Talkin’ with the Pros: RtB Interview with Brewers Minor Leaguer Seth Harvey

When the Milwaukee Brewers drafted pitcher Seth Harvey in the 37th round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft, little did he know he would soon be the headliner on Reviewing the Brew. He is the owner of a 2.25 era as a junior at Washington State, a 2.70 era and 2 wins in 16 relief appearances with the Helena Brewers last season, a slide piece, and, now, the first professional interviewee on Reviewing the Brew this season.

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!