Written by Greg Fertel | 07 February 2009

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APS: Not only did you pitch to the tune of a 0.41 ERA this year at Staten Island (SS), but you were able to strike out 68 batters in just 44 innings and pitch with a WHIP under 1. Tell us a little bit about your pitching repertoire and how you were able to maintain such a high level of success.

BR: This summer I pitched mainly with my fastball and breaking ball, I didn't use the changeup much but I hope to in the future.

APS: You were a closer at Georgia Tech and in all likelihood remain in the bullpen in the Yankees farm system. Was your approach different in middle relief for Staten Island as opposed to your approach as a closer for Georgia Tech? Is there a different mentality in those situations?

BR: Not really, the back of the bullpen is all the same to me, I just wanted to get outs and get us to the ninth with the lead. 

APS: Why did you choose to stay in the Georgia Tech baseball program for all four years as opposed to leaving after three?

BR: Well it wasn't my decision, I didn't get drafted my junior year which was pretty upsetting but so far its been for the best. 

APS: You have many doubters out there since you are only 5'11 feet, 186 pounds. What do you have to say to them?

BR: Yeah you could say that, I always felt like I was underestimated. I just try to use it as motivation.
 
APS: What is the most important aspect of your pitching that you want to improve on going forward in the Yankees system?

BR: I really want to add the changeup, I think one more pitch for the hitter to think about will really help.  

APS: Are you doing anything baseball related (instructional league) so far in the off-season? How is it? What's your typical day like?

BR: Right now my entire day is baseball. I wake up and go work out and run, then I go to my high school's practice and do whatever throwing I need to do, and I have been giving lessons to little kids at Home Plate ( baseball facility in Columbus) so I head to work, after all that I just hang out with friends and try to find something to do around here 

APS: Any player you idolized growing up?

 BR: Greg Maddux, any Atlanta Brave was my favorite as a kid, and as I got older I started liking any big league pitcher under six feet.

APS: Were you a Yankee fan growing up? Don't worry; there is no wrong answer, other than the Red Sox of course. 

BR: Of course I was a big Braves fan but I always liked watching the Yankees because they had so many great players.

APS: Which player in the majors would you compare yourself to and why?

BR: This is always hard for me but I think Scott Shields because he's a setup guy that throws mainly fastball/ curveball, and I've always liked his aggressive mindset  

APS: Any hobbies in particular we should know of?

BR: Anything outdoors, especially fishing and golf.

APS: Being a former Georgia Tech alumnus yourself, what is your opinion of New York Knicks reject Stephon Marbury? How do you feel about Mike D'Antoni's decision to bench him?

BR: I don't really keep up with NBA that much but it looks like they should just trade him to make both sides happy.

APS: What are your favorite TV shows and why?

BR: SportsCenter and Seinfeld, could watch these two all day, I'll challenge anyone to some Seinfeld trivia ha.

 

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