Strap yourselves in and enjoy an interview with pitching prospect Rob Whalen, fresh off of his stellar performance on Wednesday night, tossing 5.1 shutout innings to collect his seventh win of the season and improve his record to a perfect 7-0 for the Savannah Sand Gnats.
The 20-year old righthander has not allowed an earned run in his last 12.1 innings pitched and on the season he has a pristine 1.42 ERA and 0.974 WHIP for Class-A Savannah.
You may remember Rob as the 2013 Sterling Award winner, recognized for being one of the Mets’ top pitching prospects after a big campaign in Kingsport where he allowed just one home run all season and owned the second best ERA in the entire Mets system among starting pitchers.
Enjoy…
Joe: Rob, it’s great to catch up with you again… What a year it’s been for you. After a breakthrough season in 2013 where you posted a 1.87 ERA AND 0.926 WHIP in 12 starts for Kingsport, here you are in Savannah, having skipped a full level and posting an even better season than last year. What’s been the biggest difference going from rookie ball to the Sally league?
Rob: This season has been a wild one that’s for sure. Coming into spring training this year I had a goal to make a full season team. I believe I have good enough stuff and I think I proved last year that I know how to pitch and can do it at a higher level. So not to knock on Brooklyn or anything, but I definitely believed I was ready for a full season league and I’m glad the organization agreed.
But honestly, there hasn’t been a huge difference, I’m not really doing anything drastically different than last year. Unfortunately, this season has been cut short due to the infection I had from a small cut on my hand, just a freak thing that cost me 2 months. It stunk not being able to pitch especially because I was throwing the ball so well at the time, but it is what it is. I just wanted to come back and finish the remainder of this season strong and help make a serious run in the playoffs.
Joe: Noah Syndergaard may have the “hook from hell” but Baseball America rated your curve as the best in the Mets system. Is that your primary weapon?
Rob: To be recognized as having the best curve meant a lot to me because we got some great pitchers in this system with some filthy stuff. Only thing is, yes I throw a curve, but I think they are referring to my slider. My curve has been my bread and butter pitch since I was little, I’m able to get a true 12-6 with it that I mostly throw early in the counts for strikes. My slider though has been my strikeout pitch. It’s been “slurvy” at times so I can see why people might think it was a curve, but I’ve worked hard this season on trying different grips to try to tighten it up and get a little more on it.
I saw an article on another site from a writer that said I worked with Frank Viola on tightening it up, that’s false. I wish Frank had the time to work with me, but obviously he’s not here in Savannah anymore. But really it was talking to our pitching coach Marc Valdes and teammates about different grips and testing them out.
Joe: Is there a particular pitch or pitches that you’re trying to improve this year? How’s your changeup coming along?
Rob: You always want to improve all your pitches. I’m extremely comfortable with my sinker that I throw 90% of the time when I throw a fastball. It’s gotten me early count outs and a ton of ground balls. Like I said I’ve worked on tightening my slider and being more consistent and aggressive with my changeup. Not pushing it or babying it, but getting that fastball arm speed and really finishing it and it’s coming along well.
Joe: What’s your mentality on the mound?
Rob: My mentality on the mound is just that I’m going to attack the zone and I’m going beat you. I’m going to execute my pitches and get you out. I believe you should always be confident in your abilities and at times be cocky. Not arrogant, but have a little cockiness out there. I expect to win every time I step on the mound. Doesn’t mean it’s going to happen but that’s what I expect from myself.
Joe: Who are some current major league pitchers you admire?
Rob: There isn’t really anyone that I admire due to us never really having a chance to watch big league games because in full season our schedules are similar. I’ve said before that I like watching Dillon Gee and Matt Harvey pitch. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting both of them while I was rehabbing and they are both great guys.
Joe: You are now just three more levels away before fulfilling your dream and playing for the team you grew up rooting for all your life. Can you describe what that feels like?
Rob: I’ve actually never thought of it that way. Savannah isn’t that far from the bigs. A lot of people know how big of a fan I am of the Mets and everyday I’m able to put a jersey on for them is a blessing. I’m just trying to take it one start at a time and enjoy the ride.
Joe: Do you still follow the Mets daily? Do you have any favorite current players that you root for? Are you happy with the direction of the team?
Rob: I still follow the team as much as I can. I’ll watch the highlights on my phone and read Metsmerized at night. David Wright has been my favorite player since Mike Piazza retired but I’m a fan of a lot of the players on the current team as well.
Am I happy in the direction that the team is going? (laughs) Haha that’s putting me in a tough spot. As a fan? I think we are only a couple pieces away from being a really good team. There’s always moves that I wish we would make but I understand how it works now that I’m in professional baseball. Every fan plays GM but there’s so much to it. As a player, there are a lot of great players coming up that fans should be excited about and I just hope I can be one of those guys that gets there soon and can help contribute at the big league level.
Joe: What has been the most exciting moment since turning pro?
Rob: My most exciting moment since turning pro has probably been winning the Sterling Award while with Kingsport last year. Just being around all the big leaguers at Citi Field and hanging out in the clubhouse with them and being out on the field for BP, kind of felt like home. Not as if I should be there now, but as in “this feels right, this is possible”. It really motivated me even more.
Joe: You have a bunch of talented young players like yourself in Savannah including a couple of first rounders. Which player has impressed you the most and can you tell us a little about him?
Rob: We definitely have a talented roster. I think we have a deep pitching staff, everyone fills it up well and has great stuff. Our lineup has been solid all year, but if I had to pick 1 guy, I would probably say Akeel Morris. He has been unbelievable all season. His stuff is electric. When he comes in, you know the game is over. He has been nearly untouchable all season. Been really fun to watch him.
Joe: I love that kid too, interviewed him back in April. Okay, lightning round… What’s your favorite meal?
Rob: I’m simple, I love a good homemade plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Joe: Favorite recording artist or band?
Rob: I’m a big fan of Florida Georgia Line, not too many songs of theirs that I don’t like. I listen to just about everything though.
Joe: Do you enjoy Twitter or not really?
Rob: I love Twitter. I enjoy interacting with the fans and having them get to know me. At the end of the day, I’m still the same kid from the Northeast that grew up rooting for the Mets, I just have the privilege of playing for them now!
Joe: Designated Hitter – Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Rob: This is another one that I’m torn on because I’m a player. As a fan, I like the DH. But as a pitcher, I’m glad I’m in the National league because I love to hit.
Joe: Is there anything you’d like to tell Mets fans?
Rob: Nothing in particular other than letting them know how much I truly appreciate the love and support I’ve gotten from a lot of the fans. It feels good to have people believe in you. The Mets have a bright future ahead. Just keep the faith and Lets Go Mets!
Joe: Let’s end it at that… As always, it’s been real…
Rob: Joe, thanks for having me man!
Follow Rob on Twitter @RobWhalen38
