Article: JO Berrios: Working for a Big Season (VIDEO)

[Seth Stohs]

If you follow him on Facebook or Twitter, you have seen the grueling offseason workouts that JO Berrios is putting in. He has some very lofty goals. He is working for a big season, and there is a new video to prove it. (Video Below.)As I'm typing this article on Thursday morning, Berrios is boarding a plane in Puerto Rico. He will arrive in Minneapolis this afternoon. Tonight, he will be at the Twins annual Diamond Awards where he will be presented with the Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. He will remain in the Twin Cities through Sunday. He will be at TwinsFest, where you will be able to get his autograph and shake his hand if you like.

 

It has been a whirlwind past 12 months for the Twins' top pitching prospect. He began the 2014 season with the Ft. Myers Miracle and pitched well enough to be named the starting pitcher in the Florida State League All-Star game.

 

He saw his prospect status rise and he was named to the Futures Game, which was played at Target Field. In fact, he was named the starting pitcher for the World Team and threw a 1-2-3 first inning. He walked off the mound to an ovation from the fans, many of whom are looking forward to seeing him work off that same mound for years to come. He was promoted to Double-A and actually finished the season with one start for the Class-AAA Rochester Red Wings.

 

He turned 20 years old in May. That same month he became father to a daughter, Valentina. In December, he was married.

 

“Being a parent is a privilege. Thank God I have a beautiful, healthy girl whom I love with all my heart. Now I have a bigger reason to work harder. That feeling of being her first love [is great]! I love her with all my heart.”

 

And yet, teammates, coaches and even front office marveled at his work ethic and drive.

 

In this year's Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook 2015 (Berrios is on the cover), I asked several people about Berrios. Here are some of the responses.

 

Matt Tomshaw, his teammate much of the last two seasons said, "Every day he's out there out-working everyone."

 

Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Year Brandon Peterson said of Berrios, “I would say obviously everyone can see the talent is there. But not everyone gets to see what kind of guy he is. He keeps his head down and works hard, which is great to see.”

 

Matt Koch, who caught him with the Rock Cats, said, “What made him so successful this year was his outstanding work ethic and positive mentality. Everyone knows that he has outstanding command of his pitches, but what separates him from everyone else is that he never seems to succumb to pressure and never shows any chink in his armor. He has great work ethic when throwing bullpens and in his conditioning, and it shows up in the game. Nothing is better for me as a catcher when I know the guy on the mound has supreme confidence in every pitch he has.”

 

His primary catcher with the Miracle was Stuart Turner. He said, "[berrios] was successful, first and foremost, because he is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever played with over the years."

 

Twins Minor League Director Brad Steil said that Berrios “continues to get better in all areas – pitchability, stuff, and command. He’s a tough competitor with tremendous drive and work ethic.”

 

That is certainly the theme when people close to him talk about Berrios. In the book, Berrios had big plans for his offseason after seeing success in 2014 with alterations to his routine.

 

He said, “I believe my biggest improvement was getting in shape. Also, having better eating habits compared to the previous season. I began a new exercise routine in the offseason as well.”

 

This offseason, that work and preparation has been recorded. We now have video proof. Here is a quick preview of what Berrios has been doing this offseason in his native Puerto Rico. (Video by his friend Jorge Soto.)

 

 

Berrios told me this morning that this is likely a preview for a longer documentary to follow. Running in the ocean off the coast of his native Puerto Rico. Pushing around cards. Berrios is getting stronger while maintaining his pitching flexibility.

 

Last week, Ash Marshall from mlb.com did an interview with Berrios in which we read more about his confidence and his lofty goals for 2015 and beyond.

 

Looking to 2015, Berrios told me in an interview in the Twins Prospect Handbook that he has set a couple of goals. “I have a lot of great expectations for 2015. I’m focused on my daily training. Also to work hard on my numbers, less walks than 2014 and get double-digit wins. And hopefully at mid-year, I’ll get to be selected for the All-Star Game in Cincinnati.”

 

But his goals are much bigger than even that. Getting called up for Berrios would be “a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to become a big leaguer. I’ve been working hard and hopefully I’m closer to it. But my dream is to be part of the Hall of Fame someday.”

 

Those goals certainly seem lofty, and less than 1% of players who reach the major leagues will become Hall of Famers. But after watching the work he's putting in and the confidence he has, who knows, maybe JO Berrios has a chance. If nothing else, we won't be able to question how hard he is working!

 

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[shs_59]

Sweet Vid, GO J.O. !

 

I like and appreciate the fact that he shows such passions for his woman, and like the fact he's a parent and father, it seems to help his drive and focus even more.

 

Stay healthy J.O. and we will see ya in Minny sooner than many!

[birddog]

Yes, indeed, JO. Stay healthy, and do lots of stretching as you bulk up. You have to love the dedication and drive he has to excel at every level in life. If his success on the mound is indicative of his preparation, he will own the hearts of Twins fans for many years. Let's hope that if he shows the ability to dominate in the minors this season, the Twins are not hesitant to bring him up if current starters are struggling. 

[Jeremy Nygaard]

Nick Burdi is not impressed.

[iTwins]

I don't doubt for a second that he can't reach those goals. The kid has a work ethic unlike any I've ever scene. He went from a long shot fringe prospect, to one of the top ranked starting prospects in two years - that's incredible. It's fine that a lot of scouts are doubting his ability to dominate in the majors (citing his height as the biggest detraction) - I think he rather enjoys proving doubters wrong.

[nicksaviking]

Clearly the Twins love his ability to minimize BB, and his dedication to the game.  Should Meyer struggle early or get digned up, I wouldn't be surprised if Berrios gets a call up before our giant fireballer.

[JB_Iowa]

I don't doubt for a second that he can't reach those goals. The kid has a work ethic unlike any I've ever scene. He went from a long shot fringe prospect, to one of the top ranked starting prospects in two years - that's incredible. It's fine that a lot of scouts are doubting his ability to dominate in the majors (citing his height as the biggest detraction) - I think he rather enjoys proving doubters wrong.

 

 

Just going by the stats. he is similar in size to Johan Santana (a little lighter in weight but he's young).

 

Would a healthy, younger Johan succeed in 2015?  I'd like to think so.  And I hope Berrios can dominate.

[Mike Sixel]

He's about 5th in line though....so it will be very hard to do this year. I hope he's not setting himself up for disappointment. He certainly looks like he'll be successful, but right now, there are a lot of bodies between him and MN.

[JB_Iowa]

http://instagram.com/p/yJ8SAjLZ8f/

[jimmer]

He's about 5th in line though....so it will be very hard to do this year. I hope he's not setting himself up for disappointment. He certainly looks like he'll be successful, but right now, there are a lot of bodies between him and MN.

question is, how many of those guys in the line in front of him will actually be better than it looks like he will be?  He's not ever 21 yet, yet he dabble in AAA already.

 Probably be another 2-3 seasons before he actually competes for a regular spot in the rotation.

Edited January 22, 2015 by jimmer

[tobi0040]

He's about 5th in line though....so it will be very hard to do this year. I hope he's not setting himself up for disappointment. He certainly looks like he'll be successful, but right now, there are a lot of bodies between him and MN.

 

I think he gets a few starts this year, if his 2015 resembles anything like his 2014.  Those could be meaningless games in September.  But come June, you could have a scenario where Pelfrey and Milone are no longer in front of him.  Milone was whining last year in AAA for Oakland and could find himself there again.  So now you are talking about ineffectiveness/injury of just a couple of guys. 

[Mike Sixel]

question is, how many of those guys in the line in front of him will actually be better than it looks like he will be?  He's not ever 21 yet, yet he dabble in AAA already.

 Probably be another 2-3 seasons before he actually competes for a regular spot in the rotation.

 

Not sure what that has to do with his goals for next year......which is what I was talking about.

[Mike Sixel]

I think he gets a few starts this year, if his 2015 resembles anything like his 2014.  Those could be meaningless games in September.  But come June, you could have a scenario where Pelfrey and Milone are no longer in front of him.  Milone was whining last year in AAA for Oakland and could find himself there again.  So now you are talking about ineffectiveness/injury of just a couple of guys. 

 

But his goal is to be in the rotation out of spring, and to be up here most/all of the year......how does anyone see that happening?

[jimmer]

Not sure what that has to do with his goals for next year......which is what I was talking about.

no, I get that, but you don't think he'll wonder how many of those guys in front of him are actually better than he believes he is? He could be naive enough to believe it's all about who is better.

 

And I doubt anyone sees it happening to start the season.

Edited January 22, 2015 by jimmer

[Jeremy Nygaard]

What if Buxton, Sano and Berrios are all September call-ups? Would Seth's head explode?

 

(I get why Berrios wouldn't be a September call-up, I'm just saying.)

[Mike Sixel]

Probably the same number Meyer thinks are better than him......

[Mike Sixel]

What if Buxton, Sano and Berrios are all September call-ups? Would Seth's head explode?

 

(I get why Berrios wouldn't be a September call-up, I'm just saying.)

 

No way they burn service time for a one month peak at those guys. They are up earlier, or not at all. 

[Jeremy Nygaard]

No way they burn service time for a one month peak at those guys. They are up earlier, or not at all. 

 

I don't think that's necessarily true. If they're going to be on the Opening Day roster, that month costs nothing. If they aren't going to be on the Opening Day roster, they spend April and May down anyway. 

 

The cost could be in regards to arbitration, but the Twins have said they don't consider that... which they probably should with these guys.

[Mike Sixel]

I don't think that's necessarily true. If they're going to be on the Opening Day roster, that month costs nothing. If they aren't going to be on the Opening Day roster, they spend April and May down anyway. 

 

The cost could be in regards to arbitration, but the Twins have said they don't consider that... which they probably should with these guys.

 

good point on Opening day.....good point.

[nytwinsfan]

Nick Burdi @NickyBurdi19

 

I don't need vines and tweets to tell me how hard I'm workin #bluecollar

 

I was with him until the blue collar thing. If Berrios comes from a wealthy family, that's news to me. Or maybe he meant something else by that. Anyway, that part was strange.

Edited January 22, 2015 by nytwinsfan

[Madre Dos]

"Thank you" for dinner after the baseball games and straight up to bed. One night, I delivered clothes to his bedroom, I noticed he was asleep with his headphones on. They weren't attached to anything, he was just blocking out the noise of the other boys. As long as there is plenty of fruit Loops and cookies & cream ice cream AND he stays away from shrimp "they make him go POOF", he will be fine.

Very mature for his age and well mannered. His English continues to improve. He WILL make it to the big leagues. I can't wait to see him in March.

[Seth Stohs]

Pretty sure he isn't eating any Fruit Loops or Ice Cream anymore. He's completely revamped his diet as well in addition to his workout regimen.

 

I will be quite surprised if Berrios opens the season with the Twins. I will be somewhat surprised if he's up in July. I would be very surprised if he got "just" a September call up. 

 

But I will never be completely shocked by anything that Berrios does because he is a very impressive young man.

[TwinsMasochist]

"I was with him until the blue collar thing. If Berrios comes from a wealthy family, that's news to me. Or maybe he meant something else by that. Anyway, that part was strange."

 

"Blue Collar" is synonymous with working hard for a living, getting your hands dirty and bringing your lunch pale to work every day.  Maybe that's the kind of environment Burdi grew up in, or maybe he's just expressing a familiar stereotype.  Either way, I doubt that was a shot at Berrios.

[nytwinsfan]

"I was with him until the blue collar thing. If Berrios comes from a wealthy family, that's news to me. Or maybe he meant something else by that. Anyway, that part was strange."

 

"Blue Collar" is synonymous with working hard for a living, getting your hands dirty and bringing your lunch pale to work every day.  Maybe that's the kind of environment Burdi grew up in, or maybe he's just expressing a familiar stereotype.  Either way, I doubt that was a shot at Berrios.

I know what blue collar literally means, but I still don't think it makes any sense in combination with what was clearly a shot (hopefully friendly) at Berrios.

Edited January 22, 2015 by nytwinsfan

[Richie the Rally Goat]

Wouldn't it be awesome if he succeeds

[gbg]

I know what blue collar literally means, but I still don't think it makes any sense in combination with what was clearly a shot (hopefully friendly) at Berrios.

I think the part of the blue collar ethos that he's referencing is the "keep your head down and don't boast, just do your job" piece.

 

Not sure exactly who the audience is for J.O.'s video. But I have to say, the pitch at 1:35 is positively sick...