For shortstop Jake Hager, the time to go pro was undeniable.
He was ready when the Tampa Bay Rays drafted him in the first round (32nd overall) in the 2011 MLB Draft. He'd committed to Arizona State, but opted to sign with the Rays after successful negotiations with the club.
And so it began. He made his professional debut with the Princeton Rays of the Advanced Rookie Appalachian League, finishing with a .269 AVG in 47 games. He also collected seventeen RBI and worked nine walks.
There wasn't a big adjustment period. He picked the process up quick.
"It definitely was a little difficult the first few games," he said Thursday. "After that, I was fine. Once I get that first at-bat out of the way, it was just like any other game."
The Henderson Nevada native, named Nevada State Player of the Year his senior year at Sierra Vista High where he also pitched, continued to flourish in 2012. His growth showed in the numbers for the Bowling Green Hot Rods. He played in 114 games and rose to the occasion with 124 hits and 72 RBI to end the season. In 2013, he advanced to High-A Charlotte, continuing a good pace, particularly with a hot start. He was selected to the Florida State League All-Star team, but due to an injury that sent him briefly to the DL, he didn't play.
Ultimately everything that happened added up to another great adjusting experience.
"The speed of the game changes completely [at the next level]. Pitches are throwing harder and throwing pitches you've never seen before. It gets faster and faster."
At 20, Hager is clear about what he did to "fall apart" in August. He has a grip on the reality of what it takes to develop a career that doesn't rely solely on the talent that got him there.
"If you don't have that positive approach, you won't succeed. That was the toughest thing. You have all the talent in the world, but you have to have the mental part of your game. Overall the season was good. I didn't finish the way I wanted to. Things didn't go my way. But the positive vibes I had helped me throughout the season."
His focus this winter, and heading into spring training, has been improving his speed and stealing more bases, something he said he'd like to have done more of in 2013. While he concentrated on being the best fielder and hitter he could be, he has a very exact plan about his future.
"The main reason I want to have better speed," he said, "Is that I want to be that player that can do it all."
The MLB Draft is long past being the only way into professional baseball, even as the Draft gets bigger and more money is involved.
For guys like catcher Jeremy Dowdy, a team taking a chance and signing him as a free agent was the way in. Dowdy proved plenty playing for Appalachian State University, where he was a highly productive contributor at the plate and behind it. He enjoyed his best season in 2010, splitting time as a DH in 57 game with 75 hits (2nd on team) and 24 multi-hit games (also 2nd). Defensively he made just three errors in 277 opportunities. He battled injury in 2011, but started 54 of 60 games and finished with a .625 BA with RISP and had a 27.7 percent success rate throwing out base runners (third best in the Southern Conference). He struggled at the plate toward the end of the season, but continued to contribute scoring two runs in the SoConn tourney win over UNC Greensboro.
When he didn't hear his name called in the draft, he focused less on frustration and more on options.
"You can choose to look at the negative, or choose to approach it with a sense of urgency," he said Tuesday. "That's the approach I took. I used it as motivation, once the White Sox signed me."
He saw time in the Appalachian League and Carolina League in 2012, playing in eighteen games and hitting .295 in forty-four at bats.
In 2013 he level jumped a little, even getting a brief end-of-season taste of Triple-A Charlotte. He spent most of his time with Kanapolis, getting in thirty-one games. His numbers weren't the best, but he took that in stride. He knows exactly what he needs to do heading into Spring Training and the 2014 season.
"I definitely need to work on being the same guy everyday. In the minors, you're playing 140 games and you can't get too high or low. I've gotten better at that, but I can definitely improve. It's about my mental approach and perfecting it."
Dowdy was raised in baseball-heavy North Carolina (he was born in Raleigh), surrounded by solid college programs, not to mention minor league teams whose stadiums he's now played in.
"It's pretty cool to have grown up going to [Carolina] Mudcats and Winston-Salem [Dash] games, and to now have been in them as a player."
Despite only being with the Charlotte Knights a few games, and playing in one, he witnessed the possibilities.
"It was awesome. The game is faster at that level, and a lot of the guys are older. But they talked to me and let me know I could do it. That helped me a lot. Being there you want to get back, so that gives you extra motivation."
The chance the White Sox gave him post-draft disappointment is also on his mind. That has already motivated his intentions and actions.
"You do have to show a little more than the average guy drafted. But I pride myself on that. Playing well is a thank you to them, doing well for them is rewarding. It comes down to executing the little things. I think it's the little things that keep you on the field and keep the organization happy with you."
Welcome to the second annual College Baseball Twitter Twenty.
The decision for number one came down to the guys that hold the top two spots and I went back and forth a few times. Last year featured Mark Appel, Eric Jagielo, and Brandon Thomas, all of whom were drafted in 2013. So there's a ton of new guys, sharing their journey (possibly) to the pros.
'Honorable Mentions' is expanded and, just to clarify again, a lot of these guys don't follow me and I don't follow them. It's based on lists I make and keep all year long.
And here you go:
1. Austin Weekley, @AustinWeekley18, CSU- He talks about EVERYTHING. Whether it's college football, the Dallas Cowboys, or music (he's a big Kenny Chesney fan...), he's a big Twitter presence, keeping his followers up to date and doing it with style and humor. Arguing with his teammates is a Twitter pastime as well. Bottom line, he got this for being so damn likeable. "12 weeks til Opening Day Eve in college baseball. #Hurry" As for the arguing, he called CSU teammate Dennis Buckley "a chapped Mets fan." Like this reference too: "Stephen Glandsburging it right now. #Loner" Gabby would totally dig this guy.
2. Brian Pruett, @Brian_Pruett, FCCU - He was hard to beat. Just looking at his follower count, you know he's connecting with a lot of people everywhere. His tone is super friendly and positive, and faith-based. Consistently checks in with thoughts for his devoted legion. Always enjoyable and genuine to read."Do you tell a girl she has her shirt inside out or just let it ride?" ; "#JesusIsHope"; And his snapchat thoughts resonated: "Most of us couldn't care less about your snapchat stories everyday."
3. Christian Colletti, @CFC4953, UConn - He doesn't tweet a lot, but he's funny and offbeat when he does. "Missing the days when homework assignments was just coloring." I don't actually remember coloring being a homework assignment...so you get the idea. There was also, a 'Hey girl,', but not the good kind. Just really funny. "Hey girl with 40,000 tweets and nine followers. I'm guessing you should probably shut up." And this: "I decided not to buy a pet snake for my dorm if anyone cares." Someone might.
4. TJ Lashock, @TJLashock27, Lackawanna College - The main reason he's in the top five is that he has no filter, whatsoever. "Yes I tweeted my nipple. I'm a slut 😳".... and he did tweet a picture of it. (should've added hashtag college baseball). He has a good jump on what could be ahead. "#brokebaseballplayerprobs", which should probably be trademarked. He also tweeted, " The first few minutes of an ice bath are hell." We'll all just take his word for it? (that lacking filter isn't just used for his filthy sense of humor, btw, but to attempt something from the heart: "Not to sound like a bi**h, but I want a girlfriend.")
5. Brian Welch, @bwelchy3, CSU - Instead of explaining a lot, I'll let him speak for himself, as to why he placed this high: the sole reason was his regular tweeting about college classes. Here you go: "This professor loves his overhead markers."; "This girl must know everything there is to know about everything."; "My music app professor is a CLOWN"; "A video about world civ in an 8AM class. #ohboy" Thirty five minutes later... "This video is awful."; And these two were favorites: "The convos that nursing majors have<<<
6. Tommy Donoghue, @SWINGNMISS7, Brown Mackie College- He's all over Twitter. With 42 K plus tweets, he's a consistent presence. Tweets a lot about sports and favorite teams. He tends to get into a conversational groove during games and might throw an expletive or two around. There's a lot of random thoughts and fun. "INCOMPLETE SUCK IT STEELERS". That's a very small sample. He will tweet your face off about football. Bottom line, he's deep into social media and interacting with followers.
7. Brian Ward, @brianward45, UConn- Just fun to read. And loves those creative hashtags. "That's such a girl tweet man #youvechanged;' "; "Just saw Big Papi in Johnny Rockets at the Sun. Straight big leagued me. Honored.; And this: "sorry for the virus I've been sending/giving everyone #thatwhatshesaid"....let's hope not.
8.Jake Gronsky, @14LivinTheDream, Monmouth University- Just a normal day? "Smuggling McGriddles into student employment. #AverageSaturday #TheStruggle; Might need a yoga buddy: "May have just solidified my role as worst yoga student ever.. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. #TheStruggle'; And ponders the English language: "is canoodle even a word?"... and on a serious note, a favorite: "Can't stand when a FOOTBALL GAME is being referred to as a civil war...No greater way to disrespect those of 1861. God Bless our troops." Also, he's a Johnny Cash fan...so he had to make this list. Truthfully, just an entertaining, sociable follow.
9. Dennis Buckley, @dbuck15, CSU- Keeps it lighthearted and loves to talk football. Loves Carrie Underwood. Not the library. "The library is so depressing." He's a creative hashtagger: #BestCutterInTheBigSouth # "There's also an account for the CSU pitching staff (@bucnastymafia): "Baseball team shoulda trademarked "bucnasty" last year. We'd be making bank."
10. Tyler Weekley, @Tweekley5, CSU - His recent tweets on music were good for a laugh: "Jamming to Miley Cyrus with the roomie. #NoShame" ; "Christmas music in the cafe really grinds my gears". Twitter arguments with his brother Austin are always fun to read. No one wins but the reader.
11. Mike Abrunzo, @09mabrunzo, University Buffalo (former Lackawanna)- Checks in regularly and like the guy in the top spot, is super likeable. When he signed with Buffalo he responded to pretty much every congratulations he got. Plus, opened himself up to show love for mom and dad. "Beyond excited to sign today!"; "Idc what anyone says hearing how proud your parents are of you Is one of the best feelings there is #softtweet."
12. Ryan Trauger, @ryantrauger9, St. John Fisher - Sometimes players at the college and minor league level will still tweet from the fan side. Minor leaguers catch themselves (who's paying them?), but at the non-pro level, despite where they might wind up, they can still enjoy fandom. When Trauger read that the Phillies were in talks to trade Dom Brown, he didn't hold back. "If the Phillies actually trade Brown, I'm going to be one unhappy Phillies fan." He's also open about his faith, tweeting Bible verses, and messages to his late father, whom he honors in his Twitter bio.
13. Will Charkowsky, @Chark_27, Mitchell College- A recent highlight were his tweets about overcoming injury. He consistently stays upbeat, energetic, and humble. "To all the kids who claim to have "swag": swag will not pay your bills or make you a better person. #Clowns."
14. Casey Mulholland, @CaseyMulholland, University of South Florida - He got into a heated debate about umpires during the playoffs. A highlight. As is his creative penchant for hashtags. "Is there an umpire stat book that I'm not aware of? #IDontEvenKnowYou"; and in response to hearing a broadcaster he didn't care for, "#mutebutton #PleaseStopTalking."
15. Sky Mercado, @SkyJohn15, UMainee- An emotional player in this game, he's very open in what he puts out there. Recent harassment from someone on Facebook shook him up and he tweeted about it. Drops inspirational thoughts about discipline and staying the course, but is honest when he's not feeling so positive. Friendly and funny with followers. And summed up his heart's desire with this tweet: "Baseball is honestly the only place where I can get away."
16. Jeremy Finchum, @II_22FINCH_II, Capital University - What all these guys have in common is tweeting just about anything on their minds. Finchum is great at that. And has a way with a Best Buy story. "I wanna chill with Bill Cosby because he makes zero sense."; Went to Best Buy to pick up a phone charger and ended up playing Xbox One with the Microsoft rep for over an hour. It happens I guess."; And you have to love an emotional observation of an animated heart-tugger: "The first part in Up when they grow old and have an awesome time their entire lives together and then she dies is so dang sad :(" His handle qualifies him for the A-Team.
17. Bobby McCormack, @Bobby_Mac1, Baylor - It was hard to read his timeline and not find myself smiling a lot. His warmth and enthusiasm shine through, whether it's supporting the troops, his Patriots & attending a game with his dad, friends, or his 'Momma'. There's also this, probably a long overdue observation: "Can't stand the constant tweets about working out..lol"... Noted.
18. Jake Roehn, @JRoehn, Ohio State - Tweets daily and is super friendly with readers, offering to field questions, and always making some sort of lighthearted joke or positive remark. And, not sure what happened here, but... "Whoever put super glue in my door making it so I can't get in. I'm pissed & you gotta love this: "Who is the most flawless women alive? — My mom."
19. Landon Simpson, @LandonSimpson, University of Arkansas- Never afraid to let his guard down and be thoughtful and emotional, he tweets sentimental song lyrics and thoughts on faith. But he's also good for a random funny thought. "Mountain Dew and white chocolate Reese's." (will be trying that) and he couldn't have been more right and to the point with this: "Packing can suck it"
20. Matt Hockenberry, @Hocktimus_Prime, Temple University- Best Tweet Ever: I don't normally talk to people with swag; but when I do, I normally ask them for a large fry.Another gem, but on a different note: "Never give up on something you really want. It's difficult to wait, but even more difficult to regret." And that handle is the best on this list.
No one seems to like being an 'Honorable Mention.' But here they are, the guys that more than earn a mention and a follow:
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Mike Zaccardo, @MichaelZaccardo, University of Tampa
Harley Moore, @The_HarleyMoore, Dickinson
Myobi Nolan, @Myobi_Nolan, USF
Josh Dezse, @Dezse23, Ohio State
Evan Grimes, @E__grimes30, Lackawanna
Ryan Dolan, @Ryry_Dole, UNCW
Adam Martin, @the OLEmartine, Western Carolina
Steven Schuler, @sschuler33, Saint Joseph's
Weston Wilson, @weswilson25, Clemson University
Justin Sheffield, @Topsheff42, Vanderbilti University
Chris Perez, @Cris_Perez18, Duke University
Drew Weeks, @drewweeks03, University of North Florida
Josh Pettitte, @JPettitte21, Baylor University
Ryan Maxim, @Rymaximus, BCC
Chase Shelton, @ChaseShelton13, CSU
Ty Filliben, @TFilliben, Samford University
AJ Gale, @AjGale_13, Saint John's University
Luke Miller, @lmiller_19, Lackawanna
Kyle Dyson, @KyleDyson27, CSU
Tim Wetzel, @Timmy_Wetz, Ohio State
James Reeves, @JamesReeves28, Citadel
Javi Salas, @javisalas22, University of Miami
Kevin Hickey, @KevinHickey11, CSU
Alex Tomasovich, @tomasovich_13, CSU
Andrew Tomasovich, @tomasovich_13, CSU
Chris Okey, @Chris_Okey25. Clemson
Joe Pistacchio, @joepistacchio, CSU
Drake Parker, @DrakeTparker21, Vanderbilt
Brandon Waddell, @BWaddell20, UVA
Tyler Beede, @TylerBeede11, Vanderbilt
Garrett Rucker, @G_Ruck_5, Arkansas
Zack Hagaman, @zhags10, CSU
Alec Bettinger, @A_TRAINN13, UVA
Bobby Ison, @BobbyIson1, CSU
Grant Silva, @GrantSilva1, Tabor
Matt Witt @MattWitt20, CSU
Derek Fisher UVA @DeFish23
Blake Roland, @TheBlakeRoland, CSU
Drew Woodall, @drew_woodall, CSU
Cody Austin, @Caustin44, CSU
Parker Ross, @ParkerRoss7, SJFC
Kellen Brown, @kbrowntwelve, FAU
Kenny Towns, @Ktowns9, UVA
The job of covering prospects and the minor leagues is a unique one and it's what I'll be focusing on when I speak at the Bob Freitas Business Seminar. I'll talk about covering baseball in general, but the title of the speech is 'The Minor Leagues: Covering Baseball From The Ground Floor," so it'll be the focal point. It's also what I've dedicated my life and career too, and where I've spent most of it. Hashtag minor league life....
While I'd originally planned to steer away from focusing on my blog, I was encouraged by those at MiLB.com to not do that; that the blog is the main reason I was called upon and how I've reached as many readers as I have. I never thought about that until that moment, and it was a humbling, exciting, joyful, slightly scary thought. I'd set out to create a baseball blog that would allow me a voice outside of my professional work, but never imagined it would become what I was known for. And what people would respect me for. I'm extremely proud and thankful for that. Being asked to speak at the meetings confirmed that I'd accomplished more with it than I'd anticipated and reached many people, just by following my intuition and creative voice. (thank you to longtime readers that have been so supportive & are such knowledgeable, informed, passionate "prospecters")
I'll cover a few areas of the gig, including sharing a couple of personal stories, but will also touch on connecting through social media and telling the stories of upcoming players to baseball fans that are hungrier than ever for information and a closer, more personalized view. My speech will be at 2:30 on the 10th and I hope to meet many of you there that I've gotten to know through baseball channels or have yet to meet.
Recent Comments