Brandon Morrow is the staff ace for the University of California Golden Bears. The 6’3” righty has electric stuff, including a fastball that sits in the upper 90s and his knockout pitch – a splitter that could burrow into the ground. During his first two years at Cal, Morrow’s numbers were pretty bad. Through 54.2 innings, Morrow had 43 strikeouts, 39 walks and an ERA of 7.57. However, his stock started to rise when he dominated the Cape Cod League – striking out 24 guys in 14.2 innings and posting an ERA of only 1.84. Morrow’s summer success has carried over into his junior year. Through April 9th, he’s made 9 starts and has pitched 63 innings. He’s 6-0 with one complete game, 63 strikeouts, 29 walks and an ERA of 1.57. Morrow was gracious enough to answer some questions for me, via e-mail.
Brandon, first off, can you please talk about yourself a little bit? Tell everyone where you grew up, a little about your youth baseball career and what made you choose to attend California instead of signing with the Angels out of high school.
I grew up in Rohnert Park, CA, which is about 40 miles north of San Francisco in the Sonoma Valley. My youth career was pretty standard, nothing out of the ordinary, I made some all-star teams, but I was never a stand-out until later in high school. The reason I chose to attend Cal was mainly because I wasn't physically ready to play professional baseball. Looking back, I am very happy with my decision, I really enjoy it here.
You have had the opportunity to play in the Cape Cod league last summer. What was that experience like?
It was actually my second year playing in the Cape. I played for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox both years and really enjoyed the competition out there. I had the same host family both years as well, they were wonderful. My host mom was a great cook.
Which do you prefer – starting or relieving? Why?
I really enjoy both roles but, if I had to choose, I would choose starting because I like working deep into games and I get to use more of my pitches. Closing is great though, I love coming in with the game on the line and just being able to give it all I have for an inning.
You were diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in high school. How much did it change your routine as a player? Do you wear an insulin pump, like Jason Johnson of the Cleveland Indians?
It really hasn't changed my routine much at all. I monitor my sugar levels every inning and make sure I eat a good meal before the game, which helps me stay more level. I do wear an insulin pump, which is great. It’s very convenient and has helped me maintain healthy sugar levels quite easily.
What player have you played with or against that makes you say, "That guy is going places!"?
Andrew Miller (UNC) was impressive both years I played against him in the Cape, and Matt LaPorta (Florida), who was my teammate freshman summer, has a great attitude along with his incredible power.
On a similar note, who is the best hitter you've had to pitch against?
Definitely my teammate, outfielder Brennan Boesch. It’s always a battle between us during intersquad games. We've been roommates for three year and to see the way he has progressed as a hitter is inspiring and has helped me improve my game.
What is a specific part of your game that you are working to improve?
I’m working on being able to pace myself during the game, learning that I don't always have to throw as hard as I can or use my best stuff for every pitch. I’m also learning that location and changing speeds is going to help me more in the long run than just throwing it by guys.
How much time does your commitment to baseball take each week? How do you keep up with classes? Will you complete your American studies degree?
Baseball, of course, takes up a lot of my time, but I've managed to keep up with my classes and I believe I'm on schedule to graduate in 4 years.
What is your conditioning regimen during the season and during the off-season? What is your throwing schedule like during the week?
During the off-season I tried to put on weight mostly. I worked out hard in the weight room and ate a lot. I've always had trouble putting on weight, but what I've gained I think will help me stay healthy and work deep into games. During the season, my routing is mainly to get ready to make my start on Friday. After the game I do some cool down shoulder exercises. Then, Saturday morning, I do a recovery lift to help flush out my body followed by a heavy shoulder workout and then run for about 25 minutes. I long toss on Sundays, lift hard on Mondays, and throw my bullpen on Tuesdays. A pre-game lift on Wednesday helps me get my muscles ready to play on Friday.
What has been the most memorable moment in your baseball career?
So far, it has to be winning the Cape Cod championship my freshman year. It was a great experience and the team was really fun to play with.
THE LIGHTNING ROUND…
Who is your favorite MLB team?
Oakland Athletics
Who is your favorite baseball player?
Jason Schmidt. I especially loved watching him pitch when he was dominating in the playoffs a few years back.
If you make it to the big leagues, what hitter would you most like to pitch against?
Barry Bonds. Who wouldn't want to face the best hitter to ever play the game?
What is your favorite movie?
“GoodFellas”
What is your favorite book?
I'm a big fan of The DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.
What is your favorite band / musician?
I'm a fan of all music, but Garth Brooks is a favorite of mine.
What is your favorite food?
Lasagna
LINKS
Video I
Video II
Cal Bio
BrewerFan.net Profile