Q & A with Brett Marshall

Written by Greg Fertel | 07 August 2008

Very recently, I had a chat with now signed Brett Marshall, a 6th-round pick by the Yankees in this years draft out of Sterling High School in Baytown, Texas. Not only was Brett able to dominate on the mound with a 10-2 record, an ERA of 2.27, and 116 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings, but he was also able to hit a little bit too, batting .440 on the season. We talked a little bit about everything, and boy am I eager to see him take the mound in a Yankee uniform.

Ashish Skaria: First off, just between you and me, are you going to sign with the New York Yankees and for how much? (Note: This question was asked before he signed.)

Brett Marshall: Yes matter of fact I just signed tonight! The money was suppose to be on the down low but since the local news around here said it to everyone, I signed for $850,000 plus $200,000 in college scholarship money!!

Ashish Skaria: Why has it taken you so long to sign? Back in June, you said a signing with the Yankees was "imminent." Two months later, you are still unsigned. Why?

Brett Marshall: Because I did a thing called the out of slot deal where I signed for more money that what that slot number was, and it's taking this long because they [the Yankees] had to get pretty much everybody else signed including waiting for other teams to sign their players cause other players might get a little mad if a 6th rounder got more money than someone drafted higher than me!

Ashish Skaria: Ok, we've heard and read about your stuff, specifically your amazing fastball. Enlighten us about your repertoire.

Brett Marshall: Other than topping the fastball at 97, I have a pretty good slider that I topped out at 90, a changeup that falls out, a curveball, and a 2 seam fastball that moves pretty well!!

Ashish Skaria: You are not only well known for your pitching, but for your hitting as well. What are you better at? What do you like more, and if it were up to you, what would you pursue in the Yankees farm system and why?

Brett Marshall: Well I was good at both, but the Yankees drafted me as a pitcher. It really doesn't matter because I just love playing the game. I always said that I was going to be the next shortstop after Jeter, but Im just going to be the next Clemens, Pettite, or heck the next Brett Marshall where all the Yankee fans cant wait till I start!:)

Ashish Skaria: If you go the pitching route, do you see yourself as a potential starter or big time reliever when it's all said and done?

Brett Marshall: They already told me that I would be a starter!! Which is what I would like to do!!

Ashish Skaria: You have many doubters out there since you are only 6 feet, 185 pounds. What do you have to say to them?

Brett Marshall: First of all, Im 6'1" and 195!! But it really doesnt bother me because size doesnt matter!! We'll just see how they react when I get to the bigs! Its not the size of the dog in the fight; its the size of the fight in the dog!!

Ashish Skaria: You attended batting practice while the Yankees were playing the Astros in Houston. How was that like?

Brett Marshall: It made me realize how much power they have. It was pretty much the fastest bat speed I have seen and their strength is amazing!! But other than that, I wasn't like flipping out like I would have been a year ago as a huge fan!! It just made me realize that there just ball players that I could be playing within a few years which is pretty cool!!

Ashish Skaria: While crushing homeruns in the living room as a little kid, did you seriously say: "Dad, I am going to play for the New York Yankees."?

Brett Marshall: Yes that is true!! When people asked what I wanted to do when I grew up, I always said I was going to play for the Yankees!!

Ashish Skaria: Any player you idolized growing up?

Brett Marshall: Derek Jeter!! I have been one of the biggest fans since I started liking the Yankees!! And guys like Rivera, A-Rod, Giambi, Pettite, and so on!!

Ashish Skaria: Which pitcher would compare yourself to in the majors today and why?

Brett Marshall: I have been asked that question before, and I am still yet to answer that question. Haha!

Ashish Skaria: Any hobbies in particular we should know of?

Brett Marshall: Love working out, hanging out with all my best friends, and dont know where I would be without them, baseball, Frisbee, doing magic tricks, hunting, and just anything where you have to be active. Cant sit still for very long!!

Anything else just ask!! I signed tonight (Aug. 6, 2008), and Im leaving for Florida tomorrow!!

As you can see, Brett is very excited to be part of the New York Yankees. He is so happy that he agreed to answer some your questions. So, if you could write your questions down in comments section below, I will get the questions to him ASAP!