Get To Know: RHP Greg Peavey

One of the reasons that we waited a few extra days to release the Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2015 was because we wanted to have profiles for any players who came to the Twins in the Rule 5. If you purchase the Prospect Handbook, you will find prospect profiles for Peavey and fellow-righty and (MLB) Rule 5 selection JR Graham.

Greg Peavey is a 6-2, 185 pound right-hander. In 2014, he went 11-3 with 2.90 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 18 starts for AA Binghamton. He also made six starts for AAA Las Vegas, generally known as the worst place in baseball to pitch, and went 1-5.

By being selected in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft, he does not need to be returned to the Mets organization.

Peavey lives just north of Portland, Oregon, in a smaller city called Ridgefield, Washington, with his wife and nine-month old son Graydon. Let’s get to the questions.

Growing up in Washington, Peavey was fan of the one major league team in the Northwest. “I was definitely a huge Mariners fan. Some of my favorite players were Ken Griffey, Jr., Jay Buhner and Randy Johnson.

He was the Yankees 24^th round pick out of high school but elected to go to college instead. Two years later, he was the Astros 32^nd round pick. He still went back for one more year of college. “Every time I said 'No' was a little tougher. Saying 'No' to a childhood dream is never easy. The opportunity to play with the Oregon State Beavers made it a little easier. I really enjoyed my time there."

In 2010, the Mets made him their sixth round draft pick and he signed. He has worked his way up to Triple-A. He had some great memories with the organization. “I have a lot of great memories and met a lot of great people during my time with the Mets. Winning the Eastern League championship last year was a huge thrill. The first time putting on a professional uniform was a memory I won't forget.”

And then on Thursday, he was suddenly a member of the Minnesota Twins organization. The Twins had picked him with their Triple-A Rule 5 draft pick. He was surprised. “I was very surprised and definitely excited for the new opportunity. I found out through a text message from my agent while I was eating breakfast.”

He knows some about the organization and even knows a couple of the players. “I've played against the Twins organization quite a bit in my time with the Mets. They've always had a very talented minor league system at every level I've played them. I remember a lot of names but I know Jim Fuller from his time with the Mets and Trevor May, having played in the same high school league as him.”

So, what about Greg Peavey the pitcher? What does he throw, and how does he describe himself as a pitcher? “I'm known as a control guy with four pitches - fast ball, curve ball, slider, and change up. The key to my success is being aggressive down in the strike zone. I try to use all my pitches for strikeout pitches, but it depends on the situation.”

There’s the baseball stuff, but Peavey is much more than that and has several other interests. “I’m a big Trail Blazer and Seattle Seahawk fan and really enjoy watching them play. I also enjoy spending time with my family, having a 9 month old son is a great time, it's a new adventure every day!”

In summary, he is excited about a new opportunity in a new organization. “The organization contacted me and gave a warm welcome and let me know they will be in touch. I'm just looking forward to getting to Ft. Myers this spring!”

When Peavey gets to Ft. Myers, he’ll have a lot more people to get to know. He’ll also be competing for a roster spot. He could start in Rochester or Chattanooga, and he could work out of the bullpen or be a starter (which he has been through his career). Certainly this is an interesting time for Peavey.