Winn grateful for Ozzie's tutelage, hopes to 'improve in every way'

In an interview with MLB.com at Yankee Stadium last weekend, Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn answered questions on a wide range of topics, from his rookie status to the biggest surprise he has witnessed in the big leagues.

At the time, Winn was tied with Pirates right-hander Paul Skenes in bWAR (4.7) and was ahead of Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill (3.6) in the same category.

MLB.com: According to Baseball Reference, you lead the team in Wins Above Replacement with 4.7 entering Friday’s action. That’s above Nolan Arenado [2.0] and Paul Goldschmidt [0.6]. What do you think about your season thus far?

Masyn Winn: Individually, it has been pretty successful. I would rather be winning a lot more games and go to the playoffs, but I’m happy with what I’ve done. I feel like I’ve gone out there and competed to the best of my abilities. So there were some positives.

MLB.com: I remember when I spoke to you during Spring Training, you acknowledged you were anxious last year in the batter’s box. What changed this year to the point where you are one of the best hitters on the team?

Winn: I felt I was always that player. I felt that every level I’ve gone to I was a little nervous when [I first arrived]. I kind of let the game speed up. So I got back to being myself and played my game.

MLB.com: When I look at your stats, I can’t help but think about Ozzie Smith and Jose Oquendo, two Cardinals legends who helped you while you were coming up through the system.

Winn: I worked with Cheo [Oquendo] since I got in this organization. Throughout my Minor League career, he is the reason I’m the defender I am today. Having Ozzie around during the last couple of Spring Trainings, it’s been great to soak up the knowledge he has and just be around him.

MLB.com: What part of their knowledge did you take to your game?

Winn: They have given me some different nuggets. Cheo has been more so on the field. Whenever I worked with him in the Minor Leagues or during Spring Training, he has helped me tremendously defensively, just being [fundamentally sound] with every play. I think Ozzie has been more of the mental side of the game, as far as how to approach being a shortstop, being "the faces of the franchise."

MLB.com: All we’ve heard about in the National League Rookie of the Year race is Paul Skenes and Jackson Merrill. But you have put up some nice numbers. How do you fit in when it comes to that award?

Winn: Yeah, I feel I have played very well. I try not to pay attention to that Rookie of the Year watch and all that stuff. Those guys are playing great. Obviously, Skenes is amazing. We just played Merrill, and he showed up. I feel good about where I’m at and what I’ve done this year. I just hope I can finish strong.

MLB.com: We don’t hear enough about you. What do you want people to know about your game?

Winn: Obviously, everybody looks at the hitting stats. Defensively, I’m one of the best at the shortstop position. I'm one of the best defenders in the league.

MLB.com: Gold Glove?

Winn: Hopefully, that would be really nice.

MLB.com: What would that mean to you?

Winn: That would mean everything. I have a lot of years to win them. Nado [Arenado] has 10 of them. So I want to see if I can get that amount.

MLB.com: You are more than just a great defender. Why should you be considered Rookie of the Year?

Winn: I feel I have played very well this year on both sides of the ball. Obviously, I’ve had a pretty good year offensively. Merrill is great from the offensive side. I think he moved to center field, so for him to go out there and have a great year is good for him. But, for me, I’ve been doing it all year. I feel great. I had a little rough stretch on defense. Other than a two-week span, I feel like I’ve been amazing out there. That’s my biggest thing.

MLB.com: This is your first time at Yankee Stadium. What do you think of it?

Winn: Oh, man. I didn’t have a great game [on Friday]. I thought the stadium was electric. I thought the energy was amazing. This place is loud, man. The fans are on every single pitch. It’s a fun place to play. Carp [Matt Carpenter] said it perfectly: “It’s not hard to get up for every game.” The energy, you can just feel it.

MLB.com: In your first full year in the big leagues, what’s the biggest thing that has surprised you?

Winn: I really didn’t understand the business aspect of baseball. There is a lot of politics. That is the biggest surprise and shock. The biggest shock to me is seeing guys go up and down, moves being made. You forget it’s a business. That’s the biggest thing for me.

MLB.com: How did you look at the game before you found out it was a business?

Winn: It's tough. You get real close to guys and you never know when they might go down or they might get traded away. So it’s an interesting dynamic when it comes to baseball callups.

MLB.com: Did it put a scare into you in any way?

Winn: Not really. I didn’t think I would get traded this year or get sent down. I wasn't necessarily scared, but when [Jordan] Walker was sent down earlier in the year, it definitely stung a little bit. He is one of my homies. He is one of my best friends. [When you ask about me], I haven’t been worried about it.

MLB.com: You are a guy that has been close with Walker. What have you done to help him stay encouraged?

Winn: I just tell him to be himself. When we were coming up, he was the best baseball player I had ever seen. I still believe that. He worked his tail off this last offseason. He just didn’t get the results he wanted. I’m sure he will do the same thing this next offseason and it will be a lot different next year.

MLB.com: Is there any part of your game you would like to improve on?

Winn: My basestealing. I haven’t stolen a lot of bases this year. That’s something I feel I could get better at. I have been running a little scared on the basepaths, honestly. I just have to have more confidence, being OK with being thrown out – just taking chances.

MLB.com: What’s ahead for Masyn Winn?

Winn: There is a lot of great baseball, for sure. This is only the beginning. I’m a rookie, and I hope to improve in every way.

MLB.com: Do you believe that you are the face of the franchise right now?

Winn: I don’t want to say it in my own mouth. But there are a lot of great players in this organization, on this team, obviously, with Goldy, Nado, Sonny [Gray]. I’m happy to be a part of it and one of the faces, for sure.