October 21, 2014
Jamey Gabryszwski spelled success in his time with the Lansing Lugnuts (Scott Mapes/milb.com)
Every pitching staff has an ace – a top starter who is called upon to log the most innings and earn a win when the team needs it most. The 2014 Lansing Lugnuts had this role filled by right-hander Jeremy Gabryszwski who provided excellent pitching when his team needed him most.
Leading Lansing in most statistical categories, Gabryszwski led the Lugnuts in inning pitched (141 1/3), wins for a rotation member (6) and strikeouts for a pitcher who played in the same organization the entire season (91).
The right hander showed excellent command all season walking only 21 batters. The low walk total and increased workload gave the Texas native an excellent 1.3 BB/9 ratio. Gabryszwski also maintained a fantastic 1.394 WHIP.
The only area of concern raised about Gabryszwski is that his k/9 ratio is lower than some scouts would like at 5.8 and his H/9 ratio was at 11.2 in the Midwest League. Lansing Lugnuts pitching coach Vince Horsman wasn’t fazed by these numbers, as he describes what kind of pitcher Gabryszwski is and what he liked about working with the 21-year old.
“Jeremy Gabryszwski has really figured out what kind of pitcher he is this past year,” stated Horsman. “The best part about Gabryszwski is he knows he wants to be a groundball guy that pitches to contact. A lot of young pitchers have trouble understanding when to throw hard, or take a little bit off, but Gabryszwski knows he wants to be a guy who throws 10 pitches and get three outs, instead of a guy who throws 22 pitches an inning and strike out the side. It’s the evolution of a pitcher, knowing what you need to do to be successful and Gabryszwski is figuring it out. He’s done a really nice job.”
Growing up in Crosby, Texas, a town roughly 20 miles from Houston, Gabryszwski attended several Astros games and enjoyed watching Roy Oswalt pitch. The righty is not only a big Oswalt fan, but he feels his pitching is similar to the retired big leaguer.
“Roy Oswalt was my favorite player growing up and I feel we’re similar in a lot of ways,” explained Gabryszwski. “Oswalt and I have similar work ethics. He liked to work fast, throw strikes, and get ground balls. Oswalt also had great command which is something I strive for every outing. I think we’re very similar.”
Originally joining the Toronto Blue Jays organization in the 2nd round (78th overall) of the 2011 MLB draft, Gabryszwski discussed what being drafted meant to him and what stood out about the organization.
“Coming out of high school at 18 years old, it was exciting to go right into pro ball, because you normally think its older guys playing professionally,“ said Gabryszwski. “But I decided to take the opportunity and I’m happy I did. It’s a lot of fun!”
“I really like the way the Blue Jays develop pitchers and handle their business,” he added. “The Blue Jays have a great staff to learn from and they have developed a lot of pitchers that have made it to the big leagues. I hope one day I can be another pitcher that made it from their system.”
Pitching 128 innings combined his first three seasons; Gabryszwski found his season in Lansing the most rewarding to date thanks to the help of pitching coach Vince Horsman.
“I’ve learned so much more about myself and my game from working with Vince than my previous three years in the organization,” explained Gabryszwski. “Vince is very knowledgeable from a big league standpoint and I’ve learned so much from him.”
Earning a promotion to the Dunedin Blue Jays in August, Gabryszwski was able to get a brief taste of the Florida State League and what he can expect for future games at the high-A level. Posting a 1-1 record and a 5.40 ERA in his 10 innings of FSL work saw Gabryszwski fan nine hitters. Although he would have probably preferred better numbers, he’s happy with the experience he gained in his two starts.
“Dunedin was a lot of fun. It was a different atmosphere there,” explained Gabryszwski. “Dunedin had already clinched a playoff spot when I was there, so it was a more relaxed atmosphere. I didn’t notice much of a difference between [Lansing] and here, it’s just baseball. You have to make your pitches no matter where you’re at, but I knew a lot of guys down there like Griffin Murphy, it was fun playing the game with them.”
“There’s not a big talent jump between Lansing and Dunedin,” he added. “Obviously the hitters are a little more disciplined and a little bit stronger because they’re older. Their hand/eye coordination is also a little better.”
The young prospect appreciated all the family support he received throughout his first full season. Having family and friends tuned in and travel to games meant a lot to Gabryszwski.
“My family listens to every game,” explained Gabryszwski. “My immediate family didn’t make it to Lansing, but my grandparents and fiancée did. My parents saw me pitch when I was down in Florida, but they’re always listening to the games. Their support is great.”
Heading back to Crosby for the winter, Gabryszwski enjoys the small town feel of his hometown that’s already produced one major leaguer in J.R. Towles. Hoping to follow in Towles footsteps, Gabryszwski discusses what it means to know another player from his hometown made it to the big leagues.
“It was really cool knowing that my high school produced a major leaguer,” stated Gabryszwski. “When J.R. first made it to the major leagues I was a freshman in high school and he came to our school to do an interview. When you look at our high school field there’s two signs up now that lists J.R.’s and my name, so if either one of us is around town people know us and know we play professional baseball. We gladly talk about the experience. It’s really cool.”
With his 2014 season in the books, Gabryszwski is planning a busy off-season, as he is closing on a house this fall and getting married in November. He feels he’ll be well prepared for 2015.
“In the off-season I follow the Blue Jays workout manual a lot,” stated Gabryszwski. “I work out a lot with my little brother and other players that play professionally; I do a lot of running and basically try to get stronger for spring training.”
Be sure to follow Jeremy Gabryszwski as he continues to log a lot of innings and climb the Blue Jays minor league ladder towards the show in 2015.