Top Prospect Alert Interview:
Eric Young Jr. -- Colorado Rockies
By Ben Lipson

The son of an inaugural member of the Colorado Rockies, Eric Young Jr. is looking to make a name for himself in the organization that made his father an All-Star. Young Jr. was a 30th round draft & follow selection of the Rockies. He made his pro debut in 2004 and has been running his way through the system since. Young Jr. had a career year in 2006. He led all of the minor leagues with 87 stolen bases and was third in the South Atlantic League with 92 runs scored while batting .295 with 5 homeruns and 45 rbi's in 128 games at Low-A Asheville. The 21 year old continued to impress in the Hawaii Winter League batting .287 with 14 stolen bases in 28 games. Top Prospect Alert is pleased to bring you an interview with Rockies second base prospect Eric Young Jr.

TPA: When did you first realize you were a pretty good baseball player? What was your little league / youth league experience like? Was there a time when you had to decide that you were a baseball player first and scale back participation in other sports as a kid?

EY: I first realized I was "good", when I was selected for my first all-star team. Eight years old was my first time playing organized ball, and at nine years old I made my first all-star team. I played all three of my sports equally, not knowing which one I was going to excel in. Baseball, Football, and Basketball were my three sports growing up all the way through high school.

TPA: What was it like growing up in a baseball family? Did you get to hang out with your dad on the road while growing up? How has that helped you in your own career?

EY: I actually stayed with my mother in New Jersey. I stayed with my dad during summers. I would batboy with which ever team he was playing for at the time. My dad is my best friend in life, on and off the field. I'm able to talk to him about anything. So to have someone in your life, that has lived the life you are pursuing is a major advantage mentally and physically.

TPA: Talk a little bit about your draft and follow experience. Why did you decide to head to a JUCO rather than sign immediately after being drafted out of high school?

EY: I originally had a football scholarship to Villanova University my senior year, so a lot of baseball scouts were hesitant about taking a chance on me. Some teams wanted me to go to JUCO to see if I was serious about baseball, as well as to get a full year of just focusing exclusively on baseball. I wanted to play baseball professionally, so I went the JUCO route.

TPA: What was the feeling when you signed your first professional contract?

EY: I was ready to play ball that night. I was on cloud nine, because my dream of being a major league baseball player was looking better at that point. I was just excited, and eager to put on a uniform, strap up my cleats and play ball.

TPA: What was it like to get the chance to play against your dad in spring training? How often do you talk to him during the regular season?

EY: It was surreal to play against my dad. He's been my teacher for so long, still is, and to be on the same playing field was unbelievable. It's not everyday that father and son play on the same field, and we've accomplished that. My best memory so far as a pro is playing against my dad. That's a memory that will be hard to top, because I played against my mentor and best friend.

TPA: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to compensate for your move up in levels from Casper (Rookie League) in 2005 to Asheville (Low-A) in 2006?

EY: Adjusting to the length of the season was the biggest adjustment. The season is longer (in Low-A). I had to realize that the season is a marathon and not a sprint. I couldn't run out of gas at the midway mark, I had to catch my second wind and put out my best effort.

TPA: What did you think of all the publicity Joe Mikulik received for arguing with the umpire on the pickoff play this summer? What was it like to be a part of that play?

EY: I didn't feel it deserved as much publicity as it got. I felt our manager was trying to light a fire under his team to get us motivated. We actually got hot after that incident. It was interesting seeing myself on television, while it was being shown.

TPA: Who were the best couple of pitchers you played against in the Sally League and what made them gain your respect?

EY: The best couple of pitchers I faced this season were Lexington's Tip Fairchild, and Lakewood's Carlos Carrasco. When facing pitchers of their caliber, you have to bring your best game or your A game.

TPA: How big of an asset is your speed? What steps have you taken to develop power to go along with your speed?

EY: My speed is a big part of my game. It puts pressure on the defense. They know they don't have too much time with the ball, because I can make something happen with my speed. Errors can be forced if I put pressure on the defense with my speed. Now, if and when I develop some power to go along with my speed, I can put pressure on everyone on the other team. I will be able to play small ball and the gap to gap game as well.

TPA: Talk a little about your Hawaii Winter League experience. What was that like playing out there? What was it like playing with a number of Asian teammates? Were there any communication issues? How cool was it to be out on the Island? What were the fans like?

EY: Playing in Hawaii was unbelievable. To go to a beautiful island is great in itself, but to play a game I love so much made the trip special. I met numerous talented players from America and Japan. The Japanese players were easy to communicate with actually. Baseball is a universal language. It's easy to speak. The fans were great. They took us in and warmed up to us. I thank them for that.

TPA: Aside from your father who has been most influential to you during you baseball career and why?

EY: My mother actually. She keeps me emotionally,mentally, and spiritually strong throughout my entire life. My mother is a strong person that I love to have in my life.

TPA: What does a typical day in the offseason consist of for you? What's part of your game are you focusing the most on to prepare for next season? Looking forward to playing in Modesto next year?

EY: I hit the weight room in the morning. I get my baseball workout in the afternoon. Then I condition at night. I try to work as hard as possible and get as much rest as possible, because once the season starts I have to put my full effort out. Anywhere the Rockies put me next season, I'll be ready to give all I have every time I step between the lines.