Phillies first round pick Joe Savery, currently playing in the Arizona Fall League, was kind enough to answer a few questions for me. Joe, for those who don’t know, was taken in the first round out of Rice in the June draft, pitched 26 innings at Williamsport, and has now thrown 5 innings in Arizona. While in Arizona, Joe is one of a number of prospects keeping a weekly diary of his experiences, and you can read his entries here. Check below the fold for the Q/A

1. Joe, thanks for doing this. First things first, kind of give us some insight as to what draft day was like for you, and what your reaction was to being taken by the Phillies. Were you ever unsure on whether to sign or go back to school?

Draft Day was extremely hectic. We actually had practice getting ready for the super regional games against Texas A&M right as the draft was starting so I had to be on the field for the first 10 or so picks. I found out while I was in the press conference for the series coming up and so it was very anticlimactic It was frustrating in that sense but such a joy and a relief at the same time.

2. You were drafted out of high school by the Dodgers in the 15th round. Are you happy with your decision to attend college and gain that experience, ultimately becoming a first round pick?

I wouldn’t change my college experience for anything. I met my best friends, played in the College World Series twice, played in front of my family and friends for three years in my home town, got three years towards a great education. There aren’t any reasons for me personally why signing out of high school would have been better for me.

3. Your career at Rice had it’s share of ups and downs, what would you say was your absolute best baseball memory, whether it be a particular game or series or moment?

Well there are so many. Beating LSU on their home field in the regional as a freshman on the mound and playing for Team USA that summer. But beating UNC at the College World Series this year on the mound and also going 2-4 with a double and an RBI or two was great. I think it summed up what I meant to the Rice team for three years and was the chance to do it on the biggest stage in college baseball.

4. On the flip side, dealing with the injuries and the stigma surrounding Rice pitchers, did enduring that and making a strong recovery your Junior season help you as a player, and what lessons did you take from the experience?

The lessons I took from that was that no is above hard times. Things went so well as a freshman and I will challenge anyone who says I took that for granted, but it was still humbling to go through that. That surgery turned my world upside down briefly, but its part of the game and I think it did help me with my perspective of baseball, but more importantly in life. If I never play another game, I will be okay in this life, but it is certainly a privilege to play this game.

5. You went from a major baseball powerhouse in Rice to pro ball over the summer, how is the approach different for you on a daily basis, and what was the toughest thing to have to adjust to playing pro ball?

The toughest thing to adjust to was not playing everyday. I was used to hitting when I didnt pitch and helping the team. Pitching involves a lot of watching and shagging balls, doing charts, etc. It’s a different lifestyle as a player.

6. As many know, you were a standout two way player, playing 1B and anchoring the middle of the lineup while also pitching. Are you excited by the fact that you’re going to eventually be playing in the NL where you can still swing the bat?

I am very excited about that! I take pride in being a good all around athlete and I am excited about the chance to swing the bat some more one day.

7. Could you describe your arsenal of pitches to the readers? I’ve read you’re mainly a 3 pitch guy, fastball/changeup/slider, is that correct? When you’re 100%, where are you trying to sit velocity wise? Is your changeup more of a straight change or does it have fade to right handed batters? Do you like to cut or sink your fastball?

Those are my three pitches. I will sit 89-92 most of the time and with my delivery try and have a little deception. So at times my fastball will play a little harder than that. I throw a circle change so I am trying to get some fade on the ball to right handed hitters..My fastball has some natural “life” and so I mainly just use a 4 seam fastball. Here and there I will throw a 2 seam.

8. You’ve been very open in interviews about your desire to move quickly through the system. You’re in the Arizona Fall League now, have you given any thought toward 2008 at this point in terms of where you’d hope to start and where you’d realistically hope to end up?

That is up to the Phillies. I think this is a great opportunity to fast forward my pace through the minors. My goal is to make it difficult on the Phillies to not call me up late next season or in the first half of 2009. I think those goals are neither highly likely or highly unlikely. I think they are reasonable and thats what I am shooting for. Goals should be difficult to reach at times.

9. Phillies fans are known for coming up with interesting fan groups for players, including the Padilla Flotilla for Vicente Padilla, the Wolf Pack for Randy Wolf, and Chase’s Chicks for Chase Utley. Any ideas for your own fan group? We may not see you in the majors for a little while, but Phillies fans like to be prepared.

Haha, I think things like that are up to the fans and thats why they are so great. I’ll let you all decide. Hopefully it is something positive and not a jab at me or my performance.

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Thanks for the time Joe.