Tyler Alexander opens up about MLB Draft

Tyler Alexander has a big decision to make.

It’s a decision that will alter the course of his life, and it’s one that he is not taking lightly.

The left-hander, who joined FIU after spending two years at a junior college in central Florida, was drafted in the 27th round of the 2013 MLB First-Year Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 8, the final day of the three-day draft.

Now he has to choose: make the jump to the professional ranks or return to FIU for his senior season.

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FIU News: When and how did you find out that the Milwaukee Brewers had drafted you? What were you doing when it happened?

Tyler Alexander: Talking to the scouts I was expecting to go on Day 2 so I was at home waiting for the news, but the call never came. Then I was expecting to go early on the third day but then that didn’t happen either. I was pacing back and forth, waiting around and then I checked Twitter and saw that I was drafted by the Brewers.

FIU News: What was your reaction when you heard the news?

Alexander: I was disappointed as time went on and it was definitely stressful but once I saw that I was drafted, that all went away. I was just really excited.

FIU News: You’ve got a big decision to make as to whether to sign with the Brewers or return to FIU. What factors are in play for you as you make a decision as big as this?

Alexander: I’m still weighing my options. I’ve talked to my parents, coaches and those close to me. My dad’s been on me the last few days and I value his opinion a lot. In the end they’re all telling me the same thing: they want me to make the best decision for me and don’t want me to regret that decision.

There are pros and cons, good and bad things for both. Part of me wants to come back because I feel like I can do better but I don’t want to risk something happening that risks my chances of getting drafted next year.

FIU News: What are some of the biggest obstacles you feel you have had to overcome to get to this point and what obstacles are you going to have to face in order to make the jump to the big leagues?

Alexander: I’ve had to learn to overcome failure over my career. It’s been a bumpy road and you’ve got to fail before you can succeed. But I’ve stayed positive and believed in myself and it all worked out.

Looking forward, I’ve got to beat some guys out and work hard to earn a spot if I’m going to make it to Milwaukee.

FIU News: How has playing at FIU helped you grow?

Alexander: Division I baseball is a lot more organized and the quality of coaching is a lot better. It’s definitely helped me improve as a player and a person.

FIU News: If you do leave FIU, what will you miss most about the school and about Miami?

Alexander: Definitely my teammates and coaches. I’ve bonded with them a lot this past year and Miami has been awesome. If I go to Montana, which is where one of the Brewers’ minor league teams is, or Milwaukee, it’s going to be totally different for me.

FIU News: If you could sum up your FIU experience thus far in one word, what would it be?

Alexander: It’s been a grind. Waking up early every day, going from a Saturday night pitcher to a Friday night pitcher and taking on that responsibility, getting it done in study hall and in the classroom… It was a lot to take on.