Offseason Chat With Right-Handed Pitcher Brandon Kintzler
I was born, raised, and still live in Las Vegas, Nevada. The fact that I travel so much, I don't call anywhere home.
What was the first thing you did when you got home following the season?
I went to Winnipeg to visit my girlfriend, I wouldn't call it exciting because it's -40° there, but I got to watch USA beat Canada in a junior hockey tournament. It was fun to heckle the crowd.
Describe your experience in the prospect-laden Arizona Fall League.
The Arizona Fall League was a grind. The 12:30 p.m. games aren't the best to get up for, especially without many fans in attendance. You definitely have to self motivate yourself. The competition was top notch. The league is meant for hitters, so you have to be on your game.
How do you spend your offseason?
My offseason is pretty boring. I wake up, throw, workout, and then practice with my nephew. I played golf a few times, but mostly just relaxed with family and friends.
Did you return to Nashville at any point this offseason?
I came back to Nashville to get my truck when the regular season ended in Milwaukee. I really like how I can always go anywhere to catch some live music... and it actually be good. It's always a nice getaway.
You've experienced a long journey to the big leagues, from out of baseball due to injury to two seasons in the independent leagues. Then you began last season in Double-A, moved to Triple-A, and then were added to Milwaukee in September. Can you describe your experience last year and what you hope to contribute in 2011?
The journey was very long. I knew going into last season that I had to make or break myself.
The experience went by so fast. I never got to sit back and realize that I was in independent ball a year ago, and now I'm on the cusp of making the big leagues.
All I could think about when I got called up was how grateful I was for the opportunity. I was relieved to know that hard work pays off.
Where do you project yourself starting and finishing the 2011 season? What are your goals and what are looking to improve upon? My goal is to start and finish in Milwaukee and help the team in the playoffs. I'm looking to improving on adapting to big league hitters.
What do big league hitters do differently than those in the minors? Do you use different strategies on the mound?
The biggest difference that I noticed was place discipline. Big league hitters do not chase many pitches out of the zone and will punish your mistakes. They have a plan of what kind of pitch they are looking for. Younger levels guys are just up there swinging.
Strategy is the same everywhere else: throw strikes and keep it down.
Considering your workload in 2010, how much baseball work did you do this offseason?
After the Arizona Fall League, I took four weeks off from throwing, but jumped right into working out. With spring training coming so fast, I can't afford to miss much lifting time.
Do the Brewers have a workout regimen that you follow or is it your decision?
Yes, they give us an offseason manual, but it's optional to follow. I've had success with it, so I'm sticking to it.
Did you keep in contact with any of your teammates?
I talked with Lorenzo Cain and Mike McClendon a few times. We normally like to stay away from each other in the offseason.
What were your thoughts about Patriots last season? Did they meet your expectations?
My Patriots choked, enough said!! I'm sure they will back on top next year going into the playoffs. The scouting report is to make Tom Brady uncomfortable.
New England has two first round draft picks in this year's draft. Who do you think they will take?
A big wide receiver would be nice.
Any hints on your walk-out song for next season?
No hints yet, but it will be something energetic.
What's the first thing Don Money is going to say when he sees you?
Don probably won't even talk to me. He's a man of few words.