Alvarez's Mental Game Working to Perfection
by Joe McDonald, Providence Journal
May 11, 2006 PAWTUCKET - Abe Alvarez's mental state is perfect, and that's why the 23-year-old pitching prospect has enjoyed tremendous success this season.
As of last night, Alvarez was leading the International League in wins, having posted a 5-0 record. The southpaw has a 2.18 E.R.A. and has 21 strikeouts in 411/3 innings while walking only 12. Even though he had solid numbers in 2005, posting an 11-6 record and a 4.85 E.R.A., he is a completely different pitcher than he was last season.
"What makes Abe so special is he's very patient," said PawSox pitching coach Mike Griffin. "It shows with his work on the mound. Abe is unflappable. Nothing gets to him on the mound. That is a quality he has that is unmatched."
When you're able to channel those emotions and keep them in check, especially as a pitcher, you're going to have success.
He has molded himself into a major-league pitcher.
Alvarez is not overpowering. He's a lefty who relies on mixing and matching while changing speeds, and that's why he's been so successful this season.
Alvarez attended Long Beach State for three seasons, where he posted a 23-5 record and a 2.56 E.R.A., but it was the education he received off the field that has helped him as a pro. The Big West program stresses the importance of the mental part of the game, and his composure now is a result of what he learned during his collegiate career.
"When I was a freshman, I had no idea what they were talking about," said Alvarez.
"Maybe that's why I only threw three innings that year. Once I understood what was going on and understood how to use my head in a game, it made it easier for me."
He learned how to control the speed of the game, when he needed to slow down, and how to proceed at a steady pace. He realizes he has to step off the mound once in a while and regain his focus before throwing another pitch.
"It's been a big factor for the last couple of years," he said. "Now, my second year in Triple A, I understand how the game works here and in the big leagues."
He's only a four-year pro, and because of the influx of pitching prospects in the Red Sox' organization, Alvarez has pitched under the radar a little bit this season. When you think of the young, up- and-coming pitchers, Jonathan Papelbon, Manny Delcarmen and Jon Lester are the names that jump out at you. But Alvarez deserves consideration, too.
"It doesn't bother me at all," he said. "It kind of makes it a little bit easier. My name is still in the loop. It's just these guys have been dominating the last few years; they've come here and are ready to make the step up. I'm still young, and because [I haven't been mentioned too much] it's made it easier for me to focus on pitching, and that's what I've done."
Spoken like someone in the right frame of mind. |
