Rising Apple Goes One-On-One With Greg Peavey: Round III

With their seasons over, minor league players now take the time to reflect on this past year and prepare for the next.  Earlier this season, Rising Apple had a chance to chat with Mets pitching prospect Gregory Peavey, both before his promotion from Savannah to St. Lucie and after.  Peavey has helped share some insight into his life as a minor leaguer in the Mets system, and now that the season is over, Rising Apple is back for some closing thoughts.

The Oregon State product got off to a fast start, pitching to a 3.12 ERA (2.67 FIP) and a 1.103 WHIP in 78 innings at low-A Savannah.  Peavey also walked just 11 batters while fanning 69, producing a Greg Maddux-esque K/BB of 6.27.  His achievements earned him a promotion to St. Lucie, where Peavey had some initial troubles adjusting to the more advanced hitters.  In 59 innings, Peavey had a 3.97 ERA (3.12 FIP), 1.373 WHIP, 15 walks and 39 strikeouts (a K/BB of 2.60).

However, when it mattered the most, Peavey turned in one of his best outings of the season.  In what would turn out to be the game that sent St. Lucie to the Florida State League Championship series, Peavey tossed seven innings, allowing six hits and two runs, walking three and punching out six.  Peavey’s final line on the season: 137 IP, 3.48 ERA, 1.219 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 1.7 BB/9 and 4.15 K/BB.  We at Rising Apple thank Greg for his time and wish him the best in the offseason.

Rising Apple: What was the most difficult challenge in transitioning from Savannah to St. Lucie?
Greg Peavey: Adjusting to more experienced hitters.

RA: Johan Santana was in St. Lucie rehabbing for a little awhile.  What was it like to watch him work? Did you get to interact with him at all? If so, what was that like?
GP: He is a true professional and goes about his routine in a business like manner.  Loved his tempo on the mound.  He is a genuinely nice person.

RA: You spent some time working out of the bullpen towards the end of the season.  What challenges did that present as opposed to working out of the rotation?
GP: Getting yourself mentally and physically prepared quickly because you could go in at any time.  As a starter you know when and what to expect.

RA: Where do you feel that you improved the most this season?
GP: Pitch command and getting used to the professional game.  Although there is still a lot of work to be done, I am very happy with the adjustments I was able to make during the season.

RA: What are your plans in terms of baseball during the offseason?  Do you have any non-baseball related plans?
GP: Get myself in the best possible shape for next season.  Participate in youth baseball camps, and to stay in touch with family and friends.

RA: You finished this season with some very strong numbers, including an impressive strikeout to walk ratio.  Are you satisfied with how you performed this year?
GP: Happy with improvements I feel I made this season, but I will continue to work hard and strive to learn more.

RA: What area of your game do you look to improve upon most next season?
GP: Improving is a continuous process in all areas of pitching and life.

RA: Are you disappointed you didn’t get to swing the bat at all this year?
GP: Yes, I’ve missed swinging the stick.

RA: What was working so well for you in your final start this year?
GP: Getting ahead of the hitters and commanding the lower half of the strike zone.

RA: What is your favorite fall/winter activity?
GP: Going to the gym, working and trying to stay out of the Pacific NW rain.

RA: Who is your prediction to win the World Series?  How about the Super Bowl?
GP: The playoffs are going to be exciting and I will be watching.  I would like to say my “Seahawks” but the Texans are looking tough this year.

RA: What is your favorite moment from this year’s minor league season?
GP: There were so many great moments this year but if I have to choose one, it would be winning the semi-finals in the FSL Playoffs in extra innings!  What a game!!!