Michael Schlact is a right-handed starting pitcher that finished 2008 with the AA Frisco RoughRiders. Thanks to Michael for taking the time to answer a few questions. Here's the interview:

TexasRangersAnalyst: When did you think playing pro baseball was possible for you?

Michael Schlact: I have always dreamt of playing professional baseball. In little league, that was always the vision I had for myself. I think the reality hit me during my senior year of high school, once the scouts started showing up at my games.

TRA: What pitches do you throw? Which are you most comfortable with?

MS: I throw a sinker, slider, and change-up. I would say my most comfortable pitch is the sinker. That could be true for any pitcher. If the fastball isn't your most comfortable pitch, success rates aren't high.

TRA: Why do you think you were so successful this year?

MS: In my eyes, I didn't have as successful of a year as I could have. I think the games that I was at my best I pounded the strike zone, worked ahead of hitters, and put them away when I had the chance. I also believe that my success is directly related to how many ground balls I can get, and letting my defense work for me.

TRA: What aspects of your game are the strongest and weakest?

MS: My strongest aspect is probably the ability to use my sinker as a first pitch out. It's something thats very important when setting the tempo of the game, and showing the hitter that you are on the attack. My weakest aspect would have to be the fact that I don't trust my stuff enough. It's easy to tell myself I can do it, or that I can pitch in the big leagues, or that I can beat this team. When your on the mound, in front of everyone, and the first three hitters reach base, its tough to stand there and tell yourself how you can get everyone out. I truly believe the best pitchers in the game go on the mound and tell themselves that they are literally unbeatable. That is the biggest thing I am working on going into the 2009 season. My mental game will be much stronger next year.

TRA: Tell me a little about your baseball background. Was it always what you wanted to do? How did you start playing?

MS: To be honest, my first taste of baseball was negative. My parents signed me up for T-ball, and I hated it. I went home crying, and said I never wanted to play again. After a few years, they tried again, once I was about 8, and I remember loving it. It was always fun for me. I don't think at that point in my life I said, "I want to be a major league baseball player." I just had fun playing with my friends. The more fun I had, the more times I signed up for the following year. Next thing you know, I make the high school team, and the rest is history.

TRA: If you had the choice of playing for any other team, which would you choose?

MS: I love the Rangers organization, but if I had to choose another team to play for, it would definitely be the Atlanta Braves. I grew up watching that team. When your a home town boy, its hard to not see yourself playing for them one day.

TRA: What convinced you to sign with the Rangers rather than continuing on with school?

MS: I think the opportunity to fulfill my dream, and to get a head start on that dream, is what ultimately convinced me to go ahead with professional baseball. My father is a college professor, and on draft day he told me that many of his students are older. He told me that I can always go back to college, but this opportunity may only come around once.

TRA: When did scouts start following you when you were an amateur?

MS: My senior year in high school. I went to a Baseball America tournament in Jupiter, Florida. I believe that it all started there. Once that tournament was over, I began seeing them show up at my high school games my senior year.

TRA: What was the transition to pro ball like? Was it as difficult or easy as you thought it'd be?

MS:The baseball part was tough, but nothing like the non-baseball part. Coming out of high school, I had always lived at home, let Mom do my laundry, and never had to worry about the "real world." Reality check! I was put in Arizona at 18 in rookie ball, and knew that I would have to learn by doing. Figuring out a living situation, handling finances, and knowing to eat your dinner BEFORE your dessert are all tough life decisions. Making them at 18 with no parental guidance can be tough. The more seasons that passed, the easier it got. Now, thankfully, I have a wonderful wife who can help me through everything.

TRA: What things do the Rangers do to make the transition to pro baseball easier for players?

MS: The Rangers were awesome with me. They put players up in the hotel for rookie ball. I think it helps control the outside environment a little bit. The non-english speakers take mandatory english classes, and the Rangers feed us breakfast and lunch at the complex everyday for spring training. They trust the older guys alot, not only to make good choices, but to help the young guys see what is right and what is wrong. When you have an organization full of so many great people, it definitely helps make the Rangers job alot easier to transition young guys.

TRA: What coach have you had that helped you most develop your game?

MS: I can say without hesitation that Terry Clark, my double-a pitching coach, has helped me more with my game than anyone. Pitching is so much more mental than anything else. When you have someone that understands that, and can help you grasp it, its great.

TRA: What's a normal day for you during the offseason?

MS: When I first get home from the season, I love to travel around to see my family. My wife and I visit our relatives annually, and its always nice to catch up with them. Once November rolls around, the workouts begin. A typical day for me involves waking up at about 7 am, grabbing some breakfast, and heading to workout around 8:30. Thats usually three to four times a week. I finish up around 11 am, and after that, I just see what the day brings. The later we get into the off-season, I begin giving lessons to kids, and helping out with instructional camps.

TRA: What's the difference between the workouts you do in the season, offseason, and Spring Training?

MS: The off-season training program is very tough. It's really the time to build strength, muscle mass, and get ready for the long season. Spring training is still a time to build strength and get ready for the season, just toned down a bit. During the season, we do what's called maintenance lifting. Less weight, more reps. It keeps you strong, and basically keeps you sturdy and ready.

TRA: What is your opinion of the Rangers as an organization, and, in particular, what do you think of their development plan for you?

MS: The Rangers have so much talent in the organization right now. It's special to be a part of the top organization as far as developing talent. I truly believe that the plan they have set for me is the right one. It's not easy. It requires hard work, discipline, and being a student of the game. The Rangers organization as a whole has been so open with me the entire time, and I always know where I stand. I love that.

TRA: Who are your closest friends in the Texas organization?

MS: My closest friends in this organization are Doug Mathis, Kea Kometani, and Matt Harrison. Awesome guys.

TRA: Where would you like to begin the 2009 season?

MS: I think if you asked this question to anyone in the organization, they would say the major leagues. I have to be realistic, however. I truly would love to begin in Oklahoma. I am confident that I could step up to the challenge, and prove to everyone that I belong.

TRA: How much more time do you think you'll need in the minors before you're ready for the Major Leagues (if any)?

MS: I don't know that you can really put a timetable on something like that. It's all about what the Rangers(or any other organization) needs at the time. It's alot of skill, and alot of being in the right place at the right time. I'll be ready when the time is right. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.

TRA: Once you're done playing baseball, what do you see yourself doing for a living?

MS: I would love to be a sportscaster, either on TV or radio. I have always loved being in front of the microphone.