After the debut of big lefty Evan Frederickson, I'm excited to have another pitcher of similar imposing stature and handedness in the organization. Daniel Meadows is a 6'6", 230 lb. pitcher from Temple College, a junior college in Texas, where he posted a 58/12 K/BB in 59.7 innings this year. He was the second-last draft pick by the Brewers, but he's still (tied for) first in our hearts.
BCB: So you just got to Arizona today [Thursday, 6/19]?
DM: Yeah, I flew in this morning, and I haven’t stopped since. The head trainer picked me up and took me to the doc for a physical.
BCB: You signed a week ago, right?
DM: Yeah, Monday night, at my house.
BCB: What did you do in the interim? How come you didn't go right away?
DM: There were some things I needed to take care of at home, and that’s when they scheduled the flight.
BCB: Do you know yet if you'll be going to Helena?
DM: Nope, tomorrow is my first day of workouts in Arizona.
BCB: Do you know any of your new teammates?
DM: Nope, didn't meet anyone today who spoke English. (laughs)
BCB: Did you know anyone who got drafted this year?
DM: Yeah, quite a few who I’ve played with over the years.
BCB: Who’s the best?
DM: I'd have to say Jose Duran, who was drafted by the Brewers in the sixth round. I played against him my freshman year in college, and seeing by what he did this year, the kid can flat out play.
BCB: Can you give us a little bit of a scouting report on him?
DM: He can pick it with the best of them, and his swing has gotten a lot better. He’s just a ballplayer.
BCB: So you think he'll stick at short then?
DM: I'm not sure; I know he probably pans out as a middle infield guy. Second or short, doesn’t really matter.
BCB: Who was the best pro prospect on your Temple team this year? It looks like Tristan Gaines had some pretty good numbers.
DM: Yeah, he had pretty good numbers, but he wasn’t drafted.
BCB: Did being the only player drafted from your team surprise you?
DM: A little bit; I think if there was going to be anyone else drafted, it would have been Tristan.
BCB: Where is he going to play next year?
DM: [University of Texas]-Pan American.
BCB: Pan-American, just like your new teammates.
DM: (laughs) True, true.
BCB: So tell us a little about what you throw.
DM: Fastball, changeup, and they project my slider to be my best pitch. I just started throwing it late spring.
BCB: How hard do you throw?
DM: Mid- to upper-80's. Around 90 on a good day.
BCB: Do they project you to add any velocity, or have they suggested any mechanical tweaks to increase it?
DM: No, probably just hit the weight room and get a good throwing program going.
BCB: What kind of break does your slider have?
DM: It’s 80 to 84, moves like a slider, I guess.
BCB: The Brewers drafted another big lefthander near the top of the draft, Evan Frederickson. Do you know anything about him?
DM: Yeah, he was at the pre-draft workout with me, and he just blew away the radar guns, reportedly throwing 96 to 98; had pretty decent off-speed stuff from what I remember.
BCB: Having worked out for them, you knew the Brewers were interested in you; what other teams were?
DM: The Brewers were it.
BCB: Were you nervous once it got to the 49th round?
DM: Not really. I had listened to the draft all day and gave up around the 45th or 46th round and quit listening. I found out when my phone started ringing off the hook.
BCB: Was it a tough decision between the Brewers and Texas Tech?
DM: Yes it was, but the Brewers made a great offer I couldn’t pass up, so I figured I would go ahead and chase my childhood dream.
BCB: What was your bonus?
DM: 100% of two years of school and $11,000.
BCB: Do you plan on going to school in the offseason?
DM: Hell no. I'll go back when I’m done.
BCB: You're a baseball player now!
DM: Yes sir, I’m on permanent summer.
BCB: So where are you from?
DM: Katy, Texas, outside of Houston.
BCB: Were you an Astros fan growing up?
DM: Still am, I love the Astros. I’ve been going to games ever since I can remember.
BCB: Well, at least it's not the Cubs, I suppose.
DM: (laughs) No one likes the Cubs.
BCB: In your dreams, you probably imagined pitching in the big leagues at Minute Maid--just not for the visiting team. Think that would be hard for you?
DM: No, not at all, that would be a blast.
BCB: Who's your favorite Astro of all time?
DM: Either Bagwell or Biggio. I'd have to say Biggio.
BCB: Is there a major league pitcher you pattern yourself after?
DM: Definitely Andy Pettitte. I also really like watching Cole Hamels.
BCB: The Brewers love changeups. I'm sure they would be thrilled if you pitched like Cole Hamels.
DM: (laughs) Yeah, he's pretty stinkin’ good.
BCB: One more thing: Dan or Daniel?
DM: Daniel. [Dan] is just what the scout who drafted me called me all the time.
BCB: Is there anything else you want Brewers fans to know about you?
DM: Nope, not really, just that I’m excited to get this all started and try to move up as quick as I can.
BCB: Well, good luck, we'll be cheering for you.
DM: All right, thanks.