The Bowling Green Hot Rods met the media today, discussing the expectations heading into the 2015 season.

Here are comments from a host of players and the coaching staff.

Manager Reinaldo Ruiz

“We had a great year last year in Princeton. In Hudson Valley they had a lot of success too, so we are expecting the same here. We are expecting to play hard and with a lot of energy and win a lot of games in the process.”

On the expectations of an offense that includes first rounders Casey Gillespie and Nick Ciuffo

“They are going to put a lot of pressure on the pitchers. They are going to throw more fast balls and that is what we are looking for.  It’s going to be fun to see these guys swing the bats. Hopefully this year we are going to stay healthy and have a good season.”

On having pitchers Hunter Wood, Brian Miller, and Greg Harris on the staff to provide experience pitching in Midwest League

“It’s going to be a big help for the young players. They have experience. They know how to pitch and they are going to take a lot of weight off the other guys shoulders.”

On what Justin Williams, who played for South Bend last year and was acquired in an offseason trade, can bring to the lineup

“I saw Williams in spring training and I was really happy with what I saw. He’s a kid that can hit. He can handle this league. We are excited to have him.”

On the challenge of a nine game road trip to start the season

“I think they are ready. They are well prepared from spring training. I think they we are going to try to win some games and come back here with some momentum.”

“We would like to start at home because you can start your routine, but we are prepared. They know what to do. We are going to be fine.”

Pitching coach Bill Moloney

“I’m curious to see what we have too. Based on spring training, we are pretty optimistic about the starting six. We are looking forward to them getting some experience and seeing what we have.”

“I think it is good that we don’t have a lot of leftovers. That means they are either moving on or moving out. In that respect it is good, however it’s the first full season for a lot of these kids and it is going to be a learning experience as they go. Hopefully they will be able to stay healthy and be able to pitch the full season.”

Infielder Casey Gillaspie

“I’m excited to get out here and play my first full season. We have a great group of guys and a great staff, so I am really looking forward to this year.”

On his first full season as a pro

“They say it is your longest year, go from college to pro ball. This year I feel really well prepared. I’m ready to get this going and get rolling.”

On the offensive potential

“I think just looking at the guys we have on paper, it is going to be an exciting offense to watch. We do a lot of other things well too, run the bases hard and have a lot of guys that can steal bases. I’m looking forward to having those guys on base in front of me. I know they are going to do their job.”

On getting off to a good start

“It’s always important to get off to a good start. Being on the road is always tough but I think we are going to be excited and it is not really going to matter where we are playing. It’s opening weekend and we are all looking forward to it.”

Infielder Riley Unroe

On offensive potential

“We definitely have a lot of balance and versatility in this offense – speed, power, contact. It’s a great group. If you look at our last two seasons we have won a lot. That is what we are here to do – win, have fun, and play baseball.”

Catcher Nick Ciuffo

“Port Charlotte is great and all, but I think when you are there for so long it can get in your head a little bit. It’s not really a minor league atmosphere. It is more like practice games. You are playing on a team, but it doesn’t feel like a real season. Now we are here in a gorgeous stadium and a good town. Overall I am excited, because this is real baseball. No more backfield baseball. This is why I signed, to play in front of a bunch of people and try to win a championship.”

On high expectations for offense

“I think expectations are a really good thing. Whenever you have high expectations, it makes you focus more on trying to play better. I saw it on paper in Port Charlotte, but now seeing it here and seeing the faces, I think we are going to have a pretty good year. I don’t think there is a guy 1 through 9 in our lineup that a pitcher wants to face.”

Pitcher Brent Honeywell

“Being the opening night starter is awesome. It means something.”

On the pitching staff

“I think it is always good to have a young pitching staff. It means we have a little extra blood flow to what we are trying to do. We have a good group of guys, so it should be fun.”

On setting the tone as the opening night starter

“I’m not the guy that rounds people up. I lead with my actions on the field, just competing.”

On expectations coming into season

“Both short season teams were good. We had a lot of fun at Princeton and it is a lot more fun when you are winning. They were doing some winning (at Hudson Valley) too. When you put a couple of teams together like that, you hope to make something good out of it.”

On talking to pitcher Greg Harris about his experience in Midwest League least year

“I’ve already talked to Greg a little bit. I’ve asked him, ‘How was the atmosphere?’ In the short season I didn’t have very many fans around, but I really don’t try to worry about that. I have one job to do and that’s win.”

Pitcher Hunter Wood

“My expectations are high for this team. We have a lot of good players, a lot of great guys. We’ve put two teams together with Hudson Valley and Princeton that both made the playoffs. We have a lot of good players here to make a run at it.”

On returning to Bowling Green

“I know what to expect from everything. I wouldn’t say that I am happy to be back. I would like to be a little higher, but I have a lot to prove down here so that I can move up.”

On what he can bring to staff as one of three pitchers with experience in the Midwest League

“We’ve had a little bit of experience in this league. Harris played in this league, so I think we know what to expect. I think it should help us out. A lot of players could come out and ask us questions about it. It’s a good pitching league to be in.”