Since I started writing this blog I have conducted a number of different interviews in a variety of settings. Recently I had the opportunity to do my first “Twitter-view,” keeping in line with my commitment to using social media as much as possible with my writing. The format is a little challenging because of the 140 character limit per post, but I was still able to get some quality answers. The lucky participant in this exercise was Christian Friedrich, one of the top prospects in the Colorado Rockies minor league system. I was very excited to have this opportunity because I have followed Christian since he emerged on the scene as a top baseball prospect.
Christian Friedrich is a left-handed pitcher who was chosen by the Rockies with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2008 draft. He came from Eastern Kentucky University, where he had a storied career, totaling 327 strikeouts in 244 innings. Other collegiate highlights included a no-hitter he threw as a freshman, and the 1.43 ERA he posted on his way to the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year award as a junior.
A sign of a good pitcher is the number of out pitches they possess, and Christian is well on his way to an excellent arsenal. He throws a fastball in the low 90’s, and also has a curveball and slider that are seen as plus pitches.
Injuries have prevented Christian from gaining momentum in the minor leagues. Now in his 4th season, he is currently pitching with the Tulsa, the Rockies Double-A team. He is 6-7 with a 4.37 ERA so far this season in 20 starts. For his career he has gone 17-20 with a 3.88 ERA. However, he has posted impressive strikeout numbers, whiffing 383 in 366.1 innings. More information about his statistics is available at http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=friedr001chr.
Between Christian, Tyler Matzek, and the recently acquired Drew Pomeranz, the Rockies have assembled quite the roster of top left-handed starting pitcher prospects. There is an excellent chance that all three will be pitching in Colorado within the next two or three years, and have the potential to make the Rockies rotation one of the best in baseball.
Christian Friedrich is perhaps closest to being the first of the prospect trio to make it to the Majors, and if that is the case, watch for him to set the foundation of a Rockies pitching staff that is rebuilding now that Ubaldo Jimenez has been traded. Rockies fans may be feeling a little down to having seen their best pitcher recently leave, but they should be heartened that the future is right around the corner.
Christian Friedrich “Twitter-view”:
Who was your favorite player and/or team growing up?: Fav player Mark Prior but White Sox.
How was the draft process for you?: The draft was a very exciting day for me and my family. It was a blast.
Who has been your favorite or most influential coach to date?: Most influential coach was my pitching coach I used growing up Jim Sakism and college coaches Elvis Dominguez and John Corbin.
Did you do anything special after being drafted and signing your first contract?: Bought myself a great couch and bed that's about it.
What is your favorite food?: Fav food is steak w/ steamed broccoli.
Who is the biggest character you have played with or against?: Biggest character Sam Elam, good friend.
What would you be doing if not playing baseball?: If not playing baseball coaching at some level.
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