Kyle Regnault is a left handed pitcher who has been pitching the Can-Am league for the last 3 years after pitching at URI. He is 26 years old and last year did some starting, relieving, and closing for the Les Capitales de Quebec. In his 3 years in the league Kyle has a 4.11 ERA, 1.306 WHIP, 8.3 H/9, and a 2.65 SO/W ratio with his best WHIP 1.235 and SO/W 3.75 last year.
When I saw that Kyle was in camp I was curious because I knew nothing about him and wanted to learn more about what kind of player he is. Here is the interview I did with him last week.
Mike M: First off, thank you from MetsMerized Online and congrats on being part of the Mets organization. How and when did the Mets approach you about becoming part of the organization?
Kyle: Thank You! I started working out with Phil Regan during the offseason last year. After this past season with the Quebec Capitales. I came to St Lucie in October to throw a bullpen for some of the Mets staff.
Mike M: What have you been doing this winter to get ready for the upcoming season? And did it differ at all because of being with the Mets?
Kyle: Yes it changed a bit. After signing with the mets in October, I was able to have follow the mets off-season strength program.
Mike M: Tell me about your pitch arsenal and how you like to work hitters.
Kyle: I throw a fourseam fastball, curveball, change up, and a cutter as my fourth pitch. As a reliever I’ve had a lot of success working off my fastball and having my curveball as an out pitch. With a change up that contrasts well off my fastball. As far as working hitters, it varies from player to player looking at tendencies and swings allows me to determine how to pitch them.
Mike M: Do you prefer to start or relieve? And have the Mets given you any indication which they would like you to do?
Kyle: Well, for the past few years I have been a reliever. Last year I moved into the rotation and made 12 starts. I would say I am a more polished reliever because I have had more experience. But I could do either one. Early indication reliever with Mets.
Mike M: I saw that in 2012 you got to play with Jose Canseco, what was that like?
Kyle: It was a great experience be able to play beside him. Also great to pick his mind and hear some of his stories. He’s a funny guy.
Mike M: Who was the toughest hitter you faced in the Can-Am league?
Kyle: Sebastian Boucher, he was my teammate the past 2 seasons. A veteran hitter with one of the best approaches I’ve seen. I faced him many times my first season when I player for Worcester.
Mike M: What you think you need to improve on to take the next step and get closer to the Major Leagues?
Kyle: As a player I feel like you’re always trying to improve every aspect of your game. Whether it is trying to get ahead in counts, lowering walks, being more consistent with off speed, fielding your position. There is always room for improvement and they all go hand in hand.
Mike M: Thanks again for answering my questions! Good luck this season and hope you are successful with the Mets.
Kyle: Absolutely, Thank you!
Kyle obviously has a long way to go coming from the Can-Am league and never pitching in the affiliated Minor Leagues. But with the way Terry Collins handles his LOOGY the Mets need all the left handed depth they can get.
