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Featured Post: Interview with Catcher Tomas Nido

By Michael Mayer

May 15, 2016 2 Comments

Photo by Ed Delany

Photo by Ed Delany

The St. Lucie Mets everyday catcher Tomas Nido got off to a hot start in 2016, hitting .313/.338/.403 in April and hit safely in 10 of 11 games to start the season. He has gone from a guy that had his defense questioned when he was drafted to someone that gets high praise from pitchers for his ability to call a game.

Nido was selected by the Mets in the 8th round of the 2012 out of Orangewood Christian High School on Florida. The Puerto Rican born backstop was profiled as a plus power guy when he was drafted and set a career high in homers (six) and slugging (.372) in 2015.

The 22-year old has also improved his throwing, going from getting 25% of would-be base stealers last year to 43% this season. He has gone with a more contact oriented approach at the plate in 2016 lowering his K-rate from 25.7% last season to a measly 11.5% in 104 plate appearances in 2015.

Nido is currently riding a seven-game hit streak and is slashing .317/.343/.446 with ten doubles, 12 RBI and only 12 strikeouts in 27 games.

MMN – First off want to thank you for taking the time to answer some questions and congratulate you on a good start to the season. What would you attribute your good start to 2016 with the bat to?

Tomas – Thank you. This spring training I worked on not trying to be over aggressive and looking for my pitch early on and so far I’ve been getting my pitch and I’ve been able to put good swings.

MMN – Are you worried that approach may hurt your power output?

Tomas – Not at all. I have had several at bats where the wind doesn’t help but the power is still there I’m just trying to be more consistent.

MMN – You have the reputation as a guy pitchers want to throw too, is that something you pride yourself on and what do you do to help pitchers get ready on gameday?

Tomas – That’s a very important thing for me. I want to make sure they trust me and feel comfortable throwing to me. On gameday I make sure to go over the other teams line up so we have a game plan on how we need to pitch to certain guys.

MMN – What has it been like to work with a major league arm like Josh Edgin, how has he looked so far?

Tomas – It has been awesome! He’s a great guy. He has looked great. I have actually been able to catch most of his bullpens since he started throwing again so it’s pretty cool to see him back in games.

MMN – Does it help the pitchers relax at all knowing they have an amazing double play duo of Rosario and Guillorme behind them?

Tomas – Oh yes I’m sure. You really can’t ask for a better duo up the middle like that.

MMN – Reliever Kevin McGowan has never been a strikeout guy before this year, what has changed for him out of the pen and what has he done to impress you?

Tomas – He’s been able to throw his secondary pitches for strike. When he gets ahead is difficult to lay off those pitches as a hitter and of course he throws heat.

MMN – What do you think you need to improve on personally to take the next step in the process of getting to the majors?

Tomas – I think I need to keep working on my approach as well as my game calling. There is always little things to fix that can take you to the next level and there is always room for improvement. I try to consistently get better at both hitting and catching as I keep learning everyday from other players and coaches.

MMN – Has playing with St. Lucie been extra special this year being not that far away from where you went to High School? Has your family gotten a chance to come see you play this year?

Tomas – It’s been awesome! Obviously my home is Puerto Rico but it is definitely nice to be in Florida where I went to high school and i have friends and family members who live close by. Yes my mom is here right now!

MMN – That is awesome! Glad she gets to watch you play. Thanks again and continued good luck this season.

Tomas – Thank you and no problem.

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