The most beautiful stories are often the least expected, the least hoped for.
Perhaps Ricky Tiedemann’s will be one that will charm the public.
In recent months, the story of this 20-year-old pitcher was still very little known.
Last April, the southpaw was playing at the A level with the Dunedin Blue Jays in Florida. During his five-week stint in Southern State, he maintained a stellar 1.80 ERA, in addition to recording three wins in six outings. He only suffered one setback and was not involved in two decisions.
The organization saw fit to send him to the other side of the continent, to Vancouver, with the Canadians.
If you thought that Tiedemann was going to be surprised by the level of play of A Fort, think again!
In eight starts, he posted a record of two wins, two losses, as well as a 2.39 earned run average.
He then headed to New Hampshire, at the AA level. With the Fisher Cats, he continued his success.
What is the constant in the three cities where he has played so far? Definitely his ratio of three strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
The average of the three teams he played for is 13.4.
As Tiedemann climbs the ranks, the challenges will become more and more difficult, but also, more and more challenging. Pitchers, the Blue Jays certainly need them in the next few years. Imagine, a left-handed pitcher who accumulates withdrawals on three strikes.
Not bad for a 2021 3rd round pick. I think it’s still too early to talk about theft, contrary to what TSN reporter Scott Mitchell claims.
Obviously, he has seen the young man play more than me. However, baseball is a sport where climbing the ladder to reach the Majors is full of pitfalls and surprises.
If he continues to deliver fastballs around 90 mph like he does and polishes his control, he will definitely be useful to the Blue Jays in the very near future.
One thing is certain, the young Californian seems to be having fun playing for the Blue Jays and eyes will probably be on him at the next spring training camp.
Until then, there’s plenty of great baseball left to play!
