Through effective drafting and the stockpiling of prospects,
the Boston Red Sox currently have one of the best
and deepest farm systems in all baseball. The team has found value at all
levels of the draft and international signings, with right-handed pitcher Teddy
Stankiewicz being one of the most recent prized additions to the organization.
Stankiewicz almost didn’t make it to Boston. He was drafted
by the New York Mets in the second round in 2012 out of Forth Worth Christian
High School in Texas, but elected not to sign in order to attend Seminole State
Junior College in Oklahoma.
During his one year of college ball, Stankiewicz dominated.
Although he had just a 4-5 record in 11 games (nine starts), he had a sparkling
2.52 ERA and struck out 70 batters in 60.2 innings.
Boston’s amateur scouting director Amiel Sawdaye told WEEI’s
Alex Speier why the team was so thrilled with bringing the 19-year-old
Stankiewicz aboard:
“He’s a big, physical pitcher. He’s got, probably for me, one of the best deliveries in the draft. His arm works really well. He throws three pitches, and he really commands his fastball. I think one of the interesting things about Teddy is he’s 19 years old as a junior college pitcher but you can kind of almost consider him pitching like a college junior. We felt like if this kid were at an SEC school like Arkansas where he was slated to go last year, there’s a chance this kid would be pitching like a college junior. He attacks the strike zone. His changeup has really improved from last year to this year, breaking ball has gotten better. We’ve kind of seen a little bit of the improvements from year to year and his fastball was up to 96 this year and really consistently sitting in the low 90s. I think he’s a guy we really felt comfortable with. We trusted, had really good mound demeanor and a guy that was going to go out and throw a lot of strikes and compete at the lower levels right away.”
After signing, Stankiewicz was eased into his first
professional season because of the full load he had already shouldered at
school. He made nine appearances for the short-season Lowell Spinners, posting
a 2.29 ERA without recording a decision. He struck out 15 batters in 19.2
innings, while permitting just two walks and 17 hits.
The Red Sox are already loaded with prospects, but
Stankiewicz has the potential to be one of the best. He will get a full year
under his belt in 2014, and because of his advanced skill and pitch arsenal,
could advance quickly.
Shortly after joining Lowell, Stankiewicz took a few moments
to chat about his draft experience and baseball career. He is definitely a
young player to monitor closely as the Red Sox continue to cultivate their
impressive farm system.
Teddy Stankiewicz
Interview:
How did you first
become interested in baseball?: When I was about five-years old my dad just
put a ball in my hand; like a little rubber ball; and just started throwing it
around. I couldn’t stop picking up and throwing a baseball, or any ball in
particular. He just kind of led me to the right path. I think he did a good job
so far.
Were you always a
pitcher when you were growing up?: [I played] all over the place. I played
every position when I was younger. Mainly in high school, I played mostly first
or third and was a decent hitter, but mainly I was still a pitcher. One year I
had in college this past year, I was a straight pitcher and played no other
position.
Is there any pitcher
you model yourself after?: I’d like to say Justin Verlander. I have
mechanics that I feel are somewhat like his. He’s just incredible, and a good
guy I think to model after.
What do you currently
throw for pitches?: I have a fastball, curveball, slider, changeup. I am
working and developing to throw my curveball better. My changeup is average and
the slider is I believe at least average. My curveball could do really, really
well. Hopefully can keep my fastball consistent and not have a lot of dropping
up and down.
Do you consider your
fastball your best pitch?: Yes, it’s my best pitch. It usually sits around
92. We’ll see what happens.
You were drafted by
the New York Mets as the 75th overall pick in 2012. What went into
your decision to go to school versus not signing with them?: I told
everyone I wanted slot. It didn’t happen, but that’s okay because it just
wasn’t meant to be I guess. Instead of going to a three-year college, I decided
to go to a one-year to get better. I hoped to get better in that one year
enough to move up more in this (2013) draft, which I was able to do (Boston
took him in the second round, with the 45th overall pick), luckily.
I learned to work harder and school and stuff, so it actually made me a lot
more mature. I really appreciate that I got to go to college for one year.
What was your draft
experience like this year? How did you find out you had been drafted?: I was
just waiting to get drafted, but I didn’t know exactly it was going to be the
Boston Red Sox. I had an idea, but I was in a mix. I got picked and that was very
exciting.
Were you huddled
around the computer or TV waiting to get drafted?: Oh, TV definitely. We
had a lot of my family there with me, and everyone was crying and screaming. It
was just excitement through everybody. It was just an awesome feeling.
Did you get a chance
to celebrate before heading off to start your pro career?: We did a little
celebration, but we’re waiting for a little bit of time for whenever I’m back
and situated, and then we’ll have a party or something.
Did you get to visit
Boston when you signed?: Yes, I did. I went there for the first day. I got
to walk around Boston a little bit and see a little of the area. The next day I
had my physical day. After that I got to Lowell.
Did you get to meet
any of the players or coaches in Boston?: Not really. I met one or two
players, but I don’t remember exactly who. It was really cool though. I got to
see the clubhouse; got to see Fenway; got to see the training room. Never had
been to Fenway before or Boston before, so it was a huge experience.
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