FOCUS ON...MICHAEL SCHLACT February 18, 2006 When I first arrived at a Lumberkings game in Clinton, Iowa on August 28, 2005, the first player I saw was Michael Schlact. He wasn't wearing a uniform, just a t-shirt and shorts, but I had no doubt that the tall, thin young man standing on the mound was the then 19-year old Michael Schlact who I had heard so much about. I was impressed upon meeting him. He was a very nice young man who appeared well grounded. When I decided to do this feature, Michael was the first person I thought of to ask to participate. After all, Michael has become one of my favorite future RedHawks and, after reading his focus, he is sure to become one of your favorites as well! I hope you enjoy this opportunity to meet one of our 2008 RedHawks!!
Nicknamed Noodle because of his long, lanky frame, then 18 year old Michael Schlact was selected by the Texas Rangers with their 3rd round pick in the June 2004 draft. Committed to the University of South Carolina (RedHawk Drew Meyer's alma mater), Michael was Baseball America's #48 preseason high school prospect and improved to #26 by mid season. BA also ranked him as the #101 prospect overall. He was also rated the #28 high school prospect by TeamOneBaseball. According to a scouting report done by Brewersfan.net prior to the 2004 draft, Michael had 3 solid pitches (fastball, curveball and changeup) and has "good athleticism and shows good control of his long, strong limbs." MLB.com was also high on him following the draft, stating the following "same body type as Brad Rigby. High windup, 3/4. Lifts left knee above belt, hip turn at top of delivery. Shortens arm out front on cb. Most fb 88-90 w/ ability to locate. Late, arm side tail w/ some hop life on fb, very easy delivery. Slurve-cb tight, down rotation. Gaining feel for turnover change, sink life. Live fb, easy delivery, very projectable body."
As an added benefit, Michael also agreed to participate in the following question and answer session. We probably won't get to do a Q&A session with most of our focus players, so this is a special treat! 1. You are the minor league commissioner for a day, what's the one thing you would change? --I would make the schedule a little more player friendly...it's very hard to go from the furthest city east in your league to the furthest city west in one night after a game. Bus rides can be tough, especially when you are pitching the next DAY and you've been up all night cramped in a bus. 2. What job would you have if you didn't play baseball? --If I wasn't playing baseball professionally, I would be in college right now, but would be pursuing a major in Broadcast Journalism. I would be on the radio or TV, being some type of sports/baseball analyst. 3. Describe your typical day during the season? --I wake up around 10 a.m. and get a good breakfast. I believe that breakfast is the key to a successful day. After breakfast I try to get active, usually doing something at the gym daily. The gym is a good place to go to take out frustration, reflect on the days ahead or the days past, and get yourself prepared for the next outing. After I hit the gym, its TV time. Catch up on my favorite shows or just watch SOMETHING to pass some time until we head over to the stadium. We usually head over around 2 or so for pitchers stretch. There we long toss, run, throw sides, and do all that "pitcher stuff." At 5 pm the team usually takes batting practice, then we take it in for pregame meal. PB & J is my favorite. Game starts at 7 on week nights, and after the game we head to the only place open in town (usually Taco Bell or something of that sort) and grab some dinner, go to sleep, and guess what? Do it all over again!!! 4. You were drafted out of high school and thus never played college ball. Plus you are usually one of the younger players in your league. Do you think that is an advantage or disadvantage? --After a year of pro ball it is definitely an advantage. It is NEVER a disadvantage, however. There are always guys that are older, and have been through a season that can help along the way. 5. What's playing in your iPod right now? --Right now in my ipod is a mixture of many things. Coming from Atlanta, we have so many genres of music that represent the south, and how I've grown up. I have rap, rock, country, and classic rock on, and I listen to them all mixed together. Weird combo, I know, but it suits me. 6. If Michael Schlact autographed baseballs were selling for $50 would you sell your own stuff on eBay? Have you ever looked to see how much they are selling for? --I would never sell my own stuff on eBay, and to be honest, until some buddies of mine pointed out that I had cards and things on eBay, I had no idea. It it neat to see people bidding on things that have my signature or picture on it. 7. What is your favorite post game meal? --Spaghetti, Lasagna, or Pizza....in Clinton, Lori and Lacey (my host family) would make us things like that after games, and it was delicious. 8. Which player in the majors, past or present, reminds you most of yourself? --Gosh, this is a tough one. I have a few. Past....Dale Murphy. He was an all around great guy, cared about others, played the game hard, and had alot of pride and self-respect. Present...Greg Maddux. He is a bulldog on the mound, and nothing gets to him. Whether he has given up a homerun to lose the game or thrown a no-hitter, his expressions are the same. He also realizes that you do not have to throw 99 to get hitters out and be very very successful at this game. 9. What is the most unique pre-game ritual/superstition that either you or one of your teammates has? --I take the same roads to the ballpark, eat at the same place, get the same thing on the menu, walk in the same door, clean my cleats (right one first) and then read a book. Call it weird....its what I do...I stick to it before every start. 10. What is your funniest/best baseball memory? --My best baseball memories are from Little League. My dad was the coach of our team, and we had so much fun. No one cared about stats, or impressing anyone, or making money. It was all about doing the best you can, having lots of fun, and being with your friends. 11. If you could strike out any player, past or present, who would it be? --Ichiro...without a doubt. The guy just doesn't strike out...what a thrill that would be. 12. If you had to describe yourself using 5 words or less, what would they be? --Genuine, Loyal, Hardworking (we'll make that one), easygoing, TALL. 13. Other than yourself, which Rangers minor leaguer, AA or below, do you predict will be a RedHawks fan favorite and why? --Ace Walker--the guy can seriously pitch, and he's awesome. Great, great sense of humor, knows (as do I) that the Ranger (and RedHawk) fans are the most loyal in the game today. Ace will always give 100 percent and will work as hard as he can to succeed. [Editor's Note: Ace Walker is also known as Andrew Walker and is a local boy, having graduated from Prague High School.] 14. What is the one thing you want RedHawks fans to know about you? --I realize that fans are what make this game great, I will never forget that. I will always be completely dedicated to my team, city, fans, and the game of baseball. I will always be true to our pasttime, and play it the way its meant to be played and with a passion. [Editor's Note: Michael backs up his words with action. This winter he flew to Dallas, at his own cost, to attend an autograph event for Rangers fans.] 15. The reason you are most looking forward to being a RedHawk is? --AWESOME stadium, great fans, Oklahoma City is a beautiful place. Also, its AAA...which is one stop from the show!!! 16. Any random thoughts or shout outs? --I have known JJ a long time (Jason Jones). He is a good friend of mine, as well as my mentor. I want to thank him for ALL the advice he has given me from Little League until now, and the advice he will give me in the future. He has shown me what it takes to succeed, and what loyalty to the game and hard work really looks like in a person. Also, all the coaches who take time away from their family and friends during the season to help develop minor league players in hopes of helping them reach their goal of being a Major League baseball player. Also, the fans of baseball, who have stuck with it through good and bad times. You are what makes it fun to come to the ballpark and play the game I love. I am going to take Michael's suggestion and make Andrew "Ace" Walker our next focus topic. I don't know Ace (and have never met him) so I can't ask him to do a Q&A, but I'll try to put together a pretty in depth profile on him.
If you would like to suggest a player for a subsequent focus or if you are a rangers minor leaguer who would like to volunteer yourself (yes, I know I am dreaming!! :-)) please e-mail me at redhawks1fan at yahoo.com or by clicking here.
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Name: Michael Schlact