Spring training can’t come soon enough for prospect Pevny

For some pitchers the offseason flies by, for others, like Pirates prospect Logan Pevny, it can’t get here fast enough.

After pitching three games for the Bucs Gulf Coast League, Pevny’s season ended early due to an injury. Now healthy, he is anxious and ready to head down to Bradenton, FL. For spring training.

“I feel great now,” Logan Pevny said during a phone interview on Saturday. “I wish I could have left months ago. I’m leaving on Friday. I’m really excited to go. I can’t wait.”

Pevny was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 49^th round of the 2010 draft out of West Milford high school. A day, that he and his family won’t ever forget.

“[I was] Ecstatic. Shocked, really. I had only been pitching, at the time I was drafted, for about a year. Everything happened so quick. It just all blew up right in our faces –in a good way. It was really amazing to tell you the truth. “

What’s also shocking is the reason he became a pitcher. After playing shortstop for years, Pevny found his future on the mound, by an accident.

“My coach had the radar gun out for practice and we were kind of just messing around. All the pitchers were throwing their stuff. I just kind of hopped on the mound and threw a ball. It read 88 I believe. We were like, ‘that’s pretty good for someone who doesn’t pitch. Maybe I should switch positions.’ I never really was a fielder. I was meant to be there as a wall and have a good arm that’s all.”

The decision wasn’t hard for him and his father to make.

The right-hander average’s a fastball is in the high 80′s –and has even reached 92 according to several reports from last season.

This offseason, Pevny has been working hard training at several different facilities to get ready for the 2011 season.

“I’ve been working out at Cannonball gym in Pompton Lakes. It’s some really high intense cardio. My trainers name is Austin Wall. He was a former wrestler at Indian Hills High School. He’s a great guy. He really pushes my body to the limit and he gets the most out of me. I’ve been working out there since November.”

Pevny has also been working out at PBI (Professional Baseball Instruction) as well as training instructor.

“[Teaching] Mostly younger kids. Probably the oldest, 13. Just giving a lot of pitching lessons, running camps and clinics. PBI have been great to me there. I’m always down there everyday using their facilities. Throwing with another professional, Steve Fox. He’s in the Red Sox farm system.”

At just 19, he is already a good example to young kids and fans. When I asked him who his favorite player was, it was no surprise that he said ‘the captain’.

“Derek Jeter. Just the way he carries himself on and off the field. He’s a great guy. He looks to play for the people, put on a good show. He has the right attitude. He goes out there everyday and works hard.”

Pevny didn’t tell me his favorite artist, but from the sound of his ring back tune (Bruno Mars’ “Grenade”) I’d say, he’s a big fan. “A little bit,” he joked.

With less than a week until the Bucs minor league players report to Pirate city for camp. Pevny already has his goals made for the season.

“One of my big goals I’ve set for myself was to start off at State College in Pennsylvania, Short season A this year. I’m really pushing myself hard so hopefully everything works out.”

 

Here are several pictures of Pevny throwing at PBI.

 

 

 

 

 

 

*(Special thanks to Logan Pevny for the interview and Jim Monagham at PBI)