July 14, 2007 / Sports / Brooklyn Cyclones

The Professor of Pitching preaches

By Ed Shakespeare

for The Brooklyn Paper

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The Brooklyn Paper / Gary Thomas

Starting pitcher Eric Niesen was dominant in the Cyclones’ 1–0 win on July 8.

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As promised in our last issue, we will now discuss the Cyclones’ impressive pitching staff — not an easy task since the Cyclones have 17 hurlers.

Hector Berrios, now in his fourth year as pitching coach, will provide the commentary.

Berrios has a philosophy that includes working quickly, throwing low to induce ground balls, and expanding the hitter’s zone. Here’s how he sees his staff:

Nick Carr (right-handed starter, current stats: 1-0, 2.89 ERA): “Throws a power fastball that sits on 90 miles an hour. Working to incorporate his change-up.”

Dylan Owen (right-handed starter, 3-0, 21.6 ERA): “He was the Pitcher of the Year at the Division II level. He goes after people and throws strikes.”

Eric Niesen (left-handed starter, 0.00 ERA in 7 IP): “He has a plus fastball and a change-up. He could be on a fast track to the majors.”

Dillon Gee (right-handed starter, 0-0, 3.38 ERA): “His release point is consistent so hitters can’t tell what’s coming — fastballs, curves, and change-ups come from the same spot.”

Joe “Grim” Leaper (right-handed starter, 0-1, 2.14 ERA): A 20-year-old in his second pro season, Leaper has good command, especially in one so young, Berrios said.

Nick Waechter (right-handed starter/reliever, 0-2, 6.38 ERA): “He struggled, so he’s now working out things from the bullpen.”

Steve Cheney (righty reliever, 0-1, 4.32 ERA): “He commands the zone with three pitches.”

Edgar Ramirez (right-handed reliever, 3-0, 2.19 ERA): “He’s a big, strong guy with a funky delivery.” Funky means strange, but good, Berrios said.

Will Morgan (right-handed reliever, 1-0, 0.93 ERA): “He’s a high-energy guy. Can be used in the seventh and eighth innings to get us to the closer.”

Josh Appell (left-handed reliever, 1-0, 1.42 ERA): “He’s got his career back on track with his new slider.”

Grady Hinchman (left-handed reliever, 0-1, 1.69 ERA): “One of our go-to guys, working on a new three-quarter delivery.”

Steve Clyne (right-handed closer, 1-1, with 3 saves, 2.57 ERA): “He can throw strikes, having some difficulty now, but he’s coming around.”

Dan McDonald (right-handed closer, 1-0, with 3 saves, 2.00 ERA): “He has good velocity, but has to slow down his delivery.”

©2007 The Brooklyn Paper