankees’ 49th round selection was kind enough to give us a few minutes out of his very busy schedule.

Hitting Back: You didn’t start the season until July getting into a few games with Staten Island before moving up to Charleston. Were you injured? If so, how tough was it to comeback/not being able to play?

Chase Odenreider: I did get a late start on the season last year. I was kept in Tampa to work out a few mechanics on my swing. I had a solid spring training, but there was small things in my swing that I needed to fix to move up through the Yankees system. It was a good thing for me because I received very good instruction and a lot of repetitions.

HB: Once you got back into the Riverdogs lineup, you played well getting some time at the hot corner and outfield. How fun was it to help provide a spark down the stretch?

CO:  I really enjoyed my time in Charleston. I really think my versatility helped out a lot because down the stretch of our playoff run we did have a lot of guys go down with injuries, and being able to step in and play almost any position on the field is a huge plus.

HB: You seem to have carved out a utility role. Do you have a favorite position? Does it really matter?

CO: I’ll play wherever I am needed. I’m at the point in my career where I want to be on the field and in the batters box. I have no favorite position…I guess I have equal love for them all.

HB: As someone from Omaha, you started your college career with Nebraska before transferring to Creighton. How difficult was it to move away from home?

CO: Well Creighton is located in Omaha, so I basically came home after leaving Nebraska. Being at Creighton allowed me to get a top notch education and my parents were also able to see all of my games.

HB: Can you talk about the impact starring at Creighton had on your career?

CO: I would never consider myself a star. I would consider myself a major contributor. I enjoyed being a leader and a great teammate who tried to work harder than anyone else on a daily basis. I really give a lot of credit to my to Coach Ed Servais for allowing me the opportunities that I received.

HB: You were drafted by the Yankees in the 49th round a couple of years ago. How tough was it to wait that long? How rewarding was it to have your name called? What was the reaction?

CO: Yes, those two days of the draft were very nerve racking. I watched every pick of every round. I was elated when my name was called. I have always wanted to get an opportunity to play at the next level.

HB: Does being taken so late give you extra incentive on the field?

CO: Whether I was taken in the first round or the 50th round, I have been coached and taught to bust my tail and play with reckless abandon.

HB: Can you talk about the differences between college and pro ball?

CO: Wood bats are definitely not as forgiving as metal obviously. I really think that pro ball is more station to station with less small ball being played. I also believe the pitching is consistently better from starters to the bullpen. Pro ball games definitely seem longer than college games.

HB: You were on the road with a lot of teammates. How much fun was it? Any good stories? Who was the funniest teammate? Any practical jokers?

CO: I have met a lot of good guys playing in the Yankees organization. I enjoy bonding on the road and and staying in touch in the off-season. The season is so long that you can’t take things so seriously…so I guess at times we are all goofballs.

HB: Final question: Do you have any specific goals for this season?

CO: The only goal I have is take full advantage of all the opportunities given to me.

Special thanks again to Chase for taking part in this HB exclusive interview and best wishes for a great season.