Brooklyn - It’s one thing to hear the constructive criticism from those around you. It’s another to apply the advice. Rays 2011 first-round pick Taylor Guerrieri is already getting the hang of that in pro ball.
It was pointed out that he needed to keep his shoulder straight and he quickly corrected the mechanical issue. His emotional temperature on the mound has needed checking and cooling. He might not have loved having that one pointed out, but he didn’t back down from the challenge
When Hudson Valley Renegades catcher Jake DePew stepped into the interview and was asked what Guerrieri needed to work on, he paused, then said, “His maturity.”
“Aww, come on, man,' Guerrieri responded. 'Really?'’
But when the nineteen-year-old righty from South Carolina was asked if there's truth to that he actually displays a lot of maturity.
“Yeah. Yeah, when I don't perform like I expect myself to it's frustrating. It happens. It's part of the game, so, I"m still learning how to deal with that.”
Selected by the Rays out of Spring Valley High School, Guerrieri has put up some impressive numbers in his 20 innings of work for the New York Penn League Renegades. He has a 0.90 ERA, with only 2 walks allowed and just two earned runs on 12 hits. He’s struck out nineteen batters.
The difficulties might not seem evident based on those results, but there’s been some bumps in the physical day-to-day realm.
“Just the throwing everyday. Coming out of high school it's definitely an adjustment. The transition is getting easier.”
In that transition, he’s sharpening the raw talent that made put him in the top slot of last year's draft. Throwing strikes early in the count, that basic part of pitching successfully, has come fairly easy for him.
“First pitch strikes have helped me a lot. First pitch strike, staying ahead of the batter, that's the key to not walking guys.”
DePew was straightforward about what his battery mate needs to improve, but he also highlighted where he excels and how.
“He's got really good stuff, throws a lot of strikes, he's got good movement on his fastball.
He's got the stuff to do it, he just has to keep working."
When the frustration creeps up, Guerrieri follows some earthy advice.
."We've got a pitching coordinator that says, 'Breathe on a pebble.' Pick out a pebble and just [exhales]. Just take one pitch at a time."
The road ahead involves improving more complicated basics.
"Command is always a big part of it for me. And my changeup too. I'm working towards that and it's getting better everyday.”
Coverage of the NYPL will continue for Baseball Digest/Going Nine and Bus Leagues Baseball. Read my continuing coverage of the Staten Island Yankees and Brooklyn Cyclones at Gotham Baseball Magazine.
