The Mets selected right-hander Paul Sewald out of the University of San Diego in the 10th round of the 2012 draft and since then all he has done is get hitters out. In 138 games Paul has a 1.83 ERA and 0.974 WHIP to go along with 227 strikeouts in 192 innings. With those dominant numbers you would think he is a fireballer but his fastball tops out at about 93/94 MPH. Instead he relies on a funky delivery, great command (1.8 BB/9) and a great slider that has sharp tilt to it.

Paul was the closer for the Binghamton Mets this year converting 24 of 25 save opportunities while allowing only 34 hits in 51.1 innings. He was selected to the Eastern League All-Star team and also pitched for Team USA that claimed the silver medal in the 2015 Pan-Am Games.

Mike: First off I want to congratulate you on a great season personally and making the playoffs! What was the experience of playing in the Pan An Games like? How did you come about being on the team?

Paul: Thank you very much! It was an amazing season even with the tough series in the playoffs! Well it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Baseball or not. The chance to get to go to opening ceremonies and represent Team USA was one I certainly won’t forget! Well, apparently there were some scouts in the Eastern League that recommended me to Team USA staff. They asked the Mets and myself if I would play and I more than gladly accepted the invitation. Getting to play in Canada against the Canadian team/crowd was really exciting!

Mike: You are not what most would call a typical closer this day and age, how would explain the great success you had this year and have had since being drafted?

Paul: I mean I don’t have the huge velocity fastball that you typically see from relievers now but I do what I can to get the hitters out and that’s most important. Of course, I have a lot of deception in my delivery which helps. I’ve really improved the command of all my pitches and that has been the biggest key. I’ve really worked to make sure I’m down in the zone, on the corners and really being aggressive in the strike zone. That’s the key to pitching no matter how fast you throw.

Mike: What would you say you need to work on to take the next step towards getting closer to the big leagues?

Paul: Well as I said my command has come a long ways in my professional career but it still certainly has to improve! Major league hitters really hit mistakes and so I need to continue to command my pitches. Also, my change up has been a work in progress and that will have to get better to give myself three solid pitches to keep hitters guessing.

Mike: What are you doing this offseason to stay sharp for next year?

Paul: Well I feel really good about my offseason workout program. It’s something I’ve done every year and i feel it prepares me for the long season ahead. And hopefully another hard working year in the gym can add 1 mph to my fastball.

Mike:  How much have you kept track of the big league team and their success this year?

Paul:  I love to follow the major league team! We’re all very excited with the success they’ve had this year especially since a lot of the players carrying the team at this point are former teammates and friends so I’m very excited to see them winning and having success.

Mike: What teams/players were you a fan of growing up?

Paul: Well actually I grew up a Dodgers fan, but I promise I’ll be rooting for the Mets this week! I was always a huge fan of Pedro Martinez as a kid, but I have appreciated all the great players as I’ve grown up watching baseball as much as possible.

Mike: You have to be added to the 40-man roster this offseason for the Mets to protect you from the Rule 5 draft, is that something you worry about at all?

Paul: Well I don’t want to say worry, but it’s certainly something I have thought about! Those are both huge changes in the future of my career so obviously I am looking forward to my baseball figure and I’m excited to see what kind of things can happen this offseason!

Mike: Can you tell my some of the guys you played with this year in Binghamton that impressed you?

Paul: We had a really good group of guys this year! Really talented! Of course it’s disappointing Fulmer is not here anymore because he dominated all season and was great to watch. Also, Cecchini made huge strides this year from last and then obviously Conforto was just heads above everyone in the league. It was fun to see a player that really was too good for the minor leagues!

Mike: What was the end of last year like when you were promoted and got to be part of the Eastern League Championship team?

Paul: It was really cool! I really appreciated the opportunity because it gave me a chance to see what the AA level is like and it gave me confidence to know that when I came up there to start the year I was ready to dominate! Also, it was the second championship in back to back years and winning never gets old!

Mike: What coaches or managers have had the biggest influence on you coming up through the Mets system?

Paul: Well I have been really fortunate to have had really great staffs all 4 years in the Mets system and I think I’ve taken a little bit from each and every pitching coach. Each has their own philosophy and it’s been my goal to get a little from everybody. But, I would say this year with Abby really took me to the next level. He’s the one who really challenged me to not just be content with getting outs but to push myself to always keep getting better and keep making great pitches. I really enjoyed playing for him this summer.

Mike: What was it like to struggle for the first time professionally in the AFL last year? Do you think you are better for having to deal with that adversity.

Paul: It was definitely a learning experience for me! It was amazing to get to face that competition, especially since so many of those guys are in the major leagues now. But it was great to use the struggles to work on them and I took that this offseason and learned from the things I was doing right and doing wrong and I really think it’s what helped me do so well this year. It absolutely made me better having that sort of adversity!

Mike: Las Vegas is turning into a hot bed for MLB talent, did you play against Bryce Harper and what was it like playing with Kris Bryant?

Paul: Well Vegas is growing but the baseball community is still tight so I played against both of them growing up. I was teammates with Harper’s older brother Bryan in club ball forever and we are still really good friends. Also, I went to USD with Kris for two years before I was drafted and before he was the player of the year and everything. But like I said the community is very close so I see those guys all the time in the offseason and it’s so amazing to see so many Vegas guys excelling and putting us on the baseball map!

Mike: Thanks for answering all my questions and good luck with the upcoming season. Hope to see you in Flushing very soon.

Paul: Absolutely Mike! Thanks for having me! Hope so too!!!!