Even if you are a stud starting pitcher right now, chances are good that at some point you will be asked to throw out of the bullpen at the “Next Level.” This happens all the time to starting pitchers when HS underclassmen make the varsity team, when college freshman comes into a talented program, and when ballplayers make it to professional baseball. This concept came up in NLB’s interview with, college starter turned longtime MLB reliever, Matt Whiteside:
What’s the hardest adjustment for young pitchers to make when moving from high school to college baseball?
When going from high school to college you are probably going to step into a role you’re not familiar with. For the most part freshman are going to come out of the bullpen. Being able to acclimate yourself into the role you are given is a big part of successfully transitioning to the next level.
Today we sit down with someone who was asked to make the move to the bullpen for the first time in his life… and in AAA no less! Many thanks to Rockies’ prospect, and former college teammate of mine, Keith Weiser, for sitting down with NLB and talking pitching. Keith has been a starting pitching his entire life until this past season when the Rockies asked him to switch to the bullpen. In this interview we talk all about the ins and outs of making a smooth transition from being a starter to a reliever as well as how to throw a nasty curveball.
Keith Weiser
Position: Left Handed Pitcher
College: Miami University (Freshman All-American)
Draft: 2003-18th Round by the Braves (Out of HS), 2006- 3rd Round by Rockies
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0:30 Hardest adjustment when transitioning from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher?
0:44 Physical side of adjusting to the bullpen
1:10 Mental side of adjusting to the bullpen
2:07 How to attack left handed batters as a left handed pitcher
3:00 How Keith grips and throws his fastball, cutter, curveball
3:40 The ins and outs of throwing a curveball
4:21 Best piece of pitching advice to aspiring ballplayers out there(Hint: Get strike one!!)
