The St. Louis Cardinals have received
recognition in recent seasons because of the excellent pitching prospects that
have been winding their way through their minor league system. Shelby Miller,
Trevor Rosenthal and Lance Lynn have all received a lot of attention and
varying levels of success and exposure at the major league level. It appears
that another young gun was added to their stockpile of arms last year when the
team drafted right-hander Kurt Heyer.
Heyer was a star for Edison High
School in California, going 11-3 with a 0.84 ERA as a senior. Naturally, he had
a number of options following graduation. However, he decided to attend the
University of Arizona, which ended up being a great decision.
As a freshman for the Wild Cats,
Heyer became the team’s top starter, leading the team with a 3.26 ERA and 109
strikeouts. He followed that up with a 2.41 ERA and 134 punchouts as a
sophomore.
Heyer’s junior season proved to be
truly special. He went 13-2 with a 2.24 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 153 innings,
earning a place on the 2012 watch list for the Golden Spikes Award; annually
given to the nation’s best collegiate player. His production was also
instrumental in Arizona winning the College World Series and finishing one of
the best seasons in school history.
The Cardinals made the accomplished
pitcher their sixth-round selection in last year’s draft.
Pitching primarily with a high-80s
fastball and a slider, some believe Heyer projects better as a reliever at the
next level, according to a Baseball
America scouting
report:
“Heyer pitches with a fastball in the 86-89 mph range and an average
slider. He shows an occasional changeup and curveball, but mostly sticks to his
two main pitches and relies on his above-average control and command. Heyer has
some funkiness to his delivery, but shows exceptional work ethic, competitiveness
and toughness. Heyer has been very successful as a starter at Arizona--he
ranked second in the Pac-10 in strikeouts last year and ranks second again this
year--but scouts believe his two-pitch repertoire and aggressive demeanor
profile better in the bullpen as a pro.”
After signing, Heyer appeared in four games in stops at two levels in
the low minors for the Cardinals. He allowed six hits and three runs in six
innings, while striking out nine.
He figures to establish himself in the organization with a full season
this year. If he pitches the way he did in college, he will soon join the ranks
of accomplished St. Louis pitching prospects and be well on his way to the
majors.
Kurt Heyer Interview:
If you could sit down and pick the brain of any pitcher, current
or former, who would that be and why?: I would love to
pick the brain of Roy Halladay because he knows how to locate all his pitches
and change speeds. He relies on movement and not on velocity.
What kind of contact and recruiting were you getting from different teams prior to the 2012 MLB Draft?: I was being contacted by many teams and they stayed in close contact with me. It felt no different than being recruited from colleges when I was in high school.
Can you run through what Draft Day is like?: There was a lot of mixed emotions that day. I was excited but at the same time I had to focus on regionals because that was more important.
What pitches do you throw and which one do you hope to improve the most?: I have a four-pitch mix. Fastball, slider, curveball and a changeup. I really want to focus on my changeup because to be a big league pitcher, you need that to survive.
What was it like winning a college World Series with Arizona?: It was incredible. Just the whole experience was awesome. Now I want to focus and help the Cardinals win the World Series in 2013.
What do you believe sets you apart from other pitching prospects in the St. Louis organization?: I'm a competitor on the mound. You know what you are gonna get with me. I get stronger as the game progresses. I know what it takes to win.
Is there any one thing that you have been asked to work on the most?: Nothing specific. They told me to come to spring training healthy and ready to compete for a spot.
What are you looking forward to the most for the 2013 season?: I'm just excited about starting my professional career, and I have high expectations my first year. I want to make an immediate impact in the Cardinals organization.
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