by Mark Nikolov / @realmccoyminors
(special to A’s Farm)
Left-hander Cody Stull was drafted out of Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina in the 29th round by the A’s in 2014. This past season, he was able to get a taste of three different levels of minor league ball – at High-A Stockton, Double-A Midland and Triple-A Nashville. I recently had a chance to speak with Cody and talked to him about his recent success…
MN: This past season, you moved up three levels in the A’s farm system. To what do you attribute that achievement?
CS: I attribute it to hard work. The A’s have also done a great job surrounding me with some really good pitching coaches. All of my coaches have helped me improve my performance in Single-A, Double-A and Triple-A. I’m very grateful to them for that. Being able to get lefties out is always a good way to move up in the system too.
MN: Last season, you put up great numbers in the California League – a league that is known for being a hitters’ league – 63 strikeouts in 55 2/3 innings with only 11 walks and a 1.46 ERA. Do you think you can repeat those numbers or put up even better numbers this coming season?
CS: I think so. I think that there’s always more opportunities to get better. Now that I’ve added a curveball into my pitching arsenal, that should only help me get better.
MN: In an article on 27 Outs Baseball last season, Eddie Pannone mentioned that you have a low 90s fastball and a good changeup. He also said that you were working on your breaking ball. Can you tell me about the success you had with that pitch last year?
CS: Sure, my breaking ball helped me open up the zone a little more. It eventually turned into a cutter and I’ve had success with that pitch as well.
MN: I found an article on the Coastal Plain League website from January of 2013 that described you as a fan favorite when you were playing for the Gastonia Grizzlies. Here is a direct quote from that article: “Cody has tremendous character and is the kind of person that you always want on your club.” Do you agree with that statement?
CS: Yeah. I always want to be known as the guy that people want to be around. I try to keep a good positive atmosphere when I’m around other teammates.
MN: I noticed that you and Max Schrock follow each other on Twitter. What can you tell me about him?
CS: I got to know him for a short period of time when he was in Midland. He is a true competitor. He hits everything when he’s at the plate. It seems like the guy never gets out. Having him behind you on defense is great because there’s a good chance he is going to make a play on every ball that comes his way.
MN: What was it like growing up in Matthews, North Carolina?
CS: It was nice. Matthews is a small town surrounded by some other small towns and there’s a lot of baseball in our area. Richie Shaffer and a few other major league guys are from there.
MN: Last question, what are your goals for this upcoming season?
CS: I want to stay on the same path that I’m on right now as far as numbers go. That should help me advance to the MLB, and hopefully I can make an impact there as well.
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