Harrisburg Senators righty Erik Arnesen has a tendency to be aggressive and it can hurt him. But it's a lesson he's already got a jump-start on.
"I believe the one thing I struggle with the most is being too aggressive," Arnesen said by e-mail. "I do not like to give in, but I know there are times when it really is the right thing to do."
This also led to changes in his repertoire. While he's comfortable mixing things up, he's now throwing a combination of a curveball and slider. He's also nixed the changeup and is now developing a splitter.
"I feel good about how far I have come with this pitch. but it is probably the pitch that still needs the most work."
In July the 25 year old was 6-3 with a 2.96 ERA when I first got to see him pitch for the Senators- the Washington Nationals Double A affiliate- in 2009. In August he led all starters on the Eastern League squad, with a 3.48 ERA. He finished the season 8-6 with a 3.87 ERA and surrendered only 11 home runs.
When the Senators played the Trenton Thunder at Waterfront Park, I got to see a lot of them. They had tremendous success against the Thunder, a team that had produced several Yankees players on this year's World Championship roster.
He attributes his personal success to being open to coaches advice as having a huge impact on how quickly and effectively he's learning.
"I try to keep an open mind to whatever the coaching staff is telling me. In terms of things I still need to learn, I know I need to continue developing reading swings and different hitters approaches," he said.
Arnesen is also relaxed about how the Nationals might use him in the future.
"I enjoy being a starter. I like the routine and I like the idea of always having a chance to win every start," he says. "However, I have no issues with being a reliever if it's decided that is where I can help the most."
With the winter cold about to settle in, it helps keep his arm strong when he can catch a break in the weather.
"I look forward to the random warm day during the winter, because it is nice to throw outside," he said. "We do receive an off season throwing program from our pitching coordinator."
In the meantime he works a winter job like so many minor league players. Arnesen, however, holds down a few: he works as an office engineer on water main and sewer installation projects in Staten Island for HAKS, but also works as a handyman; painting and doing lawn work. He keeps close to baseball as well, giving pitching lessons at Extra Innings.