Kyler Newby: The Underdog Pitcher

Everyone enjoys a long shot or an underdog. This is especially true in baseball where there appear to be another popping up at every turn. The sport is seen as the ultimate proving ground, and one where nothing is truly impossible or out of the question for those trying to make it a career. A poster child for this mentality is pitcher Kyler Newby, who is in the 10th year of his professional career and still working at getting a crack at the majors.

The big right-handed Newby was drafted almost as an afterthought- taken in the 50th round in 2004 by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of Mesa Community College.

Pitching as a reliever, he appeared to be on the fast track, posting an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.05 ERA, 11 saves and 64 strikeouts in 44 innings in his second season in 2006.

Despite continuing to pitch well, and also showing he could produce as a starter, Newby never made the Show with Arizona in his seven years in their system. He pitched in the Baltimore Orioles’ organization in 2012, the Oakland A’s organization last year, and is now with the Somerset Patriots in the independent Atlantic League.

Given how consistently Newby has pitched during his career, it’s a bit of a puzzler that he has never gotten a chance to see what he can do in the majors. He has reached as high as Triple-A, pitching parts of three seasons at that level. All told, he has appeared in 315 professional games (29 starts) and gone 39-24 with a 3.12 ERA and 64 saves. More impressively, he has struck out 615 batters in 560 innings while permitting just 465 hits. More information on his career stats is available at BaseballReference.

Now 29, Newby is well past the age of the traditional prospect. However, if he continues playing and producing, it’s not outside the realm of reason that he could still one day be kicking major league dirt out of his cleats.

Back in 2012, I was fortunate enough to have Newby answer some questions about his career. Keep reading for more on this hard-working pitcher.

Kyler Newby Interview:

Who was your favorite player and team when you were growing up, and why?: When I was growing up my dad liked the Giants, so I followed. I had a Matt Williams jersey I wore all the time and played third base, so he was my favorite! 

In hindsight, is there anything differently you would have done in preparation to getting drafted?: No. Tony Cirelli prepared me for much more than baseball. He taught me so many life lessons that prepared me for the professional baseball world.

What was your 2004 draft day like?: I was in Canada playing summer ball and headed to the gym when I got the phone call from the Diamondbacks telling me they had drafted me. I didn't know I was going to get drafted. 

What are negotiations like after being drafted in the 50th round?: There were none. They told me we will give you $10,000 and two years of paid school; take it or leave it! 

Which pitches do you throw; which is your best; and which do you believe needs the most work?: I throw a four-seam fastball, a sinker, a slider that has more slurve tilt to it, and a split finger fastball. My best pitch is a strike, but I personally like my slider and organizations like my split. They all need work all the time. I work on each pitch daily in catch. If I let one sit to long I’ll lose command of it.  

Which coach or manager has had the greatest influence on you?: Tony Cirelli from MCC and Dan Carlson from the Diamondbacks. He's the AA pitching coach. Words can't describe how good of a man he is! 

What do you like to do that's not baseball related?: I love to golf and I love remote control cars. I have one that we clocked with the team’s radar gun at 73 miles per hour! 

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Red Sox Pitching Prospect Michael McCarthy Trying to Work His Way to Boston

The Boston Red Sox have such an impressive and eclectic group of prospects in its minor league system that it can be difficult to keep track of all the aspiring young ballplayers. Obviously, the best way to stick out in such a crowd is by producing on the field. Pitcher Michael McCarthy is trying his best to do just that, and prove he eventually belongs in the major leagues.

The slender right-hander attended Liberty High School in Brentwood, California before heading off to college at the University of Redlands (Division III). He became a stand-out hurler there but had aspirations for bigger things and transferred to Cal-State Bakersfield following his sophomore year.

The change in venue agreed with McCarthy, who ended his collegiate career on a high note, going 8-6 with a 1.62 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) as a senior in 2011. He also struck out 116 in 127.2 innings and established himself as a viable professional prospect. The Red Sox came calling in the 14th round of the that year’s draft, and after quickly signing; he embarked on the start of his career.

Now 26, McCarthy is in his fourth season in the Boston organization and has made steady progress with each passing season. He made it to Double-A last year, and has remained there to start the 2014 season.

In 85 career games (29 starts) as a pro, he has posted a 14-13 record with a 4.29 ERA and 8 saves. He also has an impressive 201/71 strikeout/walk ratio in 260 innings. More details of his statistics are available at BaseballReference.

Working primarily as a starter this year, McCarthy is 2-2 with a 4.72 ERA in 6 games (5 starts). According to SoxProspects.com, he possesses an “average fastball and a nice splitter.” Having already established he can hang as a pro, he now just needs to establish the consistency to catch the right people’s eye to land a chance in the majors.

2014 could well be a big season for the pitcher in terms of what direction his career will take. Make sure to keep up with his progress as the long summer gets under way. In the meantime, find out a little more about him courtesy of the interview he granted this site earlier this winter.

Michael McCarthy Interview:

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: Growing up, I didn't have just one favorite but enjoyed an array of players such as Cal Ripken Jr., Bill Mueller and John Smoltz. I always felt like these guys played as hard as they could, and I modeled myself after them.  

How did you end up choosing to attend Cal State-Bakersfield?: I started at the University of Redlands where I had an academic scholarship and was planning to attend med school. CSU-Bakersfield had opening enrollment in the fall and had just lost a pitcher, so things came together at the right time.

How did you first find out that the Red Sox were interested in you?: I was at a game that Jim Woodward came to. He told me he liked how I threw and had interest in me playing for the Red Sox. He came out to watch me a couple more times over the three-month season.

Who was the first well-known member of the Red Sox you met after you signed, and what was that like?: Rich Gedman was the hitting coach in Lowell and is well known throughout New England. A great man and helped get me started on the right foot.

What current pitcher would you say your style/type of skills is most similar to?: I see myself being similar to Koji Uehara and Tim Hudson. High 80s fastball with a good split. Quality control and someone who will do whatever the team needs of them.

What pitches do you throw, and what parts of your game do you think you need to work on most?: I throw a four-seam, two-seam and cut-fastball. I also throw a split, curve and slider.

Besides the travel, what are the toughest parts of a professional season?: A big challenge is the toll the game takes on your body. Day in and day out you have to maintain your physical and mental strength so you can play each day with the highest quality possible.

Are you surprised by the attention the Red Sox organization gets from fans, the media, etc? How has any extra attention affected you?: I was somewhat surprised at first but as I met people from New England I quickly realized how they viewed their sports teams. It is more than just a game; it is a way of life and something that binds us all together. I am proud to be a part of that bond and take a lot of pride in representing the Red Sox brand to the best of my ability. 

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You can check me out on Facebook or follow me on Twitter @historianandrew

Ryan O'Rourke: Minnesota Twins' Lefty Pitching Prospect Preparing for Majors

Left-handed pitcher Ryan O’Rourke was a star right through his college career. However, upon becoming a professional, he has gotten on the straight track for the bullpen, and that is more than okay.

The 25-year-old southpaw dominated at Merrimack College, posting a microscopic 1.25 ERA and school record 93 strikeouts as a senior in 2010. Although the New England native harbored dreams of playing for his home team, the Boston Red Sox, those aspirations were not to be (at least not yet), as he was selected in the 13th round of the 2010 draft by the Minnesota Twins.

O’Rourke started and relieved during his first two seasons in the minors but since early 2012 has worked strictly as a reliever—reaching as high as Double-A. He has experienced success, accumulating a combined record of 14-17 with a 4.16 ERA and 8 saves in 124 games (24 starts). He has also struck out 261 in 277 innings, and could find himself as a lefty specialist in Minnesota before long.

Currently toiling for the New Britain Rock Cats in the Eastern League, O’Rourke is on the verge of being ready. Keep up with his progress and make sure to root for this hard-working prospect.

Ryan O’Rourke Interview:

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: My favorite player growing up was Ken Griffey Jr. Every kid my age loved him. He was the guy who could do it all. I can remember playing Whiffle Ball and everyone had to pick a player. I was always "The Kid". 

As I grew older and started looking into baseball history I can say I really enjoyed hearing Bob Gibson stories. He had a no fear attitude that I try to bring on the mound.

Growing up in Massachusetts, did you harbor a desire to be drafted by the Red Sox?: I always wanted to play for the Red Sox. Going to Fenway Park as a kid was such a memorable experience. 

In college, when I was about to be selected, I had a lot of conversations with their scouting staff. I got a call the day before, and really felt it would be them who selected me. As it came to be the Twins selected me in the 13th round and I couldn't be any happier now.

How did you find out the Twins were interested in you?: John Wilson, a Twins scout, came to a lot of my games during college. He wouldn't say a word and I didn't know who he was in the beginning. As June approached, our talks grew and he said the Twins were very serious about me. I had to fill out a lot of forms for John, and he said expect a call on day two of the draft. It was just before the 10th round when I got a text saying to be patient. Once my name came across the screen, my phone rang and it was him giving me a congratulations.

What pitches do you throw and which do you think you need to work on the most?:  I throw four and two-seam fastball, slider, curve and changeup. I always need to work on all of my pitches. Learning where I can throw what pitch in certain counts and situations to get the best result is always a work in progress.

I would say attacking lefties with a fastball in is one of my main areas of focus. Also, a changeup is the pitch that takes the longest to learn again after the offseason break, so I will mix that in a lot this offseason.

What kind of knowledge did you have of the Twins organization before they drafted you?: I had little knowledge about the Twins. I knew of Joe Mauer and Morneau, and that they were a power in the AL Central, but I was unaware of their organization. Once I was taken by the Twins, many trusted scouts and advisors told me how I was in a great "family" organization who preaches to promote from within.

Do you ever wish you would be given more chances to start, or do you feel settled in as a reliever?: I was given my chances to start, and I handled the position well. I have now been giving a duty to relieve games, and I feel I have performed well also.

I don't have a crystal ball to predict where I would fit best. The front office has made decisions for me to put me in the best position to succeed. I trust in everything they have told me, and the role I am in now gives me the best chance to make a difference in the majors.

Who has been your most influential coach or manager?: It is tough to single out a specific coach who has influenced me the most. First and foremost, my parents have made so many sacrifices to give me the best opportunities in life and in baseball, so I am forever grateful for them.

In terms of coaches, each one has brought something different. My high school coaches taught me that you need to be more than just a thrower, and you need to pitch. My college coach showed me that a never-lose attitude goes a long way and nothing can be said negatively about someone who out-works the person next to him.

Now in the low minors of the Twins, each coach has left a significant mark on my career. They all have taught me you need to be a professional at all times both on and off the field. Also, there will be some days when you don't have your best stuff, and those are the fun days; those make you the pitcher who makes it or doesn't make it.

What are some things you like to do outside of baseball?: I really enjoy being outside. I am an avid golfer during the season when I can make time for it. I am not too good but I like playing and the individual challenge.

I also take the bus rides to read and have put together quite a collection of books throughout the years. I am a huge Malcolm Gladwell fan and just started his newest book "David & Goliath.”

Recently I started doing some arts and crafts, and have made some pretty cool things.

Lastly the beach is probably my spot. My family has a house on Cape Cod, so taking a retreat there is always necessary to get some R&R.

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Erik Goeddel: Meet One of the Future Mets

The New York Mets have had a tough go of it lately, having not posted a winning record since the 2008 season. Their way back to relevance will undoubtedly be aided by their young players, many of whom are still honing their craft in the minor leagues. One pitcher who appears to be part of the future solution is Erik Goeddel, who is getting close to getting his first summons to the Big Apple.

The right-handed Goeddel was a 24th-round draft pick out of UCLA in 2010. He was 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA in two seasons as a Bruin with all 45 of his appearances coming in relief.

In his first four years in the Mets’ system, the 25-year-old pitched exclusively as a starter, posting good numbers and advancing a level each season. He has reached Triple-A in 2014, and is working as a reliever for the Las Vegas 51s, returning to his collegiate roots and hoping it will help lead him to the majors.

During his professional career, Goeddel is a combined 18-19 with a 3.84 ERA and 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He is off to a rough start with Las Vegas, going 1-1 with a 15.43 ERA in four games. However, his 2.1 innings is an incredibly small sample size and he has plenty of time to settle into his new team and role.

The hurler graciously agreed to answer some questions about his career prior to the start of spring training. Keep reading for more on this Mets prospect on the verge of the majors.

Erik Goeddel Interview:

Who was your favorite player when you were growing up, and why?: Ken Griffey Jr. I think he was everyone’s favorite.  He was the best player in baseball for a little while, and nobody looked like they were having more fun playing baseball than he did.  He was fun to watch and a great player to idolize.

Can you talk a little bit about what your draft experience was like?: I had a rather unusual draft experience.  In the months leading up to the draft, I had talked to every organization except the Mets, and at UCLA, it is finals week during the draft.  Also, we made NCAA playoffs that year, so regionals ended Sunday night, and the first round of the draft was Monday, and the next few rounds Tuesday.  Since I still had finals to study for, and practice to go to, I was pretty busy. 

After practicing Monday and then watching the first round of the draft Monday night, I had to pull an all-nighter Monday night to finish a paper I had due on Tuesday.

Right when I finished the paper at about 6 a.m. and was maybe going to get a couple hours of sleep before the draft started back up, the Mets area scout Spencer Graham called me up and asked me all the pre-draft questions. This was the only contact I had ever had with the Mets.  So anyways, the draft starts and I get a bunch of calls from the White Sox asking if I'll sign in the third round for slot. I say yes and they draft somebody else anyways.  The same thing happens in the fourth round.  Then complete silence. I figure I had overpriced myself and will just go back to UCLA for my junior year.

So a couple hours later I head to practice, and while I’m getting changed in the clubhouse, my phone starts ringing, and its Spencer Graham again, and he says ‘Congratulations, the Mets have drafted you,’ and that was that.

What pitches do you throw and which do you think you need to work on the most?: I throw a fastball, curveball, slider, and a changeup.  My fastball and curve are definitely my most consistent pitches.

I have been throwing them the same way since I was about 10 years old.  My slider and change, I changed how I throw them part way through the 2013 season. The new way of throwing them is definitely going to be better once I get the hang of it completely, but I still have to fine tune them a little and get them more consistent.

If you could back in time and change something about your career, or do it differently, what would that be, and why?: I would go back to when I was in high school and change my delivery.  I used to throw with maximum effort and jerk my whole body to fling my arm forward. I’m pretty sure that was the reason I blew out my elbow and basically missed three seasons rehabbing and recovering from surgeries.

What is your familiarity with baseball history?: Very familiar. My dad grew up a huge baseball fan and passed on a lot of that knowledge of the history of the game.

Who has been your most influential coach or manager?: I've been very lucky throughout my career and had a lot of great coaches.  But as crazy as it sounds, I'd say the most influential coach I've had was my little league minors coach I had when I was nine years old.  His name was Tom Tracy, and at the tryouts he saw that I had a good arm and drafted me first in the draft and made me a pitcher. It was the first time I had ever pitched, and playing on his team that year was when I really started liking baseball. He introduced me to pitching, and was the reason I became passionate about baseball at such a young age.

How much thinking/worry do you do about making the major leagues, especially now that you are getting very close?: I think about it a lot. I don't really worry about it, but the closer I get the more I want it. It’s a great way to stay motivated.

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