Catching up with Aaron Lowenstein

Former Calabasas High catcher Aaron Lowenstein is nearly halfway into his third season in professional baseball, playing for the San Jose Giants in the California League, the Class-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Patch.com had a chance to speak with the San Jose backstop, who was a 44th round draft pick out of UC Irvine in the 2008 first-year player draft, about the season.

How has this season been, now that you're experienced in the Giants' system and made the adjustment of being in the minor leagues?

Lowenstein: ''This season has been really good so far. I have seen a lot more playing time this year, and am catching every other day.  We started out a little rough early, but I've been fortunate to be on winning teams every year here [San Jose won the California League championship last season] and we're playing good baseball right now and are where we want to be - in first place.''

You spent a couple weeks on the disabled list. What happened and how are you feeling now?

Lowenstein: ''Right now, my body feels great.  I'm at my best. I hurt my quad and knee on a collision at home plate. It was a little speed bump, but I'm back to 100 percent.''

First-year manager Brian Harper was a major league catcher for 16 seasons and on the 1991 World Series' champion Twins team. How has he helped you?

Lowenstein: ''I got to know Brian earlier when he was the organization's catching instructor.  He's just a relaxed guy who is focused on developing players and doing it in a fun way.  He doesn't try to change you. He will make suggestions and basically he understands that not all players are the same and will work with what you have and let you play the game.

''He has really helped me with my hitting, along with our hitting coach, Gary Davenport. They are very positive as well as responsive to our individual games.  They are laid back also and that really helps, because it can be a grind at times.''

You're getting more playing time this year. What was it like playing with a highly-touted prospect like Buster Posey [the fifth overall pick in 2008] last year? Did you learn anything from that experience?

Lowenstein: ''It was awesome! You would never know he was a top pick.  He's a humble guy, a really hard worker.  We roomed on the road and I would pick his brain on things like, 'What are you looking for in this situation? Or what are you thinking about at the plate in this scenario…' He was good to be around and watching him play, you could pick up things here and there. He was an all around good guy. ''

What will you be looking to improve on as the season goes along and how do you feel about the season up to this point?

Lowenstein: ''For me, it's always been about hitting. I have always been solid behind the plate, and I have had a good season so far, throwing out most of my runners.  I want to just focus on getting quality at-bats and making sure not to waste any. I always look to keep fine-tuning my defense, but if I hit I'll be able to move up the system quickly. I had a little slump early, but I feel good swinging the bat so hopefully I'll have a great second half.''

With the all-star break coming up, will you be able to get home to Calabasas?

Lowenstein: ''I am really fortunate, because we only have two days off and California natives are able to go home, and my brother Michael is having his first child on June 17^th, so I am really excited to get home and spend time with my family and my nephew.''