By Dylan Hefflinger                                                                                                                  Senior Writer/Northwest Scout                                                                                                                          

Jacob Green, RHP, Defiance HS

PBR: After your junior season you were pretty much an unknown  prospect, as you were  Defiance's center fielder (a very talented defensive CF), but now after attending a couple winter PBR showcases and showing what you have on the mound, how has your contact with colleges in the recruiting process changed? Have you been hearing from more schools?

Green: It has changed a lot, I had absolutely zero contact with colleges in the recruiting process. After attending the showcases at Sinclair and Owens I've been hearing from numerous schools.

PBR: Any thoughts on being ranked number 92 in the updated 2014 rankings?

Green: It feels great. It is a great feeling knowing that the hard work I have been putting in throughout my baseball career is paying off. The work is not close to being done, I will be working harder than ever this spring to continue my progression as a baseball player and person. 

PBR: What schools have you visited? Are you taking any visits soon?

Green: I have visited Defiance College and Huntington. I have not scheduled any visits anytime soon.

PBR: Do you have a leader right now?

Green: No leader as of now.

Although you are a two-way athlete, it looks as though your best spot at the next level is on the mound, do you feel the same with that assessment?

Green: Yes. I feel more comfortable each day I work on the mound. I am sitting mid 80s, touching 86. I am working hard each day to become the best pitcher I can be.

PBR: Talk about the pitches you have, when you like to use them, the confidence you have in each pitch, your mindset when throwing each pitch, etc...

Green: I have a fastball, 12-6 curveball and a circle change. When I need to throw strikes I will throw the fastball, when I need a strikeout or an out in general I will come with the curveball and with the change up when looking for a groundout or even better a swing and a miss. I'm completely confident with throwing the fastball and curveball, with the change up, that is just a pitch that I have to catch a feel for and start working with to gain confidence with. When throwing the fastball I have the mindset that I need to just throw strikes while keeping the ball down and moving it in and out. With the curveball I tell myself to get it over the plate and let the movement and deception get the batter to swing. With the change up I have the mindset that if I keep it low and hope for them to swing over top the ball.

PBR: Coaches always want to know a players baseball intelligence, let me know your mindset at the plate as a hitter. What are you trying to accomplish.

Green: At the plate I tell myself to sit back and find my pitch to drive and get a base hit.

PBR: Talk how coach Tom Held has helped you improve as a pitcher, hitter and leader.

Green: Coach Held is an outstanding coach and has helped me with every aspect of the game. As for pitching he helped with mechanics, which is a big thing. As high school has gone on, he has slowly helped me develop what makes me feel comfortable on the mound while helping with the mental aspect of baseball. As for hitting, coach Rick Weaver has helped me tremendously through high school making me feel comfortable as well in my stance and working from there. Coach Held pushes us to the peak of our potential, helping us to be a better person on and off the field which has helped big time in being the leader that I am.

PBR: What do you wish to improve on from your junior to your senior year?

Green: From my junior to senior year I'm hoping to improve my hitting, I didn't get to hit that much last year so this year is where I would like to stay consistent and hit well. On the mound I just need to improve on throwing strikes and letting the defense do its job.

PBR: After a state championship in 2013, what are your expectations for Defiance this season?

Green: My expectations are very high for our team. First off is continue our streak in the WBL, second is to make another trip back to Columbus and win it again. There is no better feeling in the world then celebrating with your teammates at the biggest stage in high school.

PBR: Grades? ACT?

Green: 3.0, 19, will be retaking ACT.