Somerset Patriots: Pressley to the Marlins

Somerset Patriots first baseman/designated hitter Josh Pressley has inked a deal with the Florida Marlins and will report next Monday to spring training with the Triple-A team. He was planning on returning to Somerset for a second season and had even begun recruiting other players to the team before the Marlins called.
Pressley hit .281 with 92 hits, 18 doubles, 13 home runs, and 55 RBI in 327 at bats over 102 games played for the 2007 Patriots. During the playoffs, Pressley hit .333 with eight hits, two home runs,and six RBI in six post-season games.
In a gutsy move that proved his desire to win and loyalness to the team, Pressley, who played through various injuries most of the season, delayed knee surgery needed at the end of the regular season until after the season so that he could participate in the postseason.
He was a fan and media favorite for his work ethic and approachability.
Pressley has experience in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, New York Mets, KansasCity Royals, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Florida Marlins organizations. He began the 2006 season at the Triple-A level for the Red Sox, then split the rest of the season in Double-A for the Cardinals and Marlins, who liked him enough to re-sign him Monday.
I talked to Pressley over the phone for a few minutes after the the deal was announced and here is what he said:

"I know a lot of guys in their front office. It's a real opportunity to play every day in Triple-A. Spring training is only 35 minutes from my house (in Florida) so it's a really good fit."

"It was going to take a very good opportunity to get me away from Somerset. I just wanted to go into an opportunity where I was going to get to compete and be at as high a level as I was in Somerset."

"I'm at the point in my career where I need to know I'm going to be getting at-bats."

"It was hard for me to make that call to (general manager) Pat (McVerry) and to (director of player procurement) Brett (Jodie) and to tell them. But they were great. They said, 'This is what we're here for.' Their support even now has just been amazing."

"It's going to be weird not playing there. I wish I could play there and at the same time have the opportunity that the Marlins are offering. Unfortunately but fortunately I had to move on."

"When they brought me in to their Double-A team (in 2006) I wasn't really prepared. When they brought me in (this time) they said, 'We know you didnt really have a opporunity here.' I have a relationship with them which is important. It's really all about relationships, and I've know these guys going all the way back to my Devil Rays days."

"The whole (Somerset) atmosphere was so refreshing. It got me back to loving the game of baseball."

"I had every intention of coming back (to Somerset). I've been recruiting. After I had my surgery and came out on other side it was a question of 'How was it going to feel after my third knee surgery.' It felt better than it did all year.'"