RSN: Scouting reports say that your fastball ranges between 88-92 mph and that you have a solid slider. Is that accurate?
BS: Sometimes. My slider is something I can usually go to when I need it, but right now I'm trying to find consistency with it. The same with my change-up. Breaking balls are feel pitches, and I maybe lost a little of that between my college season and coming here. As for my fastball, 88 to the low 90s is about right.
RSN: Do you generally throw two-seamers or four-seamers?
BS: I'll mix it up. In ground ball situations I'll go with two-seamers, but it's easier for me to place my four-seamer, so I usually throw more of those. I like to spot it up, especially in on the hands. On average, I probably get more ground ball outs than fly ball outs.
RSN: All pitchers know the importance of throwing first pitch strikes and keeping the ball down. Do you think it's possible to do too much of either?
BS: It's always nice to get ahead, so I'd say that's a big deal. But if you throw everything at the knees, hitters can sit on that location. Down-and-in and down-and-away are the most consistent ways to get guys out, but I think you need to change a guy's eye-angle, too.
RSN: You signed on July 10. How would you assess the first five weeks of your pro career?
BS: A little up-and-down, partly because I haven't found my off-speed stuff yet. It's been okay in the pen, but I haven't always been taking it with me into the game. As much as anything, I probably need to relax more on the mound. I've never played in front of 5,000 people before, and I think I've been pressing a little. I'm more relaxed each time I go out there, though.
RSN: Prior to being drafted, what were the highlights of your baseball career?
BS: There are different big moments. Making the team as a walk-on at Texas A&M was big, because that's where it all started for me baseball-wise. So was getting a chance to play at Stephen F. Austin after getting cut my junior year. That's where I met the guys who helped me get here, including the head coach, Donnie Watson.
RSN: How did they help you improve as a pitcher?
BS: The big thing was cleaning up my mechanics. One part of that was incorporating my legs better, which is a big part of pitching. Not only did my velocity improve, the effort level of my delivery went down at the same time. Ever since then, I've been a better pitcher.
RSN: Two years ago, our 28th-round pick, Mike James, went 0-4, 10.90 here in Lowell. Now he's the closer in Wilmington and a Carolina League all-star. What does that tell you?
BS: The big thing it tells me is that you can come back. It's a determination thing. I had a great football coach in high school -- his name is Pat Henke -- and he teaches more than just the game. He also teaches you about life experiences and about not giving up. Those are important lessons.
RSN: You quarterbacked your high school team to a championship. Does leadership in football translate to the baseball diamond?
BS: In either sport, it's an athletic competitive mentality. You want to lead that drive for the winning touchdown, and you want to pitch your team to a win. That's it, really. You just want to compete.
RSN: What were your rooting-interests growing up?
BS: I was born and raised in the Houston area, so I followed the Astros, Oilers and Rockets. I mostly liked to play, though. A lot of times, a game would be on inside but I'd be out in the back yard throwing a ball.
RSN: Before I let you go, can you tell us a little about your family and your interests away from the game?
BS: I like to golf when I can. I like fishing. Back home, my dad is an electrical engineer, and my mom helps takes care of the farm we own. We have about 30 or 40 head of cattle.
RSN: Could you see yourself going back to the farm someday, after baseball?
BS: Oh, yeah. I love the country, so I do hope to return there -- maybe retire there. But you're right. That's after baseball.