The Jacob Westfall Story

[fluharty]

I've been able to throw a baseball harder than anyone I've played with (or against) since my early teens but I've never had any control over where the ball goes when I try to throw that hard.

That is, until my senior year at WVU, when a new coach, named Henry, decided I needed to simplify my delivery. Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, that flaming fastball started going where I wanted it to! Well, a lot more often, anyway, LOL!

That got me some attention from scouts and, for the first time in my life, I considered the possibility of playing baseball professionally.

It was almost to crazy to be real! To be able to play the game I love so much every day and and get paid to do it! That really would be a dream come true! I was SO psyched up about the possibility. The ultimate dream would be to pitch for my favorite team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, but it didn't really matter WHO I played for as long as I played- even the hated Yanks!

The scouts have rated my potentials as Stuff 60, Control 60, Velocity 80, and Poise 50. I wasn't sure all that meant, but thats what I read on the net, LOL!

On draft day I was so nervous I was sick to the stomach. I tried to keep busy and not think about the draft but it was ALL I could think about.

I was so on edge, when I got a call 6 PM I threw my cell phone into the bushes trying to take it out of my pocket 100 MPH. LOL! It was just coach Henry asking if I'd gotten any calls today. I told him no, no calls. He assured me I would and then wished me luck.

As afternoon faded into evening my hopes began to sink. Maybe I wouldn't be drafted after all...

At 10:15 PM, when I had all but given up, I got the call! It was the GM of the Colorado Rockies! I'd been drafted in the 6th round. They offered no signing bonus, and I didn't complain- I didn't care! I started packing as soon as I hung up the phone!

I flew to Tuscon, Arizona to the Rockies spring training camp and officially signed the contract. I'm a professional ball player!

After some initial workouts, the training staff decided that my initial ratings are Stuff 14, Control 38, Velocity 66, and Poise 9- whatever that means! Anyway, they told me that I'd begin my professional career with the AA Tulsa Drillers, as their #5 starter. I'm starting at AA!?

[fluharty]

The 2003 draft for the rockies went as follows (includes placement)

Round 1 pick: HS: CF Lastings Milledge - A #1 hitter
Round 2 pick: HS: 1B Vince Sinisi - A #7 hitter
Round 3 pick: HS: 3B Miguel Vega - A #8 hitter
Round 4 pick: HS: C Robert Coello - AA backup
Round 5 pick: HS: P Jay Sborz - A #1 starter
Round 6 pick: CO: P Jacob Westfall - AA #5 Starter
Round 7 pick: CO: P Marc Kaiser - A #5 Starter
Round 8 pick: CO: Matt Farnum - AAA mop up relief
Round 9 pick: CO: SS Christian Colonel - A #6 hitter
Round 10 pick: CO: 2B Mark Palmore - A utility

[fluharty]

The AA starting rotation is pretty young. Jason Young, a knuckleballer, is the oldest at 23. He spent some time in AAA last year but is back in AA to start the season. He was drafted in 2000 in the 2nd round and has moved slowly. Chin-Hui Tsao is 21 and was signed out of Tiwan in 2000. This will be his first season of AA. Ryan Kibler is 22 was signed in the 2nd round in 99 and had been moving slowly but steadily though the system. Mike Esposito is 21 and was a 12th round pick in 2002 but signed to late to pitch last season, so he will make his debut this year. All young and all prospects.

Brad Serra, Josh Kalinowski, and Manuel Corpas are the middle relief crew here. Brad is 25 and Josh 26. They are minor league vets that have been around a while. It'll be good to have them around, to show the young guys (like me) the ropes. Manuel Corpas was signed out of Panema in 2000. He started last year but has been told he will be used in a relief role this year, his first year of AA.

Javiar Lopez, 25, is the lefty setup guy. This will be his second year of AA despite having a good year in 2002. He was a 4th round selection in 98. Jesus Martin, 23, is the righty set up reliever. Southpaw Lee Collins, 25, is the closer. He's another one thats been around a while.

Steven McNinch is our right fielder and lead off hitter. He is 21 and bats righty. He's pretty quick, but also has some power. Javier Colina was signed out of Venezuella in 1998. He played in AAA last year but did poorly, so he's back in AA this year. He is our 2B and is 24. Karl Roberts, 21, is a lefty and our CF. He's quick enough to steal some bases, but is more of a power guy. Ben Rigney, 21, is our first baseman. He is a power guy and little else. Kevin Eberwine, 25, is a power hitting third baseman. He spent last year in AAA but did poorly, so he is back in AA this year. Robert Coello was selected in the 4th round of this year's draft. He is 19 and will be our starting catcher. I hope he isn't overmatched at AA. Clint Barmes, 24, is our SS. He's pretty quick, but has struggled with the bat in past years. Brian Barre, 22, is half of a platoon in left field. He's has good speed and descent power. He was signed in the 13th round in 2000. He's a natural center fielder. Trey George is the other half of left field. He was signed in 2001 and has struggled with the bat.

[fluharty]

Although I was told I was to be the #5 starter, I actually started on opening day, 4/1/2003, against the Round Rock Express, the AA affiliate of the Huston Astros. I was really nervious, but once I got out there are started pitching, I forgot everything else. I did pretty well for a 6th rounder dropped in over his head straight out of college. I lost, which kind of disappointing- we only scored 1 run despite getting 10 hits. I feel like I let the team down, since we lost, but at the same time I know I did well. Here's my line:

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
4/01 6.2 7 2 2 0 0 7 Loss
</font></pre>

[fluharty]

My next outing was on the 8th. We had a day off on the 7th and coach Foley decided to start Kalinowski, a lefty reliever, on the 6th instead of me. I'm not sure I understand his reasoning, but I guess he knows what he's doing.

The extra rest had no ill affects as I was strong again against the Tennessee Smokies, the AA team of St Louis. I left in the 7th with the game knotted at 2, so I took a no decision, but we won the game on an 11th inning single Steve McNitch, and thats what really matters.

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
4/8 6.1 6 2 2 1 2 5 -
</pre></font face=courier>

I was out celebrating the victory with some of the guys and we ran into the owner of the ball club. I invited him over for drinks and he agreed! He's a pretty cool fellow, and man can he put away the brew!

Well, I was telling him about this book I have been wanting to get on how to throw the sinker and before you know it, he was writing me out a check! Woohoo!

I know how I'll be spending the mornings before my workouts! I even have 65K left for beer!

[fluharty]

My next outing came on the 14th against the El Paso Diablos, the Diamondbacks AA club. I was going up against their ace, Enrique Gonzalez, who was off to a real bad start, 0-2 with a 9+ ERA! I could smell that first 'W'!

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
4/14 5.2 10 6 6 2 5 -
</font></pre>

I was so pumped up! Too pumped up, maybe. It was my worst outing of the year! We won anyway, so I ended up with another no decision. That made me feel a little better. They scored plenty of runs this time, but I was handing them out just as fast!


I met this Kuffrey fellow in the bar. He knew a lot about the game. He helped me out quite a bit. I feel like I understand the game a little better, from the mental standpoint. Thanks Steve!


That book is a little more involved than what I thought, and just confused me. I am going to read through it again.

[fluharty]

My next game came on the 20th against Mobile Bay Bears, the Padres AA team. I only gave up 4 runs, but I threw 97 pitches and didn't even finish the 5th. I started every inning with either a single or a walk. I got myself in to and out of a lot of jams, but a three-run bases-loaded double sealed my fate.

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
4/20 4.1 5 4 4 0 4 6 Loss
</font></pre>

[fluharty]

I finished off the month with a good outing against the Diamond Jaxx, the Cubs AA team. It was tied when I reached my pitch count and got pulled. We wound up losing 2-1.

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
4/26 6.1 5 1 1 1 1 4 -
</pre></font>

On my second pass through that book it was a lot more clear. I feel like I can try out my new pitch, the sinker! I can't wait till my next start!

I ran into a fellow named Barrios at a downtown bar. He said he was famous, and seem to want to talk, so I offered to buy him a drink. We talked over some beers and a few shots. It turns out that he's a really cool fellow, and pretty smart. I feel inspired!

[fluharty]

Well, my first month of professional ball just ended. Overall, my line is not too impressive, but I had three good outings and only two bad ones, so I'm pretty happy overall.

<pre><font face=courier>
G GS W L ERA IP H R ER BB K CG SH WHIP
5 5 0 2 4.60 29.1 33 15 15 10 27 0 0 1.47
</pre></font>

[fluharty]

This sucks!

I was having a pretty good outing going when my arm really started to burn. The coach and trainer came running out and I was pulled. I got some x-rays and thank goodness its just a strain. I'm on the shelf for about 4 weeks though.

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
5/2 4.2 1 0 0 0 2 5 -
</pre></font face>

The manager felt bad for me and offered to have a few drinks with me. We talked and drank, and we got pretty hammered. I think we talked about a lot of stuff that would have helped me out, but I was too drunk to remember!



Gads, what a hangover!

[dsvitak]

This is a nice thread.

I like the way you post the results for each game.

Having some experience in this, I can tell you that it will take an enormous level of effort to sustain.

Have fun with it, and best wishes to Jacob!

[fluharty]

Well, since I am injured, I thought I'd take the time to look up some of the guys in my draft class:

First rounder Lastings Milledge is playing well at A, hitting 283 through 138 at bats with 7 steals. Vince Sinisi is hitting 310 in 99 at bats with 4 homers and Miguel Vega is struggling a little, hitting 245 so far in 106 at bats. He has 6 steals. Robert Coello is the starting catcher at AA, and has struggled, hitting 241 through 83 at bats. Jay Sborz is handling A very well. He has a 4-2 record and a 2.49 record in 6 starts and 43.1 innings. Marc Kaiser did well at A ball, with a 3-2 record and a 3.11 ERA in 37.2 innings. He was promoted to AAA but has not started yet. Matt Farnum ended up starting for AAA and has been a little over matched. He has a 10.93 ERA through 14 innings and 3 starts. Christian Colonel is doing very well at A ball, hitting 333 through 120 AB. He has 9 doubles and 2 steals. Mark Palmore is struggling in a part time role in A ball. In 41 at bats he has just 10 hits for a 244 BA. Since Colina was promoted to AA, though, he is starting at A. Maybe he will do better with more consistent at bats.

Had a talk with the manager in the bar and this time I stayed sober enough to remember what he was saying! My poise went up!

I decided to sell all my equipment at b-bay to try and scrape enough money together to get another book. $127K may be just enough.

[fluharty]

The trainer gave the word to the manager last night that I was ready and I got the start today, 5/31, against the Norwich Navigators!

We scored a pair in the first and another in the second. I gave up a run in the second. From 3-7 were all zeroes. I left after giving up a walk with one out in the 8th inning.

In came Javiar Lopez, a 25 year old lefty who has been inconsistent all year. He has an ERA of 4.63 in 34 innings, allowing 37 hits and giving up 14 walks, but he has struck out an impressive 59. He immediately gave up a single and a walk to load the bases with one out!

My stomach hurt. I could see the W slipping away- again! Then, he struck out two to end the 8th! Whew!

Lee Collins, a 24 year old lefty closer, came in for the 9th and slammed the door. He has been lights out all year, with 15 saves already and a 2.53 ERA. I got my first win!



Time to celebrate! Maybe Ms Klum will be waiting for me at fiddlers!

<pre><font face=courier>
Date IP HA R ER HR BB K Dec.
5/31 7.1 4 1 1 0 1 3 WIN!!!
</pre></font>

[fluharty]

I had a pretty good June, with a solid 3.77 ERA, although I went 0-2. Chin-Hui Tsao was promoted to AAA. He had a 2.84 ERA in 73 innings with 70 Ks and 20 walks. A pitcher named Corey Vance was sent down, but he only stayed for one start and was sent back to AAA. Kibler was promoted to AAA along with him. I'm not sure why he got the promotion ahead of me, since his ERA was the same as mine. He walked less guys, about half as many as me. Maybe thats why.

Chris Buglovsky, a 23 year old right hander and Jay Sborz, an 18 year old right hander selected just ahead of me in the 5th round, were promoted from A. Buglovsky made only one start and was sent back down to make room for Kibler, who was sent back down from AAA. Got all that? Sheesh!
<pre><font face=courier>
Date OPP IP H R ER BB K PI Dec
6/06 KCA 5.2 4 1 1 3 7 99 Loss
6/12 MIN 6.0 6 4 4 3 2 89 -
6/18 SDN 5.0 6 3 3 1 4 89 -
6/24 SDN 6.0 3 0 0 5 3 97 - <- What do I have to do for a W?
6/30 ARI 6.0 6 4 4 2 6 93 Loss
</pre></font>
I finally did buy a book, at b-bay, called "The Right Pitching Motion, volume 1". It was somewhat less expensive then I expected, at 115K. Left me some beer money. Once again, its a little over my head first time through. I'll read through it again.

[fluharty]

July went well, and my last start was going really well until I strained my bicep (again). An excellent outing gone to waste. I'd only thrown 64 pitches thorugh 6 innings! I am listed as day-to-day so I guess we will see.

Kibler was promoted to AAA mid month and we got a 25 year old righty named Ryan Cameron in his place. Cameron was doing well in AAA, so he's not too happy about the demotion. Young was bumped down to #2 and Cameron became our ace. I also finally finished that book. Took me the whole month to figure out what it was trying to say! It was worth it, though. I just hope I can get over this injury quickly.

<pre><font face=courier>
Date OPP IP H R ER BB K PI Dec
7/06 MIL 5.2 5 2 2 2 5 94 -
7/12 LAN 6.1 6 4 4 1 5 96 Loss <- After this Loss I was 1-5 with an ERA under 4!
7/18 SFN 7.0 5 0 0 0 7 96 WIN <- Yeah! 2-5 now!
7/24 LAN 6.2 5 2 2 2 2 91 Loss
7/30 CIN 6.0 1 1 1 0 6 64 - Injured!
</pre></font>

Ryan Cameron was called back to AAA after a couple of starts and we are left with a four man rotation- and me injured! Brad Serra was promoted to AAA also, leaving us short in the pen too!

Kip Bouknight, a 24 year old righty, was sent down from AAA. We are back to five starters, counting me. Garrett Gentry, a 22 year old catcher, was prompted from A, pushing Coello to a backup role.

[fluharty]

Kalinowski was in a pretty bad mood today. His buddy Brad Serra had been released. He'd been doing well in AA before being promoted to AAA, made just two appearances in AAA, then got the axe. Its pretty strange, since we are short in the pen anyway. We could have used him.


Well, all of August went by and I was never considered ready to start. Now the season is over. My numbers were good, but I didn't get as many innings in as I should have. Next year, hopefully, I will be injury free. I finished with 24 stuff, 40 controll, 65 velocity, 24 poise, and a 53 endurance.
<pre><font face=courier>
G GS W L ERA IP H R ER BB K CG SH WHIP
17 17 2 6 3.26 102 85 37 37 32 82 0 0 1.15
</pre></font>
9/6 Over some brews, I talked the owner of the ballclub into giving me some money for another book! Woohoo!

[fluharty]

4/1/2004

I was hoping to start the year in AAA, but I guess I will have to prove I am ready by dominating at AA. I am listed as the number one starter this year, with Jason Young number two, then Jay Sborz, Chris Buglovsky, and Jeff Francis, a 23 year old lefty. Jeff did very well in A last year.

The pen is the same as last season, with the addition of Richard Herbert, a 21 year old righty who also had a very good year in A last season.

New additions to the lineup include Alvaro Alsina, drafted out of Mexico in the 2nd round this year. He's 20 and bats right handed. Joel Barerra, 26, is down from AAA last year. He's a minor league vet that will probably never see the majors, but loves the game enough to keep on playing. William Shirwood is a left handed center fielder, a 8th round draft pick this year. He is 22. Corey Sullivan is in left. He had a very good year in A ball, hitting for power and average. He is 24 and bats from the left side.

After my off-season workouts I am starting out this season with 31 stuff, 44 control, 67 velocity, 27 poise, and 59 endurance.

I lost my first game, but pitched well. You give your team a chance, but they cant always pull through. I'll get the W next time.<pre><font face=courier>
Date OPP IP H R ER BB K PI Dec
4/1 HOU 7.2 5 3 3 2 10 102 Loss
</pre></font>YES! After one start I am off to Colorado Springs and the Sky Sox!

[fluharty]

4/2/2004

I arrived in Colorado Springs today and have been getting acquaunted with my new team mates. I know some of the guys here but most I dont.

Ryan Cameron is the #1 starter, followed by my good friend Mike Esposito. Larry Cisneros, a 27 year old righty that has been at AAA for a while, is third in the rotation. I am 4th, and behind me is Corey Vance, a 24 year old lefty that spent last season in AAA, except for the one start he got down in AA. He had good numbers last year.

Kibbler is here, and Boeknight, but they are both are in the pen, along with James Green, Tony Adorno, and Ivan Hayes, all righty and all 28. Cam Esslinger, 27, and Paul McMorris, 28, are set up and lefty Charly Nagy, 21, is the closer.

Matt Holliday, 24, will be leading off. He has good speed and decent power, but not what you expect from a corner OF. He also did not hit for a good average last year, his first in AAA, so he is back.

Minor league vet Chauncy Tuten, 28, is catching and hitting 2nd. He may never see the bigs, but still holds out hope.

Hitting third is Jorge Piedra, 24, in right. He hit for a high average and had a good OBP last year, but does not have the power typical of a corner outfielder. He may still wind up in the majors, since they only have 4 outfielders on the roster at the major league level.

Fourth is Garrett Atkins, a 23 year old 3B, may also end up in the majors. He hit better than 300 but again did not show the power typical of third basemen. He is our DH.

Fifth is Brent Butler at 2B. He spend parts of the last three years in the majors but has not done well, so he is back in AAA.

Karl Roberts is hitting 6th. He was with me in AA last year. He had an excellent year, showing both power and speed.

Seventh is Kent Barker, a minor league vet who has not been able to break into the majors. He will be at first base.

hitting eighth is Javier Colina at 3B. He played 2B last year in AA, but has been moved to 3B.

Ron Merill is our SS and will hit 9th. He split last year between AA and AAA as a backup.

Rob Coello has been promoted from AA to fill the backup catcher role. Also on the bench we have 3B Kit Pello 30, SS Sean Carpenter 27, and major league vet Doug Glanville, a CF.

[fluharty]

I won my first AAA start!

<pre><font face=courier>
Date OPP IP H R ER BB K PI Dec
4/08 CHC 7.0 6 1 1 2 4 100 Win!
4/14 LAN 6.2 3 2 2 4 5 96 Win! <- OMG 2 in a row!
4/20 SDN 8.0 3 0 0 2 4 111 Win! <- Ha Ha! I could get used to this!
4/26 CIN 5.2 13 5 5 1 5 106 -
</pre></font>

Wow! The owner of the AAA ballclub gave me 750K for books! Shopping spree!!

[fluharty]

SS Juan Uribe, 24, has been sent down from the majors and our SS Ron Merill was released. Uribe will be starting for us.

<pre><font face=courier>
Date OPP IP H R ER BB K PI Dec
5/02 CIN 8.0 7 1 1 2 7 99 Win!
5/08 PHI 7.0 6 3 3 3 4 101 Win!
5/14 MON 7.2 6 0 0 2 1 99 - <- Why'd he pull me!? Cam walked 2 and gave up a double!
5/20 SFN 7.0 4 1 1 3 5 102 -
</pre></font>

On 5/25 after the game I was about to head home when the manager told me to pack my stuff I was headed to Denver! Woo! I am headed to the big show!!

I was also told I'd be pitching out of the pen. The pen?! I've never pitched in relief! Well, I'll do my best!