Don Hyslop of Red Sox Nation recently spoke with Frank Brooks, a 6’ 1” left-handed pitcher with the Portland Sea Dogs. A 27-year-old native of Brooklyn, Brooks was signed by the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in June of this year after being released by Kansas City. Originally drafted by the Phillies in 1999 out of Florida State, Brooks appeared in 11 games with the Pirates in 2004, posting an ERA of 4.67 in 17 1/3 innings while losing his only decision. Brooks spent the 2005 season in the Atlanta organization, appearing in one game with the Braves and 54 with their Triple-A affiliate in Richmond. With the Sea Dogs this year, Brooks finished 2-6, 3.86 in 17 games; 14 as a starter.



On going from being a starter to a reliever three years into his professional career: “I wasn’t too happy about it at the time. I believe my role was changed due to some of the prospects the Phillies had. As it worked out, I got to show that I could perform in either role, so it broadened my resume.”

On how differently he approaches the two roles: “I really don’t have a difference. Regardless of the role, you just have to go out there and attack the strike zone and go at the hitters. The major difference is the physical preparation. Whereas as a starter you have four days to work out your routine, as a reliever you have to be ready every day. The adjustment this year was just a matter of getting my pitch count up again.”

On his repertoire and what he considers to be his out pitch: “My out pitch is my curveball. My pitches include a fastball, curve and change-up.”

On Jim Callis of Baseball America saying that hitters have a difficult time picking up the ball as a result of his delivery: “I really don’t know. I don’t think I do anything out of the ordinary in my windup. I do pitch from the stretch, and maybe I hide the ball well.”

On if he was surprised to be put on waivers by the Pirates after the 2004 season: “Not only surprised, but very disappointed. But you know, that is the name of this game.”

On being in spring training with the Dodgers in 2005: “I thought the camp went really well. They ended up making room for Kelly Wunsch. That put me lower on the depth chart. They still said they liked me, but then they signed a Japanese player and once again I was the odd man out.”

On how he feels his season has gone pitching for the Sea Dogs: “I feel that my last month has been great. I have pitched really well but the wins just haven’t been there. There have been some runs allowed that shouldn’t have been given up, but you just have to keep going at it and keep doing what you can do. You just have to approach it as, “you can only do what you are capable of controlling.” Hopefully you can keep putting out zeros, but that is all you can do.”

On his plans for the off-season and what he enjoys doing off the field: “I will be playing winter ball. I am not sure which team I will be playing for, but that is my aim. Off the field I enjoy just hanging out with my family and my kids. I also enjoy playing "John Madden Football" with my friends.”