Bill Mitchell's Minor League Ramblings

Minor League Ramblings For the week of :
February 25, 2002

Minor League Ramblings is produced by Bill Mitchell for Minor League Watch.

"Cool, Calm and Collected"
February 27, 2002

The first trait that one notices about Anaheim Angels' pitching prospect Chris Bootcheck is his poise. He approaches each drill in the spring training workouts at the Angels' Tempe, Arizona complex with business-like efficiency. Throughout his career he's been singled out for his composure and maturity, both on and off the field.

Bootcheck credits his approach to the game to the lessons he learned in his three years at Auburn University. "I grew a lot as a player and I matured as a person," said Bootcheck about his experiences at Auburn. When questioned about whether he missed anything in his development by going to college instead of directly to the minor leagues, he replied, "I really don't see any downfall to it ... I've done nothing but develop."

Also deserving some of the credit for Bootcheck's development is his father, Dan, who was a minor league pitcher in the Detroit organization. "You come home after a rough day at the park and you get on the horn with your Dad," said Bootcheck about the ongoing support he gets from his father. "He understands ... You're not talking to someone who hasn't been through what you're going through."

The 23-year-old right-hander was drafted by Anaheim in the first round (20th overall pick) of the 2000 free agent draft. It was the second time he had been selected by a major league team, having been chosen by Tampa Bay in the 17th round in 1997. Bootcheck was projected to be a top five pick in 2000, but dropped to the middle of the first round due to his refusal to sign a pre-draft deal that would have limited his bargaining power.

Chris Bootcheck It turned out to be a smart move by Bootcheck, even though it took until September of 2000 to reach an agreement with Anaheim. He received a $1.8 million signing bonus, and joined the Angels in time to play in the 2000 Instructional League.

As with many college pitchers, Bootcheck went through a necessary adjustment because of the differences in the college and pro games. "The pro level will reward you more for making good pitches," he said about the difference in pitching to wood rather than aluminum bats. "Pitching backwards in college helped me have success (there), as opposed to the pro game where you have to rely on your fastball."

But it's not just his fastball that has contributed to Bootcheck's success in the pro game. He has good command of four pitches. His two-seam fastball touches into the mid-90s and he's developed an effective curveball and changeup. He also has room to fill out his 6-5, 205-pound frame, which can only help his development as a pitcher.

Bootcheck began his pro career in the high class A California League last spring. Despite being shut down for part of the season due to a lingering shoulder problem, he pitched well for the Angels' Rancho Cucamonga affiliate. His command was the most impressive part of his performance there, as he struck out 86 batters in 87 innings while walking only 23. Bootcheck's final record in class A was 8-4 with a 3.93 ERA, earning him a late-season promotion to the next minor league level.

He wasn't as successful at AA Arkansas, compiling a 3-3 record and a 5.45 ERA. Bootcheck quickly learned that he needed to take his game to another level. "The AA hitters are more selective," said Bootcheck, "you can't overpower them." But he was a quick study, finishing strongly with seven shutout innings in the Texas League playoffs.

Chris Bootcheck His promising 2001 season earned Bootcheck an invitation to the major league spring training camp for 2002. His time with the big leaguers has been a valuable experience thus far for the native of LaPorte, Indiana. "The biggest advantage to being here is to work under some of the major league coaches that we'll have contact with throughout our careers," remarked Bootcheck.

Another advantage to being part of the major league camp is the opportunity to work with and learn from the established veterans. "Being in some of the same groups as these guys throughout the camp has been a huge advantage," said Bootcheck about his contacts with pitchers like Aaron Sele and Troy Percival. "You not only get to see the competitor side ... but you also see a personal side and a humorous side. It helps you realize they're human beings just like you and me."

His preparation for a major league pitching career is not just limited to on-field work. Bootcheck is an avid reader of sports psychology books. "Some of the things that have been written about this game are very, very true," he said, adding, "I'm trying to polish my game mentally."

Bootcheck will most likely return to Arkansas for additional time in AA before continuing his climb through the Angels' minor league system. As for what he believes he needs to improve to get to the big leagues, Bootcheck replied, "Just keeping things simple and doing the things I do well better. As for the things I don't do so well, improve them."

With the lessons that Chris Bootcheck has learned in his pitching career to date coupled with the poise and maturity that just cannot be taught overnight, it's obvious that this native Hoosier has a bright future in the major leagues ahead of him.

--- Bill Mitchell