Daniel Barnes has just his second season with the Blue Jays' organization

Daniel Barnes just finished his second season with the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization. During his two-year tenure, Barnes became an integral pitcher for both the GCL Blue Jays and the Lansing Lugnuts. Barnes sat down with JaysProspects to discuss his experience with these teams, as well as sharing information on his journey to the majors and his future aspirations.

Barnes admits that being drafted in the 35th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays is something he will remember for his whole life. “Coming off an injury and an up and down season at Princeton, I had no idea where I’d go, or even, if I’d go,” ,“After the second day of the draft went by and I still wasn’t picked I was a little down and started thinking about trying to find a collegiate summer league to play in. Then, on the third day, I was selected and it was a tremendous feeling. After working out a quick deal I was off to Florida a few days later.”

Being off to Florida and joining the Blue Jays’ organization is something the 22-year-old probably did not envision growing up. In fact, being raised in Manhasset, New York, Barnes admits that he watched the Yankees a lot and really admired Roger Clemens. “The way he worked and competed really made an impression on me,” He said, adding, “Currently, I just love watching every game and how pitchers with different stuff approach hitters.”

What is even more exciting, however, is watching how Barnes approaches hitters. In fact, in his first 14 games with the Blue Jays organization, he posted an incredible 0.67 ERA in over 27 innings pitched, allowing just two earned runs and one homerun while striking out 37 and only walking five. “I learned fast that being able to command the fastball, regardless of how hard you throw, is the key to success for any pitcher. I just focused on being able to do that and it lead to success in the GCL during my first outings.”

But during his first outings was not the only time he found success, as this year, with the Lansing Lugnuts, the young prospect from New York went 5-1 with a 2.32 ERA with 13 saves in 44 games. When asked how he has been able to find such success, Barnes was quick to state that support has been very helpful. “I was fortunate to have played with and been exposed to some really great people in Lansing, as well as have a great family that supported me the whole season.” He further added, “Additionally, I really just refined my approach a little, got in better shape and improved command of my pitches.”

Barnes found success in high school and with Princeton University

But having this command of his pitches is something that is not abnormal for Barnes. For instance, as a senior in high school, he posted an 8-1 record with 58 IP, a 0.80 ERA and 103 strikeouts. When asked what his best skill was on the mound that has allowed him to find success at every level in which he has played, Barnes told JaysProspects, “Commanding your fastball allows you to expand the strike zone and make it much harder for hitters to get comfortable. Regardless of what level you play at, whether its high school, college or professionally being able to do that is the key to success.”

Now into the offseason, there are a few things that you can be sure that Barnes is doing as he is committed to getting stronger and better in shape for 2012.  Another thing you can be certain the young RHP is doing is studying as he is also finishing up his degree at Princeton. With all of that said, however, there is one thing that you can be certain he will NOT be doing, and that is watching horror movies.

“I absolutely hate scary movies,” Barnes stated, “I even turn off the TV when commercials for scary movies come on.”

JaysProspects wishes Daniel Barnes for ‘fearless’ success in his future and thanks him kindly for his time.