Miracle extra -- Q & A with Eric Rasmussen

Fort Myers Miracle pitching coach

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

The Fort Myers Miracle are having another outstanding season on the pitcher's mound.

Matt Garza, who began this season with the Miracle, already has reached the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins.

Behind the scenes, Eric Rasmussen has been working with the Miracle pitchers. He has been the Fort Myers pitching coach for 10 of the past 15 seasons.

The former major-league pitcher — he played for the St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Padres and Kansas City Royals from 1975-83 — talked to The News-Press about Garza and how the Miracle have had success in general in promoting pitchers to the next level.

Q: How does the level of pitchers this season compare to last season?

A: Compared to last year? It's like the same every year. There's always four or five guys who go up. Sometimes a lot more than that. Coming into the start of the year, you kind of know which guys are likely to be here for a half. When (catcher) Joe Mauer was here, he'd be here for a half. When J.D. Durbin was here, he'd be here for a half.

Q: Did you expect Garza to move up the ranks so fast?

A: This year, we hoped Garza would be one of those guys. And Kevin Slowey. They were both high-profile guys. They're certainly at the right age. It's a matter of him (Garza) really doing well, and it's a matter of need as well. Triple-A, if they were doing well and the big club wasn't making moves, who knows? Maybe he would have stayed in Double-A.

Q: You've said before that you don't like to pick out your favorite players. But does Garza rank among the top you have coached here?

A: You can't play favorites. But this is the 10th year I've been here. In 10 years time, a handful of guys stand out. He's certainly one of them.

Q: What separated Garza from the rest of the pack?

A: Garza separates himself from the rest of them from the simplest, stupidest fact that he can throw the fastball down. It seems simple, but it's the truth. He can throw the good stuff down, and he can throw it up when he needs to. The toughest thing to do is for pitchers to throw stuff down in the zone and have it stay there. When they come upstairs, it's because they want to. The only thing I did with the kid was teach him the pro game.

You have to throw strikes in the big leagues. You absolutely have to.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MATT GARZA

Then: In April, Garza began the season with the Miracle.

Now: The Minnesota Twins promoted him to the major leagues Tuesday, and Garza started Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was a tough introduction to the majors, as Garza gave up seven earned runs in 2 2/3 innings.

PROMOTION COMMOTION

7:05 p.m. Friday: Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend Night, presented by Travis Jewelers. Ladies in attendance will have the chance to win a diamond. The Miracle will begin a six-game homestand, first with a three-contest series against the Lakeland Tigers.

7:05 p.m. Saturday: Scout Night II: The chance for scouts to spend the night at the ballpark. It'll also be Military Appreciation Night.

1:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20: The last day game scheduled for the season.

ABOUT THE MIRACLE

Where: The Lee County Sports Complex, just south of Daniels Parkway off Ben C. Pratt/Six Mile Cypress Parkway

Tickets: $4 or $6, except fireworks nights ($5 or $7)

Parking: $3

Phone: 239-768-4210

Online: miraclebaseball.com