Q & A with San Francisco Giants 2018 Draft Pick, Matt Frisbee

Q: What kind of pitcher would you consider yourself to be? What is your M.O. on the mound?

A: When I first started in Salem [Kiezer; Giants short season, level A affiliate], they put me in the pen. The mindset of a starter is so much more different than that of a closer or reliever. When I was a starter, I’d try to pitch off my fastball as long as I can. I’d try to pitch to contact and then get into my pitches as I go along. Then when I went into the bullpen, I tried doing that at first, but it didn’t really work out as well as I wanted it to. But that’s part of it. I had to adjust. I started really just going out and trying to get strikeouts. My favorite pitch this summer was a fastball up. They were swinging at it, fouling it off. Then I trusted my slider enough to where I threw that when I got ahead and that’s what worked out for me. Pitching out of the zone really worked well for me this summer.

Q: Who was a pitcher you liked to watch growing up and who would you try to model your game after?

A: Honestly one of my favorite pitchers growing up was watching Madison Bumgarner pitch. Not just because I play for the Giants now. Just watching his mindset on the mound, he is so intense and ready just to get after it, and full of intent. That’s just one thing I love about watching him throw. Now one of my favorite pitchers to watch is Trevor Bauer. Watching that guy, I mean he just lets it go. I love that.”

Q: What was it like playing with Joey Bart this offseason?

A: That summer going into my junior year, we played on the Harwich Mariners [Cape Cod League] together. And so it was good to have some kind of a relationship going then. It wasn’t like I was just throwing to a new guy. It’s completely different throwing to him than any other catcher. The dude is a brick wall back there. You can throw anything you want and you don’t have to worry about it. He’s going to get it, he’s going to fight for you. And the way he calls the game is just unreal. I know he did it in college. Just throwing to him is completely different. It’s kind of hard to explain because his ability to do everything behind the plate is just crazy.”

Q: So I’d take it he’s as advertised?

A: Oh for sure. He deserves everything coming his way. He’s a great guy both on and off the field. I’m lucky to be his teammate his first season in pro ball.