Here’s a breakdown of the provided text,focusing on the key facts about pitcher Ben Bucknam:
Key Takeaways about Ben Bucknam:
Drafted by the blue Jays: the text implies Bucknam has been drafted or is a prospect of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Pitching Development: He’s eager to utilize the Blue Jays’ “pitching lab” and development tools.
learning Curve with Technology: He was initially “thrown into the deep end” with advanced training techniques (force-plate mounds, Trackman data, Edgertronic cameras) at LSU, where he learned a lot as a reliever.
Refining His Game at DBU: His pitching coach at DBU, Cale Johnson, helped him significantly by establishing pro standards and teaching him how to use tech and data to improve.
Developing His Pitch Repertoire: With Johnson’s guidance, he split his slurve into two distinct pitches: a hard, biting slider and a slower curveball, both of which generate swings and misses.
Current Pitching Arsenal: He possesses a fastball in the mid-90s, a changeup with potential, and his refined slider and curveball. This repertoire gives him a chance to stick as a starter.
Balancing Tech and Feel: Bucknam believes in a “hybrid” approach, acknowledging the importance of analytics and technology while also valuing the “feeling” of pitching. He sees technology like Trackman and Edgertronic as crucial for understanding pitch shapes.
Excited about the Blue Jays’ Plan: He’s eager about joining the Blue Jays and their approach to pitch development.
Strongest Outing: his best performance was against Middle Tennessee State University, where he struck out 14 batters in 7 shutout innings.
Analyzing Performance: He analyzes his outings, both good and bad, by looking at the balance between “baseball” (unpredictability) and his own “process” and execution.
Focus on Execution: A key metric for him is the number of pitches executed properly, aiming for around 70+ out of 100 pitches for a accomplished outing.
Enjoyment of Success: He describes the feeling of “punching tickets” (likely referring to strikeouts or successful pitches) as one of the most enjoyable aspects of the game.
In essence, the text highlights Ben Bucknam as a promising pitching prospect who is embracing modern analytical and technological approaches to refine his game, with a particular focus on developing a strong secondary pitch arsenal and a high level of execution.
