Bauer making most of his time during spring training

Oh to be 21 and playing for a major league baseball team. That’s the life that Trevor Bauer is leading right now, and all eyes are pointed squarely in his direction, to see what he does with the opportunity the Diamondbacks have given him.

Bauer is Arizona’s top prospect, being that he was their top selection in last June’s Amateur Draft (3rd overall pick). 

The young man cut his teeth in the minor leagues last season, splitting time between Visalia and Mobile, the Diamondbacks’ California and Southern League organizations respectively.

In his 25 2/3 innings, he had 42 strikeouts and 12 walks.

The club brought Bauer up to see what he could do during spring training, and for the most part, Bauer has looked the part, striking out nine and walking just one in his 10 innings.

“I’m throwing a lot more strikes, and quality strikes at that, so overall I’m pretty pleased,” Bauer said. “I haven’t given up a whole lot of hard-hit balls. That being said, there are still plenty of areas I can improve on. I still can’t figure out how to throw a curveball in the dirt when I want to, which is a little frustrating.”

And that will all come to him with time and execution.

“I think every game he pitches he learns a thing or two,” said manager Kirk Gibson. “He’s young and got a lot to learn.”

It’s highly likely that Bauer will start the season back in the minors, as Arizona’s starting rotation is pretty much set with Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson, Joe Saunders, Trevor Cahill and Josh Collmenter.

Kennedy says its always good to have an overflow of strong arms in the organization, of which Bauer is definitely one of them.

“He’s just another young talent that we have in our system,” Kennedy said. “I’m just curious to see how things go for him.”