Scouts and coaches often do a tremendous job evaluating talent; however sometimes they are really, really, really off the mark. An often cited example of a player's ability being miscalculated is future Hall of Famer Mike Piazza who wasn't drafted until the 62nd round of the 1988 amateur baseball draft. While not quite as magnificent of a forecasting faux pas, the judging of UTSA outfielder Michael Rockett was another monsterous blunder. Rockett's only offer out of high school was to walk on at Temple Junior College after trying out for the team. Fortunately for Texas San Antonio, Associate Coach Marshall got a glimpse of Rockett's ability and offered him a spot on the team before he could rewrite the TJC Leopards' record book.

Rockett has batted over .325 in each of his first two seasons and quickly became a fixture in the UTSA starting lineup. This year his production has exploded, as the Sugarland, Texas native is getting hits like Google, batting .376 with 22 doubles, five triples and seven homeruns for a .644 slugging percentage. He's also added eight stolen bases to lead the Roadrunners to the top of the SLC standings and consideration in national polls. Rockett has established himself as an All American candidate and the player no one wanted could be the best amateur player in all of Texas.

Despite his busy spring schedule of delivering clutch game winning hits, Rockett found time to answer some questions from Ping!Baseball:

PING!: You had a very good season last year, hitting .325 with eight homeruns, 52 RBI and seven stolen bases. However you’ve taken your game up a notch this year, batting near .400 with thirty-four extra base hits, 59 RBI and seven stolen bases in eight attempts (you’d probably have more swipes if you didn’t have so many extra base hits). What have been some of the factors in your boost in plate productivity this year?

Rockett: I think there are a few things that have helped me step up my game this year. I spent the majority of the summer lifting weights trying to get stronger and making plenty of firewood in the process, but using a wood bat made me realize how much easier using a metal bat is. I also made the switch from a 33 to a 34 which really has helped me to focus on using my hands.

PING!: I have an image of you swinging at an intentional ball pitch like Roy Hobbs did in “The Natural” because in just over 200 plate appearances you’ve only walked four times. Have your coaches talked to you about being more selective at the plate? Although I guess it's hard to complain when you have a slugging percentage over .650.

Rockett: The coaches don’t really seem to mind. (Hitting) Coach (Mike) Clement knows that I like to swing early in the count and he seems to be ok with it. I’ve never been the type of guy that goes to the plate looking for a walk, so I guess they don’t want to change that.

PING!: You were recently added to the Dick Howser Trophy Watch List, one of only two nominees from a team in the state of Texas to be nominated (Texas A&M’s Dane Carter was the other). As a Lone Star State native and having played against a number of teams from Texas, what other players from your home state do you think should have made the cut?

Rockett: I think there are a number of guys that could be on that list. With four teams from the Big 12 and a number of other solid teams in this state, there could be a plethora of guys to choose from. I’m just honored to be apart of the list.

PING!: I understand that you were inexplicitly overlooked coming out of high school. Did you have many opportunities to play ball other than at UTSA? If so, why did you choose to become a Roadrunner?

Rockett: The only offer I had coming out of high school was with Temple Junior College. I went down there for a tryout and the coach offered me a chance to join the team as a walk-on. A couple months later, (Associate Head) Coach (Jason) Marshall gave me a call and asked me to be a Roadrunner and I never looked back.

PING!: UTSA has made its way into the Ping!Baseball’s top thirty and receiving consideration in other polls. When the season started did you think you’d see the Roadrunners mentioned amongst the likes of the Oregon State Beavers, Arkansas Razorbacks and Texas Longhorns as the schedule headed towards its apex?

Rockett: I’ve had faith in our team all year long. After going through fall work outs with these guys, I knew we were going to be a team that could not be overlooked. We have done a good job of living up to our potential and I have no doubts we will finish up our season with no regrets and a lot of our goals accomplished.

PING!: You guys and the Texas State are at the top of the Southland Conference’s West Division with only a few weekends left to play and an impending clash to end the regular season. Do you consider the Bobcats to be your biggest rival?

Rockett: Absolutely. Anytime we play the Bobcats, it seems that emotions are running as high as any game of the season. Getting down to the last weekend of the season, the series between us seems to always determine were each of us will end up in postseason play. Anytime we get to play those guys, we want to show them and the rest of the Southland Conference that we are the better team.

PING!: With the success you’re having, don’t think you should start sandbagging and loafing on field? Maybe swing at some pitches in the dirt, run the wrong way around the bases or let a fly ball hit you in the head. If you don’t look out you’re gonna get yourself drafted by an MLB team and miss out on your final season!

Rockett: It is any college baseball player’s dream to be in a position to get drafted, but coming down the stretch of the season with a shot at getting into a regional and maybe further, that is the last thing on my mind. I’m just happy to be helping my team in any way I can. Anything that happens beyond that is a blessing.

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