Kernels Spotlight Alex Pully

[Edward Murphy]

During a trip to El Paso Borderhounds (AAA) this year, I had the opportunity to talk to one of the Kernels top prospects, Alex Pulley. Alex is on the DL with bone chips in his elbow that have been removed. He currently travels with the team and on the bus ride back, I was able to interview him.

Last year when you were called up, it looked like you cut down on the number of fastballs you throw.

That is correct, in Triple-A I started to work more with my curveball, throwing it on the first pitch to batters and also working the changeup into the pitch selection. My changeup is not my best pitch but with help from pitching coach, Gerald Spitsbaard, showing me how to mix up my pitch selection, I have been able to keep batters off stride.

When throwing the curveball early in the count I see a lot of batters just take the pitch for a strike allowing me to get ahead in the count and then I can work the plate with the fastball.

Last season you ended the year on a strong note. How did you do that?

Being able to throw my curveball helped me find my rhythm and tempo. A lot had to do with my stride and how long it was. I was jumping at the batter instead of staying back and letting everything flow. I also continued to work on the changup last year.

When did you feel you were good enough to play at the next level?

That was in my junior year of high school. That year, I started 9 games went 5-0 with 70 k's.

Alex you had many offers to play college ball why didn't you?

Well after being drafted in round 3 of the 2004 draft, my family and I had a number in mind we needed for me not go to college and the Chicago Black Sox meet that number.

So what did you do with your signing bonus?

Put it into a saving type account, just in case I was unable to make it in baseball, then I had something to fall back on and go to college.


What is your best baseball memory?

That was at the age of 12 or 13. My Dad was unable to catch my pitches anymore. I was starting to have outstanding velocity on the ball and his hand was unable to handle it. Many times after practicing with me he iced down his hand. So many days we went down to the field to just practice pitching, 70 to 80 balls I would throw, just working on the control. During the drives to the field and home, Dad talked to me about being a leader, instilling in me the confidence of doing your best, and don't let anyone tell you, you are not good enough. Then I found out years later that he was paying the high school catcher to catch me as he sat and just watch me practice. He saw the talent in me and gave me the opportunity to develop it.

Thanks, very much for your time and good luck.