Edgar Renteria

Here is the English text for that interview I had with the Braves’ shortstop.

Courtesy Revista Elite Magazine

You’re back in the National League after a rough year in Boston. How does it feel to come back to the NL?

I’m excited to return. I’m far more comfortable with this league. I’m also looking forward to the season since I had a good spring training and because everyone has been very welcoming here.

So you take the National over the American league?

Yeah, I feel at home here, with the team and with my teammates. They do a good job of giving you whatever you need to get ready to start the season on the right foot.

So is it true that whenever a hitter switches between leagues it’ll affect his approach?

Yea, that is true. When you switch leagues you have no clue as to what’s going on over there. I went through that; I was a National League hitter, and last year it was evident. But now that I’m with the Braves I think I’ll be at the level I was at before I went to Boston.

Let’s talk about the Braves, is this the season where another team wins the National League East?

Well I’ve heard the same thing over almost 14 years. Bobby Cox always finds a way to win and I think we have a better team this year than in other years, because the young kids acquired a lot of experience last year and they’ll be ready to go this year.

Switching gears; did you get a chance to watch the World Baseball Classic and what did you think of it?

Yes, I was at Orlando where some of the games took place; I saw two games. I think it was a great tournament. It’s going to give baseball more exposure worldwide.

You’re from Colombia, do you think a Colombian team will be able to compete at that level?

I think so. I think we’re ready. Let’s hope next time around they invite us to participate.

Is there anything that needs to improve in order for the team to be invited?

I don’t know as far as front-office work; but I know that on the field, our team will be able to compete.

Overall, how do you see baseball in Colombia?

It’s a very popular sport, it’ll be tough for it to become popular all around the country. Right now it’ll continue to grow along the [Caribbean] coast.

Ok, so have you gotten a chance to see the city of Atlanta?

No, not yet. I’ve been to a few Colombian restaurants, but I don’t remember the names.

Well thanks for your time and good luck this year.

Thank you