Aaron Westlake, the Tigers third round pick in 2011 from the University of Vanderbilt, posted some decent numbers this year at West Michigan. His line in 2012 goes as follows, .249/.320/.391/.711/ 123 Games. 465 AB, 116 H, 35 2B, 2 3B, 9 HR, 69 RBI, 56 R, 47 BB, 105 K, 4 SB. Aaron is big guy (6'4" 235) so, you'd expect to more home runs. Although, he did rack up 35 doubles in his first full season in the minors. Aaron plays the first base position so, if he's going to make it to the big leagues, he'll have to either hit or field his way there. Nevertheless, he'll be a nice organizational player.
Here is an interview Aaron and I had back last Winter before Spring Training. Hope you enjoy.
TPR: What's the one thing you have to have on long road trips?
AW: Have to have an iPod or some type of device that plays music.
TPR: Any Pre-Game superstitions?
AW: Don't have any superstitions.
TPR: Who was the person you looked up to growing up?
AW: I looked up to my parents growing up. They have taught me the right way to live life and to live it to the fullest.
TPR: Who influenced you as far as playing the game of baseball?
AW: My Dad influenced me the most. He would always find time to help me any way he could with the game, whether is was throwing BP to me, hitting me ground balls, or simply playing catch.
TPR: Why did you choose the number you chose, any special reason or was it just given to you?
AW: I did not choose the number I was given.
TPR: Best manager you have ever played for throughout your career?
AW: Tim Corbin at Vanderbilt has been the best manager I have played for throughout my career so far. He taught me not only lessons about baseball, but life lessons as well.
TPR: Best player you have played with or against?
AW: I have had the opportunity to play with and against many great players. I would have to say the best player I was fortunate to play with so far has been Sonny Gray who I played with for 3 years at Vanderbilt, and who was drafted by the A's in the first round in last year's draft.
TPR: If you could have gone pro or played any other sport besides baseball, what would it have been and why?
AW: Would have played golf. I grew up playing golf a lot as well, and like playing the game.
TPR: Best/worst parks to play in? (or cities to travel to)
AW: Since I signed later, I missed most of the away trips at Short Season in Norwich. For the places I went, State College (Penn State) and Lowell, were some fun cities we traveled to.
TPR: Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
AW: Coaching or some sort of financial management.
Thanks again to Aaron for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for the TPR. The writers and readers of the Tigers Prospect Report thank you as well. Good luck on your journey to the Big Leagues.
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- Travis aka Tiger Travie