Article: Interview With Twins 2017 Draft Pick Blayne Enlow

[Seth Stohs]

A day after posting a Q&A with Twins top 2017 draft pick, Royce Lewis, we get the opportunity to learn a little more about right-handed pitcher Blayne Enlow who the Twins signed as their third-round pick.

 

As the Minnesota Twins closed out the first day of their 2017 major league baseball draft, some heads were left scratching. There was talk of below-slot deals and pool money being saved. It came full circle at pick 76, however, when the organization was able to grab (and ultimately sign) high school hurler Blayne Enlow.Committed to LSU, Enlow decided the over-slot deal (reportedly $2 million) would be enticing enough to take his talents to the pro ranks. Highly regarded as a prep pitcher, Enlow was said to have the best curveball in the entire 2017 draft. Minnesota gets a kid that could end up being a rotation stalwart a few years from now, and the Louisiana native begins his journey to the ultimate dream.

 

I caught up with Enlow to talk about the draft, and his game. Here's what he had to say:

 

Off The Baggy: Going into the draft, you were among the top prep arms in the nation. What was your draft day experience like? Did you have any idea where you might go?

 

Blayne Enlow: I had no idea where I would go. I was waiting for the best offer I could get and the first day nobody got to my number so I turned down a few offers, and then the second day the Twins came up to two million, and I knew that's what I wanted to do, so I took it!!

OTB: The Twins ended up taking you 76th overall knowing they got a first-round talent. When did you start hearing from them and thinking that may actually be where you land?

 

BE: I was on a golf course with a couple of my buddies, and then I got a call from my agent saying the Twins are putting 2 ($2 million) on the table and I agreed.

 

OTB: Velocity is what gets noted first, but MLB.com called your curveball the best in the draft. What does your repertoire consist of, and how do you like to attack hitters?

 

BE: I like to pound the strike zone and get batters out quick and my finisher is my curve ball. I can throw it first pitch for strike too, and I would say it's my best pitch.

 

OTB: Making the jump to pro ball from high school, what do you feel like may be the biggest challenge? What sets you apart?

 

BE: The biggest challenge will probably be being away from home and meeting the new players, but what sets me apart is that I will work harder than anyone on the field, and I always give it my all.

 

OTB: When looking at your pitching style, is there a big leaguer, past or present, that you emulate or look to build yourself off of?

 

BE: I would say Jacob deGrom would be who I feed off the most. I see a lot of the same mechanics and same pitch work.

 

OTB: Prior to the draft, what did you know of the Twins organization? Have you been to Minnesota or Target Field previously?

 

BE: I've actually never been, and to be honest, I never knew much, being Louisiana grown.

 

OTB: What's the one thing you want Twins fans to make sure they know about Blayne Enlow?

 

BE: That when I make it I will give it my all for the city, and I will continue to work harder than everyone to try to be the best Blayne Enlow I can be!

 

For an organization that is always looking for pitching help, Enlow sure seems like he can give the Twins that lift. He'll be a name to watch for years to come, and one that Twins fans will hope to cheer on at Target Field in the future.

 

Click here to view the article

[Squirrel]

I've been impressed with both him and Royce ... they both seem very mature for their ages, both with very strong work ethics and desire.

 

Nice interview. Thanks.

[Buddy Holly]

Enlow and Leach will be the keys to this draft, for a pitching starved team and league. I hope he moves fast through the minors.

[Respy]

Thanks for the info and looking forward to Enlow's professional debut!

[Ted Schwerzler]

John pointed out an answer of Blayne's and had me check on it. He mentioned being on the golf course with his buddies when he got the call. Blayne confirmed that was Tuesday morning.

 

The Twins obviously made sure they had his number right before picking him at 76 on Day 2.

[laloesch]

 

Enlow and Leach will be the keys to this draft, for a pitching starved team and league. I hope he moves fast through the minors.

 

By the time either one of these guys (Enlow or Leach) make it to the majors it won't matter as the current offensive core will be departing via free agency.

Edited June 29, 2017 by laloesch

[laloesch]

So a plus curveball, 91-94 mph fastball (prior to spring 2017) and a seldom used change.  Several draft forums have documented a significant decline in FB velocity, down from 94 to low 90's and bottoming out in the upper 80's.  This is one of the reasons he fell out of the 1st round and into the hands of the Twins.  Reminds me of Tyler Duffey (a two pitch reliever). 

Edited June 29, 2017 by laloesch

[Bob Sacamento]

 

So a plus curveball, 91-94 mph fastball (prior to spring 2017) and a seldom used change.  Several draft forums have documented a significant decline in FB velocity, down from 94 to low 90's and bottoming out in the upper 80's.  This is one of the reasons he fell out of the 1st round and into the hands of the Twins.  Reminds me of Tyler Duffey (a two pitch reliever). 

No, his FB velo went up thru the year that's well documented.  He fell to the Twins due to signing concerns and demands.  Here's what BA had to say about him.  Most top HS pitchers are two pitch pitchers at this point, hell a good portion are one pitch pitchers at 18.  He's starting off in the GCL and has plenty of time to develop, a great buy by the Twins.

 

 

 

Enlow is the kind of pitcher who sometimes makes it to school, and if he does, blossoms into a potential front-of-the-rotation ace, but his obvious potential may lead a team to spend money now to avoid losing the chance to get him later. The Louisiana State signee is all arms and legs right now, but he has the frame to fill out and become much more physical as an adult. Enlow's velocity was down early this spring, as he would sit 88-90, touching 92. But by the end of his high school season he was again sitting in the low 90s and touching 94 with an easy delivery, loads of athleticism, a fast arm and a plus curveball. Enlow has excellent feel for spinning the ball and he has more advanced command and control of his fastball than most high school fireballers. He's toyed with a changeup that looks promising but is a distant third pitch for now. Enlow is a long-time Louisiana State fan who will be tough to sway from his Tigers commitment, but he's shown enough potential that teams will consider cutting him a very large check.