Originally published in July 2010
Trenton, New Jersey - He looks like he's built to blitz. But what Matt Rizzotti has been doing on the baseball field this year is getting him a ton of notice.
In his third year of professional baseball Rizzotti is already on pace to surpass his career best numbers. He's knocked in 63 runs so far, compared to the 58 RBI he collected in all of 2009. He's also hit 15 home runs in his combined time at Class-A Clearwater and Double-A Reading.
May and June were golden for the 25-year-old. In May he was named the Eastern League Player of the Month. He was also named to the Eastern League All-Star roster.
The jump from Class-A to Double-A is a distinct change for any Minor League player. The adjustment can be tough, but Rizzotti has made the transition. He's figured out what he's up against.
"The guys here don't necessarily throw harder, but they locate better. Especially in the fastball counts. Instead of getting the guaranteed fastball, which is usually the case, you might get something off-speed."
At 6'5, 265 pounds he looks like power comes easily. He's got good left-handed power and his power numbers have improved over three seasons. Taken in the fourth round by the Phillies in 2004, Rizzotti opted to attend college at Borough of Manhattan Community College. He made his professional debut at Williamsport three years later. The first baseman may not have a future with the Phillies, but he's raising his value and the timing couldn't be better. Whether the Phillies could include him in a package for pitching at the trade deadline remains to be seen.
Rizzotti says there really wasn't a tough adjustment period for him in Double-A. The more challenging pitching was something he felt he could handle early on. He says that Class-A challenges you in a number of ways as well, so he was ready.
"You get a taste of it there, because they're starting to learn it [at that level]. I had to really kick it in gear once I got here," he said.
While Rizzotti may not have been high on anyone's radar coming into the season, he says his off-season was particularly intense.
"I worked harder than I've ever worked before. I got a personal trainer. And we worked together everyday. It gives you a big mental advantage," he said.
His competitive nature has already served him well and entering the second half he has a specific focus.
"Always defense," he said. "I'm working hard at it. And I just want to maintain and try to keep it all on one level."
