TPA has just received this interview from
Arizona Diamondbacks top pitching prospect Bret Prinz as he moves up
the ladder to the Major League team.
2000 Club |
Class |
W |
L |
ERA |
G |
GS |
CG |
SV |
IP |
H |
BB |
SO |
South Bend |
A |
1 |
0 |
0.00 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
El Paso |
AA |
9 |
1 |
3.56 |
53 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
61 |
71 |
16 |
69 |
TPA: How have you developed and matured
since your days at Centennial High?
PRINZ: I
was always tall and lanky. I was what you call a late bloomer, in
the sense that it took me longer than usual to develop into my body.
It was only a question of time before everything came
together.
TPA: Describe your transition from
starter to sidearm reliever prior to the 2000
season.
PRINZ: Initially, I did not like the
transition. However, I realized that if it was in the best
interest of the Diamondbacks to move me there then I was to go along
with it. Since being a reliever, my career has taken off. I guess
it was the right move!
TPA: What type of
help did you receive from former minor league pitching coordinator
Gil Patterson and sidearm specialist Brad
Clontz?
PRINZ: Gil Patterson suggested the
sidearm delivery. Brad Clontz suggested that I experiment with
different grips and arm angles. He also stressed that I stick with
the plan that things will all come together.
TPA: What off-season
conditioning do you go through to help develop your 94 mph fastball
and the mentality to want the ball in a save
situation?
PRINZ: The mentality is
inherent. I am very competitive. In terms
of physical conditioning, my off-season workouts are conducted
with my personal trainer, Kevin Cheeley. Our approach is to build up
the muscles that break down throughout the course of the
season.
TPA: What have you done to
develop a polished slider and improve
your location?
PRINZ: I have spent plenty
of time with pitching coaches experimenting with different grips. The
improvement comes with repetition and innings
pitched.
TPA: Where did you see yourself after
spring training this year?
PRINZ: I expected
to be in AAA. The experience from pitching in Major League
Spring Training was helpful. I proved to myself that I had the stuff
to compete at the Major League Level.
TPA:
How long were you at Class “A” South Bend before you moved up to
Class “AA” El Paso last year?
PRINZ: I
was in South Bend for 3 Weeks.
TPA: Did your
success at El Paso surprise you?
PRINZ: At
first I was surprised. Shortly after I realized that I
was certainly capable of succeeding at this
level.
TPA: What role does your family play in
your baseball career?
PRINZ: My family has
played a huge role in my career. They have always been there for
me, through the “ups” and especially the “downs”. During the
downtimes is when you need people the most, and my family has always
been there.
TPA: Is there anything outside of
baseball you want your fans to know
about you?
PRINZ: I enjoy fishing and
being from Illinois, I am an avid Chicago
Bears fan.
TPA would like to thank Bret Prinz
for taking time from his already busy schedule to answer our
interview questions. Good luck in the
Majors!