Triple-A Pitching Coach: Here's Why Tyler Glasnow Keeps Walking Guys
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The Fan) – Stan Kyles, the pitching coach for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate Indianapolis Indians, joined "The Fan Morning Show" on Wednesday and talked about his star pupil, top prospect Tyler Glasnow.
Kyles addressed Glasnow's alarming walk rate, which has slowed his journey to the major leagues and caused some concern for Pirates management and fans alike.
Kyles, though, doesn't see too much reason to worry. To him, the walks are simply a product of Glasnow's competitiveness, which makes him try a bit too hard to overpower hitters.
"He works so hard at it," Kyles said. "And then often times he works too hard at it, he kind of gets in his own way. But, I like his aggressiveness…he's just overly aggressive…it's hard for him to peel back a little bit and just let things happen for him."
When Glasnow first came up to Triple-A, Kyles noticed him trying to blow every batter away. He started working with him on peeling back a bit and finding other ways to get batters out.
"He was pretty much just a live wire," Kyles said. "Did want to strike everybody out, did want to try to dominate the game, which is what we want him to do, but he also has to learn the fine line of pitching to contact and trusting his defense a lot more…He's got to learn how to draw strength from his defense and be a little bit more efficient. But, he's grown and matured a lot."
Kyles believes Glasnow's command will improve as he learns to channel his emotions.
"I still think it's just a matter of time before he comes into his own and starts to realize that he doesn't have to strike everybody out," Kyles said.
That all being said, Kyles has been impressed by how Glasnow has handled baserunners. He thinks that should be mentioned any time the walks are brought up.
"We talk about the walks, but with the walks, I'm seeing a lot of grit from him," Kyles said. "He gets men on base, and he bears down well. He's able to make the big pitch, and a lot of things that you don't see out of young pitchers, he does."
The interview can be heard here:
