Texas Rangers Ace deGrom Honest Thoughts on New Pitch Clock, Organization
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The Texas Rangers and their fans finally got to see their ace Jacob deGrom on the mound for the first time Monday. The righty threw 2.0 innings, while striking out five and hitting 100 mph on his fastball.
The left side tightness he entered camp with appears to be a non-factor.
In fact, deGrom was adamant he would be ready to start Opening Day. A great sign for the Rangers' prospects against the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies and an exciting show for Texas fans.
Perhaps just as interesting as his first start was his media availability following it. With deGrom having missed all of spring up to this point, the ace hasn't had the chance to deal with the new pitch clock implemented by MLB.
It didn't seem to faze him.
"I looked at [the pitch clock], based on how I pitch, you know I normally run pretty fast," deGrom said. "I did not think it was going to be a problem. In my live I wasn’t great with it but also I had [pitching coach Mike Maddux] standing behind me I was talking to him about some things I was trying to do. So out there in the game I keep things moving."
Good news on that front, too. Many of the league's best pitchers have had trouble adjusting to the new rule, at least in the early going. For deGrom, his pace has always been quick so it seems to be a non-issue.
Another interesting bit from the presser were deGrom's thoughts on his new organization, especially since he has now had time to acclimate to his new teammates and surroundings.
"It’s been great," deGrom said. "Like I said everybody’s been great getting to know all the guys and it’s an awesome clubhouse. So I’m super excited to be a part of it.
"It’s a great group of guys. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and like I said you gotta get out there and play. Anything could happen. You go out there and you give it all you’ve got. I like our chances. We’re excited to get this thing going."
A healthy deGrom that can make even just 25 starts a season vastly improves the Rangers' chances of accomplishing their goals. After committing nearly $800 million to free agents in the last two offseason, Texas is gunning for a playoff spot in the American League.
Their rotation is headlined by the best in the game and, with new additions, is one of the best in the league. A little over-performance and some breaks along the way could result in a postseason berth.
deGrom back on the mound is the first piece of that puzzle.
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