Eric Farris Interview

                       By: Ryan Ong

 

An Interview with Eric Farris

"Gamer", "smooth as silk" and "human vaccum cleaner". Those terms best describe Eric Farris' game. This 22-year old phenom is showing shades of Ozzie Smith in the Brewer's minor league system. Farris has been given numerous honors throughout his career (high school first-team All-Arizona, Collegiate Baseball/TPX All-American and Arizona Player of the Year). While playing for Loyola Marymount University, Farris earned All-WCC honors three years in a row. He also received All-Cape Cod honors and was a semi-finalist for USA Baseball's Golden Spikes award. Farris was kind enough to take time out of Spring Training schedule to talk baseball with the Deli.

Ryan Ong: You've been drafted twice in your young career, once in high school by the Braves and once last year by the Brewers. Which pick was more exciting to hear your name called?

Eric Farris: The pick by the Braves.

RO: What's the biggest step that players have to get over from college ball to pro ball?

EF: Definitely having to play every day.

RO: What's the biggest difference you've noticed in pro pitching compared to collegiate?

EF: More strikes, better fastballs, and better secondary pitches.

RO: How did you spend the winter preparing yourself for this upcoming season?

EF: Lifting and conditioning...eating well.

RO: Where do you see yourself starting the season?

EF: Probably in A ball in West Virginia (minor A ball).

RO: What was it like playing in the Cape Cod league?

EF: It was a good experience...a lot of good competition and very nice people. The east coast is a lot different than what I'm used to.

RO: Is there anyone in the bigs that you compare your game to?

EF: I like to compare myself to an Omar Vizquel!!

RO: The Brewers have young talent in J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks. What is your opinion of their game and how do you see yourself fitting into the organization?

EF: I feel they are outstanding players. I still feel I have a lot to learn before I am on their level. But I feel as if I could be part of the Brewers big league future.

RO: Can you still do a back flip like Ozzie Smith?

EF: Of course I can!

RO: I see that you were at Milwaukee's Winter Development camp and won a group cook award. What was the dish?

EF: Enchilidas...yum.

RO: What do you think about the Mitchell Report, and steroids in general?

EF: I think that steroids were a big part of the last twenty years in baseball. I don't believe it's right, but now that testing is enforced so well I hope it fades out.

RO: What team do you see taking it all this season? Detroit is stacked.

EF: Detroit is stacked, but the best team on paper doesn't always win. I gotta go with the Brewers. Ha ha.

RO: Jason Roach [former high school teammate, now pitching in the minors for the Royals] is on the bump and the bases are juiced with a full count. What's your approach and what do you do with the pitch?

EF: Well, I don't want to brag but I faced him this summer and got a knock off him. So I'd say I'd hit a fastball back up the middle.

RO: Can you offer any advice for young Deli readers on how to make it to the pros?

EF: Work hard at all the little things the game has to offer. Know your strengths and perfect them. Remember that baseball is a frustrating game and always make the best out of all situations.

Thanks for the interview, Farris. The Deli wishes you the best of luck in your quest to reach the Show. Follow Eric Farris and his pursuit of a MLB call-up at:

http://www.brewerfan.net/ViewHome.do

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