Q&A: Chance Chapman (Part Two)
Here’s part two of our Q&A with 2008 BlueClaws pitcher Chance Chapman. For part one, click here.
Question: Who was the best hitter you faced in college?
Chance Chapman: There were quite a few. Our coach lined us up against some good teams. it’s hard to put a name on the best, but Texas, Cal, Long Beach State, Wichita State, all had some great hitters. Tyler Mach of Oklahoma State (who the Phillies drafted) was definately one of the toughest.
Q: Describe your game.
CC: More finesse. I’m not a power pitcher. I’m around 88 or so with a lot of movement, sinking fastball, cutting fastball, slider, and a changeup. I need to hit my spots to keep the hitter off balance. I like to work inside and outside a lot.
Q: Was there a pitcher you grew up watching that you tried to mold your game after?
CC: My favorite pitcher growing up was Randy Johnson, but of course our games are nothing alike. Brandon Webb is a guy a try to be like. We have similar type of stuff and velocity, and he wins 20 games a year in the big leagues.
Q: Take us through draft day.
CC: My senior year, I basically talked with every team’s area scout. They projected me between the 10th and 14th rounds, or so. That’s where I was expected to go, but the Phillies picked me in the 8th round. I was really excited. I know they have a good organization. I know they like to home grow a lot of their guys, so it’s a great organization to be a part of.
Q: Who called you?
CC: The scout called me, Paul Scott. I met him once my senior year. He called me the night before and asked about how I felt. I told him I was excited. Then draft day he said “Congrats, we drafted you. Take a few days to celebrate and we’ll talk.” He flew out to California, which was nice, to meet with me personally and sign the papers.
Q: What are your goals for 2009?
CC: Just to start in Clearwater and make it to Reading during the year. I’m not sure what the Phillies have in store for me. I’ve talked with Gorm (Heimueller, pitching coodinator) quite a bit, and they think I’ll be a long reliever if I were to make it to the big leagues, so I want to make the transition from a starter to a reliever.
Q: Off-season training?
CC: I have a pretty rigorous training schedule. Right when we ended I rested my arm, started playing catch after Thanksgiving, and I’ve been swimming, running, and lifting just about every day.
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