Jered Weaver discusses gaming and his transition from college to major league star

SportsGamer recently had the opportunity to interview Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitching star Jered Weaver, cover athlete of EA Sports MVP 07 NCAA Baseball which was released earlier this week.

SG: How does it feel to be on the cover of MVP 07 NCAA Baseball?

Jered Weaver: Unbelievable, you know, you never expect it.  When I was growing up, when you see the big time guys on the videogames, and you never think you are going to have the chance to do it.  And now looking over there, at the poster, it’s all realistic, and right there in front of me, and so it’s a very cool feeling that’s for sure. 

This is now the second year that a video game is being made for college baseball. Do you think that is a sign that its starting to be recognized on a larger scale and that popularity is increasing across the country?

I think that, you know, for people, it’s a change.  There hasn’t been a college baseball game out there.  It’s nice that they’ve decided to switch to college and have the kids that are coming up, to see that college experience.  You know, the atmosphere, the ping of the bat, and the rivalries of the teams.  I think its good in that regard, for the kids coming up, to see how it is, going into college ball.

If you have gotten a chance to play MVP 07 NCAA, how well do you feel the new addition of "Rock and Fire Pitching" represents the real thing?

Having played the game this morning, Rock and Fire is a great addition for the game.  It challenges the pitchers, and it is not as easy as you’d think.  With the Rock and Fire technique, it was a little more challenging and it gives you that outlook that pitchers really look for, when going after hitters. 

If you hadn't been on the cover, what other player do you feel would've made for a good choice?

No comment.  But if I had to choose one, Jeff Weaver. 

When pitching in college at Long Beach State, were there any players you faced that you just knew you would be seeing again at the next level?

Shane Costa from Fullerton was probably my toughest opponent.  I’m now playing against him.  He’s with the Royals.  He owned me in college, but he hasn’t gotten a hit against me in the majors.  Let’s hope it stays that way.

One of the biggest differences people know of between college and professional play is the use of aluminum bats. Do you strategically pitch any differently because of the type of bat being used?

Yeah, absolutely.  There is more pitching in on the batter in pro ball, then there was in college.  You know, because if you pitch in against an aluminum bat, odds are you are going to have a better chance of fighting some off, and beating it to the ground somewhere, or popping it up over the second baseman’s head.  But with a wood bat, if you go in, you don’t have very much leeway.  You’re gonna either break or it get it.  I think that is the biggest adjustment. 

Did you expect to have so much success so soon in the majors?

No, obviously coming in, I didn’t know what to expect.  To be able to start out like I did, and be compared to the Whitey Ford’s and Fernando Valenzuela’s, kinda set me back, and made me think what was really going on. 

How do you deal with the high expectations that you've faced at every level and now even more so after such a great start for the Angels?

Just go out there and do what you do I guess.  You don’t go out there and try and do too much.  You just go out there, and be you, and do what you did to get you there, or what got you there.  And that’s what I’ve been doing.  So, you know, no expectations right now, just try and take it day by day, and see what happens.

Did having an older brother in the majors help you in your transition from college? Do you two have a rivalry?

Jeff being in pro ball before me definitely helped out.  I got a chance to go out and visit him every year, for like 10 days, and hang around the clubhouse.  You know, go out afterwards and hang out with him.  It’s a great experience for him to be able to go through it, and give me a little idea of what to expect.  As far as the rivalry thing goes, we’ll see when we face each other this year.  But I’m sure there will be. 

Is there any player past or present that you would compare your pitching style to?

Jeff Weaver.  I’ve heard Sandy Kofax too, but he’s a lefty. 

How prominent are video games in the clubhouse or while traveling on the road?

There are definitely video games in the clubhouse.  I’ve seen it mostly on the road.  When we go play a bad climate weather team, they usually have it in the clubhouse, you know, in case of a rain delay or something, so that you have something to do.  We have guys that bring little TV’s on the plane and stuff, with playstations and play. 

Is the gaming more for fun and relaxation or is there competition amongst teammates?

Definitely competition.  We like to play against each other, and link up and stuff like that.  So there is definitely some friendly competition going on.