The Chicago Cubs seemingly can’t be mentioned in a media report without
also bringing up the fact they haven’t won a World Series since 1908—a mere 105
years ago and counting. The current iteration of the franchise is hoping their
2011 hire of wunderkind Theo Epstein as team president will help turn that
around.
One of the things the new prez places an emphasis on is developing
talent from within, so the team’s farm system has been a top priority since he
assumed his role. There are many young players vying to earn the right to one
day play in Wrigley Field, including right-handed pitcher Corbin Hoffner.
The big (6’5’, 235 pounds) hurler was a 14th-round selection out of St.
Petersburg College in 2012. He only played one year of college ball, but it was
a strong
one, as he compiled a 2.52 ERA and had 73 strikeouts
in 71 innings.
Now 20 years of age, Hoffner just finished his second season in the
Chicago system. With an arsenal reported
to include a low-90s fastball and a developing slider, he seems to have the
makeup of an effective reliever—a role in which he has pitched almost
exclusively as a pro.
He has made it as high as short-season Boise (this past season) and has
pitched extremely well in his limited exposure. In a combined 23 games (one
start) over his first two seasons, he has gone 2-1 with a 1.52 ERA and a save.
He has also fanned 55 batters in 59.1 innings and is poised to start 2014 on a
full-season roster.
I was able to catch up with the Cubs prospect last offseason. He
graciously took the time to answer a few questions about his career. In
addition to learning more about him, you can also follow him on Twitter to see where he takes his career
in 2014 and beyond.
Corbin Hoffner Interview:
If you could sit down and pick
the brain of any pitcher, current or former, who would that be and why?: Someone I would like to sit
down with would probably be Roger Clemens because I love the way he went at
hitters, and it would be neat to hear what he would say.
Leading up to the 2012 draft, what kind of contact and recruiting were you getting from different teams?: I got letters and calls from about 15 to 18 teams but talked to White Sox, Blue Jays and the Cubs in the days leading up to the draft.
Can you run through what draft day was like for you?: Draft day was very exciting. Having the great opportunity to play pro ball was a blessing.
What pitches do you throw and which one do you hope to improve the most?: I throw a fastball, slider and changeup. There is always room for improvement with them all.
What was one thing you were looking forward to the most about your first spring training?: Spring training is something I'm excited about to see how it is just to experience it.
Leading up to the 2012 draft, what kind of contact and recruiting were you getting from different teams?: I got letters and calls from about 15 to 18 teams but talked to White Sox, Blue Jays and the Cubs in the days leading up to the draft.
Can you run through what draft day was like for you?: Draft day was very exciting. Having the great opportunity to play pro ball was a blessing.
What pitches do you throw and which one do you hope to improve the most?: I throw a fastball, slider and changeup. There is always room for improvement with them all.
What was one thing you were looking forward to the most about your first spring training?: Spring training is something I'm excited about to see how it is just to experience it.
How overwhelming were the first few days or weeks of your pro career and how did you handle that?: I did not know what to expect going out to Mesa, Arizona, but it was a great experience and I loved every moment of it and I can't wait to get started here soon.
You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew
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