Drafted by the Mets in the 22^nd round of this year’s draft, many baseball insiders didn’t know what to expect from right-handed pitcher Chris Schwinden. Despite having great numbers in his last year at Fresno Pacific, going 6-1 with a 2.48 ERA, the Clones staff was so full of talent before the season started that it was impossible to know what the 21-year-old was capable of doing once he reached the pros. Regardless of that notion however, Schwinden has managed to thrive out of the Brooklyn bullpen so far this season, going 0-1 with a 1.88 ERA in four appearances and a start, after a college career that saw him mostly as a starter. Chatting with DemBrooklynBums.com, the youngster talks about his move to the bullpen and his mindset on the mound.

Dem Brooklyn Bums.com: Since the season is still relatively new, some fans may not have seen much of you. Knowing that, can you tell us a little bit about your game?

Chris Schwinden: When I’m out on the mound, I just go after it. I don’t go messing around with hitters. I go right after them. So far, it seems to be working out pretty good for me.

DBB: Can you tell us a little about your arsenal of pitches?

Schwinden: I throw a fastball, changeup, slider and curve ball. So far this season, I been throwing the curve ball mostly. It’s been really effective in 1-2 and 0-2 counts. Batters like to chase it, so why not continue to throw it?

DBB: Considering that you throw four pitches, do you see yourself more as a starter, or are you happy with being a long reliever?

Schwinden: What ever the organization wants to do, I’m fine with. I don’t care where they put me. As long as I get a regular opportunity to pitch, I’ll be happy.

DBB: You just finished a full college season. Knowing that, how prepared are you going down the stretch with this team? How are you feeling?

Schwinden: I feel good right now. We all take good care of our bodies and I haven’t had any wear and tear yet, so I’m pretty confident right now.

DBB: How does it feel to be a in a bullpen as deep as the one the Cyclones have this season?

Schwinden: It feels really good when you have pitching like this. There’s far less pressure than there would be otherwise. I think it’s a little tough for Fonzie [Brooklyn manager Edgar Alfonzo] at times to divvy up all the innings, but that’s baseball for you.

DBB: How are all the guys getting along?

Schwinden: Pretty good. I think we’re starting to find that camaraderie and are starting to become one as a team. We’ve been going out there every day trying to win and I think it’s made us all closer. Everyone is trying to play well for themselves, but then they want to do what they have to do for the team too. It’s working out for us right now. We’re a serious group of guys, but we have a lot of fun too. This is what we want to do for the rest of our lives.

Notes-

I am back from my two-game hiatus and refreshed! While I did relax during my break, I did attend the Future Stars All Star game at Yankee Stadium [My first time there since September 1991 mind you ha-ha] yesterday and recorded a few videos for you.

Mets Prospect Fernando Martinez’s RBI Single

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A’s prospect Henry Rodriguez throws three straight 100-mph heaters [sorry for my overt joy during the video btw]

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Box Score to last night’s 2-0 Cyclones win.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr. Videos by Patrick Hickey Jr.