Where Are They Now? Matt Klinker Q & A
Posted on 19. Jun, 2009 by Corey in All, Dayton Dragons Baseball, General Baseball.
CB: Growing up in Cincinnati, how exciting was it for you to be drafted by the Cincinnati Reds?
MK: I actually grew up in Madisonville, Kentucky, but moved to the Cincinnati area before my sophomore year in high school. I was definitely a Reds fan growing up so getting drafted by Cincinnati was very exciting and a dream come true.
CB: Last year, you were assigned to the Dayton Dragons. What was it like pitching 40 miles from your house and having so many friends and family in the stands?
MK: Pitching in Dayton was an unbelievable experience. I had 15 – 20 friends and family at each of my starts. The first month of the season we had 19 away games, so I even lived at home for the 9 or 10 games we had at home. Fifth Third Field definitely became the friendly confines for me last season.
CB: What about playing for the Dayton Dragons did you enjoy so much?
MK: The city of Dayton makes playing for the Dragons an unforgettable experience. The fans really get behind the team. The Dragons have the strongest following I have seen for any minor league team. I also enjoyed playing under our field staff last season. Donnie Scott, Doug Bair, and Darren Bragg were a great group of instructors. They created a unique atmosphere of fun, learning, and intense competition every day at the ballpark.
CB: What do you miss the most about the Midwest League and the Dayton Dragons?
MK: Although long, the travel in the Midwest League was really enjoyable. For each city there would be at least one place (restaurant, mall, etc.) that could keep any road trip exciting. We started the 2008 season on the road in Appleton, WI. Our first two games were snowed out, but the team hotel was located right next to the Fox River Mall, which helped our team ward off any cabin fever.
CB: You started the season out in High-A Sarasota, but have been promoted at times to Double-A Carolina for spot starts. What adjustments, if any, do you make moving up a level to pitch?
MK: I don’t think between levels there needs to be a completely different approach to the way a team or hitter is pitched. Being able to make small adjustments on the fly during the game is very important to success. I attack the zone with all my pitches and expand the zone when I’m ahead in the count.
CB: What do you consider your strengths as a pitcher?
MK: Before being placed on the DL this season, I would have said staying healthy. Professional baseball is all about the battle of attrition. On the mound, I throw strikes, maybe too many at times, and try to change speeds. The key to my success is in the execution; getting into the flow of the game and making my pitches.
CB: What advice can you give to kids who are hoping to play professional baseball someday?
MK: Be well rounded and excel in everything you attempt.
CB: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
MK: I wouldn’t be playing in the minors if I didn’t expect to make it to the Major Leagues.
