Carson looking for more

Southpaw Robert Carson made important strides during his second year in rookie ball, but arm trouble caused him to miss out on the fall Instructional League season leaving him to feel unfulfilled. Nonetheless, he is coming on strong thanks to a live arm and consistent approach, but knows there is more to be done.

Following an impressive season in which he posted a combined 3-3 record and 1.65 ERA in 12 games [11 starts] in the Gulf Coast League and Kingsport, Robert Carson looked forward to the Instructional League. The aim was continue to the work that led him have his way with the competition this year, including 13 consecutive shutout innings with 17 strikeouts and zero walks in his final three GCL appearances.

But he was unable to do so after soreness in his elbow initially forced him to go to New York for examination after his final appearance. Afterwards, he attempted to throw at Instructs but it ended quickly.

”I was shut down during Instructs because while I was at Kingsport I had a little problem in my elbow during the last game and after I got checked out I had the same problem at Instructs. I wanted to keep going but the doctor said that it was just enlarged tissue in my elbow from throwing all season.”

“But I felt real good for the year. I had a real good season and getting moved up in rookie ball was a great opportunity, and now I’m looking forward to working towards Spring Training and proving my ability and making a long season team,” he said.

Yet it was disappointing for a young hurler who seeks to find something new with every turn. However, Carson still made the most of the opportunity to be around a system’s worth of young pitchers and coordinators and got something out of it.

“Not being able to pitch was hard because I was ready to go when I got down there, and it was disappointing seeing everyone out there playing and I wanted to be out there throwing too,” he said.

“But I learned just from sitting, watching and seeing how other guys worked. I picked up a lot of good information in the meetings and talking with coaches that I know will help me next year and I know will let me come back stronger.

Coming off a season in which he threw 54 2/3 innings, Carson simply wants to enhance his pitching aptitude as it relates to game management. Previously more of a thrower than a pitcher, he aims to maintain the upper-hand on the tempo of at-bats.

“I think the strongest part of my game this year was being able to learn more about pitching, and really focusing on controlling the game. Learning that I was in control of the game and doing that by throwing strikes with more than pitch was really important, and it’s something I want to continue,” he explained.

Specific to his pitches, the slider remains Carson’s top priority. Already comfortable with his fastball location [sitting 92-95 MPH], he knows that the growth of his slider could be the determining factor to his 2009 assignment and his success if he were to make it to a long-season squad.

“I just really want to focus on my slider. I just want to do more than just throw it and get some movement. I really want to be able to control the spin, the break and really get a great feel for it and release point.”

“Doing that and come back stronger and my arm in great shape, that’s something to work towards because I didn’t get to throw at Instructs. I want to be physically at my best and have my slider at its best because the long-season is definitely my goal.”

Story courtesy of InsidePitchMagazine