Amalie Benjamin - Minor League Notebook: Their pitch on target; Consistency is key to message
"We strive for continuity from level to level and also [with] the overall message," said director of player development Mike Hazen. "As far as the overall program, there's no rocket science. I think every organization has a pitching program. We're no different in what we teach guys from a pitching perspective."
No matter the pitcher's repertoire, he is introduced to everything from the organization's shoulder-strengthening program to the most basic tenets. And many of those facets of pitching are emphasized beginning when the players are drafted or signed, and are followed all the way to the big leagues.
It's no surprise that every time a pitcher throws well in Boston, catcher Jason Varitek cites first-pitch strikes as a major reason. It's the same reason those pitchers are successful from rookie ball through the upper minors.
"We definitely focus on throwing strikes," Hazen said. "That's the most simplistic way to put it. There are certain things we hit on with individuals based on their needs, but the ability to throw strikes is definitely the basis of it. Then it spreads out to throwing strikes with more pitches.
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Third baseman Michael Almanzar, playing for the Sox' Gulf Coast League team, has hits in each of his first seven games, and two in each of his first four games. The 17-year-old is 11 for 32 (.357) with a team-high seven runs.
