Down On The Farm: Q&A With Zach Simons

Zach Simons came to the Detroit Tigers organization in the Jason Grilli trade in April of 2008 from the Colorado Rockies. Drafted in the second round of the 2005 first year player draft, Simons was born and raised in Glenns Ferry Idaho, a town with a population of just 1,600 people.

The 6’3″ 25 year-old right handed reliever has done nothing but dominate since joining the Tigers. He has logged nearly 70 innings and posted an ERA below 3.00 every season since joining the organization. This season Zach has returned to the AAA Toledo Mud Hens.

Q&A After The Jump…

JAYRC: Who has had the biggest influence on your baseball career?

Zach Simons: Definitely my family!! Baseball has always been a huge part of our lives

JAYRC: Have you had any favorite coaches or mentors along the way?

ZS: I’d have to say two coaches that have left the biggest impression on me in pro ball are Phil Nevin and Ray Burris. Both of those guys helped me a great deal with the many ups/downs I faced last year.

JAYRC: You’ve played baseball in several different leagues in many different cities and states. What has been your favorite city to play in and why?

ZS: Two-way tie between Toledo, OH and Asheville, NC. Your not gonna find a better place to play then Fifth Third Field. The facilities and fans are the best I’ve seen in the minors. Asheville holds a special place in my heart because I had the opportunity to stay with the best host family in baseball..( Gary & Karen Bartlett)

JAYRC: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

ZS: Ken Griffey Jr.

JAYRC: Did you model yourself after any of your favorite pitchers?

ZS: Don’t know if I modeled myself after anyone. I’ve always really liked Scot Shields from Anaheim. In his prime he was always a reliable and versatile guy– He could throw either 3 innings or get the save if needed. I think the ultimate goal for me is to be a guy like that.

JAYRC: Give us a brief scouting report. What’s in your repertoire?

ZS: Fastball- Low 90’s to mid at times/ Cutter- 82-88/ Spike Curve- 77-82

Aggressive pitcher- Likes ball late in games- ability to throw multiple innings back-to-back days.

JAYRC: What are some of the things away from the game that you like to do for fun?

ZS: Love going to the Movies…

JAYRC: Outside of baseball do you follow any sports?

ZS: Huge sports fan!! Everything except Nascar….Unless I’m looking to take a 4-hour nap!!

JAYRC: What are five songs or albums that you’re currently listening to on your iPod?

ZS: A lot of country!! Chris Young, Zac Brown Band, George Strait, etc….

JAYRC: Since joining the Tigers farm system you have done nothing but dominate. You have posted an ERA below 3.00 every season and you continue to rack up strikeouts and torment opposing hitters. I hate to even ask, but what do you feel has kept you from getting the call-up to the show?

ZS: If I had to pick one thing it would probably be the consistency of my delivery at times. I tend to go through little funks especially early on in the year and my command struggles as a result. Despite my recent bumpy outings I’ve been working very hard with AJ Sager on correcting this in Toledo. I’ve been fortunate enough to put up some pretty good numbers the past couple years and been able to stay healthy. I try not to worry too much about why I haven’t been given an opportunity yet. Those decisions are out of my hands. I just know I want to continue to get better everyday so when they do call– I’m ready!!

A special thanks to Zach Simons for taking the time out of his busy day to answer my questions. I wish him the best of luck this season and on his journey to the show. My campaign has been launched for a substantial amount of time now–eventually Zach Simons will be freed! Be sure to follow Zach on twitter @zsimons62

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