In 2009, Zach Outman was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 28th round (850th overall) in the amateur entry draft. Since this time he has been an essential factor of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. In 2009, with the Auburn Doubledays, the young right-handed pitcher recorded a 1-1 record, posting a 5.87 ERA in 17 games, allowing only 15 earned runs and 30 hits in 23 innings pitched.

He had a comparable year in 2010 with the DoubleDays, posting a 0-2 record with a 5.27 ERA In 23 games, allowing 27 hits and 16 earned runs.

What is even more impressive about the reliever? In those two seasons, Outman allowed only two homeruns and had a very comparable walk/strikeout ratio, with 47 walks and 49 strikeouts

To find out more about the player behind the numbers, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to talk with the young prospect.

Being from St. Louis, I had to ask whether Outman was a Cardinals fan. I wasn’t surprised with his answer, as he stated: “I’m always and forever a Cards fan. My hometown teams all have a close place in my heart, but the Cardinals are certainly number 1.” And he further added, laughing, “Please, don’t tell the Blue Jays.”

(Ooops, guess I let the cat out of the bag…)

But before you are quick to judge, let’s give Outman some credit. When asked who he presently admires in the MLB, he not only discussed how proud he is of his older brother, Josh Outman, a LHP for the Oakland Athletics, but also added, “My current favorite pitcher is Brandon Morrow. He’s a power pitcher with a strong mentality, and he’s a rather young, up and coming player.” (There’s no doubt that he just won the hearts of many Blue Jays fans with that comment).

Recognizing his strong stats (as highlighted earlier) we asked Outman if he’d be able to share his favourite moment on the mound. He responded, “I have to say my first professional win stands out from my rookie year in Auburn 2009. Egan Smith, my roommate at the time and another prospect in the organization, went a very strong 4 and 2/3 innings before a back spasm took him out of the game. I happily came in relief and threw 3 innings to pick up the win! We call that a snake win.”

While everyone has recognized his impressive stats in 2009 and 2010, many have wondered why there have been no stats to admire in 2011. Outman unfortunately revealed that he was presently dealing with a pre-existing condition with his lower back in which he deemed, “Spondolythesis” and “Bi-Lateral Pars Defects.”  For those of you wondering, while his rehab is ‘slow and steady’ he hopes to be back in the game sometime in July. Expect for him to either join the Vancouver Canadians or the Lansing Lugnuts.

While, Outman admits that his best talent on the field is his ‘Never Give Up’ mentality, he also indicates, that, “off the field my best talent would definitely be my good looks!”(While he states he was joking, I am not sure if anyone can look at some of his photos and not agree!)

Zach Outman with the Auburn Doubledays

He further adds, “In all honesty, I would say that my ability to laugh at myself in all things and my sense of humor overall takes the cake. Makes everything much more enjoyable, and it’s easier to be optimistic.”

In concluding, Outman, discussed his game routines, stating, “Being a reliever, normally I just relax in the clubhouse and listen to music until about 40 minutes before the first pitch. A hot pre-game shower is always relaxing, and always a part of my routine. Nothing too exciting, but it keeps me focused.”

JaysProspects would like to thank Zach Outman for his time and wishes him nothing but success in the future!