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Nationals Pitching Prospect Danny Rosenbaum Off To Excellent Start
The Harrisburg Senators Metro Bank Park has been a storied spot the past few years with top prospects Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper on the roster at different times.
But while the 2012 team is without such hyped names, the roster is full of some of the system’s top talent.
LHP Danny Rosenbaum has solidly begun the season, putting together a 2-0 record with a 1.25 ERA in 21 innings. He hasn’t walked a batter yet. Baseball America ranks him 23rd in the Nationals system.
The Senators visited Trenton to play the Thunder last weekend. Here’s what Rosenbaum had to say, as well as manager Matt LeCroy.
LECROY:
“He’s been outstanding. I think it’s the best I’ve seen Danny and I’ve had him for two years. He’s commanding the baseball. He’s throwing his off-speed for strikes. “
On Improvements: “To me, fastball command. Last year his fastball command wasn’t as good as it was in the past. His changeup’s actually really improved. He’s just been able to mix it up. And he’s been going deep in ballgames.”
On Pitching to Contact: “It helps when you have good defense behind you. And he’s able to allow contact and trust that they’ll make the plays.”
“Another thing I think he’s done better is he’s actually competing. His composure on the mound has really been outstanding. I see more fight in him than I have in the past.”
ROSENBAUM:
“It’s about my mentality. I’m trying to build on last year. My fielders have been great, so I feel comfortable enough letting hitters make contact.”
On Relationship with Catchers: “I’ve been in good sync with my catchers. I haven’t had to shake a lot of pitches off. They’ve caught some good games and I have a lot of confidence in them. And I know they’re going to make the right calls. They have to know your repertoire. And they’ve done a great job. That goes a long way.”
On Transition from Class-A to Double-A: “It wasn’t really a difficult transition. Every time you get moved up they just keep telling you to do the same thing you’ve been doing. The thing is, with this level, you’re that much closer to the big leagues. A lot of guys get called up from here. So these guys are a lot smarter and they’ve been around awhile. They’re a lot more consistent. It’s just a matter of learning. And we have some veteran guys on the team that I get to learn from.”
On Senators Relievers: “I have a lot of trust in this bullpen that if I get pulled in an inning, they’re going to shut the door for me.”
