Trevor Bauer learning, growing in minors

Arizona Sports News online

Trevor Bauer is going places.

Literally.

The Diamondbacks first pick (third overall) last year is on the fast-track to success and judging from his steady climb through the Dbacks minor league affiliates, don’t be surprised to see the 6’1 right-hander with the quirky delivery at Chase Field in the near future.

For now, the 21-year old is adjusting to life in the minor leagues.

“It’s going pretty well, actually,” Bauer told Brad Cesmat Tuesday on ‘Big Guy on Sports.’ “This year I’ve been able to settle into a nice routine and know the schedules and my teammates in spring training so I’m enjoying it.”

The routine has led him to Triple-A Reno where he’s 2-0 in three starts, including Monday’s six-inning, eight-strikeout gem against Sacramento in a 10-2 win. He walked only ten batters, while striking out 24 in just 19 innings.

For Bauer, he’s even using what he learned in the classroom at UCLA to help him better perform on the mound.

His choice of study? Mechanical engineering and computer mathematics.

“Mechanical engineering involves a lot of physics,” Bauer said. “Understanding torque, momentum, things like that I can apply into the pitching delivery. When the ball spins, it creates pressure zones. If I change the orientation of the seams, it will change the pressure zones and move slightly differently. Being able to understand that stuff has definitely been big for me on the baseball field.”

The more success Bauer has in the minors, the more buzz is created here in Phoenix as the Diamondbacks look to pick up the pieces after a slow start to due to injuries, a suspect bullpen and inconsistencies at the plate.

He’s not immune to the speculation.

“I get on Twitter,” he explained to Cesmat. “Trevor, when are you getting to the big leagues? When are you going to get called up? I’m aware there’s a buzz about it.”

A Valley native, Eric has had a passion for the Arizona sports scene since an early age. He has covered some of the biggest events including Super Bowls, national championships and the NBA and MLB playoffs in his near 20 years in local media.