Pearson has plan for future success with Jays
VANCOUVER As endorsements of Nate Pearson’s talent go, the 102-mile-perhour fastball he throws is as hard for scouts to miss as it is for opposing batters to hit.
But when it comes to the hotshot Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect, Casey Candaele looks well beyond the sizzling heat.
After managing Pearson in Dunedin last season, Candaele saw much more than a hard-throwing youngster blowing his signature pitch past hapless batters, something the 22-year-old will inflict on triple-a hitters beginning this week.
“Nate is one who has high expectations of himself,” said Candaele, who now manages the Vancouver Canadians.
“He has a plan as to what he wants to be, where he wants to go, and he doesn’t deviate from it. The work that he does, he’s dedicated to his craft. He wants to get better.
“With that kind of drive, and that kind of passion and determination to fulfil the dream he wants to fulfil, it’s a huge plus.”
As an important cog in the Blue Jays’ player development machine, Candaele was very happy to see Pearson promoted from double-a New Hampshire to triple-a Buffalo this week.
The veteran baseball man doesn’t want to go down the “can’t-miss” path when discussing the Jays’ 2017 first rounder, but he’s seen plenty already to suggest the excitement is real.
Candaele saw the kid break a bone in his arm in his first start in Dunedin last year and barely flinch before getting back to work.
And he’s seen a mature prospect worthy of being a role model for other pitchers in the Jays’ system.
“If you sit down and talk to him, he’s more than willing to talk to you about what he’s about,” Candaele said.
“That’s good for our young pitchers who are trying to find a routine and somebody to pattern themselves after.
“To see someone who dedicates himself to his craft and wants to get better and to see success come from that, it’s great.
“Looking at Nate and kind of knowing what’s inside, he’s got a lot of talent, too, and it’s not just knowing he can throw 102 miles per hour.
“It’s knowing, as well, that he’s got to get better and that he’s willing to do all the things to get him where he needs to be.”