Q&A with 12th Round Pick Steven Condotta

Florida Tech shortstop Steven Condotta talked to InsideTheDome a few hours after being selected in the 12th round of the draft by the Blue Jays. FREE PREVIEW OF PREMIUM CONTENT

InsideTheDome: What type of hitter are you?

Steven Condotta: Mostly just a line drive, average kind of hitter. I try to go up there and be a pest by working the pitcher trying to get base hits. I'm not really a big power guy and I've kind of given up that hope.

InsideTheDome: What would you say your strengths and weaknesses are on defense?

Steven Condotta: My strengths are my range and my arm the weaknesses are probably just more on the mental side like working on reading hops.

InsideTheDome: Do you believe you'll stay at shortstop as a pro?

Steven Condotta: I hope to as long as I can as I feel more comfortable over there, but I'm not adverse to going anywhere else so long as I'm playing professional baseball.

InsideTheDome: Are you excited to be a Blue Jay?

Steven Condotta: Definitely, being a home town kid is always fun as you're playing for the organization that you've been watching since you were a little kid. It's a dream come true.

InsideTheDome: Do you feel that your college experience has better prepared you for pro ball?

Steven Condotta: I think so. Just in college, I've become a complete hitter, who goes to all fields and does everything at a higher caliber as well. Also you get to experience playing with other top players. As well it helps you mature as a player and grow mentally, which I think is just as important.

InsideTheDome: What was the draft process like for you?

Steven Condotta: I wasn't really nervous, just anxious because I just finished school now so there wasn't really anything left to there so it was going to be if I got drafted that I played baseball and if I didn't I went to look for a job. I felt confidant in the season I had, but with the draft you never know what's going to happen. Some people were telling me stuffm but until I heard my name called I didn't want to get my hopes too high and I was definitely surprised when it did come up in the 12th round. I wasn't even around the computer yet because I didn't expect to go until around the 15th. My brother actually came out and told me and then I got a call from a Jays scout telling me that they drafted me which was very nice.

InsideTheDome: Were you surprised to be selected by the Jays?

Steven Condotta: Not really because I think I had the most contact with them throughout the year. So I definitely felt most comfortable with them and I felt like the Jays were the organization that gave me the best look and were the most excited about me. So I was definitely not surprised and they were probably one of the top three.

InsideTheDome: What sort of adjustments do you think you'll have to make to pro ball and the pro ball lifestyle?

Steven Condotta: Last summer playing in the Coastal Plain league helped me out getting used to playing games everyday and just getting ready by practicing and showing up to the ballpark everyday. I think that will carry over but obviously the level of competition and the athleticism of the guys I'm playing against now is going to be something I've never seen before. I just have to keep working hard and realize this is the beginning and I've got a long way to go.

InsideTheDome: Is there any MLB player you could compare yourself to?

Steven Condotta: I kind of like Aaron Hill of the Jays. He's one of my favorite guys and I remember seeing his draft tape on ESPN when I was watching the draft the first year with the Jays for him, I think 2003 draft. I remember watching some highlight clips of when he was at LSU and just loving his game. Now he's in the big leagues and I love watching him play. If I could do anything I'd like to emulate my game after him.

InsideTheDome: How quickly do you expect to sign with the Jays?

Steven Condotta: I don't think it'll take too long as I'm a senior. It should be a pretty quick and painless process. I hope to get it over with as soon as I can and get to a team. I don't want to be sitting out too long because I think that'd be the most detrimental thing for me. I'd rather start playing right away.

InsideTheDome: Do you have any immediate goals?

Steven Condotta: After this summer season I would like to be invited to instructional league in the fall.