Zach Outman's windup may seem like it takes minutes to go through, but in reality it lasts only seconds until he fires the ball.

“It's good in a way #- if it throws off the timing you know its real slow,” Outman said. “So all of a sudden here comes the ball, once my foot plants it gets kind of explosive.”

His high strikeout total in college might have been associated with the delay in his pitching formation, something his father taught him when he was growing up.

Outman's brother Josh is a member of the Oakland Athletics and he has a familiar windup like the one Zach practices, but it's been adjusted over the years, which is something Outman is trying to do as a reliever in Auburn with the Doubledays as he begins his quest to the major leagues.

“Well, it's actually not anything like it used to be,” Outman said. “It's changed a lot over the years.”

It was his father that taught him his wild windup that throws batters off as they await the pitch. His father never played professional baseball, but some time spent working with Zach and his brother many times growing up has aided in his development.

“I just kind of fell into it,” Outman said. “I'm tweaking it, still, for the most part, trying to keep some stress off of my elbow and shoulder.”

Outman's play hasn't been restricted to the mound. He played outfield in college and also spent some time at the shortstop position, and while he still has some passion for the field, he knows he has the experience and potential on the hill.

“I'm not going to say I miss hitting,” Outman said. “I love hitting and playing the field, wherever it is.”

In his freshman year at St. Louis University, Outman entered the Billiken's program as a shortstop before switching to the outfield in his sophomore year.

It was then that he made the switch to pitching as he went from the bullpen to the starting rotation, which landed him an chance of being selected.

“Pitching is probably a better opportunity for me,” Outman said. “I just have a little better head start, more tools and more practice definitely more practice and pitching along the way.”

After being selected in the 28th round of the 2009 MLB Draft, Outman was assigned to Auburn with former Billiken teammate Dave Sever.

“ (That was) definitely a plus,” Outman said. “Over the years I've played on a lot of different teams, so down the road here now it's not that big of a deal to be thrown into a crowd of new guys.”

Outman had the Washington Nationals also looking to take him anywhere from the 10 through 15th round, but after they went with pitching with the top overall pick of the draft, it seemed to veer their intentions past Outman.

“I think the No. 1 draft pick had a big deal with it,” Outman said. “A lot of money invested and a pitcher-heavy organization as it is working in development. With their team struggling in the big leagues they may want to get as much talent as they can.”

However, given the drop in rounds, Outman couldn't be happier to be with the Toronto organization. The Blue Jays have seen several pitchers take a fast track through the system, and recently it's been a success for them. Whether it be through Brett Cecil or Ricky Romero #- Outman hopes to have that same success.

“It's definitely promising,” Outman said. “When I was drafted the scout told me that's one of the best things about the organization the pitcher development is real good. It's definitely a positive encouraging thing to know.”

While Outman would like to make the playoffs with the Doubledays, but it is more important for him to develop and maintain his arm.

After his first professional win against Williamsport on Friday, things seem to be on the right track.