Mets signed right-handed pitcher, Paul Sewald in the 10th round of the 2012 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of San Diego. He was sent to Brooklyn and in 16 appearances he was 0-2, 1.88 ERA, four saves, 35 strikeouts in 28.2 innings and held opponents to a .236 batting average. It seems like every prospect that has gone through Brooklyn, has nothing but great things to say about the Cyclones, and Sewald was no different, “The experience of playing in Brooklyn is incredible. The atmosphere of the crowd and Coney Island makes it one of the best places in professional baseball,” says the pitching prospect.
In 2013, he was sent to Savannah and in 35 appearances, he was 3-2, 1.77 ERA, with eight saves, seven walks, 67 strikeouts in 56 innings and held opponents to a .229 batting average. I asked him after such a dominating season, what did he feel was the reason for his successful year, “I would say the main reason for my successful season was that I really challenged the zone. I threw strikes with all my pitches and let my defense work, using the large ballpark to my advantage,” says Sewald.
He also was a part of the Sand Gnats team that made history by winning their division and the South Atlantic League Championship; he shared what the season meant to him, “We had an amazing season in Savannah. It was a great group of guys with a great coaching staff and we just really enjoyed playing together,” he continues to share what it meant to win the SAL Championship, “It was incredible feeling winning the championship at home in front of our great crowd. They were so supportive all season; so it was great to get a reward from all the hard work we put in throughout the season.”
Sewald was nominated for the 2013 MiLBY Relief Pitcher of The Year Award and finished in 6th place in the voting. He shared what it felt like to be considered one of the top relievers in the MiLB, “Well it was quite an honor to be considered in such an elite group of guys. There were so many great pitchers in that category, and mostly I was just honored that MiLB recognized my season and nominated me for the award.”
A dominating pitcher only entering his third year of pro ball, and making a name for himself. With Savannah in his rear view mirror, he should find himself playing at St. Lucie to start the 2014 season. If he continues to develop and pitch the way he has the past two seasons, there is no telling how quickly he will find himself making his major league debut. He has a great young arm and the experience and knowledge he has gained in the minors, will surely assist him when he makes the jump to the big club.
*********************************
Enjoy the interview:
David – Is there something that you would like to share with the Mets fans that they do not already know about you? Your interests and/or hobbies outside of baseball?
Paul – Something Mets fans do not know about me is that I am extremely superstitious. My main superstition that many of my teammates will agree with is that I chew a specific type of gum when I pitch, Bubble Yum Watermelon Jolly Rancher. My main hobby outside of baseball this offseason has been golfing.
David – Did you have a favorite player growing up and if so, did you model your game after him?
Paul – One of my favorite players growing up was Pedro Martinez. While my stuff is not necessarily similar to Pedro’s, I do try to model his strike-throwing and competitiveness, which is almost second to none.
David – Who was the one person who was a major influence in your life that led you to play baseball?
Paul – My dad has always been my biggest influence on my baseball career. He was my coach when I was younger, and he is still someone I can go to if I feel there is something I need to work on in my game.
David – On the day that you were signed by the Mets in 2012, what was your reaction and who was the first person you shared the news with?
Paul – On draft day, I had a few mixed reactions, as I was so relieved to finally hear my name called during a stressful time, but I was also extremely excited and the happiest I have ever been. I was with my family at the time, so the first person I shared the news with was my pitching coach from San Diego, Tyler Kincaid.
David – What teammate has impressed you the most this season, and who should Mets fans be most excited about seeing in the future?
Paul – The teammate I was most impressed with this season was Steven Matz. It was my first opportunity to see him pitch, and his combination of velocity, stuff, poise and composure on the mound is some of the best I have ever seen, and he most certainly will be someone Mets fans should be excited about seeing in the near future at Citi Field.
David – Is there a Met manager or coach who has made an impact in your approach to the game and helped elevate your performance?
Paul – I would have to say Frank Viola has made the biggest impact on my game so far in my professional career. He just has so much experience and insight that you just listen when he has advice. He talks a lot about the approach and mental aspects of the game and I certainly think it elevated my performance this summer.
David – With the success you have had in your brief time in the minors; do you feel like you are on track with the goals you set for yourself? If so, what are you expecting for 2014?
Paul – I have been very fortunate in my brief experience in the minors, but ultimately my goal is to make it to the major leagues so I try not to be content with my success so far. I am looking forward to simply going out there and performing the best I can when they ask me to pitch, and I try not to worry about anything more than that.
David – Do you feel you are ready to make the jump to St. Lucie or beyond? If not, what do you feel you need to work on?
Paul – You know I do feel that I’m ready to make the jump to St. Lucie and hopefully beyond, but because the players there will be better, I’m also going to have get better with command of all my pitches.
David – How are you preparing over this winter; can you describe your workout regimen?
Paul – I am doing the same off-season program I followed last year. I’m doing workouts with a few Major Leaguers and bunch of other minor leaguers from Las Vegas, so it’s good to have other guys around to push and motivate each other.
David – Is there anything you would like to tell the Mets fans?
Paul – I would like to tell Mets fans that since I have signed they have been nothing but supportive for me in my journey to the Bigs and I would simply like to say thank you for the support!
***********************************
Thank you Paul for allowing me the opportunity to share your journey with our great readers. Just another great young arm in the Mets farm system. If pitching prospects continue to perform they way they have, there is no reason why the Mets shouldn’t be an elite team once again in the National League. The farm system is very strong and will be exciting to watch when each prospect finally makes it to the show.
(Photo Credits – Savannahnow.com & tradingcarddb.com)