This week I was able to quickly interview Springfield Cardinals RHP Seth Maness and ask a few questions to the Cardinals farmhand. My questions and his answers after the jump. Thanks to Seth for answering my questions!
Future Redbirds: Can you tell us a little about your repertoire? What pitches do you throw? Which is your best pitch?
Seth Maness: I throw a sinker, slider, curve, and change. Not many 4 seam fastballs, just stick with the sinker in and out. I would probably say my fastball command would be my best pitch. Trying to move it in and out and force weak contact.
FR: What is your routine on the days you are pitching?
SM: Pitching days are pretty simple. Get to the field a little later, play some cards, watch some T.V then go out and get ready. Nothing special and not really any quirks that I know of.
FR: You have had a borderline insane walk rate through your professional career. How do you basically eliminate the walk? How do you control your pitches to that level? Have you learned that skill or is it something you have always been able to do?
SM: Somehow I was blessed with pretty good command and the ability to throw pitches for strikes. I try to throw to the thirds of the plate and try to avoid the middle portion with my pitches. I think just keeping a simple delivery and trying to repeat that helps keep the pitches right around the plate. As far back as I can remember Ive always been around the plate. I know my dad was big on me not walking people when I was growing up. He told me he would rather see me get hit around than walk people.
FR: You’ve pitched at both High A Palm Beach and Double A Springfield this season. Did you experience a huge difference in the level of competition or pitching environment between the leagues?
SM: The hitters are better disciplined at the plate and make you pay for the mistakes a little more at the Double A level. Other than that there is really not a real big difference. The game is still the same, you still have to make pitches and get people out.
FR: Have you had a teammate in the minors with the Cardinals so far that you know is going to be a star in the major leagues?
SM: Im sure there are going to be several, but the two that stand out are Oscar Taveras and Kolten Wong. The approach, and quality at bats that these two put together day after day is incredible.
FR: Which player did you grow up looking up to?
SM: Being form NC the Braves were always on TBS so I grew up loving their pitching staff. Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux just to name a few.
FR: Which pitcher do you mold your game after?
SM: I like to model my game after a Maddux or a control guy. I dont have overpowering stuff but I enjoy competing batter to batter.
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Seems like a smart kid with a high Baseball IQ. He is def a control pitcher with an insane walk rate.
Thanks for the interview, Jeff (and Seth).
Yes, he’s 23 and not a classic hardthrower. Nevertheless, to be thriving in AA during his first full professional season is *quite* the achievement. I loved what Seth said about working the inner and outer thirds exclusively. Not painting the black…but not counterproductively “challenging hitters” unnecessarily with offerings in the middle third, either. Location, location, location. ;)
Best of luck, Seth!
He may be my new favorite prospect
Seth must be untouchable in terms of trades.
If the Phillie offer Hamels for Maness, just say no, Mo.
Are you crazy? Mo does that one laughing all the way to the bank. Reluctance to trade pitching prospects should not extend to refusal to take Philadelphia to the cleaners.
It is, of course, true, but I’d hate to part with Maness. I really think the guy will be in our rotation if we don’t let him go. I know that’s a minority opinion, but, his control is unique and I think his pitching IQ is as well.
The guy is so consistently good. Mo doesn’t have my permission to trade him.
BDW Jr… ;o)
I would consider it a blessing if Maness becomes a 3. Swapping him for a legit ace even for half of a season is a no brainer.
i didn’t realize he had a 4-pitch repertoire. the more he keeps this act up, the more interested i get.
I asked Alex Eisenberg about Maness and his comments were guarded. He loves Maness’ control and that he forces hitters to hit off balance, but hates his 15% K rate. I honestly think that part of that K rate is always being around the strike zone. He doesn’t waste pitches. But, who can argue with his whip or his BB/K ratio?
I really like the kid and am looking forward to his opening more eyes.
Thanks for the interview Jeff.
OT: jenifer langosch reports Heyer signed for the slot amount of $165,100.