Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

PHOTO/QUOTES: Mets Top Prospect Brandon Nimmo Keeping The Energy Up

Brooklyn Cyclones centerfielder Brandon Nimmo seen here laughing at a reporter's very funny joke.

He also had this to say.

I was hot, now I've cooled off. I'm trying not to let that start to get to me. I'm just giving it my best effort. This time, it's a whole new issue. It's my body and the wear and tear. Before it was more mental that I was struggling with. So now I've learned how to handle that. I'm just working through the mechanical issue.

From April to mid August last year I had played 75 games, now from June to August I've played 140 games. I'm taking care of my body, staying hydrated, but it's a grind. I'm trying to keep my energy up. I know everyone on the team feels it. It's part of the process.

I'm keeping a positive outlook. Sometimes, to do that, you have to fool yourself a little bit.

Staten Island Yankees Peter O'Brien Making Most Of Team's Rough Season

Staten Island, New York - The Staten Island Yankees have been eliminated from a playoffs spot, but development doesn't get eliminated, regardless of how the numbers add up.

As individual success goes, catcher Peter O'Brien, 22, has been solid the past few weeks.

The catcher, taken by the Yankees in the 2nd round of the 2012 MLB Draft, is hitting .222 for the month of August. In his last ten games he's knocked in 13 runs, with 10 hits, and 5 home runs.

Lately, he's done what he needs to in order to make an impression on the big club.

O'Brien recently discussed that, as well as the importance of the pitcher/catcher relationship, and those bus trips.

On recent success: I'm going up there trying to relax, trying to be more controlled at the plate. I'm being more selective. I just try to get good pitches to swing at. The big thing with me is hitting the ball the other way and making sure I stay closed.

Early adjustments: I'd say just getting used to playing baseball everyday. I came off the wrist injury my last couple of months in college. That was tough, going and getting back into things. But with the help of all the coaches and the guys here, it's definitely been a great adjustment for me. But just getting my body used to playing everyday and going out there and having fun is the biggest thing.

On bus trips, physical toll: I wouldn't say it's hard, because I'm getting to do something I love. But the bus rides do take a lot out of you. I'd say it's more mental than anything else. Having to get off the bus and get yourself ready to play everyday at a top level.

Behind the plate: I'm getting more and more comfortable everyday. Definitely a big thing with me is flexibility. I've been working on that everyday. I'm getting to know these guys better. Learning to know what pitches to throw, calling a game, and knowing what their stuff is going to do has gotten a lot easier.

Batting stance: I'm a little bit wider, so I'm in a more balanced position. I'm seeing the pitches a lot better. I feel more comfortable.

On whether being eliminated shifted mood: Not necessarily. We have a great group of guys here. We try to go out there and get a little bit better everyday. We've played good as a team lately.

Read extensive coverage of the Staten Island Yankees for Gotham Baseball Magazine and Baseball Digest/Going Nine.

Road To The New York Penn League Playoffs: Tri-City Valley Cats Preston Tucker

Brooklyn, New York - The Tri-City Valley Cats, Stedler Division champs in the New York Penn League, have been the most impressive team in the league for the better part of the season. Outfielder Preston Tucker has been a solid contributor to their success, particularly in the last few weeks.

He's hitting .352 with 43 hits, 7 home runs, and 33 RBI in 31 games. He has hit safely in his last ten games, with 13 hits over that period.

Here's what he had to say about playing rival Brooklyn Cyclones and making adjustments all season:

Physically it is exhausting everyday. This is definitely an adjustment I had to make. Getting my rest and eating right comes into it. Mentally, I know I have to be ready to go. And in MCU [home park of the Cyclones], you definitely have to hit ground balls. The wind really blows out here.

I've been hitting third for a couple of weeks. In college I was second, third, or fourth [in the lineup]. I'm definitely comfortable there. The more at-bats I got the more comfortable I was hitting higher in the order.

I think it's going to help our team, playing them this much at the end of the year. We've gotten to see a lot of their pitching. So I don't think we're going to be surprised by anything.

When you're playing well they kind of leave you alone. I was struggling earlier in the year. Now I'm slowing things down. Whether it was my hands going back too far or maybe my [front] foot getting down too late. When you start piecing all the small things together you start swinging the bat better.

Mets Brandon Nimmo At The Plate, Looking To The Light Of Faith

Brooklyn, New York - When asked about baseball struggles, baseball period, you can expect top Mets prospect and current Brooklyn Cyclones centerfielder Brandon Nimmo to acknowledge his unwavering faith.

The nineteen-year-old spends parts of every day praying and reading the bible. It is part of his preparation. It's how he approaches all aspects of his life and career, close to his belief in God and his family.

"Having a real support system with my family has been a big help," he said. "My brother played at the University of Nebraska and he went through just about everything baseball can throw you failure-wise. To have him to lean back on when he's gone through it too that helps a lot. The other thing is I'm a man of faith. Going into the Word and staying in it everyday that really helps me through the good times and the bad."

His Wyoming upbringing, famously, didn't include a high school baseball program. He played American Legion, played in showcases and, in 2011, at eighteen, he was selected out of high school by the Mets in the 13th round.

To be that good at the game without the benefit of a high school program is impressive. Scouts had to have struggled to evaluate him properly. But he did everything he could to get noticed.

In 2011 he made his professional debut playing ten games between the GCL and Appalachian League, hitting .211 with 4 RBI and 6 walks. He spent 2012 spring training at Major League camp.

When he got to the New York Penn League this season, he saw the differences. He admits he felt a bit intimidated. The numbers showed a guy unable to be consistent and productive at the plate. In June he hit .270 , but by July he'd raised his average to .270 and by August the improvements were apparent. In 60 at-bats he's hit .317 with a .423 OBP.

Through the rough spots, Nimmo continued his work, his praying, and lived his life as he always has. And he waited.

"I believe in the Word and that God wants what is best for you. I lean on that and say, 'God, I'm struggling right now.' But if that's how it needs to be, then that's what it needs to be. That takes pressure off of my shoulders. Just knowing when I go out there that things are going to work out."

But beyond that, he keeps another belief close in his thoughts.

"It's a game and I remind myself of that. It should be fun. You can't reflect too much. You have to put it in it's place."

That perspective has carried him, so early in his career, through a non-conventional start in baseball, and into pro ball. He is quick to point out that being strong through a drought at the plate hasn't always been easy.

Also helpful has been learning to react to the pace of the game at the professional level.

"These guys are very good. They still make mistakes. Jumping on those mistakes is key."

Nimmo's religious life and keeping himself on the right track might seem challenging considering he's playing for a big market team. The focus on New York baseball combined with the amount of media could flood even the strongest person's perspective. He admits there was an adjustment period not just at the plate, but with all that comes with being a top Mets prospect.

"When I got here, I was like, ok, it's not going to be a problem, I'm just going to keep playing baseball. But then you realize, wow, they are on you all the time. It takes a little while to get adjusted to it, it really does, I'm not going to lie to you."

As the season winds down and the Cyclones fight for a spot in the playoffs. The results have been mixed this season. He's had his ups and downs and went through the growing pains. The trick is always to understand failure will come, but it's how you deal with it.

"You can only control your work ethic," he said.

Also read my previous interview with Brandon Nimmo for Gotham Baseball http://www.gothambaseball.com/2012/07/looking-for-nimmo/

Tri-City Valley Cats Manager Stubby Clapp's Team Rose To The Occasion, Head To Playoffs

Brooklyn, New York - The Tri-City Valley Cats (44-17) came to Coney Island, home of MCU Park and the Brooklyn Cyclones (37-24), and did exactly what they've done most of the season.

They dominated in every area needed to win.

Their starting pitching and bullpen were, as they've been, their strongest assets. But offensively, that's a tough, consistent ineup, with solid defense at every position.

The Cats can clinch the Stedler Division of the New York Penn League tonight in Game 2 of the three game series against the Cyclones. Brooklyn is also fighting for a playoffs spot in the McNamara Division.

After the 5-2 win, Valley Cats manager Stubby Clapp addressed the season and playoffs scenarios.

"[Starting pitcher Juri Perez] did a much better job tonight. He was aggressive with his fastball. The times he got hurt was when he tried to be too cute. Tried to flip the curveball and hung it up there and that's when he got hit hard. Today was a big adjustment for him."

"[RF Preston Tucker] puts a smile on my face. He's done a nice job adapting to the professional game. I pencil him in right now and I don't have to think about whether he's facing a lefty or righty."

"It's been a fun group to play with , to work with, and to watch them grow as professional athletes. When we started out there was a lot of unnecessary errors. There was a lot of panic in their game. Their AB's were scattered. As they put the process to work, as far as the professional game, defensively and offensively you started to see it come together."

"Our pitching has been our strong point from day one. They've made a real adjustment attacking hitters. They definitely gave us a shot in the beginning. We played a lot of close games in the beginning. That gave us a chance to manufacture some runs."

"I've been thinking about [lineup for playoffs], I'm not going to lie. I've been thinking about what I'm going to do, because every guy for this team has produced for this team at one time or another. Honestly, I wish I could play 'em all."

Read Baseball Digest/Going Nine for post-season NYPL Players of the Year & extended coverage of the NYPL.

Also, read game reports on several players in this series for Gotham Baseball Magazine.

New York Penn League All-Star Game Report: Tri-City Valley Cats Pitcher Aaron West

New York City - Aaron West has made it look easy.

Since beginning his professional career with the NYPL Tri-City Valley Cats, the Astros 2012 17th rounder (Washington) has turned the lights out on many a hitter.

In 50 innings the righty's 6-0 record is the best in the league and his 0.90 ERA and 0.76 WHIP are the lowest in the league. He's allowed only 5 walks and has 49 strikeouts.

He was selected as a NYPL All-Star and spoke about his season so far and the opportunity to play in the ASG, as well as the Valley Cats tremendous season and the post-season on the horizon:

Asked if anything compares to the experience: Maybe high school when you would see the best teams and the best players, but this is definitely new for me.

On getting the news: It was after a game and our head coach came and told us. We were all together so it was even better.

On being there with four of his teammates: Yeah, it's more exciting, because I really don't know a lot of these guys. We get to hang out and play together in a different way. We've played well together.

Asked what he owes his quick success to: Just throwing strikes. I'm going out there and getting ahead in the count. I'm also letting my defense do their job.

Pitch he's polishing: My changeup. I'm working on it everyday. I haven't needed it much, but I know I will eventually to end the season and going forward in my career. It's been mostly fastballs.

On getting his degree in Middle Eastern history: I'm one quarter short. (Asked if he speaks Persian, he answered, ''Not fluently, but yes, some.")

Playoffs Bound: There's no pressure, we're just excited. We want to win the championship, but it's one game at a time.

Post-Game Report: Tri-City Valley Cats Impressive In Key Areas

Staten Island, New York - The Tri-City Valley Cats, they of the New York Penn League best 39-14 record, came to face the Staten Island Yankees, they of the league worst 16-36 record, for a three-game set.

They had nothing to lose, only more to gain in their charge toward the playoffs and a possible title.

It was a showcase of all the ways the Valley Cats have excelled this season.

Brady Rogers was on the mound for the Cats and held the Yankees to three hits. Though the righty labored at times and allowed several hitter's counts, he made pitches when he needed to. None of his mistakes fazed him. He induced ground balls, keeping base runners to a minimum, and allowing just one run and a walk in his five innings of work.

After giving up a base hit to Danny Oh, the Astros 2012 third round pick came back to strike out the next two batters. When Rogers missed he was usually low in the zone. He has a tendency to overthrow a bit, but with a fastball that consistently looked to be in the low to mid 90's, he's learning how to locate. He attacked and pitched to contact no matter what the situation. He got the win, giving him a 6-2 record and has a 2.32 ERA entering the All-Star break.

On the offensive side, first baseman Preston Tucker was equally impressive. He went 2-5 with a double and a home run. There were doubles by Tucker and left fielder Dan Gulbransen and the wheels on both players were on display. The speed, agility, and ability to manufacture runs was a plus for the majority of the lineup.

Overall Valley Cats showed that they could adjust on the mound and at the plate when they needed to. They worked as a tight unit defensively and never appeared shaken when challenged.

Staten Island Yankees Struggle In Jump To Pro Ball

Staten Island, New York - In the seventh inning of a late afternoon game between the Tri-City Valley Cats and the Staten Island Yankees, the young bombers came close.

It is the book on them.

They often come close, but too often come up short. On Sunday, they fell by one run. Again. After a strong late inning rally. Again. They are five games from elimination.

Against the best team in the New York Penn League, simply, they looked over-matched. But they have looked over-matched against worse teams.

As Staten Island manager Justin Pope indicated after the game, they are showing that they have fight. But it's just not enough.

Their best offensive player, first baseman/DH Saxon Butler, was promoted a couple of weeks ago and has already proven himself there. Corey Black, too. Both made the jump to Charleston and, more than likely, they won't have to look back.

The bright spots are there. Catcher/DH Peter O'Brien (3rd round, 2012) raised his average to .225 this month, with nine hits in ten games, including three home runs . Outfielder Taylor Dugas leads the league in walks with 34. He's also hitting .334 with six doubles under his belt. And reliever James Pazos 2.30 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 31 innings of work helped him get a nod to participate in the New York Penn League All Star Game this week.

Catcher Wes Wilson has picked it up and is exhibiting growth lately. After an excellent start to the season he struggled through July. He currently has a five-game hitting streak going and is hitting .286. He's also a little more seasoned. He might have sharper skill at shaking off the losses and not get spooked might be the struggles.

But the pieces have not come together. They aren't playing cohesively.

There's no magic potion. There's no exact reason that it's not happening for a group of guys that are talented, skilled, and working hard everyday.

They transition is difficult. It's more difficult for some. That doesn't make them lesser ballplayers. It just means they're going to need a little longer to get where they want to go.

Nationals Prospect Bryan Harper Working Through The Struggles In Auburn

Staten Island, New York - A sharp memory isn’t required to be a reliever.

No, that’s poison in the well that relievers drink from. They let that last one go and know that, all that matters, as Roberto Clemente once said, is tomorrow’s game.

Nationals prospect Bryan Harper is learning to pitch at the professional level, but he’s also getting the hang of forgetting.

“Yeah, I mean, you know, obviously it’s going to take a toll on you,” Harper said earlier this week. “You want to go out and perform really well. So when you’re not doing well it does take a toll. You’ve got to have a short memory. You have to move on for the next pitch.”

The twenty-three-year old is having it rough and that attitude serves him well. He knows where he’s gone wrong to result in a 13.11 ERA in 11.2 innings of work for the Class-A (short season) Auburn Doubledays.

“I’ve been elevating the ball too much. I know I need to work down. It’s just trial and error.”

He was drifting too much, meaning he wasn’t keeping his weight back enough, something his pitching coach, Sam Narron. has worked on with him, as well as trying to be more aggressive toward the plate. He’s given up 10 walks this season.

In his first full-season at the pro level after being drafted in the 30th round in 2011, Harper has learned new ways to make him feel he’s heading in the right direction, despite any struggles. The team philosophy is key.

“Getting on a routine. That’s a big thing they always preach. That’s helped me in getting back to performing well.”

There’s always some mystery involved when a talented player is just not finding his way. Helps to solve it quicker. Harper has worked hard on mechanical issues, but, according to him, there’s nothing causing him to feel shaky on the mound.

“I don’t think [I”m uncomfortable] out there.”

Back to those walks. He knows what he has to improve so as not to allow guys to get on base by waiting for him to make a mistake. He’s trying to throw strikes more consistently.

“I’ve always really battled with walking a lot of guys. I’ve really tried being around the zone. It might be elevated and not where I want it to be, but as long as I’m in the zone and not walking guys. I want to be pitching better [overall]. But the one big thing is not walking a lot of guys.”

New York Penn League Post-Season Taking Shape: Tri-City Valley Cats Are Team To Beat

Staten Island, New York - If there's nothing like a college game, then the New York Penn League is your kind of place.

Fresh from college playing, being drafted, and winning in exciting fashion, most of the players in the league are still finding their way as they get their first taste of professional baseball. 

But many are going to be headed to their first professional playoffs experience. 

As it stands today with a few weeks left to play, here are the top teams in the league:

McNamara:

Hudson Valley Renegades 

Brooklyn Cyclones 4 GB

 

Pinckney: 

Auburn Doubledays

Batavia Muckdogs 4 GB

State College Spikes 4.5 GB

Mahoning Valley Scrappers 7 GB

 

Stedler: 

Tri-City Valley Cats 13 G lead

 

Here are the Wild Card Standings and Playoff Procedures: 

http://www.milb.com/standings/index.jsp?lid=127&sid=l127

http://www.milb.com/milb/standings/playoff_procedures.jsp?lid=127&sid=l127

 

While I never make baseball predictions, Tri-City Valley Cats, obviously, are the team all the others are going to have to take down with force.

The Hudson Valley Renegades have battled hard and managed to overtake the Brooklyn Cyclones this week after going 9-1. 

The three dog race between Auburn, Batavia, and State College is the most competitive area of the league at the moment.

If you were going to place your bets, you could count on Tri-City's offense and give the slight edge to Brooklyn's pitching. Mix that team up and you have a crop of young players making strong impressions on the big club and fans post-2012 Draft. 

Brooklyn and Tri-City have been shutdown teams. The Cyclones lead the league in strikeouts with 451 and Tri-City sits behind the Vermont Lake Monsters with 413. The Cyclones and Cats have also kept the damage low, as the Cyclones lead with a 2.49 ERA. Tri City clocks in second with a 2.61 ERA. 

Hudson Valley and Batavia are right on their heels on the mound. Hudson Valley's 2.98 ERA slightly bests Batavia's 3.03 ERA. 

In the bullpen, Brooklyn is the saves leader with 19 and Tri-City trails by one. Auburn and Batavia are both strong in that area. Both teams have 15 saves. 

Tri-City's Aaron West has been dominant going 6-0 0.90 ERA in 50 innings pitched. He's allowed only 5 walks and struck out 49, second only to teammate Vincent Velasquez. Velasquez has struggled lately and not won a game since July 19th, but he's given the team chances to win by keeping away from the longball and pitching deep through most of the season.

Offensively Tri-City Valley has been the star.

Their .275 team BA leads the league, ditto their .359 OBP and 390 SLG. To add to that, they lead in: Runs (291), Hits (467), Home Runs (28), RBI (254), and Stolen Bases (84). 

Auburn has a .260 BA and Batavia is right behind, hitting .264. 

At the plate is where Brooklyn has struggled the most. They don't have any big breakout hitters as the other teams do and have not clicked as a team in that area. Their .232 BA is last in the league. They've also knocked in just 166 runs and stolen just 17 bags, worst in both those categories.

But they've hit 'em out in close second to Tri-City with 27 home runs. Their league leading 214 walks is also a promising sign. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo has worked 29 of them, leading the team. Fellow outfielder Stefan Sabol is not far behind with 24. 

Overall? Advantage Tri-City Valley Cats.