Half the battle in minor league baseball is knowing what you need to learn.
A.J. Battisto is already there, pitching strong in the Marlins minor league system, while also understanding the importance of being a good student.
"I feel my curveball has made huge strides," he said by e-mail. "I'm very happy with the development of the pitch. I know my change-up is going to be a vital pitch against left-handed hitters."
The 25 year-old reliever was promoted to the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs from Double-A Jacksonville Suns, pitching three innings. He gave up four hits and two earned runs. His ERA on the season is 2.77 For the first time in his career he's spent a season at three different levels.
"I've gone up and down and went on a good stretch of not pitching for about nine days," he said.
There's all sorts of opinions on the subject on what's the hardest jump in baseball (Pete Incaviglia once told me he believed if you could pitch successfully at the Double-A level, you could go the majors), but Battisto sees the simplicity of the differences.
"Low A to High A was a small jump, but none the less, a jump. Double-A hitters have a better approach then Single-A hitters. They come to the plate looking for a certain approach in a certain count. You don't have as many free-swingers."
But as players develop on the field skills, they also develop mental toughness, something Battisto notes.
"The one difference I saw between Double-A and Triple-A wasn't necessarily the physical talent. I thought that was generally the same."
"The mental aspect of the game changed," he continued. "In my three innings pitched in Triple-A, I felt you had to out-think hitters. If you make the pitch location, you're ok. I saw a lot more aggressiveness in them. Rarely did they miss a pitch."
The Suns are in position to make the playoffs and Battisto is looking forward to the possibility.
"I'm pretty sure we've clinched a playoff spot., so that's exciting. We'll be playing bonus baseball in September. Everything goes a lot smoother when you're winning."
But winning or not and whatever work he needs on particular pitches, he understands the most fundamental aspect of baseball.
"What I've learned most is patience.The good Lord has taught me a tremendous amount of patience this season."