Skip to main content

Spring Training Check In: RHP Tyler Knigge

Tyler Knigge, a 12th round draft pick by the Phillies from 2010, has been an impressive relief pitcher during his time with the organization. Sporting a fastball that resides in the mid-90's, a knuckle curve that he learned from his father, a change up and sinker, Knigge feels that he is equipped to take on all comers, as he ascends toward the big leagues. A competitive guy, Knigge challenges opposing batters with his stuff and isn't afraid to take the ball in any situation.

Last year, the 6-foot-4-inch 215-pound right-hander had an impressive campaign with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws in his first full professional season. In 43 relief outings, Knigge posted a 4-3 record with 4 saves and a 3.32 ERA with a .243 batting average against.

Recently, I spoke with Tyler, 23, from the Phillies' spring home in Clearwater, FL. He talked about a speech by the Phils' GM, arriving spring training considerably early and more. Read ahead for Tyler Knigge's spring training check in.


On the potential to follow his manager from Lakewood last year (and for his 1 game stint with short-season Williamsport in 2010), former Major Leaguer Chris Truby, up one level to Class A Advanced Clearwater this season...

I really hope I get the chance to do that. I love playing for Truby, he's been a great coach. Playing for him has been a great experience for me, especially because he has the big league experience and everything. I'm able to learn a lot from him and my expectation is, obviously, to keep moving up and being able to play under the same manager for two years in a row could be a great advantage for me and it's definitely something I am looking forward to.


On reporting to spring training early and what advantages that could provide for him going forward...

Being from Idaho and being in the cold weather and everything...it's a lot different being able to go down early. My first spring training, I didn't have the opportunity to go down early, but this year I had the opportunity to come down about 18 days early and work out and get into the warm weather and really become acclimated, which really helped me to loosen my arm up and I was able to get into the- we have a new conditioning coach, and I was able to get into the conditioning program and that has really helped me out preparing for the spring training aspect.


On his closely knit family's avid fandom for his pitching career and them paying him visits from their home state of Idaho...

My parents are actually here in Florida right now. They had the opportunity to take a little bit of time off work and witness spring training, which not all players' families get to experience. And even better yet, they get to come down and watch the Phillies, the best team in Major League Baseball. The first plan is for them to visit here for spring training and then, as the season continues on, I'm sure they'll make another visit to come watch me play.


On the most appealing thing about Clearwater...

The weather is definitely one of the better aspects of playing in Florida. It's definitely better to pitch in the heat. Being a pitcher, I would say, especially me, I like being able to feel loose, and get comfortable on the mound. My first year in professional ball, I played with the rookie ball team, here in Clearwater and, so, I'm used to the weather. It's something that I enjoy pitching in.


On whether or not the humidity in Florida has ever been bothersome toward his game, like it can be for other hurlers...

The first year I was here, in the GCL, I did have some trouble finding grip on the ball, but baseball gods were so kind as to bless us with this little invention called rosin. And I had never used it before, being from Idaho, where any heat that you get is dry, and I never had a need for it until I got to Florida. About two appearances into my professional career, I decided, "Well, throwing a 94 mile an hour fastball halfway up the screen behind home plate isn't gonna get me real far." With issues holding onto the ball, after a while I decided to use some rosin and I haven't had any problems, since I started using that.


On Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. speaking with a large group of minor league players this past week...

One of the big things that he talked to us about, that really spoke to me the most, was that he was in our same position at one point in his professional career. One thing that he talked about was being in our shoes and he understands what it takes to be a big leaguer and what it takes to strive and go through the minor leagues and especially all the long seasons of a minor leaguer. I think that having a general manager that knows that and understands is something that speaks to me the most. He brought that up and I took some time to reflect on that. And I realized that this is what I want to do and I am ready to do whatever it takes and make whatever sacrifices it will take to get to the big leagues.

_________________________________________________________

You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular

World Series Preview: Phillies vs. Astros

The Fall Classic is set to get underway on Friday with the Phillies opening on the road to take on the Astros in a best-of-seven series. This year marks 75 years since the first time a World Series was televised and this year each game will be broadcast on the FOX television network.  ESPN will have the radio broadcast and that feed can be streamed by using this link . Game 1 Friday, 8:03pm Eastern....in Houston.  RHP Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25 ERA) vs. RHP Justin Verlander (18-4, 1.75 ERA).  In 16 road starts during the regular season this year, Nola notched a 5-9 record with a 3.00 ERA.  Nola has struck out 18 and walked three in 17 1/3 innings pitched this postseason.  Earlier this month, Nola tossed 6 2/3 scoreless innings at Houston.  In 15 home starts during the regular season, Verlander sported a 10-1 record with a 1.64 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP.  Verlander has a 5.68 ERA and has not recorded a win in seven career World Series starts.  Verlander has 11 starts allowing one run or fewer in

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Ben Brown talks TJ recovery, O'Hoppe, cancelled season

Image- MiLB.com Out of action since last May when it was determined he required Tommy John surgery, righty pitching prospect Ben Brown is using the downtime of the pandemic hiatus to continue his physical recovery.  A 33rd round draft selection of the Phillies back in 2017, Brown made his professional debut that same year, posting a 2.57 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 10 appearances in the rookie level Gulf Coast League.  The following season, Brown began to make a name for himself in the GCL, striking out 16 batters in one July appearance.  He would post a 3.12 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in 10 games (eight starts) before earning a promotion and finishing the season with a pair of outings with Class A short-season Williamsport. Brown, a Long Island, NY native, opened last year with Class A Lakewood.  In four appearances with the BlueClaws, he struck out 20, walked four and allowed no runs in 13 2/3 innings and looked well on his way to making an impact on betting odds and available promo codes