Carroll, WCU Product Frank Gailey Still Firing In Oakland's System
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Frank Gailey is now in his eighth professional baseball season and this one, like the seven previous, features him doing what he does best - getting people out.
A 28-year-old left-handed pitcher, Gailey is a product of Archbishop Carroll High School and West Chester University. Drafted by Toronto back in 2007, he is now in Oakland's organization, pitching out of the bullpen for the Double-A Midland RockHounds down in Texas.
"It's my second year here so I would say a little more comfortable," Gailey tells KYW Newsradio. "I'm just trying to be consistent and trying to stay within myself. I see guys that throw 96 (mph) and I wish I could be one of those guys, but I'm more of the guy that has to change speed and locate."
And Gailey uses a variety of pitches to do that.
"My repertoire basically is a fastball, change-up and then I have a breaking ball and a split-finger," Gailey says. "And basically it goes in that order as of my strengths."
This season Gailey has appeared in 23 games for the RockHounds out of the bullpen. He is 1-0 with a 3.62 ERA. In 32.1 innings, he has allowed 34 hits, struck out 30 and walked just 11. These numbers are pretty much in line with what he has done throughout his minor league career. His career ERA in 276 appearances? 2.69. And he averages nearly a strikeout per inning (435 in 457.2 IP). Despite this, Gailey has pitched just one inning above the Double-A level. A single frame for the Phillies' Triple-A squad in Lehigh Valley in 2012. He says there is some frustration that he hasn't gotten more of a chance at a higher level, but he keeps it all in perspective.
"That's the game of baseball," Gailey says. "There's guys that catch breaks and guys that (don't). But as long as I stay positive, my break will come I feel like eventually. It's been later than sooner but hopefully that will turn around shortly. Sooner (rather) than later I'll hopefully be in the big leagues and hopefully make a career out of it."
He's already lasted in the pro game longer than most, and that means he has a lot of experience that he is ready to share with younger guys on the squad.
"I notice I'm having conversations and kind of showing guys, 'Hey this is probably the better way to do things,' or here's a better situation or maybe a better routine," Gailey says. "I was almost getting taught that four years ago, five years ago and now I'm the one kind of showing the ropes. But needless to say, there are still guys showing me stuff. Game changes, there's different grips, day-by-day I'm always learning and if I can give back a little bit to other people, that's even better."
Gailey and the RockHounds host San Antonio on Thursday night.
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