Skip to main content

Randolph confident about progress, staying positive

C. Randolph, Image- Jay Floyd
Rarely, the path from being a team's top draft choice to contributing for that organization at the top level is swift and full of positivity throuughout  Most often, a player's journey to reaching the big leagues is challenging and difficult.

As he deals with growing pains involved with being a professional baseball player, Phillies outfield prospect Cornelius Randolph falls into that more common classification.

Randolph, the 10th overall draft choice in 2015 out of Griffin High School in GA, has progressed at a solid pace despite battling against opposition that is usually older and more seasoned.  

At 20-years-old, Randolph, who goes by just "C" for short, is one of the youngest players in the Double-A Eastern League and, statistically, that inexperience is clear.  Through 25 contests, the lefty hitter has notched a .182 batting average with four doubles, a home run and five RBI.

Plenty of fans watching box scores and stat lines for the talented youngster have formed harsh opinions, often asserting, prematurely, that Randolph is a bust.

A recent tweet by Randolph, which stated, "I got confidence in myself and that’s all I need" almost seemed prompted by critics and haters.

Randolph, who expected the adversity that's been presented at the Double-A level, denied that notion.

"I honestly don't look at that stuff," Randolph said.  "If you tag me in it, then so be it, but I don't look at the negative stuff.  There's no need.  Fans can say, 'Oh, he's not doing this.  He's not doing that.'  But they're behind the computer or desk.  They're not playing.  They don't fully understand what's going on, so, no it was not guided towards them.  It was more that I'm confident in myself and struggles happen.  Get through it."

Feeling improvements in his pitch selection and contact at the plate helps Randolph know he's headed in the right direction.

"My AB's show it every night," Randolph confidently shared.  "That's the thing the fans don't see.  They don't don't see the AB's, they just see the numbers.

"I'm progressing.  Every AB is getting better and better.  I'm actually starting to hit the ball hard, I just gotta find holes now."

Avoiding unwelcome criticism and unproductive feedback is a smart call for anyone.  Though, Randolph understands the high expectations that come from being a top draft pick.

Playing several states away from his home in Georgia, Randolph still talks with his parents every day.  Family as well as teammates give him the positivity that helps him stay focused and take strides.

The Phillies felt Randolph showed enough last year in the Class A Advanced Florida State League and over the off-season in the Arizona Fall League to have him open this season in the Eastern League.

With Clearwater in 2017, the 5-foot-11 205 pounder posted a .250 average with 13 homers and 55 RBI in 122 games.  In the AFL he tallied a .239 average with four doubles, a triple and eight RBI in 19 games.

Coaches also see development with Randolph's performance, despite the disappointing statistics.

"It's his first year of Double-A and it's got its challenges," Reading coach and former Phillies first baseman Rico Brogna stated.  "That being said, the last week to 10 days, some of the things he's been working on with hitting is transferring into the batters box during the game."

Continuing to grow and adapt is the immediate plan with the ultimate focus on reaching the big leagues and helping the team that took a chance on Randolph three summers ago and made him a millionaire as a teenager.

The difficulties along the way are what Randolph feels will help him the most.  And he welcomes them with wide eyes and high hopes.

"Until you struggle, you're not going to make adjustments.  You're not gonna learn anything unless you struggle." 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Caption This....

Jayson Werth was hit by a pitch thrown by Jeff Bennett on Friday. This picture shows where the ball made contact with Werth. Drop YOUR caption in the comments area.

Who is Your Favorite Willie 'Mays' Hayes?

PhoulBallz.com is wondering which individual who has portrayed Willie "Mays" Hayes is the favorite of the public. Hayes, of course, is the character made famous in the Major League motion picture series. In Major League , Willie "Mays" Hayes was portrayed by budding Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes, who would go on to action movie superstardom. Snipes has starred in major motion pictures like the Blade trilogy, Passenger 57 , Undisputed and many more. Snipes remains an impact Hollywood actor, despite legal troubles related to income tax evasion. Snipes was replaced for the sequel, Major League II when his busy career, and possibly the film's budget, would not allow him to return, by Omar Epps. Another budding actor, Epps had previously worked with director David S. Ward, on the film The Program , and landed the role of Hayes, who had become a Hollywood action star over the off-season that occured between the two films. Epps' career portraying athletes rolle

Harry Kalas Phorever...

Legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas passed away today. Harry collapsed while preparing to call today's game against the Washington Nationals. So many phans will feel as though we've lost a member of our own families. I feel as though I've lost a part of myself, but Harry enhanced my love of the great sport we call baseball and I will always carry that love, and Harry, in my heart. I've stated on this page before that I consider Harry more of a Phillie than anyone who wears the uniform as an active member of the roster. Harry Kalas was a Phillie. Moreso, Harry Kalas was the Phillies. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harry in the comments section, or send them to PhoulBallz (at) verizon (dot) net.