Back in December, I interviewed a kid from Georgia who was coming off a sensational junior season in which he smashed 24 home runs over 118 at-bats. That performance, along with a stellar summer showing at all of the major events, placed Clint Frazier in talks for top-five consideration in the 2013 MLB draft. After hitting .485 with 17 home runs, 45 RBI and a .561 OBP/1.134 SLG over 32 games this season, those talks are still there.
With the best bat speed in the draft, mind-boggling power, a canon arm and enough speed to be a real threat at the next level, the 6’-1” right-hander plays the game at breakneck speed and is one of those players you can’t help but root for.
A Gatorade National Player of the Year Award nominee, and one of the most electric players you will ever see, Clint Frazier was kind enough to do a follow up interview with me during an extremely hectic time of the year.
Can you put into words what it meant to be invited to the first round of the 2013 MLB draft to be held in New York on June 6?
It’s awesome just to be a player considered for the draft, but to be invited to Studio 42 is even more awesome. It was something I couldn’t say no to, so my family and I will enjoy our stay in New Jersey.
It was a great year for Loganville baseball, even if you fell just short of your ultimate goal of winning a state title. What are you most proud of this season?
I’m most proud of my teammates for the support I had from them through one of the most important times of my life. They could’ve just gone out there and thought I didn’t care about the season because of the draft, but that wasn’t the case. They supported me every time I made a good play, and they supported me even when I was struggling throughout the season.
That was a game I had been waiting for since I found out we’d play Grayson in the summer. Austin (Meadows) and I had the opportunity to play on the same teams all summer and show what we could do as teammates, and I was ready to show what I could do when we weren’t on a team together. The crowd was huge that day — I think we had 1,500 fans at the game and over 100 scouts, as well. It was a fun game to be a part of.
Who was the toughest pitcher you faced this season?
I would say two pitchers were very hard to hit — Travis Demeritte and Michael Gettys. They both threw in the 90s, and it was fun to face both of them this year.
(Travis Demeritte plays for Winder-Barrow HS in Georgia and is also considered a first-round pick this year as a third baseman. Michael Gettys plays for Gainesville HS in Georgia and is one of the top prep pitchers for the 2014 MLB draft.)
A new chapter of your life is about to begin. What will you miss most about your high school days?
I definitely don’t miss going to classes five days a week, and it’s something I’m not going to miss. I will miss the brotherhood that I developed with all of my teammates over the four years I was with them, however. It could be the last time I’ll ever play with any of them.
It’s been a whirlwind year for you. How have you handled all of the media attention concerning the draft?
I think I’ve handled it very well. I never got nervous with the crowds at our games. As far as the media, it’s been a lot of exposure, and it’s going to be something I always remember.
Last question: How will you spend your time during the next two weeks?
Just hitting and enjoying my last few weeks at home before I start my pro career. I’m not trying to wish away my childhood, so I’m savoring the time I have at home with my family and friends.
I would like to thank Clint Frazier for his time and wish him the best of luck in the future. You can follow him on Twitter @CJF19.
Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter @DanMKirby for 2013 MLB draft updates, prospect news and Chicago Cubs ramblings.