Article: Catching Up With LHP Stephen Gonsalves

[Seth Stohs]

Stephen Gonsalves had a very strong 2015 season. If not for one Jose Orlando Berrios, Gonsalves was the likely winner of the Twins Daily Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Year. Today, we catch up with the talented, 21-year-old pitching prospect and learn more about what has made him successful, what he’s worked on this offseason. Find out how he feels about leaving San Diego next week to come to Minnesota for Twins Fest.He had a terrific 2015 season. It began with nine starts in Cedar Rapids where he went 6-1 with a 1.15 ERA. He finished the season with 15 starts in Ft. Myers. There he went 7-2 with a 2.61 ERA. It was a very successful season. He saw his name rising up prospect rankings.

 

Thank you to Stephen Gonsalves for taking time to respond to our questions today! If you enjoy this Q&A, be sure to thank Stephen for doing this when getting his autograph at Twins Fest in a week!

 

 

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Seth Stohs (SS): Being from San Diego, can we assume you grew up as a Padres fan, or will you surprise us with another favorite team? Who were some of your favorite players?

 

 

Stephen Gonsalves (SG): Yes, being from San Diego, I was raised a Padres fan, although I took a trip to Boston in third grade and went to the ballpark and absolutely fell in love with Fenway. My favorite player to watch growing up was, no doubt, Trevor Hoffman. Coming in to Hells Bells to close out the game, Petco Park lighting up in flames with Trevor Time, greatest experience at a ballpark you can have.

SS: Let’s go back to your high school days. Did you play other sports, or were you involved in other activities?

 

 

SG: The only other sport I played in high school was basketball, but I only played through my sophomore year. I was planning on playing all four years until one of my buddies snapped his ankle right in front of me right after we made the Team USA cuts, and that's when I decided I can't risk missing a baseball season from injury in another sport.

SS: After making eight starts in Cedar Rapids at the end of last season, you went back there to start this season and made another nine starts. Dominant, would be the word. What were you able to accomplish and gain personally through that time in 2015 with the Kernels?

 

 

SG: In Cedar Rapids, I want to say that my mindset was key. I needed to feel like I will dominate and no one here can beat me. That was one of the first times I wanted to be arrogant on the hill and display dominance, and in the end, I feel that helped gain my confidence in all my pitches just by saying “You’re not going to hit this pitch and I'm going to beat you.”

SS: You hit a couple of early bumps in Ft. Myers. What was the adjustment like from the Midwest League to the Florida State League?

 

SG: Once I got to Florida, it was an adjustment just to the weather. I went from pitching in 40-50 degrees in Cedar Rapids to getting my first six of seven starts in Florida being day games in the middle of summer where it was 90-100 with humidity. That's where it felt like I got winded early. Then the difference in batters was they waited for what they knew they could hit. In Cedar Rapids, once I got ahead 0-1, they were on their heels and would swing at a bad pitch to quickly make it 0-2. In ft. Myers when I was 0-1 and make that same pitch, they were able to spit on it make it 1-1. Which then 1-1 they have seen my best two pitches. Then 1-1, I would like to go to my best offspeed which was my change-up and throw that again and try to make it a bit better, and in the beginning, I was beating myself up and trying to make it perfect which always makes it worse. Then I'd be 2-1 to where he's ready to hit, seen my best pitches, and has a good idea of what was coming.

 

SS: When you are at your best, what are you doing on the mound? What’s working?

 

 

SG: I'm best on the mound when I can locate my fastball in. That is my favorite to throw, right at the knees first pitch maybe a ball in off the plate to make him dance a little to where he's uncomfortable. Then I know I can beat him up by just throwing my change-up on the outside half for an easy ground out.

 

SS: What are those things that you feel you needed to spend the offseason working on? What will be the keys to you taking the “next step?”

 

 

SG: Well this offseason in bullpens, I will be spending a lot of time on my cutter/slider. My curve ball is a serious weapon now, thanks to this last year where that's all we spent my time. So now to the next pitch where I flashed it a couple times in Instructs, and I got a lot of great feedback by coaches thinking that it might be my best pitch this year. So hopefully I can have this as a serious weapon this year.

 

 

SS: Last offseason, you worked out with the likes of James Shields, Stephen Strasburg and others. What has your offseason work and throwing program consisted of this year?

 

 

SG: I am fortunate to be working with all those guys again, Chris Young, Stephen Strasburg, and in the pen James Shields. They are awesome guys to share what they share with me whether it be showing me stuff on the mound or grips or even mental side on what they get from the game.

 

SS: When you get away from baseball, what do you enjoy doing?

 

 

SG: While I'm not playing baseball, I am either in the water or on the golf course. I love to go spearfishing! My cousin got me started on it about six years ago, and it is my favorite thing to do out here.

 

SS: In Cedar Rapids, you tweeted about never pitching below 60 degrees. Then you did, barely. So, how much are you looking forward to braving a Minneapolis winter for Twins Fest?

 

 

SG: Haha! Well, I have had the weather app on my phone locked on Minneapolis once I first got the invite, and I watch day-by-day it (temperature) dropping. All I have to say is, I will be signing all my autographs next to a fire, wrapped in a blanket.

(Seth Note - I will be attempting to obtain photographic evidence of this to post on Twins Daily as well as all forms of social media.)

 

SS: You’ve had cards since you were drafted in 2013. What is it like having your own baseball card and having people ask you for an autograph?

 

 

SG: Having people ask for your autograph is such a cool feeling to have. In high school, I would get fans sending me my cards during my senior year in class. It something special for me because, in my mind, I haven't done anything yet. I'm just a 21-year-old kid that still feels like I'm 15 playing in those tournaments and chasing after my dream.

SS: As a player, do you look at prospect rankings? What does it mean for you to be trickling into the Twins Top 10 prospect lists this offseason?

 

 

SG: Yes. I can honestly say I'm a victim to checking it out once in a while because I see it as motivation. That list is saying that I'm not the best and someone out there is better, and I don't want it to sound bad, but if you want to succeed you need to have that thought in your mind that no one will beat you. No one will out-work you, and I will climb to the top.

 

SS: What are your goals for the 2016 season? Are there certain numbers/stats you’d like to focus on?

 

 

SG: My goal for this season is to make the Futures Game in Petco Park in San Diego to represent the Twins. That would be very special for me and to my friends and family that cheer for me every day. Numbers-wise, the only one I'm focused on are the walks. Those need to be pretty much cut in half.

SS: Who are some of the people who have helped you get to this point in your career?

 

 

SG: I have a great family base here in San Diego that is the best support I can possibly have. All my aunts and uncles and cousins listening to every game, sending me little messages after every game, has helped me get this far and fuel me to keep going.

SS: Probably not in 2016, but looking to 2017 or 2018, what would it mean to you and your family to put on the Minnesota Twins uniform and pitch in the big leagues?

 

 

SG: It would mean the world to me and my family, to reach my dreams of getting to the MLB whenever that may be, and I couldn't be happier to do it with this organization.

 

Again, a big Thank You to Stephen Gonsalves for taking time to respond to our questions. Best wishes for a 2016 season!

 

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[Han Joelo]

Wow. I like this kids attitude. I say confident, not arrogant. Seems like he knows what he's trying to do.

[nytwinsfan]

Great detailed and thoughtful answers both on the pitching and training strategy stuff and on the rest. I like his attitude as well. Good luck this year.

Edited January 21, 2016 by nytwinsfan

[Squirrel]

Impressive and inspiring!

 

Seth, I can't say it enough ... these interviews are the best! Will you ever do anymore live interviews like you did one year from ST?

[clutterheart]

Its still surprising that he fell to the 4th round, and I think we are all looking forward to seeing him pitch for the Twins someday.  Lefties who through in the low 90's with an off speed pitch always have a chance for at least a LOOGY role.

 

He has work to do, when he got promoted to FM his K% and BB% both went the wrong way - by a lot  But it sounds like he recognizes that and knows where to improve.  Hopefully he can do it.  

[Thrylos]

Great stuff!  Good to hear that he is working on a fourth pitch.  A cutter is not a pitch that many Twins or many lefties throw and it can be a nice weapon for him.    Got to love the confidence. 

[Han Joelo]

After reading this last night, I checked out mlb pipelines LHP top ten list. Stephen didn't make it, but was listed in the "up next" part. Apparently he was a popular name in trade talks last summer.

[big dog]

The part I liked best, out of a great set of questions and answers, was pitching inside.  Nothing wrong with making a batter move their feet once in a while, and bad things are a lot more likely to happen if you don't do that.

 

Can't wait to see him in the Bigs!

[Seth Stohs]

 

Great stuff!  Good to hear that he is working on a fourth pitch.  A cutter is not a pitch that many Twins or many lefties throw and it can be a nice weapon for him.    Got to love the confidence. 

 

The cutter is such a tough pitch to hit, much less to lay off of. A slider may move 6 inches whereas a cutter only moves about 2 inches, but that's just enough to miss the good part of the bat and you don't make good contact. I remember telling myself to lay off it, but it's hard to pick up and the next thing you know, you're 0-2 with two weak groundouts back to the pitcher.

 

I've always said that, for me, the two toughest pitches to hit were a good changeup and a good cutter. 

[Loosey]

I remember reading about him prior to the draft a few years ago. I think 4th round was a steal for him, mostly because he missed most of his senior season due to a suspension because he lied to his principal about his friend who had recently got caught smoking pot and he helped him hide it or something like that.  So basically the Twins got a 1st round talent in the 4th round.

 

I also don't understand the criticism many on TD have about him.  I personally think he will be a very good major league starter.  I have gotten into disagreements in regards to him on here last season about his ceiling, etc.  His numbers dropped a bit in A+ ball, but that is to be expected, he didn't get hit hard and is continuing to improve and adjust.  I wouldn't be surprised if he is a front end (# 2ish) starter sometime in the next 5 years.

[Han Joelo]

I liked his explanation (not excuse) about his numbers dropping off in Florida--shows he didn't use the heat as an excuse, so much as a learning opportunity.  Mature.  

 

Not every young pitcher from San Diego gets to work out with Strasburg, Shields, et al.  Another point in favor of his makeup.  Hard to put a number on something like that.  Shields, Strasburg, and Young all strike me as smart, competitive types who wouldn't just workout with a kid because he happened to have the right connections.

 

He strikes me as someone who could really move fast now…Seth, your little "probably not a 2016 debut" comment might be on his wall.  

Edited January 21, 2016 by Han Joelo

[Loosey]

 

He strikes me as someone who could really move fast now…Seth, your little "probably not a 2016 debut" comment might be on his wall.  

I could see him moving quickly too.  However, I hope he starts off in Fort Myers again to do to that league what he did after repeating the Midwest league last year, and completely dominate it.  He's still about 2-3 years younger than the average age for the Florida State League.  Get him that confidence out the gate them move him to AA in May or June and hope it continues.

[Mike Sixel]

Great interview! thanks to both of you for doing it.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I could see him moving quickly too.  However, I hope he starts off in Fort Myers again to do to that league what he did after repeating the Midwest league last year, and completely dominate it.  He's still about 2-3 years younger than the average age for the Florida State League.  Get him that confidence out the gate them move him to AA in May or June and hope it continues.

Completely agree with ya there.  That possible FSL rotation looks nice to start the season:  Tyler Jay, Steve Gonsalves, Felix Jorge, Kohl Stewart (maybe).  Huge fan of Gonsalves, cerebral lefty with plus makeup, good command, and three average to plus offerings don't grow on trees.  When we look back on the 2013 draft in a couple years, there's a good chance he's the best of the Twins' class.

[nicksaviking]

 

Completely agree with ya there.  That possible FSL rotation looks nice to start the season:  Tyler Jay, Steve Gonsalves, Felix Jorge, Kohl Stewart (maybe). 

 

Chattanooga's rotation is looking a bit suspect though. If any of those four guys end up starting in AA, I'd have to think it's Gonsalves.

[BK432]

So good. Thank you, Seth. Will be watching for a quick promotion to Chattanooga for Mr. Gonsalves.

Edited January 21, 2016 by BK432

[DAM DC Twins Fans]

Another great interview Seth.  I hope first the Twins don't rush Gonsalves but let him stay in Ft. Myers at least the first half of the season.  I hope second, he doesn't get hit by the injury bug that have plagued other pitching prospects moving up the system (see Gibson and Wimmers a few years back).

[DocBauer]

Great interview! Thanks Seth.

 

Absolutely one,of my favorite and most followed Twins minor leaguers. I remember reading about him before the draft and hoping against hope that somehow he would slide to the Twins in the second round. Absolute steal in the 4th round!

 

When word finally came out as to why he was suspended his senior ssason, and thus dropped in the draft, reportedly, I have to tell you, I was imore seed with the kid'so loyalty to his teammate. And I love his attitude as a professional. His answers here, what he did in the minors, he reminds me of Berrios.

 

Not physically, but in makeup. I think he has that hard working, determined, bulldog mentality. And both have shown the ability to move a level...get hit...and then make adjustments in order to pitch as well S, if not better than, the level they just came from.

 

His length, a 4th pitch, a little more polish-knowledge-command, and maybe 10 more pounds or so of man muscle, he could be wicked!

[jimbo92107]

 

The cutter is such a tough pitch to hit, much less to lay off of. A slider may move 6 inches whereas a cutter only moves about 2 inches, but that's just enough to miss the good part of the bat and you don't make good contact. I remember telling myself to lay off it, but it's hard to pick up and the next thing you know, you're 0-2 with two weak groundouts back to the pitcher.

 

I've always said that, for me, the two toughest pitches to hit were a good changeup and a good cutter. 

A lefty cutter could be a great pitch, but there's certain guys (like Brian Dozier) that you wouldn't want to throw it to. Guys that can clear their hands quickly could hammer a pitch like that. Of course, you can show a pitch like that down, then toss a change over the outside corner. 

 

I especially liked how Gonsalves talks about getting that attitude of beating the hitter. If he can learn to reload and attack with every pitch, he can be one of those bulldog pitchers that we all love.

[Loosey]

 

Great interview! Thanks Seth.

Absolutely one,of my favorite and most followed Twins minor leaguers. I remember reading about him before the draft and hoping against hope that somehow he would slide to the Twins in the second round. Absolute steal in the 4th round!

When word finally came out as to why he was suspended his senior ssason, and thus dropped in the draft, reportedly, I have to tell you, I was imore seed with the kid'so loyalty to his teammate. And I love his attitude as a professional. His answers here, what he did in the minors, he reminds me of Berrios.

Not physically, but in makeup. I think he has that hard working, determined, bulldog mentality. And both have shown the ability to move a level...get hit...and then make adjustments in order to pitch as well S, if not better than, the level they just came from.

His length, a 4th pitch, a little more polish-knowledge-command, and maybe 10 more pounds or so of man muscle, he could be wicked!

I too have been super impressed with him since day one.  Was thrilled when the Twins landed him in the 4th.  I started thinking about what the Twins future rotation could end up looking like 3 or 4 years and with guys like Gonsalves and Berrios I think it could be very solid top to bottom.  If none of our current prospects turn out to be a true #1 Ace in the form many expect an "Ace" to be, the Twins could have an entire rotation of #2's and #3's. That sort of reminds me a lot of teams like the Cardinals.  Very good pitching probably no true Ace but 5-6 guys that you can expect to go out and shut down opposing teams for the most part day in and day out.  I'm excited about it.

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I too have been super impressed with him since day one.  Was thrilled when the Twins landed him in the 4th.  I started thinking about what the Twins future rotation could end up looking like 3 or 4 years and with guys like Gonsalves and Berrios I think it could be very solid top to bottom.  If none of our current prospects turn out to be a true #1 Ace in the form many expect an "Ace" to be, the Twins could have an entire rotation of #2's and #3's. That sort of reminds me a lot of teams like the Cardinals.  Very good pitching probably no true Ace but 5-6 guys that you can expect to go out and shut down opposing teams for the most part day in and day out.  I'm excited about it.

 

When word finally came out as to why he was suspended his senior ssason, and thus dropped in the draft, reportedly, I have to tell you, I was imore seed with the kid'so loyalty to his teammate. And I love his attitude as a professional. His answers here, what he did in the minors, he reminds me of Berrios.

Not physically, but in makeup. I think he has that hard working, determined, bulldog mentality. And both have shown the ability to move a level...get hit...and then make adjustments in order to pitch as well S, if not better than, the level they just came from.

His length, a 4th pitch, a little more polish-knowledge-command, and maybe 10 more pounds or so of man muscle, he could be wicked!

Makeup and mentality are just some of those things you can't teach, and Berrios and Gonsalves have it.  If you're impressed by the reading about the two, you'd be even more impressed when talking to these two in person.  Professional but not serious, confident but not cocky; great head on their shoulders and cerebral on top of it.  Future pitchers, not just throwers.  Could make a helluva a #2-3 punch in rotation in two-three years...Just don't push too hard, too soon (at least on Gonsalves).

[diehardtwinsfan]

love the attitude.  Hopefully he passes Berrios b/c Berrios graduated and did well