Oliver Drake
From Massachusetts To Major League Baseball
From Massachusetts To Major League Baseball
(photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays)
By Evan Katz, Author and Creator
What a long strange trip it’s been from Gardner, Massachusetts to the major leagues for Oliver Drake. He pitched 37 innings as a high school junior. He was a 43rd round draft pick. He has pitched for 17 professional teams.
What a long strange trip it’s been from Gardner, Massachusetts to the major leagues for Oliver Drake. He pitched 37 innings as a high school junior. He was a 43rd round draft pick. He has pitched for 17 professional teams.
In 2019 at age 32, Drake had a breakout season. He was called up from the minors at the end of May and played a key role in the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen --- the busiest and most effective in the major leagues. He won five games, saved two, and held the lead in thirteen others. He helped Tampa Bay make it to the first round of the American League playoffs.
In 2019 at age 32, Drake had a breakout season. He was called up from the minors at the end of May and played a key role in the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen --- the busiest and most effective in the major leagues. He won five games, saved two, and held the lead in thirteen others. He helped Tampa Bay make it to the first round of the American League playoffs.
Drake started the 2019 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls. As early season games began to add up Bulls Pitching Coach Rick Knapp reassured Drake, “I communicated daily to make sure he was staying positive,” said Knapp, believing he would be promoted. “It was only a matter of time. They had traded guys away to make room for him. That’s how much they thought of him.”
Drake started the 2019 season with the Triple-A Durham Bulls. As early season games began to add up Bulls Pitching Coach Rick Knapp reassured Drake, “I communicated daily to make sure he was staying positive,” said Knapp, believing he would be promoted. “It was only a matter of time. They had traded guys away to make room for him. That’s how much they thought of him.”
The hard-throwing six-foot four-inch righty was called up to Tampa on May 26. Drake became an important element in the bullpen right through the playoffs.
The hard-throwing six-foot four-inch righty was called up to Tampa on May 26. Drake became an important element in the bullpen right through the playoffs.
How did Drake elevate his pitching in 2019? The baseball analytics website Fangraphs said that his four-seam fastball was quicker and his split-finger fastball became practically unhittable. His baseball card statistics said he struck out more batters, walked fewer and gave up less hits.
How did Drake elevate his pitching in 2019? The baseball analytics website Fangraphs said that his four-seam fastball was quicker and his split-finger fastball became practically unhittable. His baseball card statistics said he struck out more batters, walked fewer and gave up less hits.
Drake’s explanation was less technical. “It was understanding what my strengths are,” he said at spring training in mid-February at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. “The areas of the zone that my stuff plays the best and establishing a plan of attack and taking control of that myself. And not just relying on what catchers are calling, but taking control of what pitch I’m going to throw and having a reason why and knowing why to throw that pitch in certain counts.”
Drake’s explanation was less technical. “It was understanding what my strengths are,” he said at spring training in mid-February at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. “The areas of the zone that my stuff plays the best and establishing a plan of attack and taking control of that myself. And not just relying on what catchers are calling, but taking control of what pitch I’m going to throw and having a reason why and knowing why to throw that pitch in certain counts.”
Spring training had been underway for just a few days. For many Rays it was chance for a fresh start in 2020. For Drake, the third oldest member of the team, it was different, like his non-traditional career path. He had to remember everything he learned during his twelve years in professional baseball, and before.
Spring training had been underway for just a few days. For many Rays it was chance for a fresh start in 2020. For Drake, the third oldest member of the team, it was different, like his non-traditional career path. He had to remember everything he learned during his twelve years in professional baseball, and before.
Gardner and the Naval Academy
Gardner and the Naval Academy
Drake grew up in Gardner, Massachusetts, known as “Chair City” for its production of four million chairs per year in its manufacturing heyday. Also, woven into the fabric of the Central New England mill city is the Royal Steam Heater Company, founded in 1889 by four entrepreneurs including a member of the Drake family. Drake’s father Jay is the family’s fourth generation to run the commercial plumbing, heating and fire protection business.
Drake grew up in Gardner, Massachusetts, known as “Chair City” for its production of four million chairs per year in its manufacturing heyday. Also, woven into the fabric of the Central New England mill city is the Royal Steam Heater Company, founded in 1889 by four entrepreneurs including a member of the Drake family. Drake’s father Jay is the family’s fourth generation to run the commercial plumbing, heating and fire protection business.
Ironically, Drake’s middle name is Gardner, but it’s a family name that predates his ancestor’s arrival in Central Massachusetts, said Drake.
Ironically, Drake’s middle name is Gardner, but it’s a family name that predates his ancestor’s arrival in Central Massachusetts, said Drake.
“I grew up playing hockey and baseball so all fall and winter I played hockey and then I’d play baseball,” said Drake. When he needed to practice his pitching “I was lucky to always be able to find a gyms to throw in.”
“I grew up playing hockey and baseball so all fall and winter I played hockey and then I’d play baseball,” said Drake. When he needed to practice his pitching “I was lucky to always be able to find a gyms to throw in.”
Drake pitched 81 innings total as a junior and senior at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, MA. He was a First-Team All-Central New England Prep School selection in 2005 and 2006. The head coach and pitching coach at the Naval Academy, both from New England were assembling their first recruiting class. They saw Drake’s higher level promise in high school and summer baseball. At Annapolis, Drake said, “That’s where things took off. It was really the first time I devoted a year-round focus on baseball.”
Drake pitched 81 innings total as a junior and senior at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill, MA. He was a First-Team All-Central New England Prep School selection in 2005 and 2006. The head coach and pitching coach at the Naval Academy, both from New England were assembling their first recruiting class. They saw Drake’s higher level promise in high school and summer baseball. At Annapolis, Drake said, “That’s where things took off. It was really the first time I devoted a year-round focus on baseball.”
In two years Drake was transformed at the Naval Academy’s Division 1 baseball program. When he arrived in Annapolis, Maryland he was six feet-four and under 200 pounds. Scott Freidholm, the Midshipman pitching coach from 2005 to 2010, said the year round baseball program and Drake’s work ethic were a powerful combination.
In two years Drake was transformed at the Naval Academy’s Division 1 baseball program. When he arrived in Annapolis, Maryland he was six feet-four and under 200 pounds. Scott Freidholm, the Midshipman pitching coach from 2005 to 2010, said the year round baseball program and Drake’s work ethic were a powerful combination.
“Sometimes you just can’t teach that pride and work ethic and that’s really what happened,” said Freidholm. Drake added muscle to approach his present 215 pounds, he said, and “went from 86-87 mph up to 93-94 mph by the end of his sophomore year at the Naval Academy.”
“Sometimes you just can’t teach that pride and work ethic and that’s really what happened,” said Freidholm. Drake added muscle to approach his present 215 pounds, he said, and “went from 86-87 mph up to 93-94 mph by the end of his sophomore year at the Naval Academy.”
“He loved the weight room,” recalled Freidholm. “The thing that made Ollie special was the way he got his teammates involved in everything whether it was at a practice or in the weight room. He had t-shirts made for the weight room for the pitching staff that said, “Big Calves. Big A**. Throw Gas.” That is what they believe in. They thought if they could create a lower half and continue to work that it would help them. He got twelve or thirteen other pitchers on board and all of a sudden all of them had gains in the weight room and velocity.”
“He loved the weight room,” recalled Freidholm. “The thing that made Ollie special was the way he got his teammates involved in everything whether it was at a practice or in the weight room. He had t-shirts made for the weight room for the pitching staff that said, “Big Calves. Big A**. Throw Gas.” That is what they believe in. They thought if they could create a lower half and continue to work that it would help them. He got twelve or thirteen other pitchers on board and all of a sudden all of them had gains in the weight room and velocity.”
The Naval Academy’s 2008 Baseball Media Guide said Drake “produced one of the best freshman seasons on the mound in Navy history.” He became the Midshipmen’s number three starter with a 3-3 record and 3.22 ERA in 2007. As a sophomore he started 13 games, was 6-3 with a 3.70 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 80 innings.
The Naval Academy’s 2008 Baseball Media Guide said Drake “produced one of the best freshman seasons on the mound in Navy history.” He became the Midshipmen’s number three starter with a 3-3 record and 3.22 ERA in 2007. As a sophomore he started 13 games, was 6-3 with a 3.70 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 80 innings.
Drake’s development at the Naval Academy still had a learning curve, said Freidholm. “If there was a bad day the day before, if there was a great day the day before,” said Freidholm, “it didn’t matter. His personality and his upbringing came from his Mom and Dad. They own their own plumbing company and they work hard. They work and that’s what Ollie has been instilled with. No matter what, you’ve got to come into work the next day, and he’s always done that.”
Drake’s development at the Naval Academy still had a learning curve, said Freidholm. “If there was a bad day the day before, if there was a great day the day before,” said Freidholm, “it didn’t matter. His personality and his upbringing came from his Mom and Dad. They own their own plumbing company and they work hard. They work and that’s what Ollie has been instilled with. No matter what, you’ve got to come into work the next day, and he’s always done that.”
The 2008 Major League Draft
The 2008 Major League Draft
Navy’s 2008 season ended in mid-May about three weeks before the MLB free agent draft in June. This is an exciting time of year for standout high school players, junior college graduates, and four-year college players who have completed their junior years. They are eligible for the draft, and if chosen, can decide whether to continue their college baseball careers or turn professional.
Navy’s 2008 season ended in mid-May about three weeks before the MLB free agent draft in June. This is an exciting time of year for standout high school players, junior college graduates, and four-year college players who have completed their junior years. They are eligible for the draft, and if chosen, can decide whether to continue their college baseball careers or turn professional.
There is also another very small group of eligible draftees --- college players over twenty-one, regardless of their academic year. That included Drake, who had turned twenty-one in January and did not have to make his military commitment to the Navy until the start of his junior year.
There is also another very small group of eligible draftees --- college players over twenty-one, regardless of their academic year. That included Drake, who had turned twenty-one in January and did not have to make his military commitment to the Navy until the start of his junior year.
Still, Drake was off the draft radar. He was so far off the radar there was no expectation he would be selected. “No one had really talked about it,” said Freidholm, “and Ollie had never really talked about it.” In Annapolis anyway.
Still, Drake was off the draft radar. He was so far off the radar there was no expectation he would be selected. “No one had really talked about it,” said Freidholm, “and Ollie had never really talked about it.” In Annapolis anyway.
Twenty-two miles away at Camden Yards in Baltimore the Orioles scouting department had compiled its annual list of over-age-twenty-one draft eligible sophomores at the nation’s military academies. Orioles scout Dean Albany saw Drake on the list. “I went and saw him pitch three or four times and I was the only scout there,” said Albany. The Orioles also got a closer look at Drake between the end of the season and the draft in a nearby summer college wood bat league, said Albany.
Twenty-two miles away at Camden Yards in Baltimore the Orioles scouting department had compiled its annual list of over-age-twenty-one draft eligible sophomores at the nation’s military academies. Orioles scout Dean Albany saw Drake on the list. “I went and saw him pitch three or four times and I was the only scout there,” said Albany. The Orioles also got a closer look at Drake between the end of the season and the draft in a nearby summer college wood bat league, said Albany.
In the 43rd round of the 2008 draft, the Orioles selected Drake, the 1286th player chosen. “We thought he was a big leaguer,” said Albany which explained the $100,000 bonus offer, an amount normally associated with players selected over 30 rounds earlier. The choice was a dilemma for Drake. Albany said it took over a week for Drake to decide. “It wasn’t an easy decision for him to walk away. He loved the Naval Academy, absolutely loved it and he told me that,” said Albany.
In the 43rd round of the 2008 draft, the Orioles selected Drake, the 1286th player chosen. “We thought he was a big leaguer,” said Albany which explained the $100,000 bonus offer, an amount normally associated with players selected over 30 rounds earlier. The choice was a dilemma for Drake. Albany said it took over a week for Drake to decide. “It wasn’t an easy decision for him to walk away. He loved the Naval Academy, absolutely loved it and he told me that,” said Albany.
The Minor Leagues
The Minor Leagues
That summer started Drake’s slow climb up the minor league ladder. For seven years he played at every minor league level in six different leagues with the Orioles.
That summer started Drake’s slow climb up the minor league ladder. For seven years he played at every minor league level in six different leagues with the Orioles.
In 2010 he started developing his now twisting splitter. “I was a starter in the minor leagues,” he said, “and I couldn’t throw a change-up. I got sick of trying a different change-up grip every game. I said, ‘I’m just going to try a splitter today.’ It worked and I’ve been there ever since.”
In 2010 he started developing his now twisting splitter. “I was a starter in the minor leagues,” he said, “and I couldn’t throw a change-up. I got sick of trying a different change-up grip every game. I said, ‘I’m just going to try a splitter today.’ It worked and I’ve been there ever since.”
Two years later in 2012 he underwent shoulder surgery. The procedure worked, but had an unintended consequence. “The biggest change to my delivery came after my shoulder surgery,” said Drake. “Once that happened it was all about finding a way to throw that didn’t hurt and the way I throw now is what I came up with.”
Two years later in 2012 he underwent shoulder surgery. The procedure worked, but had an unintended consequence. “The biggest change to my delivery came after my shoulder surgery,” said Drake. “Once that happened it was all about finding a way to throw that didn’t hurt and the way I throw now is what I came up with.”
His over-the-top delivery generates high velocity but it’s non-traditional. “I’ve had a lot of pitching coaches who would laugh and say, ‘That’s definitely a self-taught motion.’”
His over-the-top delivery generates high velocity but it’s non-traditional. “I’ve had a lot of pitching coaches who would laugh and say, ‘That’s definitely a self-taught motion.’”
In 2013, his third year with Double-A Bowie Baysox, Drake transitioned to the bullpen. Another change. Freidholm said Drake was ready for that too, noting “Ollie realized that at every level after that shoulder surgery he had to make adjustments to make the next jump…He’s changed his arm slot about seven times in professional baseball which is unheard of, because that usually takes six months to a year to do.”
In 2013, his third year with Double-A Bowie Baysox, Drake transitioned to the bullpen. Another change. Freidholm said Drake was ready for that too, noting “Ollie realized that at every level after that shoulder surgery he had to make adjustments to make the next jump…He’s changed his arm slot about seven times in professional baseball which is unheard of, because that usually takes six months to a year to do.”
Moving to the Baysox bullpen was a literal game changer. His strike outs per inning soared and hits per inning dropped. For the Baysox in two seasons Drake saved 39 games, striking out 109 batters and allowing only 60 hits in 84 innings. He led Eastern League in saves in 2014 with 31.
Moving to the Baysox bullpen was a literal game changer. His strike outs per inning soared and hits per inning dropped. For the Baysox in two seasons Drake saved 39 games, striking out 109 batters and allowing only 60 hits in 84 innings. He led Eastern League in saves in 2014 with 31.
But having a good bullpen arm with the Orioles organization in the mid 2010’s was a blessing and a curse. The Baltimore strong bullpen in 2013, 2014 and 2015 was anchored by the league’s best closers Jim Johnson and Zack Britton. It was difficult to move up.
But having a good bullpen arm with the Orioles organization in the mid 2010’s was a blessing and a curse. The Baltimore strong bullpen in 2013, 2014 and 2015 was anchored by the league’s best closers Jim Johnson and Zack Britton. It was difficult to move up.
Drake threw well in 2015 with Triple-A Norfolk, resulting in an early season five-game call-up by the Orioles. On May 23 he made his major league debut against the Miami Marlins. He pitched three innings, holding Miami scoreless in the bottom of the 9th, 10th and 11th innings of a 0-0 game. When Drake was called up a second time in September his gaudy closer Norfolk Tides stats read: 23 saves, 44 innings, 66 strikeouts, 23 hits and an 0.82 ERA.
Drake threw well in 2015 with Triple-A Norfolk, resulting in an early season five-game call-up by the Orioles. On May 23 he made his major league debut against the Miami Marlins. He pitched three innings, holding Miami scoreless in the bottom of the 9th, 10th and 11th innings of a 0-0 game. When Drake was called up a second time in September his gaudy closer Norfolk Tides stats read: 23 saves, 44 innings, 66 strikeouts, 23 hits and an 0.82 ERA.
In 2016 he was called up twice by the Orioles for a total of fourteen games. In Norfolk, where he spent most of the season, in 47 games he had ten saves, striking out 79 batters in 56 innings, giving up only 44 hits.
In 2016 he was called up twice by the Orioles for a total of fourteen games. In Norfolk, where he spent most of the season, in 47 games he had ten saves, striking out 79 batters in 56 innings, giving up only 44 hits.
Drake was 29 years old and had managed seventeen promotions and demotions as a professional, plus shoulder surgery. He had pitched 34 innings in 27 major leagues games. Frustrated? Maybe. Undaunted? Probably.
Drake was 29 years old and had managed seventeen promotions and demotions as a professional, plus shoulder surgery. He had pitched 34 innings in 27 major leagues games. Frustrated? Maybe. Undaunted? Probably.
As he checked in periodically with Freidholm during that time, no doubt he heard his former coach characterize the struggle of a developing player. “In baseball sometimes these ups and downs come even though you are performing well,” said Freidholm. “It might be that he’s the only one left with an option on his contract so he has to be the guy who is sent down. Or they [the front office] think he might be able to clear free agency [or waivers] and bring him back up in a week or two if someone else gets injured.”
As he checked in periodically with Freidholm during that time, no doubt he heard his former coach characterize the struggle of a developing player. “In baseball sometimes these ups and downs come even though you are performing well,” said Freidholm. “It might be that he’s the only one left with an option on his contract so he has to be the guy who is sent down. Or they [the front office] think he might be able to clear free agency [or waivers] and bring him back up in a week or two if someone else gets injured.”
Odyssey - A long journey usually marked by many changes in fortune
Odyssey - A long journey usually marked by many changes in fortune
Drake began 2017, his first full season in the majors, with Baltimore. After three games he was traded to Milwaukee where he established himself as a reliable middle inning bullpen arm. In 60 games for the Brewers he was 3-5 with a 4.44 ERA, one save and six holds.
Drake began 2017, his first full season in the majors, with Baltimore. After three games he was traded to Milwaukee where he established himself as a reliable middle inning bullpen arm. In 60 games for the Brewers he was 3-5 with a 4.44 ERA, one save and six holds.
The 2018 season did not start well in Milwaukee. After eleven ineffective April games Drake was sold to Cleveland. The four games in Cleveland were no better. He was out of minor league options. That meant he could not be sent to the minor leagues unless all other twenty-nine teams did not want him. So when Cleveland released him, he was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels. When the Angels released him he was picked up by Toronto, and when Toronto released him he was picked up by the Twins.
The 2018 season did not start well in Milwaukee. After eleven ineffective April games Drake was sold to Cleveland. The four games in Cleveland were no better. He was out of minor league options. That meant he could not be sent to the minor leagues unless all other twenty-nine teams did not want him. So when Cleveland released him, he was picked up by the Los Angeles Angels. When the Angels released him he was picked up by Toronto, and when Toronto released him he was picked up by the Twins.
Drake was the first player to suit up for five major league teams in one season. A blizzard of media stories documented the oddity, covering topics such as packing strategies, plane versus auto travel, hotels, apartments, new teammates and the patience and logistical support of his wife Shannon who was travelling with him for the first time.
Drake was the first player to suit up for five major league teams in one season. A blizzard of media stories documented the oddity, covering topics such as packing strategies, plane versus auto travel, hotels, apartments, new teammates and the patience and logistical support of his wife Shannon who was travelling with him for the first time.
Besides looking for a place to live, Drake was searching for his command. Through July, with four teams in 27 combined innings, Drake had an ERA of 7.57 and a batter OPS of .911. Thankfully, the fifth team was the charm --- Minnesota. During the last two months of the season with the Twins in 20 innings he allowed 12 hits and struck out 22, with an ERA of 2.21.
Besides looking for a place to live, Drake was searching for his command. Through July, with four teams in 27 combined innings, Drake had an ERA of 7.57 and a batter OPS of .911. Thankfully, the fifth team was the charm --- Minnesota. During the last two months of the season with the Twins in 20 innings he allowed 12 hits and struck out 22, with an ERA of 2.21.
Still, he was released again, and when the off season transaction gymnastics concluded he landed in Tampa Bay for 2019. In nine months he changed teams seven times, and was a Blue Jay and Ray two times each.
Still, he was released again, and when the off season transaction gymnastics concluded he landed in Tampa Bay for 2019. In nine months he changed teams seven times, and was a Blue Jay and Ray two times each.
Opening the 2019 season in Triple-A Durham Bulls Pitching Coach Knapp said, “He had enough stuff. He was doing what the organization wanted.” Drake struck out 42 percent of the batters he faced (40 in 24 innings) and had six saves in six opportunities.
Opening the 2019 season in Triple-A Durham Bulls Pitching Coach Knapp said, “He had enough stuff. He was doing what the organization wanted.” Drake struck out 42 percent of the batters he faced (40 in 24 innings) and had six saves in six opportunities.
In Tampa after he was recalled in late May, Drake reasserted his unusual right-hander’s ability to pitch more effectively against lefties (.147) than righties (.216). That had been one of his weapons from 2015 to 2017. Effective against righties and more effective against lefties.
In Tampa after he was recalled in late May, Drake reasserted his unusual right-hander’s ability to pitch more effectively against lefties (.147) than righties (.216). That had been one of his weapons from 2015 to 2017. Effective against righties and more effective against lefties.
Albany said the movement on Drake’s splitter was boosted by his high, overhand delivery. “Now it’s a lethal pitch,” he said. “It gets tons of swing and misses in the big leagues…The overhead slot is conducive to throwing the split, because you want the split to tumble and go down. The higher the release point the more tumble and the more down plane you get on the split.”
Albany said the movement on Drake’s splitter was boosted by his high, overhand delivery. “Now it’s a lethal pitch,” he said. “It gets tons of swing and misses in the big leagues…The overhead slot is conducive to throwing the split, because you want the split to tumble and go down. The higher the release point the more tumble and the more down plane you get on the split.”
Drake’s fastball velocity increased at age 32, for the second time in three seasons, according to data compiled by Fangraphs.
Drake’s fastball velocity increased at age 32, for the second time in three seasons, according to data compiled by Fangraphs.
“He’s one of the few guys his age who’s had two velocity increases over the last three years,” said Freidholm, “which he attributes to his diet…He firmly believes that the body is the most important part of this whole thing.”
“He’s one of the few guys his age who’s had two velocity increases over the last three years,” said Freidholm, “which he attributes to his diet…He firmly believes that the body is the most important part of this whole thing.”
For the season Drake won five games, saved two and held the lead in thirteen others. He limited hitters to a .181 average and a .357 slugging average. In games that Drake pitched Tampa was 32-18. He pitched twice in the playoff series against the Astros which the Rays lost in the deciding fifth game in Houston.
For the season Drake won five games, saved two and held the lead in thirteen others. He limited hitters to a .181 average and a .357 slugging average. In games that Drake pitched Tampa was 32-18. He pitched twice in the playoff series against the Astros which the Rays lost in the deciding fifth game in Houston.
Getting Ready for 2020
Getting Ready for 2020
After the season Drake returned home to Central Massachusetts. He commuted to Cressey’s Sports Performance in Hudson, Massachusetts for his off season workouts. “It’s 45 minutes from the house, so I’m pretty lucky to have what I think is the best baseball gym in the world 45 minutes away,” he said.
After the season Drake returned home to Central Massachusetts. He commuted to Cressey’s Sports Performance in Hudson, Massachusetts for his off season workouts. “It’s 45 minutes from the house, so I’m pretty lucky to have what I think is the best baseball gym in the world 45 minutes away,” he said.
Massachusetts pitchers in MLB during 2019
Over 700 pitchers appeared in MLB games in 2019, and only ten were Massachusetts-born. Drake said there is no special greeting or handshake for this select group. “You cross paths with a lot of them,” he said, “especially if they return home in the off season because there aren’t a ton of places to train and a lot of us end up in the same spots…Even if you’ve never met usually you’ve heard of each other so when you do cross paths…you at least know who each other are.”
Over 700 pitchers appeared in MLB games in 2019, and only ten were Massachusetts-born. Drake said there is no special greeting or handshake for this select group. “You cross paths with a lot of them,” he said, “especially if they return home in the off season because there aren’t a ton of places to train and a lot of us end up in the same spots…Even if you’ve never met usually you’ve heard of each other so when you do cross paths…you at least know who each other are.”
In 2020 Drake will use his fastball/splitter mix, but knows he must adjust in the never-ending cat-and-mouse game between pitchers and hitters. “I always try to fiddle with some new stuff,” he said, “because you’re always looking for ways to improve and having a new weapon always helps, so we’ll see if I find a third one.”
In 2020 Drake will use his fastball/splitter mix, but knows he must adjust in the never-ending cat-and-mouse game between pitchers and hitters. “I always try to fiddle with some new stuff,” he said, “because you’re always looking for ways to improve and having a new weapon always helps, so we’ll see if I find a third one.”
Last year Drake switched sides of the pitching rubber, but found it difficult to maintain his pitch command. “You have to be consistent,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like a big distance [24 inches], but when you move from one side of the rubber to the next it’s a big change for a pitcher.”
Last year Drake switched sides of the pitching rubber, but found it difficult to maintain his pitch command. “You have to be consistent,” he said. “It doesn’t seem like a big distance [24 inches], but when you move from one side of the rubber to the next it’s a big change for a pitcher.”
Drake is excited to work with the Rays catchers. “They are fantastic with ‘What do you want in these counts? What are you looking to do? Where do you like to go? How do you want me to set up?’ The lines of communications are open here which makes it a lot easier but it really doesn’t take too long to figure it out [since I throw two pitches].”
Drake is excited to work with the Rays catchers. “They are fantastic with ‘What do you want in these counts? What are you looking to do? Where do you like to go? How do you want me to set up?’ The lines of communications are open here which makes it a lot easier but it really doesn’t take too long to figure it out [since I throw two pitches].”
With his success against both righties and lefties, Drake may become more valuable with the new MLB rule requiring pitchers to face at least three batters unless the inning ends sooner. “He’s a very important commodity coming out of the bullpen because his splits last year were pretty even against LH and RH hitters,” said Freidholm.
With his success against both righties and lefties, Drake may become more valuable with the new MLB rule requiring pitchers to face at least three batters unless the inning ends sooner. “He’s a very important commodity coming out of the bullpen because his splits last year were pretty even against LH and RH hitters,” said Freidholm.
Asked about his pitching delivery dynamics that make him such a valuable bullpen asset for the 2020 Rays, Drake said, “I have no idea. I don’t dive in to the specifics of how the body is moving, the motion, and the bio mechanics of it all. I feel like it works so I don’t need to know how or why.”
Asked about his pitching delivery dynamics that make him such a valuable bullpen asset for the 2020 Rays, Drake said, “I have no idea. I don’t dive in to the specifics of how the body is moving, the motion, and the bio mechanics of it all. I feel like it works so I don’t need to know how or why.”