Brok went a combined 6-9 with a 3.36 ERA between two levels in 2007
By Chuck Richter - Angelswin.com Senior Editor
Brok Butcher was atop our Angels Prospect Hotlist more than any other farmhand in 2007, after dominating a tough league and several good hitting clubs in the California League. A promotion to Double-A came at mid-season and he didn't disappoint, blanking his first two clubs in a pair of 6 innings outings. Brok experienced pain in his throwing arm which was the result of his poor performances in his next 4 outings. The Angels shut him down in early August, but Brok says his arm feels fine and he's good to go this spring.
With that said, let's introduce you to Brok as he sets to build upon another successful campaign in '08..
Q: (Angelswin) When did you start playing baseball?
A: (Brok Butcher) I started as soon as I could remember, I believe I began in a league at five years old because that was the youngest they would allow.
Q: (Angelswin) Who was the most influential in your pursuit to the big leagues?
A: (Brok Butcher) My dad, no doubt about it. He’s been there for me from coaching little league teams to building a baseball field in the front pasture of our ranch in Santa Ynez. I would also say my older brother Jason, I always looked up to him and was fortunate to see a couple of his games when he played for the Bakersfield Dodgers.
Q: (Angelswin) What baseball player was your favorite growing up?
A: (Brok Butcher) Bo Jackson, he could do it all, I still have the baseball card of him breaking a baseball bat over his leg. It was his charisma and confidence that caught my attention, an absolute wrecking machine.
Q: (Angelswin) Team you followed growing up?
A: (Brok Butcher) Not to sound like a front runner, but my father played for the Angels so I always followed them growing up. When my brother started playing for the Dodgers I became a Dodgers fan. I’ve followed both teams.
Q: (Angelswin) Best 1-game performance in your career to date?
A: (Brok Butcher) Complete game shutout in Rancho Cucamonga against the Lake Elsinore Storm.
Q: (Angelswin) Who impressed you both on the mound and in the batters box in your stint with the Quakes and the Travelers last year, and why?
A: (Brok Butcher) On the mound I would have to say Darren O’Day, upper eighties with that much movement is hard to catch let alone hit. He has a big league attitude and I believe once the change up is mastered, he will be a successful big league pitcher.
At the plate, I would have to say Brad Coon. He does not look like a threat stature wise, but you would not believe the havoc he creates on the base paths. It is a pitchers worst nightmare, you can not underestimate a hitter like that.
Q: (Angelswin) What part of your game needs the most improvement?
A: (Brok Butcher) Ultimate commitment to each pitch
Q: (Angelswin) What aspect of your game do you take the most pride in?
A: (Brok Butcher) Hard Worker and open for criticism
Q: (Angelswin) What was the off-season like for Brok Butcher?
A: (Brok Butcher) Relaxing and being able to spend time with my loved ones. I was also able to run a lot at the beach and practice yoga, I truly believe in elongating muscles in order to gain maximum velocity while preventing injuries.
Q: (Angelswin) What type of velocity does Butcher get off his fastball and what is your repertoire of pitches?
A: (Brok Butcher) I sit anywhere from 88-93 on my fastball, which is my best pitch because I’ve been able to locate it very well. I’ve just recently learned that my change up is going to be my go to pitch, but I have to throw it like a fastball and believe in it. My slider and sinker have always been my bread and butter, not much is going to change except for the change up.
The lighter side of Brok Butcher
Q: (Angelswin) If there is one thing people should know about Brok Butcher the person, it is?
A: (Brok Butcher) Open minded person who believes in the possibility of possibilities
Q: (Angelswin) What’s your favorite food?
A: (Brok Butcher) I love Teriyaki chicken
Q: (Angelswin) What kind of music do you listen to? What’s in your CD player right now?
A: (Brok Butcher) I love every kind of music, more of a rock/punk rock kinda guy
Q: (Angelswin) What’s your all time favorite movie?
A: (Brok Butcher) Lord of War, Gladiator, Lord of the Rings
Q: (Angelswin) Most visited website?
A: (Brok Butcher) Minorleaguebaseball.com & MLB.com
Q: (Angelswin) What do you like to do besides play baseball, what’s your hobby?
A: (Brok Butcher) Love playing ping pong and practicing yoga
Q: (Angelswin) What person are you going to call first when you get promoted to the big leagues?
A: (Brok Butcher) Dad and the rest of family
That's it for now, thank you for your time Brok. We'll be sure to catch up Hank again in Tempe in a few weeks.
Send comments or questions to charlesrichter@hotmail.com
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