Gamespeed welcomes back Alex Palsha Class A pitcher in the NY Mets organization. Last year Alex did three months of a customized off season conditioning program. The result was a stellar season as a closer, earning All Star honors and topping at 97mph.
Photo By (Gordon Donovan)
Alex Palsha
By Steve Sypa on Aug 10, 2015,
Palsha, 23, was drafted by the Mets in round 27 of the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft out of California State University at Sacramento. He made his professional debut that season, pitching for both the Kingsport Mets and GCL Mets out of the bullpen, posting a 1.06 ERA in 17 innings with 11 saves over the two combined levels. The right-hander was assigned to the Brooklyn Cyclones for the 2015 season and has been even more successful. Through 16 games and 18.2 innings, Palsha has not allowed a single run, converting 11 saves in the process. He sits around 90 MPH with his fastball, maxing out at around 93 MPH. His repertoire consists of a curveball—a solid offering with good drop that is his primary secondary offering—and a fringy, still-developing change-up.
Farm Report: Cyclones closer Alex Palsha is nearly perfect
Right-hander Alex Palsha nearly has been perfect as the closer for the Brooklyn Cyclones this season. The lone blemish came on the final day of the first half, as Palsha was set to travel to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game.
Palsha, a 27th-round pick in 2014 out of Sacramento State, allowed a ninth-inning run on Aug. 16. Hudson Valley ultimately beat the Cyclones, 3-2, in 11 innings that day. That is the only run and blown save Palsha has surrendered this season. He has a 0.38 ERA in 23 2/3 innings and 13 saves in 14 chances. Opponents are hitting .130 against him.
“It was definitely a bummer. It’s one of those things you definitely have in the back of your mind, thinking about,” said Palsha, who added that he was more disappointed the team lost.
Palsha, 23, throws a fastball that tops out at 95 mph, as well as a curveball and a changeup.
He had Tommy John surgery during his senior year of high school in Danville, California, and redshirted his freshman year at Diablo Valley College. He went on to pitch one season there, one season at the College of San Mateo, then one season at Sacramento State.
Palsha has a half-semester to go to complete a degree in organizational communications.
Palsha was used as a reliever at Sacramento State, setting up Sutter McLoughlin, who now also is in the New York-Penn League, with the Phillies’ affiliate in Williamsport.
“When I found out I was a reliever in college, I wasn’t really used to it, because I’ve always been a starter, and I’ve always wanted to be a starter,” Palsha said. “As the season worked its way through the year, I developed a routine and realized it’s a really good fit for me as a pitcher. I feel like it’s been working out well and carried over to pro ball.”
Palsha’s 25-year-old brother Ryan pitched from 2009 through 2012 in the Baltimore Orioles organization after being selected in the 16th round. He had a career 4.71 ERA in 53 career relief appearances at the Class A level. He is now back in school, finishing his degree at San Jose State.
“We played high school on the same team and travel ball on the same team,” Palsha said. “He was a role model, especially when he went pro even more. It just made me want to do what he was doing and just compete with the best out there.”
