The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted Chris Lashmet in the 33rd round of the 2011 draft. Lashmet, taken as a third baseman, was a senior out of Northwestern University. He had a strong bat, with a .353/.409/.495 line in 190 at-bats in 2011. Lashmet reported to State College, where he has played mostly first base. I met up with Chris while I was in State College, and asked him about being drafted, and his first impression of the pros.
1. Did you do anything special to follow the draft?
I was just sitting on the couch at my house. Just watching with my friends online. Not really doing much, just watching TV.
2. What was the reaction when you found out you were drafted?
I was just relieved. I knew I was probably going to get drafted, but you never know when. I mean, you just want to get it over with. I mean, every pick is just dragging on, and the tension keeps building. Everyone is like ‘you’re fine’, but you just want to get it over with. I was relieved when they finally took me.
3. Did you have any indication before the draft where you might go?
I talked to the Pirates a lot, so I had a feeling it would be them. I knew, being a senior, I would probably be later. 30th, around there. It’s kind of where I thought I’d be.
4. How do you feel about your senior season at Northwestern?
I thought I had a good year. I hit for the best average I hit for. The most doubles. It was a different game this year with the new bats, but it allows the good players to play well. I thought I did everything I could.
5. How do you rate your skills at third base?
It’s just, continue to be as consistent as possible. Strengthen my arm. I think of myself as a pretty good fielder, but there’s always room for improvement, and I’m always looking to get better.
6. What’s been your first impression of pro-ball?
It’s a lot of work. In college you just get to the field, stretch, then take BP, infield, outfield, and play. Here, it’s get to the field seven hours before the game, work out, do drills with the team, then hit with the team, then you get in to BP and everything. It’s just a lot more time, but I like it. Keeps you focused.
7. What’s the biggest thing you’re working on with your total game?
It’s hard to say until you actually get out there. Just try to improve every single day in all aspects of your game. It’s hard to tell until you actually get out there on the field.
8. How do you think the current level compares to the level of talent you saw at Northwestern?
It’s definitely higher. Everyone’s bigger, everyone throws harder. I think I’ve played against guys that are on this team. I love playing better competition in college, and this is what I try to play for.
