Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog : Cape Cod League

June 08, 2014

2014 MLB Draft: UMaine Pitcher Tommy Lawrence Embraces Opportunity With Rays

However he can get to the big leagues, Tommy Lawrence wants the shot.

After being passed over in the June MLB Draft, University of Maine righty pitcher Lawrence got an offer he couldn't refuse from the Tampa Bay Rays. The team offered him a ND Free Agent deal.

"I was surprised I wasn't picked up," said Lawrence on Sunday. "I saw other guys drafted that I felt I was better than. Not to sound cocky. But now I have the same opportunity as them."

What round a player is selected can make a big difference in how he's perceived in the organization. The business of drafting and signing a player doesn't always seem fair, with guys often feeling, understandably, overlooked by higher ranked prospects. But opportunities have expanded for players to get in the door, even as signing bonuses have also ballooned, creating much tougher competition.

Lawrence joins the club of players that have a chance beyond the traditional draft and sign. And he's been offered a deal by a team that's invested time in his future for the past year.

"The Rays wanted me last year. I went to Cape Cod League and pitched well there, and then when the draft came around, I had a feeling that's where I would wind up."

The West Haven, Connecticut native, a West Haven High graduate, finished his senior season with a 3.18 ERA, striking out 97 in 104 innings of work. He appeared to have done enough to get a call on draft day. Lawrence admits he thinks he did a better job in 2013, despite winning six straight starts.

"Overall, it wasn't a bad year. I gave it my all."

When he began his collegiate career, he was faced with a new challenge. His 5-9 height was suddenly an issue. He knew what scouts look for in pitchers, and they have a preferred build.

"I looked around and the guys in college are 6-2 or 6-6. My height was a problem for teams," he said.

He had discussions with several teams, but there was clearly some hesitation. After pitching in the CCBL, and knowing the Rays were still interested.

"I knew the Rays had confidence in me."

He's yet to finalize a deal with the team, but expects to talk to Rays people in the next day or two to work out the details. He does say he's "definite" about signing with them.

Door open, he's got a scrappy, ready-to-battle attitude about his chances.

"I like to think I pitch like I am 6-6."

You can follow Tommy Lawrence @TommyGunzzz36

Posted at 04:31 PM in Baseball, Cape Cod League, College Baseball, Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, Minor League Prospects, MLB Draft | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

March 13, 2014

College Spotlight: UConn Pitcher Brian Ward 'Attacking' Opportunity

For UConn pitcher Brian Ward, 2014 has offered him a bigger spotlight.

After struggling with health issues the past couple of years, and missing half of 2013 as well as another summer in the Cape Cod League, the lefty pitcher is ready to go full force for the Huskies.

"I know how fortunate I am. I'm not taking this for granted. I'm just moving forward."

The lefty senior took on a bigger role when it was announced Carson Cross would need shoulder surgery and miss all of 2014. Junior RHP Cross was expected to be the top local prospect drafted in this year's June MLB Draft. Bad news on a personal level, but also to the Huskies rotation.

True to form, Ward would rather talk about how the team has responded, rather than on an individual level.

"It was a huge setback. We would've loved to have Carson pitch. But we've taken it in stride. We're working and stepping up."

For his part, Ward entered last weekend's start 1-1 with a 2.76 ERA and went 3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits, with a walk and strikeout.

"I'm feeling more confident with each outing. I've had better command each time," he said.

Ward was part of a 2013 team that defied expectations. Led by Cross (who was drafted by the Pirates but didn't sign), second baseman LJ Mazzilli (a 4th round pick for the Mets who made his pro debut in the New York Penn League) and captain Billy Ferriter, the underdog Huskies advanced to the Big East Championship. Though later eliminated by Virginia Tech, they proved a lot down the stretch. [NOTE: Also in UConn's 2013 draft class: LHP Anthony Kay, Mets, 29th round; OF Tom Milone, Rays, 3rd round; RF Taylor Holmstead, Rangers, 13th round].

Ward made 10 starts, picked up 2 wins, and struck out 33 batters over 52 innings. And despite his season being shortened, he was one of only two Huskies pitcher to reach double-digits in game started.

After such an exciting experience, he entered this season with renewed purpose and restored physical strength. So far, he's risen to the challenge.

"I'm attacking the zone. I'm throwing first pitch strikes and not walking guys. I'm just throwing strikes and throwing them early and often," he said.

Under the guidance of highly respected coach Jim Penders- so regarded that Staten Island New York-bred and current Huskies pitcher Andrew Zapata chose to sign largely due to Penders- Ward has flourished. The Milford, Connecticut native has developed strong weapons with his fastball-changeup combination, and lately, has worked on his slider.

"I'm throwing breaking balls here and there, but not a lot more than usual."

As the season unfolds, the MLB Draft nears. But Ward remains a team player focused on his team as a whole.

"[The Draft] isn't at the forefront of my mind. Our team getting wins and getting to the College World Series is the first goal. I do hope to play professionally. I'm getting better everyday and we'll go from there."

You can follow him on Twitter @brianward45