The Mets selected left-handed pitcher P.J. Conlon out of the University of San Diego in the 13th round this year. His pro debut for the Brooklyn Cyclones could not have gone any better as he pitched 17 innings of relief without giving up an earned run.

During his last outing of the season he gave up his first two unearned runs as a professional. He also allowed multiple baserunners for the first time in that outing. Overall in his 17 relief innings he allowed just eight hits and two walks while striking out 25 batters.

Mike: First off congrats on a spectacular first pro season with the Mets. Once the season got past the first couple of games, were you aware of the fact that you still had not given up a run yet in your career?

P.J: Thank you I really appreciate that. And I mean it was tough not to notice the fact that I hadn’t given up a run yet and at that time neither had Corey Taylor so him and I started to make it a bit of a competition to see how long we both could go.

Mike: How did you find out that the Mets were going to draft you?

P.J: I had a feeling in the couple of days leading up to the draft that the Mets were the most interested in me based on the talks that I had with them and the plans they said they had for me in the future .I was talking to them a lot on day 2 of the draft so when that passed I had a feeling they might take me relatively early on day 3 and when that happened they presented me with a great opportunity that I just couldn’t turn down.

Mike: For fans that have never seen you pitch, can you talk to me a little about what you throw for pitches?

P.J:  I would describe myself as a sort of crafty lefty. I pride myself in my ability to mix speeds, locate my pitches, and keep guys off balance. I throw a four seam fastball that comes in about 88-91 that has some arm side run to it. A change up that is the pitch I work on the most. And both a slider and a curveball that I like to throw in all counts.

Mike: Have you worked strictly as a reliever in your career?

P.J: I started off my college career as a reliever at the University of San Diego but made a few spot starts before I eventually became a regular starter later in that season so I haven’t really ever been just strictly a reliever I would say.

Mike: What have the Mets said about how they plan to use you in the future?

P.J: Well when I first signed with the Mets they said they saw me as a starter in the future which made going to them even better. I haven’t really been told anything specific as to whether I’ll be a reliever or a starter since this last season in Brooklyn but either way they use me I’m just excited to continue my career and see where it goes.

Mike: What was it like playing for legendary coach Tom Gamboa, what did you learn from him this season?

P.J: It was really a great experience playing for a coach like Gamboa with so much knowledge and experience in the game of baseball. The main thing that he made sure all his players knew was that it’s always the same game. The game of baseball doesn’t change no matter the situation or the size of the crowd so just trust your abilities and just slow the game down when it starts to move a little quicker on you.

Mike: What did you do this offseason to prepare yourself for 2016?

P.J:  Well I was at instructional league for 3 weeks, when I get home I’m just going to be trying to put on healthy weight by really focusing on having a better diet along with getting stronger for this upcoming season.

Mike: What is a typical day like in the instructional league?

P.J: We show up to the complex at around 7:15 in the morning and if you have a workout or running to do you usually do it at 7:30. Then we have breakfast and meetings start at 8:30 where we just discuss different topics such as being a good teammate and then pitchers are usually in the field around 9:45 for stretching and throwing. We then run different types of drills until about noon and then shag batting practice or throw a pen if it’s your day to throw and were usually done at around 1 if we don’t have a game.

Mike: What you think you need to improve on to take the next step in your quest towards the big leagues?

P.J:  I think the biggest thing for me is my change up. I’m by far at my best when it’s on. I’ve come a long way developing that pitch but I think I can make it even better and more consistent. And of course just overall command of all my pitches can always improve.

Mike: Growing up what MLB team/players were your favorite?

P.J: Growing up in Orange County I was a huge Angels fan but my favorite players growing up had to be Randy Johnson and Johan Santana. I was actually a fan of the Mets as well. I would refer to them as my “National League Team” and I was at Shea stadium when I was about 13 years old and got a custom Mets jersey made that had Conlon on the back with the number #57 which I still have at home so it’s funny how things work out.

 

Mike: Thanks for answering all my questions, good luck this season and Let Go Mets!

P.J: My pleasure and thanks a lot! And yes, Let’s Go Mets!