Former Cal State Fullerton first baseman was the Brewers' fourth round pick in the 2011 draft, and recently made his professional debut in Helena. He's hitting .333/.355/.400 in his first seven games there, and took a moment to answer these questions for us:

KL: What can you tell us about your game? I know you were both a pitcher and a position player in college - which did you prefer?

NR: I definitely prefer playing first base and hitting. It’s definitely a lot more fun for me.

KL: What, if anything, have the Brewers told you about their plans for you? Which team are you starting out with?

NR: I just got here to Helena so I will be playing here in Montana, I don’t know how long I will be here but I’m just ready to start my professional career.

KL: Did you know the Brewers were going to draft you and/or when you were going to be picked? Were you in touch with a lot of teams?

NR: I wasn’t aware that they were going to draft me and once I finally heard my name called it was like a dream come true. I finally got my opportunity to reach my dreams.

KL: Were you/did you expect to be drafted out of high school?

NR: Yes I was. But I wanted to much money so it just didn’t happen.

KL: After hitting 16 home runs in 2010, you led the Titans with nine home runs in 2011. How much did the new rules involving bats impact your game, and did they force you to change your approach at all?

NR: No my approach didn’t change at all. I knew that if I put the big part of the bat on the ball it will go regardless of what I was swinging.

KL: You had the opportunity in 2010 to play for Team USA in the World University Baseball Championships in Tokyo. What was that experience like?

NR: The was the best baseball experience I have ever been a part of. Just to see the talent around our nation come together and play against the best players from different countries was awesome. I would do that sort of thing again in heartbeat. The friendships I made on that team will last a lifetime.

KL: There's a little more than two months left in the minor league season. What are your goals for the rest of 2011?

NR: I just want to go out and perform to the best of my abilities. I want to put myself in the best position to help the organization and also to develop as a player.

Thanks to Nick for taking the time!

Frequent Mug readers will almost certainly recognize Audrey Snyder as MLB.com's new Associate Beat Reporter for the Brewers, taking the job Jordan Schelling held last summer. Audrey's been on the job for a few weeks now and was kind enough to answer some questions for us about her background, how she ended up in this job and what she's learned so far.

For more on Audrey, check out her work at The Official Site and follow her on Twitter @audsnyder4.

KL: Tell me a little about your background. Where'd you grow up? Have you always been a baseball fan? If so, what team did you root for as a kid?

AS: I was born and raised in Downingtown, Pa. It's about 40 minutes outside of Philadelphia. I'm heading into my senior year at Penn State University so during the school year I'm in central Pennsylvania and don't get home too often even though Penn State is only about three hours away from Downingtown.

I'll be the first to admit my baseball ties are really strange. No, I am not a Phillies fan and I'm always the first to admit that the only Philadelphia team I care about is the Sixers. I used to have family in Atlanta so I'd spend some time every summer or during spring break in Georgia so I grew up on the Braves. I'm sure the TBS connection helped too since I could catch most games when I was in Pa. My first game was at Fulton County stadium when I was one and then of course I've been to Turner Field many times since then. Now the creation of Directv, MLBTV and smart phones have been beautiful things and even though it drove my high school teachers crazy because I was always checking baseball scores during classes, I just always enjoyed following the game.

Follow the jump for more.

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Shortly after RHP Dylan Covey was announced as the Brewers' first round pick in last week's draft, I created Covey's Coven, a Facebook fan page.  Within a few days some of Covey's friends and even Dylan himself had joined.  I decided to take the opportunity to ask him to answer a few questions for us here at Brew Crew Ball.  Dylan kindly agreed, and like the Millennials we both are, we exchanged BCB user submitted questions and answers via Facebook message.

Before I get to the interview, Dylan wanted to clear something up:

Ok before I answer these, I'd like to make things clear that when I did some interviews with the Milwaukee newspapers, I was completely joking around with the interviewer when I said I didn't know how to spell Milwaukee or that I had cheap parents. I guess he didn't like the joke.

Don’t worry Dylan, we love humor around here.

Now for the interview:

BCB: First, your Facebook page has everyone wondering: why is your nickname ‘Splash?’

DC: Haha this is kind of a nickname that came out of nowhere and just stuck with me. I'm open to any suggestions you may have of why people call me that.


BCB: What is the scouting process like for a player?

DC: I'm sure the process is different for all players. Some players probably met with all the teams and some probably met with only a few. For me it was a really fun and exciting time and I'm still having fun with the process. I think I had about 28 of the 30 area scouts sit down in my living room and talk to me and my parents just trying to get to know me to make sure I wasn't a head case. Then the season would start and I would have anywhere from 10 to 60 scouts at each of my starts. When the season started winding down a few of the scouts came back to our house to talk about signability (if I would sign and how much I wanted). And then I just had to wait for the draft. I've told people that I wasn't expecting the Brewers to pick me but that is mainly because I wasn't getting any phone calls from them as the draft was getting closer. But I assure you I couldn't be happier with the turnout.


BCB: Where were you told and/or where were you hoping to be drafted?

DC: At the beginning of the year I was projected as a top 10 pick, but as the year went on some rumors started that I was injured (not true) so then I was told late first round. I hoped to be drafted by the team that fit the most, and now that I was drafted by the Brewers I couldn't see a better fit.

BCB: Speaking of scouts, everyone has read the scouting reports, but what do you really throw?

DC: I have a 5 pitch arsenal - a 4-seam fastball that sits around 91-94 MPH topping out at 97, a 2-seam fastball that has the same velocity but runs inside to righties, a curveball that's 78-84 MPH that breaks straight up and down, a slider that's 84-90 MPH, and a developing change-up which is gonna need the most work.


BCB: How much movement does your fastball have? Do you expect to add any velocity to it?

DC: The 4-seam fastball has little movement but I can paint the corners pretty easily with it. The 2-seam will either run in on a righty usually about 6 inches or it will act as a sinker depending on finger pressure. I believe as I get bigger and stronger that I'll be able to throw harder. I'm hoping that I can sit 95-97 at some point in my career.


BCB: Do you have a general pitching philosophy or anything special you do to prepare for each game?

DC: Me and my team would always go to this sandwich/burger place before our games call Connal's. It was really good but I'm gonna have switch things up once I get to Milwaukee.


BCB: Do you model your game after any particular player (bonus points for a current or former Brewer!)?

DC: As far as mechanics go I would say I am very similar to Yovani Gallardo. People have compared me physically to Matt Cain and [Chad] Billingsley. I think I'm a bit skinnier than both of them though. The Aflac uniform was deceiving because the pants they gave me were a million times too large. As far as my stuff goes I think I have potential to be as good as [Josh] Beckett or [Roy] Halladay or some of those guys. I know that's a pretty bold statement but I think I could get there. It's just gonna take a lot of hard work to get to that level.


BCB: Did you play any other positions in high school or were you strictly a pitcher?

DC: I played Center Field every year except halfway through my senior year. I played First Base when I didn't pitch because our number 2 starter was the regular 1B so we would just alternate.


BCB: Can you give any insights into the negotiating process with the Brewers?

DC:  We haven't started negotiating anything yet. I think a lot of the head scouts are in the DR right now and when they get back we'll probably start.


BCB: Have you gotten any indication of where you will play (Arizona, Helena, etc.) if you sign?

DC: I have no idea. I know the spring training league is in AZ and that's most likely where I'll start out.


BCB: Now, if you don't mind, for some more personal questions:

Are you wearing Brewers gear with the current logo or the retro logo?

DC: Me and my dad both have the retro hats. A few of my friends have the current hats. And even some friends are going online and finding different colored ones and things I've never seen before so it's a little bit of everything.


BCB:  The Brewers used to celebrate wins by untucking their jerseys on the field. Other teams found it annoying.  As a ballplayer, do you have an opinion about untucking in celebration?

DC: Tradition is what baseball is all about. As long as a team is respectful to their opponents I think they can do whatever they want.


BCB: When you come into your first major league game, what will your warm-up and walk-up music be?

DC: Haha there are too many decisions. Maybe 'Alive' by Kid Cudi? That's what it was in high school.


BCB: Will being a professional ballplayer be your first job?  From what I've heard, playing in the minors is like being dropped into adulthood with both feet.

DC: Besides working for my dad in his shop it will be. I know that the minor leagues will be very tough but I'm willing to chief it out until I make it to the MLB. I mean I'm playing a game every day for a living - can't be that bad.


BCB: If a train leaves Toronto at 8:24 AM, heading west at 98 miles per hour and another leaves Vancouver at 7:32 PM heading east at 78 miles per hour, what time is it in Beijing when the trains pass? Just kidding! :)

DC: 5?


BCB: Forgive me for Facebook creeping, but I see you play the piano pretty well. How long have you been playing?

DC: Haha that's just something I kind of mess around with. I used to take lessons a while back but I don't remember anything. I don't even know how to read music.


BCB: Finally, I know you will have a busy summer. What are you looking forward to the most?

DC: Starting my new job!!

As you can see, Covey is a talented player and a fun guy to talk to. I definitely think he will feel at home in the Brewers system and can’t wait to see what he can do.

Thanks again Dylan, and good luck!

In anticipation of this weekend's Brewers/Braves series, Martin Gandy of Talking Chop and I traded five questions regarding our respective teams. You can find my answers to his questions here. Here are his answers regarding the Braves.

BCB: What will it take for you to leave Javier Vazquez in Milwaukee with the Brewers?

TC: Mat Gamel AND Alcides Escobar ... both of them. But really I would say one of them would be a good starting point. I don't know your system that well, but if it were to be prospects we would probably prefer Escobar, as we could then possibly swing our current shortstopped Escobar (Yunel) for other needs.

Another option, for which I may be out of my mind here to suggest, but I had the thought a while back about a Vazquez for Ryan Braun swap. That probably made most Brewers fans sit back and say something to the effect of "heck no," but Vazquez is an elite pitcher and Braun is an elite hitter -- it seems mostly equitable to me.

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BCB: You guys got rained out tonight. Big surprise, eh?

EA: Yeah I know, this weather has been terrible. But maybe it’s what we need as a team to kind of jumpstart this second half.

BCB: Is it hard getting rained out so much? They say starting pitchers thrive on routine.

EA: [laughs] That’s actually a great question. This year, I’ve been tested with it plenty because I don’t think I’ve pitched on a normal rotation for over a month now. I think it depends, though. Sometimes its great to have an extra day off, and sometimes you wanna stay in a groove and keep it that way. Generally, I think if you’re struggling, a day off is the best thing possible, and if you’re hot you wanna keep everything the same.

BCB: You've been hot a lot more than you've been struggling this year.

EA: Well, I guess things have just been going my way this year more than in the past, and even though I’ve strung together a few good starts, any pitcher could tell you when you just have that feeling where you’re either unstoppable or cold. Sometimes it gets masked in this game, because you can go out there with your best stuff and get shelled or your worst and no one can touch you.

BCB: So has anything significant changed for you this year that's allowed your numbers to take the big step forward they have?

EA: I‘d probably have to say just experience from last year, mostly. Like, I haven’t noticed a huge difference in competition, just that knowing that your focus can’t change whether you’re dominating a team or when you’re losing. Just that every pitch you throw can either hurt the game or end the inning.

BCB: The Florida State League in general and Space Coast Stadium specifically are notoriously pitcher-friendly. How much do you think the environment has helped you?

EA: I mean, obviously it helps all pitchers, I think, and there have definitely been times where the large field and sea level have assisted in getting me out of jams and stuff, but I’m a ground ball guy, so if I’m giving up line drives and fly balls then I’m in trouble regardless. Just because I’m not giving up home runs doesn’t mean they aren’t hitting in the gaps and whatnot. So I’d say that I like pitching here, but I don’t think it affects me as much as it affects other guys.

BCB: Yeah, I was going to say, you've always been a ground-ball pitcher, so the heavy, humid air and whatnot probably don't help you as much as they would a fly-ball pitcher.

EA: Yeah, but there’ve been times where guys have hit the ball well and it just dies, so I can’t say it hasn’t helped me out. I’d say that the games where I’ve given up most of my runs are the days where it helps out most versus most other days, because that’s when I’m leaving the ball up.

BCB: That makes sense, and it’s a great point. I was wondering how much of your grounder-oriented approach has to do with going to high school high up in Colorado.

EA: [laughs] Honestly, it really has nothing to do with it, as strange as it sounds. My arm took a beating in high school, and ever since I signed I’ve yet to get that velocity back. So when I was in Helena in ’07, I decided I needed to change something until my velocity came back, so I decided to pick up a sinker. I used to have plenty of tail on my fastball but I had never had much depth to it, so I started fiddling around with grips and next thing led to another and my sinker became a reality.

BCB: You had tail on your four-seamer, you mean?

EA: Yeah, back in high school I had tail on my four-seamer. Never had a need to throw a two-seamer back then.

BCB: How hard were you throwing back in high school and then as a pro?

EA: Let’s see, my senior year I sat 90 to 93, and now I’m throwing 85 to 88. I’m in the process of finding a better offseason routine specifically to increase my velocity.

BCB: That 90 to 93 vs. 85 to 88 is four-seamer vs. two-seamer, though, right?

EA: No, not entirely. I mean, when I pull out my four-seamer now, I get it up to 88, 89 usually. And back then, I’m not sure whether my arm was in better condition or just the easy schedule of starting once a week and the season only lasting two months. That, and I also just threw in high school. I mean, I had a general idea of where I was throwing it, but not nearly the kind of control I’ve obtained over the past few years.

BCB: The fact that you said your arm took a beating in high school, you feel like there's some sort of physical cause behind your velocity loss too?

EA: Well, I’ve pretty much looked back at everything to try and figure out why my velocity dropped. All I can really think of is either throwing 85 innings in about 12 starts, with no care on how many pitches I threw per game, or just I realized that I needed to learn how to pitch and I have just lost some of those quick-twitch muscles that I need to build up again.

BCB: Do you have any bitterness when you look back at those 85 innings in 12 starts?

EA: Well, I’m not a hundred percent sure if that is in fact the direct reason as to why it’s dropped, but back then I didn’t care. My arm never really felt bad, and I was throwing harder than I had ever thrown in my life. So I now know it was reckless and stupid, but I can’t say I regret it at all. It was the best time in my baseball career at the time, and it was also the most fun time.

BCB: Do you ever just rear back and throw like you were then to see how high you can dial it up?

EA: I did a bit last year, and I got it back up around 90 to 91. But I truly think I need to start focusing on it at the beginning of winter workouts. I mean, you can’t just throw one way for six months and then all of a sudden add seven miles an hour to your fastball just by hurling it. I mean, I’m confident that I’ll figure it out. I just seem to have tried all the wrong programs to fix it so far, so it’s now just finding the right one.

BCB: Reid Nichols was quoted in the Milwaukee paper the other day saying about you: "He wasn't a very good athlete when we drafted him. He learned how to work out, got stronger and in better shape."

EA: Yeah, in that regard I've gotten better. I’ve gained weight and pretty much advanced in every other category except my velocity. It’s just one of those things that I don’t know exactly what I need to do, whether it be a new offseason throwing program or different long toss schedule. I’m not quite sure as to what I have to do, but this offseason I’ll be trying everything possible to bring it back up.

BCB: Does the team design the workouts for you or tell you which programs they want you to do?

EA: Yeah, they give us workout schedules and whatnot, but I like to mix it up with my own personal trainer back home to possibly give me an edge, and I don’t think that it’s my lifting that has hurt my velocity. I think it’s more the actual throwing side of it.

BCB: Well, we've talked a lot about your fastball. Can you describe the rest of your stuff?

EA: As in what I’m throwing now, or what I’m working on?

BCB: How about both?

EA: Let’s see, well, I’m throwing both a curve and a slider, and a changeup. I just picked up the slider this year. I’ve been juggling with my changeup grip for the past few years, but I think I have finally found a quality grip, so I’m happy about that.

BCB: Which grip are you using now?

EA: Well, it’s always been a circle change, but just finger placement and how much pressure I put on the ball from each finger has changed.

BCB: And what are you tinkering with?

EA: Well, it’s really just my slider and my changeup. Like, I know how to throw them both, but there are so many different ways to throw them, like where you can get bigger break but less depth or a harder and tighter spin with later movement and less break. It’s been interesting to try them all out.

BCB: You’ve picked up a lot of strikeouts this year while keeping your walk rate static, which is a pretty rare thing--is that because of the slider?

EA: I would definitely have to give it a lot of credit, for sure. It’s become my first out pitch I’ve ever had, and it’s turning into my best pitch. The exciting part about it is that I just picked it up, and I can’t wait to see it in a year or two. On top of that though, I think all of my pitches have advanced since last year, and that’s allowed me to set up hitters in different ways because I can rely on not just my fastball control.

BCB: Do you feel like you can get a strikeout or a ground ball, depending on what you need? Are you actively trying to strike guys out more?

EA: Well, I mean, all pitchers love strikeouts, so I’ve always tried to strike people out. But now it seems that if I’m in a situation where I need a K, I feel confident that I can get one. And this year I’m focusing on my pitch count more than anything, so I’m trying to get through innings as quickly and easily as possible. But yeah, I feel I can get a groundball when I need it.

BCB: Your slider must be pretty damn good then if you're actively trying to keep your pitch count down and you're still getting so many more strikeouts.

EA: It’s definitely added some power to my stuff, but overall it’s been the combination of everything that’s helped me this year.

BCB: How do you use your stuff differently depending on the handedness of the batter?

EA: Generally I stick with fastballs and sliders to righties, as of late, and changes and curves to lefties. I use my change to both sides when needed, but I haven’t used it as much because it’s my hardest pitch to control right now, but it’s getting better.

BCB: We haven't touched on your no-hitter yet. Can you tell me about it?

EA: Well, the game was a 10:30 commuter, so we got the wonderful 6 A.M. bus time for that morning. Honestly, it was really like every other game, except I seemed to be able to throw whatever I wanted wherever I wanted and they all hit it right at people. It was really just funny how you really do need everyone’s help, mostly the other team’s hitters’, to get you into that kind of position. Anyways, during the game I tried to keep everything the same. Like, I’m a pretty outgoing guy, and I didn’t want that scene where everyone is sitting on the other side of the dugout from me. So I really just hung out in between innings, and I think the best help was the fact that the game was so early that I was too tired to think about how big the situation really was.

BCB: Yeah, the milb.com article said you were pretty depressed about the early start.

EA: [laughs] Well, with our schedule it’s pretty routine to be going to bed around three every night, so when you go from a night game to an early morning game, it’s really difficult to adjust for one day.

BCB: What was going through your head when Brent Brewer dropped the pop-up with two outs in the 9th?

EA: Really, it didn’t bother me so much that I might give up a hit to the next guy. What bothered me was that now the tying run was on second, and I was not going to blow this game with two outs. I just wanted to win. That’s really all I ever want to do--whatever it takes, you know?

BCB: You said you were going to take a nap and then cook out after the game. Best burgers you ever tasted?

EA: [laughs] Well, actually we went fishing, and yeah, it was a great afternoon, apart from being on the phone for about six hours solid after the game [laughs].

BCB: [laughs] Well, that's about it. Any interesting non-baseball trivia, hobbies, or skills?

EA: [laughs] No, not really anymore. Baseball has taken away a lot of my old hobbies. It really is a full-time job. Weird to think, since they give us a whole offseason, but you really have to work at it every day.

BCB: Well, whatever you're doing, keep it up. We hope to see you in Milwaukee soon. We have fewer rainouts here.

EA: [laughs] Thanks a lot.

BCB: Where are your negotiations with the Brewers at?

TK: Well, I haven’t signed yet. They sent me a contract a few days ago, but I’m not sure where we’re going from here. We just keep in touch every week or so trying to make a deal out.

BCB: Do you want more money than they're currently offering?

TK: That’s the thing--I haven’t got offered anything. They’re trying to find out how much [money] they’ll have, because I was [a] very late [pick], so they’re trying to get the people in front of me before they throw anything out there, I’m guessing.

BCB: Oh, okay. So they sent you a contract, but it's blank? Or what?

TK: Yeah, they sent a contract explaining everything and how much I get a month and all that. But the bonus has yet to be decided.

BCB: Right, okay. Is there a dollar amount you have in your head that you'd need to be offered to sign?

TK: Honestly, I really don’t know. I would have to figure it out with my family, but I’m sure it’s not going to be outrageous to where I’m just gonna drop everything and go. I mean, I’m only gonna be a sophomore in college. I still have a long time to go, you know?

BCB: Do you have a preference, though? It sounds like you're pretty interested in staying in school.

TK: I’d love to go and play, but I have a few friends playing now that have been struggling pretty bad. So I like the idea of staying in school and getting the rest of my education, but if the time comes, whenever that is, that they throw a bunch of money out there, I will definitely be on my way. [laughs]

BCB: Which friends?

TK: Chad Robinson, you might know him, he plays for the Brewers, right-handed pitcher. He’s been hurt, though.

BCB: Yeah, I do, he had shoulder surgery. He got a bunch of money as a draft-and-follow.

TK: Yeah, see, if I was like that I would be gone playing. What I’m really looking to do is to get bigger, try to get up to about 195, 200 [pounds], have a big year, and hopefully the Brewers pick me up again next year pretty high, ‘cause I’m not sure about D-I. Going back to the metal [bats] I don’t think would be good, so next year I’m sorta looking to go, hopefully.

BCB: Are you playing in a summer league or anything?

TK: No, I’m not playing summer ball anywhere. I was supposed to go to South Carolina, but we decided I needed to stay home, get in good shape, and get up to that weight.

BCB: Do you think that will hurt your chances of getting offered good money this year, the Brewers not being able to scout you over the summer?

TK: No, not really. Their plan was to come watch me at the end of the summer/start of fall, when I’ll be getting back into [playing], but I don’t think it’ll make a big difference. I think I might be doing some workouts with them in the fall, but I think they’ll come during the regular season again, and plus my high school coach is good friends with the Brewers guy, so he can get them to come out for me. He did this year, and look what happened. [laughs]

BCB: Chad Robinson went to your high school, right? Silverado?

TK: Yeah, our coach is some Brewers guy. I’m not sure how he’s linked, though.

BCB: And you said something about metal bats--does CSN not use metal?

TK: Nah, we use wood. We use metal about two weekends a year: going to Florida for a tournament and then we have a bunch of California teams come down.

BCB: Oh, i didn't realize that. Is that common for jucos?

TK: No, not at all. There are only a few schools that do it. But I like the idea, I think it’s more fun with wood. You can’t get those little bloop shots to get a hit; you have to hit it well.

BCB: And it makes your performance more impressive. That's why you're hesitant to go back to metal?

TK: Yeah. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the games are exciting ‘cause there is lot more hitting going on, but a lot of those extra hits aren’t true, so I’d rather just stick with wood. I’ve always liked to play with wood, though, even when I was younger.

BCB: Be honest: How much of wanting to stay at CSN is so you can play with Bryce Harper?

TK: I don’t think it’s the whole idea of playing with him, ‘cause I’ve played with and against him since we were younger ,but I really want to stay for what we’re supposed to be. We had a few holes and we’re bringing in a bunch of good players and a bunch of good pitching. I’m excited to see how good we can be, but yeah, a little bit of it is getting the chance to play with the "chosen one". [laughs]

BCB: So you know him a little bit?

TK: Yeah, I mean, I don’t hang out with the kid on a regular basis, but I see him around the ball field a bunch.

BCB: Is he as good as they say?

TK: I don’t know if he’s as good, but he’s by far the best player from around here that I’ve seen. I went to a game for the playoffs when he played Silverado, and he hit like two or three homeruns. It was unreal, and they were absolute bombs. And he has a cannon from his knees behind the plate. But I don’t think he'll get up to the big leagues and be like LeBron in the NBA. But I think he'll make it.

BCB: Well, how about you? What's your game like?

TK: What do you mean?

BCB: Like, what are your strengths and weaknesses?

TK: Well, it was my first time ever being in the outfield this year, so I would have to say that my breaks weren’t very good, but I made it up with my speed. I’m pretty quick. And I like to think I have a pretty good arm. I think I hit about 86 to 88 from the outfield, 90 once. But I think what I really need to work on is hitting for power. I didn’t hit many home run. I hit for a lot of singles and doubles. I felt like leadoff hitter hitting in the three hole. [laughs] But I can improve every aspect. I need the power and to gain some more speed and get a little bit better arm.

BCB: Did you play in center this year?

TK: Nah, I played right. I think I might play center next year; that’s what my coach’s plan is. We had a kid in center that had a cannon, throwing 94 from the outfield and can fly, he just couldn’t really hit. I mean, he got his jobs done and could be a good hitter but was just up and down this year.

BCB: You said this was your first year in the outfield--where did you play before?

TK: I played up the middle, switching off from short to second. But I wasn’t cutting it in there so they sent me to the outfield ‘cause of my speed.

BCB: So even though you have good speed and a good arm, you think you need to improve them?

TK: Yeah, you can always get better, I think. That’s why I’m lifting at 5:30 every day, trying to push my body to its max to get all I can get.

BCB: So you think hitting for more power is a matter of just getting stronger? I know some players retool their swing to get more loft.

TK: Yeah, I’m not a very big kid. In high school I had lots of power, but that was with a metal, but with wood it’s a big difference. I mean, I had warning track power this year, hit the fence a lot, so I don’t think it’s anything with my swing, just strength.

BCB: That makes sense. Did you get any draft consideration from other teams?

TK: Last year I talked to the White Sox a little, but this year just the Brewers and maybe Mets, and then an Angels scout sent my name in, but not really anything big.

BCB: So would it be safe to summarize your position as willing to sign if you're pleasantly surprised by the offer, but mostly expecting to go back to CSN next year and work on your game and hopefully get drafted higher next year?

TK: Yeah, that’s exactly right. I mean, I don’t want to say I’m not gonna sign, but I don’t think the chances of signing are very high.

BCB: Right, because the team has so many other guys above you priority-wise.

TK: Yeah, you got it exactly right.

BCB: Well, it sounds like the team knows you pretty well at least, so hopefully if you don't sign this year we'll be talking again next year after you're drafted much higher--by the Brewers, I mean. [laughs]

TK: [laughs] Yeah, I hope I get taken by the Brewers again. But then again, I have no say in who’ll pick me up if I were to get picked up again.

BCB: Well, best of luck to you in the future, regardless of what team you end up with. Put in a good word with Bryce Harper for us in case Boras figures out how to make him a free agent.

TK: You got it, man.

BCB: What’s the status of your negotiations with the Brewers?

CS: Well, we’re trying to get a deal done by Thursday.

BCB: Oh, that's great. Have you agreed on a dollar value? What remains to be done?

CS: That still remains, but it will be done by tomorrow.

BCB: Well that's good news. Will you head to Arizona or Helena then?

CS: Helena.

BCB: Was the 8th round where you expected to be drafted?

CS: Well, it’s not what they told me. They said about the 5th, but I still got a good offer for the 8th round.

BCB: 5th-round money?

CS: Not quite.

BCB: The Brewers told you they were interested in taking you in the 5th round? Or another team did?

CS: [The Brewers] did. That’s what I was told. Then they called me in the 7th and I didn’t get picked till the 8th.

BCB: Were you disappointed?

CS: A tiny bit, but at the end of the day it comes down to how bad you want to play Major League baseball.

BCB: How seriously did you entertain the idea of going to LSU?

CS: Quite a bit. They’re one of the best college programs around. This decision has been the hardest one of my life, but I feel I’m in a win-win situation though.

BCB: It's got to be hard turning away from them given that they're in the College World Series at the moment.

CS: You got that right. But you just never know what’s going to happen, if I did go there. It could up my value or put it down.

BCB: It's good to sign while you still have a chance to get a couple months of pro ball under your belt, I think, too, rather than waiting until mid-August.

CS: Yeah, we were going to wait it out and see what happens. But my advisor and my family thought we need to stop screwing around, get a deal done, and start playing.

BCB: Well that's good to hear. Can you describe your game a bit?

CS: My best thing I got is my speed. I run a 6.4 60[-yard dash]. I can hit with a bit of power, hit great to both sides of the park. I got an above average arm. I’m the kind of player that goes all-out, hustles everywhere. I just love the game and love to play it right.

BCB: I've seen you compared to Hunter Pence. What do you make of that?

CS: I can see that. I haven’t seen him play very much, to be honest, but he has the same body type as me. And the times I have seen him play, I can see what you’re saying.

BCB: Do you compare yourself to anyone in your mind? Is there anyone you model your game after?

CS: There are two: Eric Byrnes and Torii Hunter.

BCB: So you see yourself sticking in center field?

CS: That’s where I feel I need to be playing. I love to run, and I have great speed. That’s where I feel I would best fit.

BCB: Have you always played center?

CS: No, I played a lot of left. This year was my first full year in center, ‘cause a year ago my arm was just not were it needed to be.

BCB: Did you have an injury?

CS: With my arm, no, never have. The only injury I’ve had was four years ago. Tore my meniscus doing long jump in track.

BCB: So when you say your arm wasn't where it needs to be, you just mean strength-wise?

CS: Yeah. I worked and worked on it over the summer. Changed a few things mechanically, and now I’m throwing better then ever.

BCB: Hitting-wise, I've heard your mechanics are a little unorthodox.

CS: Yeah, a little. I still have room to grow. And no one’s perfect.

BCB: Well, unorthodox isn't necessarily a bad thing. One of the Brewers' best prospects, Angel Salome, no one can figure out how he even hits the ball, but he keeps doing it.

CS: That’s very true. I’m just going to go in there, work my butt off, and get the job done.

BCB: So, getting back to the draft, what other teams were interested in you?

CS: Just mainly the Mets.

BCB: Did they indicate where they were thinking about taking you?

CS: They just said I was on their draft board. Didn’t say much else.

BCB: The Brewers have lots of Canadians in their system. Are you excited to play with many of your countrymen?

CS: It’s going to be good. I know a few of them. Just when I’ll play with them is the question.

BCB: Which ones do you know?

CS: Brett Lawrie and Nick Bucci.

BCB: Bucci pitched really well for Helena last night. He also got called up to AA and suspended for hitting a guy. It's been an eventful year for him.

CS: [laughs] Sounds like it.

BCB: Well, that's about all I've got for you. Any parting shots? Got any hidden talents or good trivia?

CS: Well, I’m a pretty good artist and can cook.

BCB: Oh yeah? What kind of artist?

CS: Drawing.

BCB: Maybe you can make some extra bucks designing a new logo for the Brewers incorporating the old ball-and-glove one.

CS: I could give it a shot, see what I can come up with.

BCB: All right, well that's about it.

CS: Thanks.

BCB: No, thank you!

BCB: So, it's been a day since you were drafted--how are you feeling?

JW: I don't know. I'm taking it all in stride and keeping everything in perspective. It still hasn't really hit me yet.

BCB: Did you celebrate?

JW: Not yet. My parents are throwing a party this weekend for a kind of draft/birthday party.

BCB: Right, I saw that your birthday is in a couple days. Hell of a birthday present, huh?

JW: Yeah, it’s right up there in my list of best birthday presents. [laughs]

BCB: So what are your thoughts on signing?

JW: I don't really know yet. The Brewers are going to follow me through the summer, and I guess we'll see what happens from there.

BCB: Is there a scenario in which they'd like to sign you but you wouldn't sign?

JW: I'm not really sure. I want to play professional baseball eventually, but I guess we'll see what happens when an offer comes.

BCB: Do you have a specific dollar amount in mind?

JW: My parents and I still haven't decided on a specific dollar amount, but we all agree that it will have to include my schooling for when my career is over.

BCB: Do you have a strong opinion about whether college or pros would be better to develop your game for the next couple of years?

JW: The whole college experience intrigues me, and I think it would be good for my development, but I also hear that the best coaches are in professional baseball, so it's a tough call to make.

BCB: You’re what, 6'5", 185?

JW: Yeah.

BCB: It seems like a lot of tall, skinny pitchers especially go to college to bulk up a little bit and improve their pro prospects.

JW: That’s one of the things that I think would be better about the college route. I still have a lot of filling out to do and a lot of strength to gain, so I don't think that would be a terribly bad decision to go to school for a bit first.

BCB: How hard do you throw now?

JW: I’ve heard different things, but it doesn't really matter to me as long as I do my job and get outs.

BCB: What other pitches do you throw besides a fastball?

JW: Curveball and changeup. I'm trying to work on a two-seam fastball right now, too.

BCB: Which would you say is your best pitch?

JW: I think my curveball, because it’s usually my go-to strikeout pitch and I’m confident enough in it to throw it in any count. My changeup has developed a lot from last year, though, and has been really effective this year. My fastball has really increased a lot in velocity over the past year, too.

BCB: Have the Brewers been scouting you for awhile?

JW: I met Marty Lehn, the Brewers scout that drafted me, last year at a camp in Calgary, but they only really started scouting me this much lately I think.

BCB: They’re known for drafting an inordinate amount of Canadians. Are there other teams that have a strong presence up there? Probably the Blue Jays, right?

JW: Yeah, I think the Blue Jays drafted quite a few Canadians this year. The Phillies did, too. Baseball is starting to get a lot of recognition up here, with help from programs like Vauxhall and strong leagues like the Premier Leagues in BC and Ontario.

BCB: It seems like most players I see are either from BC or Ontario. Your high school is a hotbed in Alberta, though?

JW: We had four of our current players drafted this year, and two of our alumni also went. Our coach, Les McTavish, tries to recruit players from the smaller provinces that don't usually get as much exposure, like Saskatchewan and Manitoba or the Maritime provinces, so we get a lot of great talent from all over the place.

BCB: So, if you don't sign with the Brewers, where will you be off to?

JW: Right now I'm committed to Hill College in Texas, which is a two-year school. I'm in talks with a few four-year schools too right now, so we'll see what happens.

BCB: Would that decision hinge on whether you want to go back into the draft next year? The decision whether to go to a juco or a four-year school?

JW: Yeah, we'll see what kind of offers come in and decide from there. I wouldn't be against going to either a four-year or a two-year school.

BCB: It sounds like the actual education is pretty important to you too, unlike with some players.

JW: Yeah, my parents have always emphasized education and to have something to fall back on if baseball doesn't work out. They’ll support me in any decision I make, though, so they're not pressuring me to go either way.

BCB: What are you interested in studying?

JW: I was thinking either kinesiology or physiotherapy, so then I can stay around baseball or other sports after I'm done playing.

BCB: You’d like to be a trainer?

JW: Yeah, I think that's ideally what I’d like to do. My trainer here in Calgary, Doug Crashley, has a really good setup, and I think I would like to start something like he's got.

BCB: Well, it sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders. Obviously I'm a little biased as a Brewers fan, so I hope you’ll sign, but good luck in whatever you decide.

JW: Thank you very much. My parents raised me the right way.