2011 #1 O's Pick Dylan Bundy Live
Baltimore Orioles phenom pitching prospect Dylan Bundy joined the Norris and Davis Show to talk about his expectations and progress through the minor league system a year after being drafted. Bundy said it wasn't until Frederick that his level of expectations were met, thus beginning his daily challenge of learning to oppose talented hitters. Luckily for the Orioles, Bundy seems to be aware of the difference between his talent level and what he needs to do to become effective in the majors.
"At the major league level, you know those guys will hit a 1-0, 2-0 fastball and will take advantage of it. They'll hit a home run if you throw a 1-0 fastball. Down here, I can throw a 1-0 fastball by some people." Listen to the entire interview here:
Podcast
Bundy is also well aware that the organization is constantly challenging him to throw off-speed pitches, which Bundy is not used to quite yet. 82% of Bundy's pitches in Delmarva were fastballs, 10% were change ups, and only 8% of his pitches were curveballs.
"It's just me and my catcher calling the game. I'll shake over the catcher anytime I want, and he might put down the same pitch but its really just me and him out there, and then in-between innings, our pitching coach will come over and tell him that the needs to call more change ups or call more curve balls, because that's what the organization wants, is me to throw more off-speed."
Steve Davis recounted asking Bundy about Nationals phenom Bryce Harper's showboating a year ago when Harper was still in the minor leagues. Davis reminded Bundy that his solution was to hit Harper his next at bat. A year later, Bundy had a different take after Cole Hamels admitted to intentionally hitting Harper a month into the season.
"I just don't think he had a good reason to hit him. He said "welcome to the show," or whatever, but I don't think he deserved being hit that time. I mean I like the way Harper's playing the game up there right now, you know, he's hustling everywhere."
Bundy said that he often talks to Bowie pitcher and brother Bobby Bundy, and that the two can't help but to think that their dream of pitching together in the major leagues will one day come true, hopefully in the next year or two. Bundy, however, said that he tries not to get too caught up in what it means to play a crucial role in a resurgent Orioles team that has endured 14 straight losing seasons. He just wants to pitch.
Written by intern Dave Andrews.
