As a Friday night starter for Charleston Southern University this past season, Andrew Tomasovich was pitching himself into the moment he’d prepared for his whole life. He was also closing in on a bit of history.
With his brother Alex being drafted last year, they became the first brothers from Fort Mill, South Carolina to be drafted to the Major Leagues. His older brother was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the 20th round.
“My brother has given me a lot of advice on what to expect when I get there and what will be expected from me,” Andrew said Saturday.
The A’s took the lefty junior in the 21st round, on the heels of Tomasovich finishing 7-7 with a 3.09 ERA. His 9.58 strikeouts per nine was one of the best in the Big South Conference. Having come this far, Tomasovich is thinking about something more than baseball.
“I signed my terms sheet last night and head out Monday. The driving factor for me was the fact that I am able to go back to school and get my degree,” he said.
Tomasovich has the benefit of his brother’s wisdom and isn’t going into professional baseball without an idea of what he’ll experience. He also looks back on those that helped him develop along the way, and the mindset that kept him on track.
“The coaching staff at CSU was great and they really helped me achieve my goals. Another huge key was my catcher Sam Remick. That guy never gets enough credit and was so good behind the plate all year. My key to success was working my tail off every day and striving to get better each and every day,” he said.
Certain players make their mark before playing a day of professional sports. Those elite prospects, or the ones that suddenly surged with an outstanding final college or high school season, that have fans and media talking. When the talent and the numbers are the center of the discussion, that's one thing. But personality, legal and behavioral issues change that discussion entirely.
Jameis Winston is under that umbrella. After being accused of rape, whatever talent he showed in both football and baseball became secondary in his story. It was announced earlier this week that the Florida State Attorney will not pursue charges. On Wednesday, a federal lawsuit was filed by the accuser against Florida State University.
Also on Wednesday, Winston ended all debate about his baseball vs. football future when he declared for the 2015 NFL Draft. The two-sport, two-way athlete is no longer a baseball question. And no longer a baseball problem. Because, had he pursued baseball and been drafted, same as in the NFL, he'd be both.
But was Winston ever a true baseball prospect?
In 2011, prospect writer Keith Law tweeted this in response to the question about the FSU QB:
"First round baseball talent if he indicates he'd sign."
Also in 2014, Baseball America's JJ Cooper pointed out the challenges Winston faced, but also the "potential" he had to be a first rounder. He also shared a BA report from the previous year. Overall, scouts were more convinced of his future in football.
With his decision announcement, that's all laid to rest.
We spent an enormous amount of time talking about him, not just because of his variety of athletic abilities, but because of very serious allegations. What would MLB have done with him? And, now in the NFL, amid so much controversy about domestic and sexual violence, how will they approach this?
Young players receive messages not by talk or pink bats and gear, but by real actions and example. MLB has a long history of brushing violence against women aside, while fighting the good fight for breast cancer awareness, as well as doing things for military families and ALs. Domestic and sexual assault hasn't been a major area of concern. And consequences, well, there weren't any really. They're now working on a MLB Domestic Violence Policy. And the NFL, of course, stands on the front line of that, in part as a reaction to save themselves in the Ray Rice domestic abuse fallout.
Winston wasn't just a possible baseball prospect, but a focal point for debate about violence against women, and how athletes are treated. It's fair to say that the allegations changed some people's desire to see him drafted, and that for others it changed nothing. Jump on Twitter and see the kinds of thoughts people have on women and athletes and violence.
Ultimately, Winston's may be out of the baseball discussion, but hopefully his story opened up more debate, and more concern, about the conduct of young players and what responsibility we expect of them.
Pennsylvania Native Brian Brown Ready For College Baseball, Warmer Weather
North Carolina State baseball's pitching staff will include Pennsylvania native Bryan Brown, who has a long list of good reasons to relocate to the area.
Not the least of which is escaping those pesky icy temperatures of the east.
"A big reason I chose NC is for the weather. I'm not a big fan of the cold," Brown said Thursday. "And it's a beautiful state. The coaching staff was great and I wanted to pitch in the ACC."
Choosing a college program that fits all the needs of a baseball player is challenging, with most of them winding up far from home for the first time. Recent history helped him along.
"The process was a little stressful but yes the success helped," he said. "Them going to the World Series means they know how to win."
Brown intends to improve his slide, and said his command is his biggest strength.
One last note: he grew up a Phillies fan, and last night's news that Jimmy Rollins had been traded to the L.A. Dodgers affected him.
"Kinda bummed about it."
You can follow him @bbrownie33
Tampa Bay Rays Andrew Woeck Back at School & Looking Forward to Pitching Professionally in 2015
This is not exactly an off-season for righty pitcher Andrew Woeck, who's working over-time in two areas.
Woeck was taken by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 31st round out of North Carolina State in last year's MLB Draft, but didn't play due to injury and Tommy John surgery. He knew heading into the draft that his entry into professional baseball would be difficult.
"I was told to expected to drop down in the draft [due to injury] and undergoing [surgery] mid-way through last season for NC State, but I was told that I would get a shot with someone even if I didn't get drafted," he said Thursday.
Now more than half a year into recovery, the Rays are taking their time with him. But he showed strong signs of improvement that seemed to give the team, and him, more confidence.
"
[They] had me start throwing at 5 months to see how everything was progressing. I did a months worth of the throwing routine with no problems and then they shut me down till I return to Florida in early January. I'll be there the 4th."
He said that the Rays have discussed their plans for him, which include having him pitching games sometime in June. He'll be shut down after approximately 46 innings.
For now, Woeck is back at NC State, finishing his education. And, of course, he's preparing for a long spring.
"For the past few months I've been back finishing my degree as well as working with my Old training staff. I've been on an everyday strength and conditioning program with them and have been able to get back into better shape last May. I can't compete on the field right now, so I'm competing in the weight room to try to gain any advantage I can."
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.
The Junior outfielder from the University of Florida expected to go in the first five rounds after several conversations with scouts. But when the 5th round concluded and his name wasn’t called, he was concerned.
“I thought ‘Oh sh** this isn’t good’”, he said late Saturday. “I started to slip. So the Rockies guy, who I’d talked a lot with, he called again and asked me if I’d be ok with 7th round for slot money, and I said that sounded perfect.”
Weeks didn’t just talk to a few teams, he talked to every team. He was in contact with every major league team, and the Braves, Mets, and Cubs exhibited strong interest. But the Rockies scout he spoke to expressed how much they liked him, and Colorado emerged as the favorite. The morning of the draft, Weeks was in an emotionally charged state of mind.
“You really do not know how will play out and what it’s like to experience that. Really only the top five guys know what’s going to happen. I don’t have an agent. But all my discussions with scouts was that there was no way I’d be on the board after the 5th round."
He had been there before, having been drafted by the Cubs in the 29th round in 2011. There was confusion and added stress this time, but when the commissioner announced the clock was on for the Rockies in the 7th, Weeks finally knew what was going to happen.
“It worked out perfectly,” he said.
This moment of his life comes after an already outstanding 2014 season, in which he led the nation in average, hitting .430, with 38 RBI and 52 runs scored in 53 games, and is now up for the Gregg Olson Award, which recognizes a breakout player. In 2013 he was one of just two Ospreys that stole double-digit bases (16). He lettered at Clay High School, where he also played football, in his hometown of Green Cove Springs, Florida, and was named First Team All State as a senior.
Weeks credits a lot of this season’s success to the wood bat league he played in last summer. He hit .310, leading the Northwoods League in RBI (67), and positioned himself a student of the game alongside another player.
“I picked the brain of an excellent hitter, John Laprise [University of Virginia]. I studied his habits. Everything was different this year. I applied everything I learned.” {Note: LaPrise received the Rawlings ‘Big Stick’ award at the end of that season]
As his consistency at the plate increased, so too did Weeks understanding of what he was capable of.
“Someone told me I was leading all college players in average, even though I wasn’t paying attention to my numbers. That did give me confidence at the plate. Not to sound cocky, but I just thought if I’m hitting better than anyone, then I can face any pitcher. It just gave me a huge boost. And that definitely helped my draft status.”
In truth, yes, Weeks thought he’d be picked higher. But he took pause to reflect on the situation, giving himself a reality check.
“I stepped back and thought about other guys drafted lower. I thought about how amazing that I’m this kid from a little school in Jacksonville. It’s such a blessing. I’m very happy.”You can follow Drew Weeks on Twitter @drewweeks03
After covering the Hudson Valley Renegades (Class-A, short season) for two seasons, I'm moving on to the Triple-A Durham Bulls. But before I do, here's some thoughts on a few players that were on the New York Penn League Rays affiliate team during that time.
Without a doubt, the 2013 Renegades are the scrappiest team I've ever covered. The roster was full of guys that didn't appear to tire, even down the stretch when the Tri-City Valley Cats started looking like the stronger team. If there's one moment that sums up the approach, it would be during one of their final home games, when outfielder Julian Ridings dove into home plate with the team down a couple runs late in the game. He was willing to fully commit his body to make something happen, hurting himself in the process. Maybe that's not the smartest play, but it's the only play.
In looking ahead to 2014, those guys will be playing together for either Charlotte or Bowling Green. 2013 Renegades MVP Darryl George led the club with Ridings, both creating opportunities in their at-bats, and exhibiting solid defense. His approach and patience at the plate allowed him to make consistent contact throughout the season. He finished 2013 hitting .286, with 65 hits, 23 walks, and a .702 OPS in 61 games. Signed as a non-drafted FA in 2010, the Australian-born George did all he could at that level, taking full advantage of his opportunities. He's earned a spot on the Bowling Green roster to start the season. As for Ridings, skill-set both at the plate and on the field showed a guy coming out of Western Carolina that has the tools to execute. The key for him is channeling his aggressiveness in a consistently productive way.
Starting pitcher Aaron Griffin was the rotation's best arm, with excellent command and the ability to pitch deep, he too finished the season having proven he was ready for the next level. That's no small thing, though it sounds like a throwaway. The first year of pro-ball can be an overwhelming workload, physically and mentally. The main goal is to learn as much as they can in the brief time-frame of short-season. Righty Griffin seemed comfortable fairly early and didn't show signs of tiring. In fact, the Rays 2013 10th round pick looked strongest in August, finishing with a 0.99 ERA through five starts. The walks were the revelation: he allowed just 8 all season. The 6'4" Californian doesn't try to kill 'em all with a fastball, he doesn't have to, and it's not the kind of pitcher he is. He mixes pitches, throwing a sinker and slider for strikes and keeps the ball down in the zone. He won't be for long in Low-A if that's where he winds up to start the season. Read my full report on Griffin for FanGraphs here - http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/the-rays-aaron-griffin-quickly-adapts-to-pro-ball/
In 2012, RHP Taylor Guerrieri did exactly what he needed to in order to succeed in his first professional season. He started off needing to work on command and mound composure, and ended the season a much more polished gem on a team that won the New York Penn League title. He's the best player I saw in those two years, not just for his repertoire, but for his ability to learn and adjust so quickly. He ended 2012 with a 1.04 ERA in 12 starts and fired off 45 strikeouts while walking only 5 batters. That was followed by a full season with Bowling Green, where he went 6-2 with a 2.01 ERA and struck out 51 through 67 innings, earning MiLB.com's honor of 'Top Rays Prospect'. But since then, he's hit some big bumps, including undergoing Tommy John surgery, and then being suspended for a 'banned substance'. Guerrieri is similar to Kyle Drabek in many ways. I'd covered Drabek when he was in the Phillies organization, then with the Blue Jays. I'd never seen any player, before Guerrieri, that exhibited that kind of command and talent, but needed to overcome his disposition. When Drabek was with the Phillies, he was a bit unfocused, with a lot of immaturity. But when he got in the Jays organization, the difference was highly noticeable, very quickly, in both talking to him and on the mound. Guerrieri exhibited the same qualities. He improved with each start, growing as a person and pitcher every time. Both needed to learn how to harness and properly focus their energy and power. It will be interesting to witness what this Rays prospect, so important to the team's future, will do as he faces these challenges and moves to the next level. If all goes well, that arm isn't far from the majors.
See links below for more stories from the 2013 season on the Renegades. And read my Durham Bulls coverage for Minor League Ball starting April 3rd.
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."
It's easy to be an egotistical chest-puffer when you're an athlete.
Who's going to call you on it? Maybe your teammates, maybe your manager, but if you're playing well, or you're highly regarded in the system, you might just be able to get away with it. Even players not so highly regarded have a hard time figuring out how to treat people and follow a respectable path, and you hear about them faltering all the time.
So if no one is going to call them on their BS, there's really only themselves left to the role.
Pitcher Lenny Linsky finally got to that point. But it took a hell of a loss to shake him up and get him on the right track.
"I was told I needed to calm down, to not throw so hard," he said from Rays camp in Port Charlotte Florida. "But I was like 'No, I need to go out and throw harder.' So I did that and gave up a grand slam. After that, I was thinking I was going to blow this ball by [a guy], then I ended up hitting him and getting ejected. I get in the locker room and thought, 'What are you doing?' So I ended up serving a three-game suspension during a four-game series and hit to sit on the bench for most of it. I was super embarrassed. And I just decided to do the opposite of whatever I'd been doing. I literally just told myself, 'I'm not going to try.' So, my first time back pitching, I was pitching really well and asked the guys in the dugout what my velocity was and they just said,'Dude, you were throwing harder than ever.' I stopped huffing and puffing and realized I just had to be a pitcher."
The Tampa Bay Rays drafted Linsky in the second round in 2011 out of the University of Hawaii, and he made his professional debut with the Hudson Valley Renegades of the New York Penn League (Class-A Short-Season)that same year. He logged a career high 39 innings in 2013, finishing 7-5 with a 3.22 ERA, five saves, and 52 strikeouts for the High-A Charlotte Stone Crabs.
Coming off of that momentum, he arrived at Spring Training this year with a singular focus.
"I want to show I've matured. My goal is to be the hardest working pitcher in camp. I can't control the uncontrollables. So I'm controlling what I can, which is how hard I work," he said.
Linsky, a native of Rancho Palos Verdes California was attending college in Hawaii when his awareness of the world around him and being a more spiritually connected person began developing. That development took time, but he considers each experience just part of his overall journey.
"Those struggles were good for me. I'm more committed, motivated and focused," he said.
For any player, Spring Training is a non-stop push to build up strength and prepare for the season ahead.
"You have to get used to being on your feet constantly. Each days gets better. I need those naps. Naps are common for guys during Spring Training! But then, you know, we get to wake up and play baseball. We wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Linsky's road through baseball has been one of turning more and more inward, particularly after struggling physically and mentally through 2012. He had to reassess in order to grow.
"I wasn't the same pitcher when I came back. I didn't really feel different until the last few months of last season. I learned it doesn't matter how loud you are on the mound."
The downward spiral that led to his turnaround was simply part of the process. He doesn't hold back when he recalls the guy that he used to be.
"I thought I was the coolest. I was so egotistical and selfish. I finally stepped out of self. I just thought 'How can you be like this?' I came from a great family, went to a great school, and now I get to play baseball. I felt like an a-hole. I just decided I wanted to be a better person and help others. I want to be the guy that inspires my teammates when they're down. I removed ego from my mind."
Don't get the righty reliever wrong. He's still going to pitch with the same fire and intensity. The issue was learning how to channel that energy.
"When I'm on the mound, I feel like a warrior. We can all learn from our mistakes and learn from each other."
As Spring Training heats up with games beginning shortly, Linsky is determined to be this more clear-minded, stronger person in every aspect of his life, and, of course, when he's in the game.
"I just really want to apply those principles and be conscious. It's easy to revert to old habits. I don't want to forget the experience. I want to compete and have fun and get after it, but my baseball goals are bigger than me now. I want to share my lessons and be a good teammate too."
He turned 24 earlier this week, and he celebrated with the knowledge that this new year, this new baseball season, begins with more opportunities and a deep sense of purpose.
"I've kind of found myself as a pitcher and as a person."
You can follow him on Twitter @alohalinsky34.
For more of my Rays minor league coverage read links below and check out 'Hitting The Bull' this season on Minor League Ball. I'll cover the Durham Bulls in a weekly feature there.
1. Don't Be A Fan - If you began a fan, you can't continue as one. Don't mistake what that means. In your heart, you can be a fan, and if you aren't something's wrong! Loving the sport you cover, and the stories that unfold, isn't a requirement, but I can't imagine not feeling that way and doing this with my life. And you can be a rabid, foaming fan in your living room or attending a game as a spectator. What I mean by don't be a fan comes down to ethics. You're a professional now, or, if you don't get paid, you've got a responsibility if you've been granted access. Minor league teams tend to be more open to non-accredited blogs, even ones that lean toward fandom. Don't take advantage of that. Conduct yourself as every reporter does in the press box. You don't cheer and you don't seek autographs when you enter the locker room. Even if you have a day job, this is a profession. Respect it.
2. Build Connections- You are your own advocate as a reporter. We chase our contacts, establish trust, and find ways of getting exclusive information. In the minor leagues, this works the same, but if you're an independent blogger, the development of those relationships is even more important. Twitter and Facebook can open those channels even more, but also just increase visibility and familiarity. If a player sees you at the park, covering the game, then you retweet something he's said or tweet/post his numbers from that night, attach his handle. They want to know who they're dealing with. And if they happen to like dealing with you, then they're going to be more open in interviews. If they follow you, you can privately contact them via DM to ask to set up an interview. This helps especially during the off-season. You're creating exclusivity by doing that. And in the digital age, that's gotten tougher to have. A bit of advice: going back to that 'don't be a fan' thing, don't over-socialize with them on Twitter or say something overly-gushy. I avoid birthday wishes, for example. If I know them, maybe I'll send a DM. If not, it doesn't occur to me to do that. If you're tweeting directly to them, keep it fairly cool. No law against fun or friendliness, so don't over-think this one. Just be mindful.
3. Keep Lists - If you're covering the minor leagues, you become aware of how many players are on Twitter. And new players are joining the social media giant everyday. Plus, after the MLB Draft college players quickly change their bio to identify themselves with the team that drafted them. So their presence is always changing and growing. I began a MiLB list a couple of years ago and it grew to 700 accounts, so I added a second which grew to 300. I have a third, which includes around 500 accounts, each one includes players (mostly), teams official accounts, independent team blogs, PR, and beat writers. This is far easier for me to keep track of interesting information, breaking news, and familiarizing with players. This also helps with my annual 'MiLB Twitter Twenty', so if you do any sort of end-of-season awards or best-of list, consider organizing lists centered on that subject.
4. Pay Attention To High School/College Players- Preps are your preparation. Being aware of high school, and college, players on the radar can only enhance your work. When the Draft comes around, if you have a good grasp of a player's progression before he goes professional, that allows you to talk shop with authority. Bonus if you can get to showcases, something I've not managed to do in my career. With so much information available, reading as many reports as you can is a huge asset. Also, connecting with players in high school and college on Twitter can create professional trust, as they begin their careers. I've had almost entirely great experiences with that. The 2013 Draft was a lesson for me, though. Two players that drafted in the first ten rounds had been friendly and open when I covered them throughout their high school/college days. I interviewed them and they were great to me. I consistently mentioned them on 'Follow Friday.' After being drafted, the script changed. One began calling me 'Ms. Quiroli' the week before the draft...he'd never called me that before. He became distinctly cold. He unfollowed me pretty fast. The other was great in giving me a post-draft interview, but quickly unfollowed me thereafter. The guy who called me 'Ms. Quiroli' basked in the national media spotlight and clearly had his course of action set: I was no longer useful. While this wasn't a fun realization, it's only a small part of my experience. Most of the time that early connecting is meaningful; most players don't lose that appreciation and humility from their early days, and generally respect everyone in the media. Try not take too much personally. There's plenty of stories to tell and your focus on high school/college players is important to your ability to tell that story later, if and when they go pro. Also, make sure to follow some college and high school accounts and reporters. If you're focusing on a specific region, know who the college and high school sports writers are. Read their information, and seek your own.
5. Develop Your Niche- In a market increasingly saturated with blogs and opinions, you need to find what you do and know best. If you're just trying to gain experience, covering any minor league team in your area is a great way to develop your skills, professionalism, and collect clips you can present to editors. Having a blog dedicated to one team (Mike Ashmore's 'Thunder Thoughts' is an excellent example), whether you work for a newspaper or publication, or you have an independent blog, fans of the team's parent club are going to read your thoughts. If you have access, even better. Access is key. While the saturation is mostly a good thing for the minor leagues, players are increasingly easier to 'get to' via social media. Having access has always been important to reporters and is far more important today, when they're are a lot of fans creating pathways to players. Reach out to the PR person of a team and see what their thoughts are, and what they expect of you. If they say they're willing to grant you access for a few games, take it. Send a thank you note (e-mail, obviously, not by a man on a horse known as the mail). When you're first in the locker room, follow the lead of the vets. When I first began covering the Thunder, I appreciated the helping hand. Around the third season, a young writer came in hotshotting. I was asked to keep an eye on him and another writer, and offer any guidance I could. But this guy gave me evil eye every time I offered help or asked him how he was faring. He wanted to be a vet before he'd put the time in. Don't do this. Be humble and respect the process, as well as anyone offering to help you, because not everyone will. Understand that valuing the other writers and employees around you creates a positive atmosphere, and in turn, a positive relationship with the team. If the PR person asked me about that writer, I wouldn't have had anything positive to say and that doesn't help someone who, in that case, wasn't working for a newspaper the team relied on, but a website. Bad move on his part. So respect EVERYONE. And respect the team's responsibility to the parent club. Minor league affiliates want to generate more publicity for their team, especially positive attention, but you're also showcasing your worth. Be professional and respectful. Ask questions. Figure some things out on your own. Focusing on one team or league allows you to be an authority on one subject and you want a unique voice in a crowd of thousands of writers, reporters, and bloggers.
Whatever your focus, have one. And do the work to the best of your ability. That's all you have control over. Hopefully these tips help you.
After the 2013 season, Travis Shaw just had to get away from baseball.
The first baseman needed a break, to clear the way for a new start. It didn't take long.
Soon, he realized that the Red Sox still had his back. They sent him to Arizona Fall League, where the competition is solid. You're there because the big club has a lot of faith in you. It was there that he dusted off from the fall and found himself again. His fall league success and how he felt restored his confidence further. Winter brought more reassurance, when he was given a big league invite, making him one of eight the Red Sox extended one to.
Shaw not only got all the boost he needed to continue forward, he'd gained something from the experience. He remembered who he was and how to not loose sight of that.
"My approach has always been to hit the ball the other way. My power numbers were down, so I got pull happy," Shaw said Thursday. "I became a very pitchable hitter."
The Sox selected him in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Kent State, assigning him to the Class-A short season New York Penn League. He played in 57 games, hitting .262 with 37 RBI, 8 home runs, 14 doubles, and 35 walks. He split 2012 between the Carolina and Eastern Leagues, with a combined 133 hits, 44 doubles, and 85 RBI in 130 games. He was the Carolina League All-Star Game MVP, and finished the season named an MiLB.com Organizational All Star. He was also ranked eighth on MLB.com's Top 10 First Baseman Prospects list.
To further understand the Red Sox commitment to Shaw, it's important to note that they drafted him twice. Shaw was Boston's 32nd round pick in 2008, but he opted to attend college and not sign.
"I felt I was physically and mentally ready, but I thought if I went to college and did well, I could be drafted in a higher round. I wanted to have another opportunity. And I was fortunate that the Red Sox drafted me again."
While he seemed to cruise successfully through his first two seasons of pro ball, he found himself facing opponents he wasn't quite ready for in his first full season of Double-A competition.
"The pitching is more consistent. They'll do things in 2-0 3-1 counts that you won't see at the lower levels. You know what to look for there."
The difficult experience brought him back to basics, though. He simplified when he headed to Arizona, returning to the fundamentals.
"The early success there helped me remain calm. That helped me relax. It was big for me [for the Red Sox to send me] there. It helped me prove myself. They were still willing to give me plenty of chances to prove that [2013] wasn't who I was."
Shaw call his father, Jeff, a former major league pitcher from 1990-2001, his "mentor", and says that having him in his corner has impact when he's struggling.
"He's been there. So he guides my path to success, because he understands everything I'm going through. If I can mold myself into the kind of player he was, I'll have a lot of success."
With renewed confidence and a chance to show the big club more of what he's made of, he looks ahead to Spring Training with a fire inside.
"My mindset is to make the most of this opportunity. I hope to not go back to Portland. I went to Arizona to get that invite. And now, I want to maybe push [the Red Sox] hand, to give me a chance to at starting the season in Triple-A."
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