Taylor will try to build on last year’s success. Photo by Brad Graverson 6-6-11

After a phenomenal high school career at Torrance High in California, in which he excelled in baseball and football, Tyrone Taylor was Milwaukee’s first pick in the second round of the 2012 MLB draft. He chose to forego college (he had signed with Cal State Fullerton) and start his professional baseball career right away.

Taylor was assigned to the Arizona League and instantly made a splash. He posted a tremendous .389/.395/.694 slash line before being promoted to Helena after only eight games. His bat failed to slow down after his call-up as he accumulated a .385 batting average and a .467 on-base percentage before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

An elite athlete, Taylor has incredible raw talent with above-average speed. He has the skillset to climb the minor league ladder and become a major league centerfielder. The sky is the limit.

Reviewing the Brew ranked the nineteen-year-old as the Brewers 17th best prospect while ESPN’s Keith Law claimed he might be the best prospect the Brewers got out of the 2012 draft.

Recently, I had the chance to interview Taylor.

Q: How nerve-wracking was watching the MLB draft?

A: It was very nerve-wracking! I mean, I dreamed of hearing my name called in the draft since I was a little kid so the anticipation was unreal. I was extremely happy when I was drafted by the Brewers.

Q: Tell me about your first season as a professional baseball player. Were you happy with your play?

A: My first season was pretty awesome. Of course I wish I was 100% going in so I was able to participate in more games, but when I did play I learned a lot and had a good time. It was a good first look at pro ball and I’m excited for my first full season this year.

Tyrone Taylor’s raw talent makes him a player to watch. Source: Examiner.com

Q: What types of things have you been working on this offseason?

A: I’ve been doing a lot of things to help with speed and agility with my trainers Steve Zim and Andrew Sicari. They’ve both helped a lot by getting me in the best shape I’ve been in. And I continued to do arm exercises to keep my arm in good shape. I feel really good going into spring training. I’m very excited!

Q: Any specific goals for the 2013 season?

A: My main goal is to stay on the field pretty much. I’m going to maintain a good routine in order to keep my arm and body healthy so I can be out there playing the best sport in the world.

Q: You were an outstanding high school football player. How does your multi-sport athleticism help you in baseball?

A: It helps me physically because the beating I took in football made me pretty tough. It also helped me mentally because you really have to have a tough man mentality in football and I think bringing a little of that to the diamond has made me a better ball player.

Q: Did you have any trouble deciding which sport to pursue after high school?

A: No, not at all. I only played football for fun and I had a blast, but baseball has been the sport I have loved since I was a little boy.

Q: You missed some time last season with a shoulder injury. Take me through the rehab process and how is your shoulder feeling now?

A: After I injured it, I was sent to Arizona to get it rehabbed. After about a month of rest, the physical therapist and trainers were able to start stretching it out a little bit. Then when I got a good range of motion, I was able to start doing exercises to build my strength back. After a while, I started on a throwing program and now its 100%. It was quite a process but thanks to the Brewers staff it feels great.

Q: You spent only 8 games in the Arizona League before being promoted to Helena. How excited were you when you found out about your promotion?

A: I was real excited! It was cool because my grandparents drove out to Arizona that day to see me play so they were real proud of me when they heard the news.

Taylor is a stolen base threat whenever he is on base. Source: bleacherreport.com

Q: Growing up in California, did you root for any of the home town teams (Giants, Angels, Dodgers, Padres, Athletics)?

A: Growing up in LA, I always rooted for the Dodgers, but now the Brewers have definitely won me over.

Q: What player would you say you model your game after?

A: Matt Kemp because he is a great all-around player. He steals bases, plays great defense and hits for both average and power. And he also carries himself well both on and off the field.

Q: What’s the best thing about being a minor-league baseball player?

A: The overall experience is just great. Being in this organization has been the best time of my life and I’m excited for this year and the years to come.

Q: Do you have any thoughts on what type of punishment should be handed down if a player is caught using performance-enhancing drugs?

A: People that use them probably shouldn’t be allowed to play the game. There are too many players working hard to get where they want to be for some to cheat and get there.

Q: Have you made a trip to Miller Park yet?

A: I went to Milwaukee and briefly saw the ballpark from the outside. It looked awesome and from what I’ve seen on TV it looks beautiful.

Follow @Ty_roneTaylor on Twitter.

What do you think of Tyrone Taylor? Leave comments and questions below! Follow Justin and @ReviewngTheBrew on Twitter. Be sure to like us on Facebook, too.

The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Class-A affiliate of the Brewers, are sitting atop the Midwest League Western division at 22-13 (as of Saturday). Earlier this month, pitchers Chad Thompson and Mark Williams combined on a no-hitter in a 5-0 victory. Former Reviewing the Brew interviewee Seth Harvey is third in the league with six saves and starter Drew Gagnon is 3-0 with a 1.02 era. Offensively, Greg Hopkins, Jason Rogers, Brandon Macias, and Max Walla lead the way for one of the best-hitting teams in the Midwest League.

The latest interview in the series featuring prospects such as Tyler Thornburg and Eric Farrisis none other than Timber Rattlers right

Brewers prospect Max Walla of #TRatNation, taking action at Miller Park. (Image: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

fielder, Max Walla (@maxwalla).

Drafted in the second round in 2009, Walla, 21, signed a letter of intent to attend Oklahoma State University before signing with the Brewers. He missed time this spring with a broken finger but is well on his way again, reaching base at a .354 clip. He talks the minor leagues, goals, and #TRatNation with Reviewing the Brew.

Reviewing the Brew: Let’s start off with something that I love that the Brewers do: the Timber Rattlers game at Miller Park. How was the whole experience?

Max Walla: Miller Park was amazing. It’s so cool to play at a big league ballpark and feel like a big leaguer for a day. A little incentive! *Laughs*

RtB: Can you see yourself playing in front of 40,000 strong in the future?

MW: I think so, I would love to play in front of 40,000. It would be so much fun. I tend to be able to block out any number of fans anyways, so I can see myself playing for that many someday.

RtB:  Speaking of ballparks in Wisconsin, I’ll be headed up to Fox Cities Stadium for a Rattlers game later this month. What’s something I need to check out while I’m there?

MW: Dude, I haven’t been here too long thanks to my broken finger this spring, but you should definitely check out some of the golf courses up here. Gorgeous courses! And the mall is a pretty good size, too!

RtB: For sure, man! What are your short-term goals as a player?

MW: This year I really just want to be a guy they can count on to get the job done every day. I hope to be consistent and to be a solid grinder day in and day out.

RtB: Any long term goals?

MW: Long term there is really only one: To get to the bigs and stay there.

RtB: Being ranked by many as one of the top prospects and being drafted in the second round, do you feel any expectations from the organization?

Two of the Timber Rattlers top sluggers, Walla (left) and Brandon Macias greet each other after a Macias homer. (Image: Wisconsin Timber Rattlers)

MW: You try to forget any extra pressure or anything and try to keep it as simple as possible. If you let all that get in your head, you have a tendency to let the game get too big.

RtB: I’ve asked this to the other guys, so I might as well go for it again: What are the best and also the worst parts of being a minor leaguer?

MW: It really tests your love of the game. It’s a tough atmosphere a lot of times but you really see who loves the game and who doesn’t. The minor league journey is a tough road in some ways but I’ve had some priceless experiences and I hope to keep working my way up. I’d say the worst part is the food situations. *Laughs*. Not much meal money and weird schedules means a whole lot of pizza hut and other fast food places, not exactly ideal. But it really reminds you of how much you love [the game].

RtB:  So who’s the mastermind behind the #TRatNation craze? I’m trying to get to the bottom of this. I also see Harvey tried getting #swaggy started. 

MW: I believe Mark Williams started the TratNation hashtag. He is such a great team guy and really a solid part of our squad. It took off as you could see we all started using it. And Harvey is a creative cat, he’s pretty sharp I wouldn’t be surprised to see one or two of his hashtags catch fire!

RtB: Judging by the interactions of you guys on Twitter, the team seems like a really loose bunch. How’s the atmosphere with those guys?

MW: It’s a great atmosphere with some great chemistry! We enjoy spending time with each other and we have some great experiences on and off the field to share. Love it. 

RtB: Who’s probably the toughest pitcher you’ve had to face, ever? 

MW: The toughest pitcher I’ve ever had to face was Tyler Matzek. He was a first rounder my year, left handed pitcher throwing 98. Not too fun! Dirty curve ball, too. 

RtB: Sounds….delightful! Thanks for the time and best of luck this season!

MW: Hey no problem at all man! Glad to help out hope I answered everything alright! 

He was been posting good power numbers ever since making the switch to outfielder in the 2008 season with 76 homers, including a career-high 24 long balls in 2011. Even with his large stature, Kjeldgaard stole 15 bases last season between Brevard County and Huntsville. Not wanting to lose him to the Rule V draft this off-season, the Brewers placed him on their 40 man roster as an outfielder, though he has split time between first base and the outfield.

When given the choice of interviewing him in a dark alley or via the internet, the easy decision was made to go with the latter. In all seriousness, the staff at Reviewing the Brew loves Kjeldgaard’s ability. Our newly-appointed editor Colin posted about Brock this spring and Lou later said it was “madness that Brock didn’t get more time” in the big league camp.

With all the aspirations for Brock around RtB, we were able to interview him as our fourth prospect interview in the past two weeks. Read the first three with Seth Harvey, Tyler Thornburg, and recent Brewers call-up Eric Farris here.

Reviewing the Brew: The Stars official website has you listed as 6’5″, 235 pounds. Is that any of a stretch or are you that imposing a figure at the plate?

 Brock Kjeldgaard: Actually I am 6’5″ 250lbs. That weight must be from a few years ago.

RtB: There’s obviously some power in that frame. What’s the farthest you’ve ever hit a ball?

Kjeldgaard: I couldn’t tell you the farthest I have hit a ball, because it is hard to tell as so many things come into play.

RtB:For reference for Brewers fans, what’s the official pronunciation of your name? And what’s the worst it’s been butchered at a minor league ballpark?

Kjeldgaard:  My last name actually has a few silent letters. It is pronouced Kell-guard. The “J” and the ‘D” are silent. And the worst I have heard my name pronounced was last year playing international baseball. At the World Cup in Panama the announcer would introduce me as, “Bateador Canadien número 18, Brock Kijeldimigardencop.” I think he just saw the first few letters then made the rest up.

RtB:I’ve asked this question to the other guys I’ve interviewed. What are the best and worst parts of being a minor leaguer?

Kjeldgaard: For me, one of the toughest parts about playing minor league baseball is always being on the road. It can be tough being away from home for 7 months of the year. As for the best parts, I would have to say playing everyday and being able to see all different parts of America.

RtB: You had 15 steals between Brevard County and Huntsville last season–is that a part of your game that people may overlook, especially with your ability to hit for power?

Kjeldgaard:  I think running the bases is a very important part of the game. That being said, base stealing is just a part of running the bases. The better you can run the bases, the more you can help your team and your teammates.

RtB: Have you been able to avoid the injury bug through most of your career?

Kjeldgaard: I have been very fortunate throughout my career to be able to stay on the field. There’s always scrapes, aches and pains you have battle through every day.

RtB: The Brewers “protected” you by placing you on the 40 man roster, keeping from losing you to the Rule V draft. What did this message from the organization mean to you both as a prospect and as a person? 

Kjeldgaard: Obviously, being added to the 40 man roster means a lot to me. And it shows that the Brewers also believe I can be successful. I have improved quite a bit in the past couple seasons, and I know I can improve a lot more in the future.

RtB: What are your short-term goals as a player?

Kjeldgaard:  Short terms goals for me are pretty simple. I just try to take it day by day. I know if I can do that, everything will take care of itself by the end of the season. 

RtB: And any long-term goals?

Kjeldgaard: As for long term goals, I think it is the same as everyone who plays at this level. To make it to the major leagues and stay there for a long time.

RtB: What was the experience of playing for Team Canada like? 

Kjeldgaard: My experience last fall with Team Canada was something very special. Obviously our team performed very well, bringing home a bronze medal at the World Cup and a gold medal at the Pan Am Games. It was a special team put together, and has to be my most memorable experience playing baseball. Standing atop the podium in Mexico with Cuba to our left and the USA to our right has to be one of the proudest moments of my life.

RtB: After being drafted in the 34th round, how difficult has it been to become one of the top Brewers prospects despite being a late selection?

Kjeldgaard:  It has been a long road since being drafted back in 2005. For me, it has been a little bit different road then most. There have been a lot of tough times, but also a lot of great times. I am very fortunate and thankful for getting a second shot in baseball after my pitching days.

RtB: Braun, Weeks, Hart, Gallardo, Gamel, Lucroy, and Axford all are “home grown” guys at the major league level. What does the plethora of talent on the Brewers from the farm system say about the organization as a whole? 

Kjeldgaard: It says a lot about the organization. There’s even more guys down in the minor leagues who are on the verge of having very succesful major league careers, as well as all the players I have played with over the years that are playing for other teams.

RtB: On a completely unrelated note, you’re from Canada which is slightly known as a bit of a hockey country. Which team will you be pulling for during the NHL Playoffs starting this week? 

Kjeldgaard:  As I respond to these questions I am actually flipping back and forth watching some playoff hockey. My team is actually the St. Louis Blues, who have had a very strong season and hopefully can make a real strong push in the playoffs.

RtB: One last question: You have to come in and pinch hit against Zack Greinke, down by 1 with Kentrail Davis on first as the tying run. How do you approach the at-bat?

Kjeldgaard: No matter who the pitcher is, I try to approach each situation the same. I try to get a ball up in the zone, put a good swing on it and try to drive it into the gap.

Farris, listed at 5-foot-9, makes up for his stature with a blend of speed, average, and fielding. He swiped 70 bases in high-A ball in 2009. Over his minor league career, he has accumulated 159 steals, compared to 20 home runs.

March 7, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Brent Lillibridge (18) steals second base in front of Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Eric Farris (33) in the third inning at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

Now in his third season with the AAA Nashville Sounds, Farris is on the cusp of the big leagues. He made his debut in the majors on July 28 of last season when he grounded out to second–the at-bat stands at his only appearance in a major league game so far.

Not only is he one of the top prospects in the organization, but one of the top tweeters, as well. His Twitter handle (@eRoc86) has gained over 2,000 followers. #EricsRandomThoughts are some of the best tweets from any Brewers player–I mean, how do hotel maids make the beds so perfectly?

Reviewing the Brew recently interviewed Eric as I try to reach the goal of interviewing at least one player from each level of the Brewers organization. This follows up interviews with Seth Harvey and Tyler Thornburg from A Wisconsin and AA Huntsville, respectively.

RtB: How is the environment in Nashville with each player knowing he’s just one call away from the big leagues? 

Eric Farris:  Everyone jus tries to keep themselves prepared and on their toes because like u said we’re all simply a phone call away and we have to be ready!

RtB: What are your short-term goals as a player?

Farris: Short term I want to keep all my skills sharp and have improve daily and I want to have a good season and compete at a high level.

RtB: Long-term?

Farris: Ultimately I want to be in the big leagues and stay there. There’s nothing more that I want than an illustrious big league career.

RtB: Minor League sites and publications have you listed as one of the top prospects in the Brewers organization. Do you pay any attention to these or are irrelevant to you?

Farris: I try not to worry or pay too much attention to the media or publications like that. All I can control is what I do on the field and thats what I work at. If I was to worry to much about those other things than it could hinder my play.

RtB: I’ve asked this to the two guys I’ve interviewed so far: What are the best and worst parts of being a minor leaguer?

Farris: I definitely enjoy the grind of being a minor leaguer and the continuous work it takes to get to the big leagues. When you’re in the minors you know what you’re striving for and you go for it everyday. The tough part is the travel…A minor league schedule is not easy and days off dont come too often. Not to mention commercial flights are rough when traveling with 30 people!

RtB: You spent some time with the Brewers last year after Rickie Weeks got injured. What was that like and what were the most noticeable differences between the life in the minors and majors?

Farris: In the big leagues there’s a certain seriousness and expectation from the fans, the organization, and your teammates. The intensity level is really high and the atmosphere is electric! I’d say it’s everything anyone could possibly imagine!

RtB: You stole 70 bases in 2009. Would you say that’s your strongest area? What part of your game would you say you focus the most on improving?

Farris: Base stealing is definitely one of my stronger areas as well as defense. I can’t say I focus on anything the most since there’s so many aspects of the game that I want improve upon and perfect.

RtB: Is there a player in particular whose game you model yours after? Or is it your own style?

Farris: My skill set may be similar to certain players but I don’t purposely model my game after anybody! I want to be in the big leagues and ultimately be One of a Kind!

RtB: You’re the man Eric! Keep doing work in Nashville and the Farris Wheel’s gonna be coming to Miller Park soon! Best of luck this season.

Farris: You bet!

Prior to 2011, the name Tyler Thornburg was unfamiliar to most Brewers fans. The third round selection in 2010 broke out in grandeur, posting a 10-6 record, 2.57 ERA, 1.112 WHIP, and 10.5 K/9 ratio in 136.2 innings between the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and Brevard County Manatees. Before receiving the promotion to Brevard County, Thornburg, 23, made a mockery of Midwest League hitters with the Timber Rattlers. In 12 starts, he struck out 76 batters, threw two complete games (one of which was a shutout), posted a miniscule 1.57 era, and went a perfect 7-0.

His performance earned him a spot as one of the Brewers top prospects and a coveted spot in the MLB Futures Game played every summer during Major League All Star week festivities. The appearance–and consequential scoreless frame–in the Futures Game highlighted the right-hander’s sudden burst onto the scene.

Thornburg, a former pitcher at Charleston Southern University, has been rated as high as the second-highest prospect in the Brewers organization. Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus both rated Thornburg as the fourth prospect in the organization. His big league projection is currently unclear, and, in the interview, Thornburg assured us he feels comfortable both coming out of the bullpen and starting. He begins 2012 in AA with the Huntsville Stars.

Tyler was gracious enough to accept an interview request from Reviewing the Brew, making at least one 16-year-old aspiring journalist feel semi-refulgent. Yep, that’s right. He can now add ‘Distinguished interviewee of Reviewing the Brew’ to his resume (as if it wasn’t impressive enough already).

Reviewing the Brew:  You represented the Brewers organization in the Futures Game in Arizona last season. How was that experience? 

Tyler Thornburg: The futures game was amazing. I expected it to be fun but nothing like that. To be treated like a big leaguer for a day was awesome. 

RtB: Some lists have you ranked as high as second on the Brewers list of top prospects? Do you pay any attention to this list or is it just a minor nuance for you?

Thornburg: I’ve seen some of the lists but a lot of the people that make them haven’t seen me pitch and are just going off what everyone else says. 

RtB: What are your short-term goals as a pitcher?

Thornburg: My short term goals are to have a great year this year and get called up to the big leagues at some point this year. 

RtB: Long-term goals? 

Thornburg: My long term goal is to pitch in the big leagues for at least 10 years.

RtB: After a great 2011 season and Futures Game appearance, how do you deal with the pressure and comparisons set upon you? 

Thornburg: Honestly, I do know there is pressure on me to perform. I also put more pressure on myself to do well. I know how good I can be and I don’t want to fall short of that

RtB: What are the best/worst parts of being a Minor Leaguer? 

Thornburg: I enjoy traveling and playing baseball, of course. Other than that, the minor leagues are tough. The wear and tear on your body.. and it’s tough to stay on a nutrition program because you can only eat what is within walking distance of the hotel and what the clubhouse provides.

RtB: What would you attribute your breakout 2011 season to? 

Thornburg: Hard work and trying to learn everyday how to get better. I thought I did well in 2011 but I know I can do a lot better and I hope 2012 will show that.

RtB: Time for the Quiz the Pro segment: If you came in for one at bat against Ryan Braun, how would you pitch him? 

Thornburg: I would probably try and stay inside so he can’t get his hands extended. Throw a few curveballs and if I got 2 strikes try and climb the ladder. Definitely try and not make any mistake pitches. 

RtB:  In the majors, would you be more comfortable coming in from the bullpen or as a starter? There are projections that see you as capable of either role.

Thornburg: Honestly I feel comfortable starting and relieving. I’ve done both a lot. I really don’t have a preference except which one gets me to the big leagues and allows me to excel the most.

RtB: Thanks for your time, Tyler. 

Thornburg: Yeah, no problem. 

Brewers Minor League relief pitcher Seth Harvey throws a pitch during a bullpen session.

Harvey, 24, is working his way up the Brewers organization, jumping from the Pioneer League (rookie ball) to the class Low-A  Wisconsin Timber Rattlers for the beginning of 2012. In his first professional season after attending Washington State University, the Olympia, Washington native blossomed out of the bullpen. He covered 33.1 innings in 16 games, holding a 2.70 era, an incredible 12.4 K/9 rate, and also notching a save.

Reviewing the Brew was able to interview the up-and-coming young hurler after reaching out via Twitter (follow him @MrSethHarvey).

Curt Hogg: What’s the best and worst part of being a Minor Leaguer?

Seth Harvey: Best: Having the opportunity to pursue your childhood dream. We are all here to 

reach the pinnacle of professional baseball and that’s what we’ve dreamt of for our entire lives.

Worst: Sacrificing so much time from family and friends, it’s hard to leave home and what you

have known for so long.

CH: Alright, well for anyone heading up (or down) to Appleton to watch you pitch, give us a brief scouting report of yourself.

SH: I feature a three-pitch mix of fastball, slider, and change up. I like to work ahead and attack 

hitters. At all times, I compete to my best ability and play for my teammates.

CH: Who would you say is the best hitter you’ve had the pleasure of facing? Top prospect you’ve seen?

SH: Best hitter I’ve had the pleasure of facing so far would be Jemile Weeks. Guy was aggressive and hard to throw a lot past him.

CH: We all know the Minor Leaguers travel…a lot. What’s the best way to spend your downtime on the bus?

SH: Best way is to definitely jam to the iPod…once the jam sesh is occurring, then you can begin

to dabble into the internet, on the phone, address social media, and smash high scores on different

game apps.

CH: What would you say is your favorite baseball moment, from Little League through the Brewers farm system?

SH: My favorite moment thus far in baseball has been the time I’ve spent playing with

guys that I’ll be friends with for the rest of my life. Through high school and college

I was privileged enough to enjoy the game with those types of guys. The game is fun when

you are sharing the experience with family.

CH: Could you give a little insight into how the incredibly lengthy MLB draft goes?

SH: It’s a process, that is for sure. Ideally, you know beforehand where you might be taken

in the draft and to whom, but sometimes the cards don’t play out that way. Draft day for 

a lot of guys can be a world of anticipation and expectation, but when the phone call comes to 

bring the good news, it’s a dream turning reality.

CH: What guys playing for the Timber Rattlers right now might we see in the MLB in the near future?

SH: The funny thing about professional baseball is pretty much everyone is on the same level talent-wise. Everyone on this team has the ability to play in big leagues and essentially that’s why

they are here. The factor that separates us from the guys on TV is mastering consistency.

CH: It’s time for the Drill the Pro segment: Top 7th, 2 outs, runners on the corners, up 2-1, facing Jose Reyes, the manager just came out and said it’s your last batter. How do you pitch him?

SH: Who is on deck? *laughs* I definitely would attack the zone and try to get ahead in the count. In this

situation with a base open, one thing that annoys you as  pitcher is to get beat with a ball

over the plate. You need to remain competitive but also pitch smart and live on the outer corners.

CH: I think we’re gonna have to change that Giants cap to a Brewers one in your profile picture.

SH: Consider it done! Thanks Curt, enjoyed the time and Go Brewers!

The interview with Seth is the first of what will hopefully be multiple Q&A’s with players within the Brewers organization this year. Stay posted for another RtB interview with top Brewers prospect Tyler Thornburg this weekend!