Interview with Alex Pepe – The Sidearm Specialist
Alex Pepe was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 34th round of the 2009 MLB Draft
When Alex Pepe was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 36th round of the 2009 draft all fans really knew about the young left-handed pitcher, was that he was from Florida, that he was a sidearm specialist and that he had a great fast ball. Since this point, however, fans have been able to gain more insight into the 24-year-old pitcher as he has been an integral member of the GCL Blue Jays, the Lansing Lugnuts and the Vancouver Canadians. Pepe participated in an interview with JaysProspects to share even more about his journey with the Blue Jays’ organization.
“I was very excited,” said Pepe, discussing hearing his name being called by the Blue Jays in the 36th round of the 2009 draft. “At the same time, it was the most stressful day of my life because of the unsure factor of getting drafted.”
Pepe had felt those emotions before; however, as in 2008 he also entered the draft. That year, he got drafted in the 44th round by Texas Rangers. “While I was honored to be drafted in 2008, I felt the best decision would be to go back to school to finish my degree in business,” Pepe indicated.
Pepe also mentioned that the reason he has been able to be drafted and find such success thus far in his professional career can be attributed to his friend, Mike Dobre. “Dobre pushes me to my limit to get better. From 5am beach runs to catching my bullpens, he has always been there to help me out. I would not be where I am today without his support.”
Whether it was Dobre’s support or just Pepe’s determination, perseverance and talent, Pepe was able to find success in his first year with the Blue Jays’ organization. In fact, in 13 games with the GCL Blue Jays, he went 1-3 with one save and a 2.55 ERA. Moreover, in over 17 innings pitched he failed to give up a homerun.
In 2011, Pepe played 35 games between the Lugnuts and Canadians, where he went 2-2 with a 5.19 ERA. (Photo credit: MWL Guide)
Pepe, however, when asked if he had any moment in particular he’d like to share, did not discuss his success in any particular game, but instead mentioned his feelings on the league as a whole: “The thing that stands out to me from the GCL is that it is so hot and you have to learn to play under terrible conditions.”
Unfortunately for Pepe, he was sent to play in the GCL again in 2010, but earned a promotion to both the Lansing Lugnuts and Vancouver Canadians in 2011. In fact, this year, in 35 games between the two teams, he went 2-2 with a 5.19 ERA with one save.
“Vancouver has the greatest fans I have ever experienced,” Pepe stated, discussing his experience playing baseball in Canada this year, “The fans made 5,000 people sound like 20,000. They were incredibly supportive. It was a great experience to play there.”
Success in the bullpen, however, is not abnormal for the Florida native, as, as a senior with the Florida Atlantic Owls, Pepe was used out of the bullpen 29 times where he maintained a 3-1 record with two saves in 34.1 innings pitched and kept hitters to a low .199 average.
He also found success in high school, where, with Highlands Christian, he was named first-team All-County after recording a 6-1 record, 0.93 ERA and 97 strikeouts.
“The success I have found thus far in my career can be attributed to the late movement on my fastball,” Pepe indicated. “It also helps that I can throw every day.”
Additionally, Pepe values the fact that he considers himself to be a hard worker. “My ability to find success can also be credited to the fact that I think that even though you’re not on the field there is always a way to get better at baseball.”
Because of this, the young prospect has indicated that he plans to spend the first couple of months of the offseason to gain back his muscle mass and then move on to specific workouts to get stronger and ready for the 2012 season. “Besides that, perhaps I’ll even go on a mini-vacation during the off-season, but I’m still not sure where I’m going just yet!”
JaysProspects wishes Alex Pepe safe travels and the best of success in his future. We also kindly thank him for his time.
April, here we meet Alex; earlier we met Matt and Drew and countless others and it’s all a bit humbling.
As a fan we see them as “pieces” to fill “slots” and we “project” their “skills” applauding their strengths and obsessing on their weaknesses – BUT – as your interviews show they are much more than than that. These young men deserve success – from their answers to your questions I’ve no doubt it would be a pleasure to get to know them – what an outstanding group of humans.
I really can’t see how any of them can not achieve success – they clearly excel at hard work. Which as everyone knows – is really the answer to getting through life with success.