Purple Row Interviews Brandon Hynick

After Modesto's loss on Wednesday, Brandon Hynick took the time to answer a few questions over the phone about his season so far and baseball in general. Here are the results:

From ModestoNuts.com.

Brandon: Throwing strikes. I just go out there and throw strikes. Well, except my curveball. I haven't done it enough with that pitch yet.

R: Would you say that you are least comfortable with your curveball?

B: Yeah, but I'm working on it.

R: Which pitch do you feel most comfortable with?

B: My fastball. I usually get that around 88, 90 (MPH). I also throw a split-finger and a change-up.

R: Who's the toughest batter you've faced this season?

B: Justin Upton. He's an all-around great hitter. [editor's note, by Russ] On 8 April, Upton went 1-for-4 against Hynick.

R: As a pitcher, do you have any role models?

B:A few guys, but mainly Roger Clemens. I just watch how he pitches and look at his mound presence. He's a great pitcher.

R: In college, you were also a good hitter. How has that helped you in your transition to pro ball?

B: In college, I did a lot of situational hitting, so that helps me understand what a batter's thinking when he's at the plate. Also, I know my strengths and weaknesses at the plate and I try to use them against the hitter when I'm on the mound.

R: For those of us who haven't had the privilege of visiting Modesto, what are your thoughts on the city?

B: I like it; it's much better than where I was last season, Casper (WY.). It's a bigger city and it has everything you could want. It's very cosmopolitan.

R: Any thoughts on John Thurman Field (the Nuts' home park)?

B: I like pitching here. It's a big park and we get decent crowds. I like that you can give up a long ball in some places and still not see it go out.

R: Of all your teammates, who do you believe will make it with the Rockies?

B: Tough one. Do you mean fastest to the team?

R: No, just overall in terms of success.

B: I'll say Chaz Roe then. He's shown a lot of poise for a 20-year-old (he'll turn 21 in October). With his approach on the mound he'll keep getting better and better.

R: I'd like to get your thoughts on this: For so long baseball players were always older than me and now I'm 21. They're as old as me or even younger in some cases. You're 21, 22 (he's 22), how do you feel about that?

B: (Big laugh) Oh, yeah, it's something different. I've pitched against some 19-year-olds this season and I couldn't tell you that when they step on to the field

R: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions, Brandon.

B: You're welcome. Glad I could help out.