The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Longo continuing to hit with Lynchburg
Mayfield graduate Mitch Longo is hitting .305 with the advanced Single-A Hillcats, good for fifth in the Carolina league. He discussed his progression in the Indians’ system with Nate Barnes.
Nearly two years to the date the Indians drafted Mitch Longo in the 14th round of the MLB Draft June 11, 2016, the Mayfield graduate’s continued to do what he has done his whole life — hit.
Two years of pro ball have benefited Longo’s development.
“Getting into a routine every day has definitely helped refining your tools,” Longo said. “Whether it’s hitting and defending and running the bases, getting into good habits definitely help you stay the course throughout a season.”
Through 45 games at High Single-A Lynchburg, Longo’s hitting among the best in the Carolina League. Through games June 5, Longo’s .304 batting average ranked fifth in the league.
Longo’s 55 hits are tied for eighth-most, and his 11 doubles rank in a tie for 14th. The 23-year-old outfielder’s .304 average out of the leadoff spot is the best for the 26-26 Hillcats.
After he hit .125 in his first six games of 2018, Longo embarked on an 18game hitting streak that peaked his average at .322.
The streak ended in a game Longo recorded one official at-bat. After he struck out and hit a sacrifice fly against Myrtle Beach May 6, Longo was hit by a pitch and removed from the game.
Longo has stayed hot by relying on the preparation methods he has learned in the past two years.
“Trusting that that’s good enough instead of second-guessing going into the game is kind of the biggest thing for me right now,” Longo said. “Just kind of continuing to stay the course and trusting the work I’m putting in is good enough, the rest will take care of itself.”
Longo’s ability to maintain, and improve, his numbers from level to level is a positive sign to the Indians front office. He cracked MLB.com’s list of top prospects in the farm system, currently ranked No. 27 among Indians’ minorleaguers.
At Lynchburg, he has struck out at a higher rate and walked in fewer plate appearances. The phenomena are not uncommon in a minor-leaguer’s progression and the caliber of hitter Longo has proven himself to be indicates those peripherals will improve.
Due to the current trend of the major-league teams favoring power swings, there’s a reasonable expectation for a boost to Longo’s power numbers at higher levels. The 6-foot, 185-pounder has hit seven home runs in 598 minorleague plate appearances.
As Longo continues his ascent through the Indians’ farm system, the 2018 season is the first full year he has not played in Ohio. After he graduated from Mayfield, Longo attended Ohio University. When he was drafted, he was assigned to short-season Mahoning Valley, then lived at home during his stint at Low Single-A Lake County last year.
“It’s definitely harder to be away from my family, especially when I’ve played close to home my whole life,” said Longo. “Or at home, for that matter.”
A return home for Longo, barring an unlikely demotion, would mean he will next play home games in Ohio at Double-A Akron. If Longo had things his way, he would probably be there already but knows better than to expend mental energy trying to play general manager.
Until he advances, he will just keep hitting.
“That’s not anything I can control,” Longo said. “I’m just kind of focused on doing what I can down here.”