Q&A With Minnesota Commit: '16 Alex Farley- Anoka

January 20, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

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Name: Alex Farley
Position: LHP/1B
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 215-pounds
High School: Anoka
PBR Rank: #11 in MN 2016 Class

Evaluation: 6-foot-3, 215-pound left-handed hitting first baseman. 7.52 60 time. Simple swing mechanics. Flashes huge power potential to pull-side of field. Dives into baseball at contact. Jams himself up at times. Physical player with present strength. 94 mph exit velocity off tee. Usable feet and glove around first base. Makes routine plays and has ability to start/finish double play. Arm plays at 79 mph across infield. 82-86 mph; touching as high as 87 mph. Consistenty threw 2 different breaking balls for strikes. A 1/7 curveball at 72-74 mph; and added a sweeping 2/8 slider at 76-79 mph buckling hitters.

PBR: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
FARLEY: I wanted to be a part of the best baseball in Minnesota; also to test my abilities at the highest level.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
FARLEY: University of Minnesota-Duluth, Augustana and Quincy University in Illinois.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
FARLEY: During the summer of 2014 Legion season, they attended the section tournament in Osseo and saw me pitch. They attended several other games during this past high school and Legion season, and I attended their Prospect Camp this summer.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?
FARLEY: Yes, I am extremely relieved because I felt like I was falling behind in the recruiting process, and I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to attend my top school of choice.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
FARLEY: The biggest factors for me were the top notch education and the exciting atmosphere surrounding Division I baseball.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
FARLEY: It is definitely my dedicated parents. My dad coached me since I was in t-ball and he is always pushing me to become better. My mom is always encouraging me to keep focused on my school work and reminds ME that being successful in baseball and school requires equal dedication. Also, my brother has always been there for me and I strive to be as good a player and person as he is.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
FARLEY: I actually thought it was going to be more difficult. I thought it would be hard getting noticed; but my coach Shannon Blansette really helped me with the process.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
FARLEY: Improving my pitching and hitting abilities.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
FARLEY: Definitely winning the section title and making it to the State Tournament last year.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
FARLEY: I think it would be Jeff Athey from Eden Prairie. He is a great hitter. I pitched against him and could never strike him out.