Interview with Cardinal Prospect Skip Schumaker
A Birdhouse Exclusive by Brian Walton
23-year-old Skip Schumaker was the fifth round selection of the Cardinals in the 2001 draft from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Schumaker appeared in 91 games at Tennessee (AA) this season, hitting .251 with two home runs and 22 RBIs. The 5'-10" centerfielder had a .330 OBP and collected 25 extra-base hits in his 342 at-bats. He also was 6-for-12 in stolen base attempts. Schumaker then went on the disabled list in early August with a leg injury.
In the Arizona Fall League, Schumaker started hot, reaching base nine times in his first five games. However, his average slipped as the AFL campaign continued. Schumaker finished with a .220 average and a .330 OBP. He collected 13 walks and had eight strikeouts in his 82 at-bats. He had four doubles and a triple in Arizona. Schumaker may be slotted to return to Tennessee in 2004.
I interviewed Schumaker in Arizona earlier this month
BW: You played your college ball at UCal Santa Barbara. You pitched and played the field there. Why did you stop pitching?
SS: I wasn't that good at it. (laughs) I had a decent arm but my ball was real straight. I knew that my future, being 5'-10", wasn't on the mound. I knew I'd have a better future playing in the field.
BW: When did you know you'd make it and become a pro?
SS: Really, it was during the fall of my junior year. I really felt like I had started putting everything together. I just talked to scouts, and that type of stuff. Things just came together actually my junior year. I felt that way.
BW: You were the fifth round selection of the Cardinals in the 2001 draft. Was that the first time you were drafted?
SS: Yes, it was the first time I was drafted.
BW: Did you come into the draft knowing that you'd sign?
SS: Whatever round I was drafted in, if it was fair money, then I was going to sign. That was just my main thing. It didn't matter what round I was going in. I wanted to play pro baseball. If it was fair money, then I was going to sign.
BW: When did you learn that were getting an invitation to come here to the AFL?
SS: Real late August. I was injured most of the year. I had a stress fracture in my leg. And I hurt my hand during the year, so I missed a lot of games. So, I didn't know if I was going to be ready in time. They told me late August that I was going to come, which I was really excited about.
BW: Are you completely healed from your injuries now?
SS: Yes, completely healed. I'm doing really well.
BW: You've shown the ability to draw a walk, with 10 against only five Ks. How important is plate discipline to your game?
SS: That's a huge part. I am a leadoff hitter, I'm not a power-type hitter. The main goal for me is to get on base so the big guys hit me in. I need to get on base more. That is definitely a main goal.
BW: You've also stolen three bases here in Arizona. Is that something we should expect to see more of in the future from you?
SS: I hope so. I was hurt all year. I only had six bags because I couldn't run. A main part of my game is running. Hopefully, I'll get more bags before this league ends.
(Note: Schumaker ended the AFL season with four stolen bases in six attempts.)
BW: You started out red hot here in Florida, but have leveled off since. What are you doing different from when you were hot?
SS: Nothing. You know, it hasn't really been a hot and cold thing. Baseball is just a weird thing. I haven't felt bad at the plate. I've hit the ball hard a couple of times a game. It just hasn't fallen for me. I haven't changed anything different. It's just a funny game; Baseball.
BW: Were you asked to work on a particular part of your game while down here?
SS: They wanted me to work on my bunting game more. I didn't bunt much too much during the year. Being the type of player that I am, I have to bunt more, because I'm not going to hit 30 home runs a year. So, bunting more. And outfield, all positions, not just centerfield. I played center the whole year so, now I am playing left, center and right. And just working on all aspects. You can never stop working on it all.
BW: Which position do you like better and why?
SS: Obviously, I like centerfield because you have more control. You have control of the other outfielders and you can take command more. But, it really doesn't matter to me as long as I am out there.
BW: Do you approach your at-bats differently when you are in the eight hole vs. the second slot?
SS: Yes and no. Either way, I want to get on base. If there's no outs and I am hitting second and the leadoff guy is on, I want to get him over. Advancing the runners and getting on base is my main goal.
BW: What player did you admire most when you were a kid?
SS: I loved Ozzie Smith. That was my favorite player. And I loved growing up, Darin Erstad, through high school and college. I just like the hustle game. Biggio is another guy. I just like the hustle and the grind.
BW: If everything goes your way, when will we see you in St. Louis?
SS: I don't know. I have no idea. If it was up to me, it would be now. But, you never know. It's whatever it is in the cards, really. I just hope I get there someday. That's all.
BW: Well, keep working on your game and we hope to see you in the Cardinal uniform soon.
SS: Alright. I appreciate it. Thank you very much
