Since being drafted in the 10th round by the Seattle Mariners in the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, former Defiance High School and University of Michigan pitching standout Tyler Burgoon has made a steady climb up the minor league ladder.
The right-hander reliever will begin the 2013 campaign with the Jackson (Tenn.) Generals of the Southern League (Double A), when they kick off the season tonight in Jacksonville. After spending the off-season working on his degree at the University of Michigan, while also working out in preparation for spring training, Burgoon is excited for another campaign on the diamond.
“I probably took a month off and got caught up with school work right after the season ended,” said Burgoon. “After the month off, I got back in the weightroom, and then I started throwing long toss again in late December. By February I was throwing bullpens, and then I headed out to Arizona a couple of weeks early to get used to the heat.
“This spring I worked on my change-up and on a two-seam fastball,” continued Burgoon. “I had tinkered with the two-seam last year, but this spring it really came around. The extra work has me very confident in both of those pitches. I’m looking forward to another fun season.”
Last season with the High Desert Mavericks (Single-A Advanced) of the California League, Burgoon went an impressive 8-2 with a 3.25 ERA in 53 appearances, all out of the bullpen. In 63 2/3 innings on the bump, the righty struck out 80 and walked 31, while opponents batted .230 against him. Burgoon will be in the same role as last season, and although he’s not familiar with the Southern League, he’s ready to learn all about it.
“Right now the organization has me slated for the back-end of the bullpen, mostly the eighth inning role right now, like last season,” Burgoon said. “We have a very good closer, but if we get into a situation where he’s used a lot, I could also close some games. We have a great pitching staff here, I’m excited about being a part of it and helping our team win.
“As far the Southern League, I don’t know that much about it, but from what I’ve been told there are some great parks,” added Burgoon. “I’m really looking forward to the competition, each step up is a chance for me to hone my skills and compete.”
During spring training, Burgoon twice had the opportunity to pitch in big league games with the Mariners, including in a save situation against the Cubs in Arizona.
“Getting the chance to pitch with the big club was a great opportunity for me,” Burgoon said. “I pitched against Kansas City in my first outing, throwing 2/3 of inning, and I earned a save against the Cubs in my second. It was a 1-2-3 inning, and I closed them out. Now that spring is over, it’s great to get back to games that count. Spring was great to get my work in, but now it’s about wins.”
From rookie league, to Single A, to Single-A Advanced to now Double A, Burgoon has steadily moved up the Mariners food chain. Just two more climbs and Burgoon will reach his ultimate destination ... Seattle and the major leagues.
“It’s been a great ride so far, and I feel very fortunate that my hard work has allowed me to move up one level each year,” concluded Burgoon. “I’ve really enjoyed each season I’ve played, I’ve had the chance to meet some great people and play with and against some great players. The goal is still the same, and that goal is to get to the big leagues in hopefully a couple of years.”