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TopProspectAlert.com Minor League News & Autograph Blog Home


Top Prospect Alert Interview - Bret Prinz

By Paul Gierhart

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!


 

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