Name: Mark Armstrong
High School: Clarence HS (2013 graduate)
College Commitment: Pittsburgh
MLB Organization: Cincinnati Reds (3rd round draft pick 2013)
Position: RHP

PBR New York sat down with former Clarence HS star Mark Armstrong for a question and answer session.

PBR: How did you prepare for your first full season in the Cincinnati Reds organization?

Armstrong: Throughout the off-season I understood coming into the year that the first year will be a statement year. I wanted to prove that being a young guy in the organization that I could compete and succeed against pro competition. I lifted twice a week from November 1st all the way until my report date in late February. Once December started I began my throwing program and throwing at certain distances to build up my arm strength. I knew that I wasn't in high school anymore and that I had to make sure I built up my arm to last me a full 6-7 month season. Once January hit, I began my bullpens, commanding the fastball was my focus, and then I started to work in my other pitches off of my fastball. They want to see how we can locate, make hitters unbalanced and stay low in the zone, so every pen I focused on location and living down.

PBR: What were the biggest adjustments you had to make from HS to the Professional level?

Armstrong: One of the biggest adjustments I had to make was being able to miss with my pitches where a hitter wouldn’t be able to hurt me. I could locate pretty well, but throwing my fastball belt high gave the hitter a chance to hurt me. I wasn’t allowed to pitch much in my first year due to how many innings I threw during the spring for Clarence HS. It gave me the much needed time to sit back and watch pro games and really develop myself into a true pitcher vs. just being a thrower. My goal this year was to come into spring throwing three pitches for strikes, and I feel I have made that adjustment.  

PBR: What does a normal day for you consist of in spring training?

Armstrong: Over the eight innings I threw in Spring Training I only walked two, struck out nine, and only allowed three hits. Every day consisted of a running program, a throwing program, and arm care program. The Orioles want to make sure their pitchers arms are healthy, strong, and durable for the long grinding season. We also lift weights twice a week focusing on baseball specific movements.

PBR: How do you keep yourself busy after you leave the ballpark?

Armstrong: Over the offseason I got certified through NYS to coach high school sports.  I was a three sport athlete in high school and loved playing every one of them. So this past offseason I was the Coach of the high school hockey team and it was a great experience. I will do that again this next offseason as well as helping the football team as I was the quarterback a year ago. I also worked at a baseball facility and gave lessons to young kids looking to enjoy the sport and get better with their skills

“Mark is doing very well,” said Jeff Grauge Cincinnati Reds Minor League Farm Director. “Mark had to overcome some challenges coming from a cold weather area like Buffalo, but he has adjusted well to the pro environment and we expect big things from him in 2014.”

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