PU pitcher Fagan joins Oakland organization
By Justin Feil, Assistant Sports Editor
Michael Fagan wasn’t sure he would get another chance at professional baseball when he came to Princeton University.
For three years — maybe even three-and-a-half — it didn’t seem like the left-handed pitcher would be a selection, let alone last Friday’s ninth-round pick by the Oakland A’s, an organization known for its development of pitchers.
”Freshman and sophomore year, I definitely had that desire to be drafted,” Fagan said. “Junior year, I got kind of burnt out. I didn’t play baseball that summer. That time away, it did wonders for me. It showed how much I wanted to play and that I didn’t want to start work right after school.”
After passing on a chance at the pros when his hometown San Diego Padres picked him in the 45th round as a high school senior, Fagan was 2-6 with a 10.93 ERA in his first two seasons at Princeton. His junior year was only marginally better. He went 1-4 with a 7.99 ERA in 14 appearances.
”The numbers last year were pretty horrendous,” Fagan said. “The walks were really high. I always had good stuff. It was a matter of throwing strikes. I saw a sports psychologist, and he gave me a routine to do before every game.
”Matt Bowman, who was taken two years ago by the Mets, he worked with me. He hammered down my mechanics and we worked on adding a change-up. Then Coach (Scott) Bradley gave me every Friday start, and the confidence kind of snowballed.”
It still didn’t seem like a slam dunk that he would be picked, and Fagan was well suited if he hadn’t been chosen.
”I came back senior year with no real expectations to get drafted. I even went through the interview process and accepted a job to work in New York. All the pressure was off. I had to just go out and perform.”
He put everything together his senior year for the Tigers. He went a career-high 58 innings while making nine starts, posted a 4-2 record and 2.33 ERA and opponents hit just .213 against him while he led the Ivy League in strikeouts with 77 against just 18 walks.
”All through the season, I knew I was throwing well,” Fagan said. “I never thought anything of it. It never hit me until the last outing, against Cornell. The pitcher we were facing was the class of the Ivy League — he got picked in the fourth round. Right up the road, the best New Jersey prospect was playing. It was a confluence of events, and there were 50-60 scouts there to see me vs. the pitcher against Cornell. I ended up pitching nine innings of 1-run ball. It hit me as a realistic chance.”
Scouts talked to him. He worked out for several teams, and on draft day, he started fielding calls in the fifth round. By the eighth round, the A’s had called to say they would take him next, and they did with the 282nd overall selection. He was their sixth pitcher selected, but first left-hander, as they gave him a second chance at a pro career.
”This one meant a lot more,” Fagan said. “After that really late round draft pick, I knew I was going to try to get my degree. I finished up and got my full degree. It means a lot. I can focus on baseball. Being able to jump from the 45th to 9th round, it speaks to Princeton’s ability to develop kids and help kids that want to achieve that goal of playing baseball.”
Fagan was the first of two PU players selected in the draft. Alec Keller, an infielder/outfielder who was the Ivy League Player of the Year, was picked in the 17th round by the Washington Nationals. He is the 21st player from Princeton University taken since 2000.”We were hoping it was going to happen, but until it actually does, you just never know,” said PU head coach Scott Bradley. “They both had terrific years and both will do well in pro ball.
”They’re in good spots. They were drafted where people think they have a chance to move up and be successful.”
Fagan was signed days after the selection, and by Monday he was on a plane to Phoenix for a physical and evaluation at Oakland’s spring training facility. He is scheduled to pitch for the A’s Single-A short season club, the Vermont Lake Monsters.
”It’s kind of exciting,” Fagan said. “It all happened so quickly.”
Fagan grew up a Padres fan, but Oakland has become his new favorite. He likes the fit.
”Ever since they picked me, I’ve followed them,” Fagan said. “They’re a fantastic team. They have a great pitching staff. Every coach says the organization and player development aspect is top notch in the industry.
”They like to make the most of their pitchers. If you’re a great pitcher and they’re backlogged, they’re not afraid to trade you and put you in a better spot. The pitching director said to us, his only job is to get you to the majors.”
Fagan can’t wait to get back on the mound. He has not pitched since the Princeton season ended at the close of April. He is anxious to show his development from this year.
”I’m much, much different,” Fagan said. “My mechanics are marginally different. Mentally, it’s very different. When I show up at the ballpark, there’s a noticeable difference now.”
Princeton got accustomed to seeing good outings from Fagan. He became their most reliable pitcher.
”With the year Michael had, he had a great year and showed he has the ability,” Bradley said. “Michael has the ability as a left-hander. The quality of his stuff is good if he pitches the way he did for us.”
Fagan feels that the Ivy League and Princeton’s non-conference foes tested him. He is looking forward to the next step.
”Mechanic wise, there’s always room for improvement,” Fagan said. “But not as much as learning the game and learning how to pitch. I think I’ll see massive gains this first year with good coaching.
”After this (short season), I’ll come back for spring training. Hopefully I’ll break with Single-A and go from there.”