YOUNG JAYS PITCHER TOO FOCUSED ON RADAR GUN
Pearson’s mechanics ‘kind of fall apart’ when he overthrows, pitching coach says
It’s more of a caution than a criticism when Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker talks about the uneven early start to young stud starting pitcher Nate Pearson’s big-league career.
It’s one thing to be a guy who dazzles by lighting up the radar gun with his blistering fastball and becomes a budding legend because of it, but it’s quite another to translate such raw power into success in the major leagues.
Pearson certainly showed us much in his most recent start, a ragged 2.1-inning outing here at Sahlen Field on Wednesday night, one in which he left with the bases loaded and seven already scored.
So, as the 6-foot-6, 240-pound Big Nate works to find comfort and avoid anxiousness when things go off kilter, Walker has imparted what he hopes will be some calming advice.
“I don’t want him pitching for the radar gun because then he comes out of his delivery and his mechanics kind of fall apart a little because he overthrows,” Walker said candidly in an interview with Postmedia. “It’s typical of this day and age. For him especially, there’s been so much talk of the velocity that it’s been a big thing.”
It’s understandable, as well. Pearson is well aware of the allure of the triple-digit fastball and openly admits he likes seeing it when the scoreboard flashes 100 miles per hour. Whether you are a fan, pitcher or hitter, it’s hard not to be intoxicated by such raw power.
When the heater is locating, that’s fine. But when it starts to veer, Pearson has struggled to get on track. Walker believes it’s in part due to anxiousness as the 23-year-old looks to establish himself as the major league star he has long been projected to be. And when that anxiousness morphs into the physical, there have been problems.
“I don’t care who you are and how you get to the major leagues, I think there’s always an anxiety and nervousness,” Walker said. “Even though you know you can compete inside you still have some reservations and you need to get out there and experience it.”
Wednesday’s third career start provided a perfect example of Walker’s point. His first five pitches were the good, powerful Nate. He retired the first two Marlins hitters on just five pitches and served up a couple 99-mile-per hour fastballs in the process
But when he walked the third Marlin to come to the plate, things started to unravel. And when the location became an issue, the velocity of his fastball once again became erratic.
“I was just trying to throw strikes with the heater and unfortunately I wasn’t able to,” Pearson said afterwards. “I couldn’t really find anything. It has been a struggle for me, that first inning so far in my career in the bigs, getting that first inning out of the way.”
When similar struggles emerged at points in Pearson’s first two starts, Walker sensed some of that anxiousness in the young pitcher, a nervousness that has affected his performance. At the first hint of adversity, Pearson has appeared flustered, a possible explanation for some dramatic swings in his fastball velocity and some battling to find the strike zone.
“Sometimes being just a little bit tight, when you get really worked up and anxious almost it can definitely affect you physically and then you’ve got to reach back for more,” Walker said. “I think we have examples of him over-throwing at times. That’s just the body reading to the situation. The more he pitches the easier it’s going to be.”
While understandable given that Pearson’s run was forged on it, Walker believes that being a slave to radar can be a hindrance. To that end, Walker has gently counselled Pearson to pay less attention to what the numbers flash and more on technique.
“He’s not just a power pitcher. He’s not all about velocity. There’s a lot of pitchability with all that power.”
Walker has no doubt that success will come, but nights like Wednesday were still excruciating for both pitcher and coach. Taking
I don’t care who you are and how you get to the major leagues, I think there’s always an anxiety and nervousness.
a close look at the Jays dugout, there was certainly an uneasiness given how much hope is associated with the young phenom.
“He’s like any young kid and he’s going to go through some growing pains,” Walker said.
“But his stuff is still electric and I think you’ll see more consistency as he gets more comfortable.
“I just want him to stay within himself, trust his stuff — which he does — and get back to pounding the strike zone.”
There’s plenty to relish about Pearson, both as a competitor and as a talent, a point Walker is quick to stress. But the way he took ownership of his off outing may be even more impressive, speaking as it does to the maturity and drive of a kid who knows his stuff is significantly better than he has shown thus far with the Jays.
“I solely take the loss,” Pearson said. “I didn’t set the momentum. I didn’t put us in the best position to succeed. I know what I’m capable of and I know I can do a lot better. (Wednesday) I was terrible. I expect a lot better of myself.”