The mighty Midland Rockhounds have returned to Hodgetown. This was the first week as a Soddie that I was not on a bus on Sunday night or Monday during the off. It was nice relaxing and having a get together with the guys away from the field. The grill wasn’t cooperating as it was supposed to but we had a good time.
I was ready to rock on Tuesday based off of how last week went throwing three times. I like the frequency of throwing when I am throwing well, who wouldn’t? It was also a good test for my arm and body to see how I would respond to an increased work load. This was the most I’ve thrown in a week since the days of Fargo.
I did not know the behind the scenes gears were already in motion and my days in Amarillo were limited. In a good way. No worries.
The action started Wednesday and I didn’t throw in that game either. During the game I was protecting the catcher while the pitcher warmed up and had a conversation with the manager. He made a comment about the team wanting to throw me but they heard I was scared. It caught me off guard and I wasn’t sure what he was trying to get at. I told him that I watch the game, and when my name is called I check in. That was that and the game continued.
The game ended and afterwards as I was cleaning up I was told to come into the coaches office. In my time as a player everyone knows what being called into the coaches office means. One of two things. Going up. Or going down. I tried to cover up my anxiousness but I had no idea what they were planning. I had been throwing well, in a limited sample size, but you never want to play GM and guess what the organization is thinking.
When I walked in it was my manager and pitching coach. He told me he didn’t appreciate that I wasn’t checked in all the time and that doesn’t want players like that on his team. Which is why I have to go to Reno and be part of their team.
I wasn’t sure what my face looked like when he told me I’m sure it was relief based on the way the conversation was going. I was happy and I thanked him and said I’m glad that we were getting to know each other but now I’m leaving. It was already 10:45pm or so at this point and my flight was leaving at 8:15 am for Dallas, then on to Reno. In typical baseball fashion my dad was flying in Thursday for Father’s Day so his flight was also diverting course to Reno from Dallas.
The day of travel got off to a bad start. My flight from Amarillo was delayed three hours which meant I would miss my connection to Reno and the next flight was at 7:00 pm meaning I would miss most of the game. My first impression was me missing a flight and arriving mid game instead of being ready to rock in Reno. The good news is that is all out of my control and the Dallas airport isn’t so bad especially with my dad being there to help pass the time.
I arrived in the later innings of the game and I had an opportunity to get the lay of the land and meet the coaching staff. Friday would be my first official day in AAA and I had that feeling they would throw me right into the mix. The opportunity came in the seventh inning of a 4-1 game that we were winning. I had told my catcher pregame what my tendencies were and what I like, but this was the first time he had seen me throw a baseball. Always fun.
I got off to a good start getting a groundout from the first hitter. I was officially in the books. I was reminding myself this is the new Mitchell that comes in hot on his first day. Not the Mitchell who has had hiccups on his debuts in the past. All things considered I did fine, one bad pitch for a home run, but home runs are no strangers here in the PCL. In the series before this between Reno and Vegas there were 31 home runs hit.
The most important factor is I left the game with a lead and we won. In AAA the National League teams have their pitchers hit when they play, and I was told I was going back out for another inning of work. My spot in the lineup came up which meant that I was being pinch hit for and my debut was finished. I’ll take it. Officially in the book.
The series continued on and I warmed up the next day but did not get in the game, and I warmed up on Monday but did not get in the game. I pitched again on Tuesday and it did not go as well as I had hoped. I wasn’t executing my fastball as well, and when they put the ball in play they found the soft spot of the defense. My fellow bullpen mate Mella picked me up and left some runners on base or it would have been much worse.
When I am out there and things aren’t going as well as I’d like I remind myself that my stuff is good enough to get out of any jam. I’ve shown it before this year in Amarillo and now I finally had a hiccup where the runners cross home. What I have heard about the coaching staff here is that if they trust you to get it done they will throw you. I was also told by the staff that all I need to do is pitch when my name is called. I can do that. It isn’t about effort or anything like that anymore it is about getting results because everyone here is one call away from the league or trying to get back to the league. The name of the game is winning.
A positive was that my dad was in town for Fathers Day and we got to have a catch on the field with all the fans. I’m not sure if the fans realized that I was a player, if my get up of all Diamondbacks apparel was noticed or maybe they thought I was a super fan. Either way I’m glad I got to experience a good ole fashion game of catch.
After Tuesday’s day game that wasn’t ideal, I thought when in Reno it is time to gamble. In the past when I have done bad on the field, the casino has picked me up. Not this time. In this league the off day is Wednesday instead of Monday which meant I would have a good few days to calibrate and really soak in what is happening.
What I noticed so far in my two months here is that this organization is the first to give me a chance at AAA. I thank them for that. I will do my best to get the job done when my name is called. I also am proud of my body and thankful for the offseason I put in with my coaches back in Illinois. It was a long offseason but I am healthy. I am healthy without the buildup of spring training or any proper on ramp to pitching in games. I have my health and my opportunity and I can’t ask for anything else at this point. Now it is up to me to earn my place in Reno and become a trusted bullpen member.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the Amarillo guys. I was just starting to open up a bit more and be social with them. The good news is a few of the bullpen guys here are from Amarillo and the reinforcements give me a good group to talk with during the game.
The next step is a two week road trip to Sacramento and Tacoma. I have never been to California or to Washington state so this is all new to me. That’s a perk of playing ball, getting to see the inside of a hotel room in multiple new places. I’m sure I’ll venture out at some point and see what each city is all about. My seven year signing anniversary is coming up on June 28. Who would have thought I’d be in Sacramento to celebrate. I’m playing with house money as they would say in Reno and at this point the chips are all in. Okay that was cheesy but the point stands. It is almost July which before I know it the season will be winding down.
Thank you to everyone who has been following I appreciate it and I will be updating from the West Coast for the next two weeks.
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