Kaplan Plays Mr. Fix It in Cyclones Pen

September 3, 2008   ·   Patrick Hickey, Jr.   ·   Jump to comments

Called a “Utility Pitcher” by Cyclones manager Edgar Alfonzo this season, Jeff Kaplan has done everything from starting to closing for Brooklyn and has done both well, appearing in 13 games, pitching 42 innings with a solid 3.59 ERA and two saves. The 11th round pick has gotten better as the season has progressed as well, giving up only two earned runs over his past 20.2 innings pitched. Chatting with DemBrooklynBums.com, Kaplan discusses his development this season as well as his attitude on the mound.

DemBrooklynBums.com: You’ve put been in a bunch of different situations this season and despite that, you’ve solidified your value to the team. How does that make you feel?

Jeff Kaplan: In the beginning of the year, I came from pitching a lot of innings in college and I was on a strict pitch count from the start. We had seven guys who could start and the organization thought I was worn out a bit and decided I’d be more effective out of the bullpen. So this season I’ve been trying to get my arm strength back to were it was when I was in college and I feel that I have. So far, so good.

DBB: What do you think of Brooklyn?

Kaplan: It’s fun to play in front of all of these people. It’s really a test and it takes some people some adjusting to get used to playing here. I played in front of some big crowds in college though [Cal State Fullerton] and I love this. The atmosphere is great here.

DBB: You have this really laid back attitude, almost stoic on the bench, but on the field, you’re a pretty tough customer. Where did that attitude come from?

Kaplan: My persona changes when I step on the field. I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t like to talk a lot. I just like to do my job and I do whatever I have to do to help the team win. It’s a switch that I’ve learned to turn on when I have to go into a game and with the switch from starting to relieving this season, I’ve had to work on that as well, so my mind is right when I get on the mound in a tight situation.

DBB: Stephen Clyne has that type of mentality as well. As a matter of fact, he looks downright mean on the bench sometimes. Has he helped you at all wit that or is that something you had before?

Kaplan:It’s something that I’ve had pretty much my entire life. Stephen is very similar to me though. It’s funny because we’ll talk about things and we usually have the same opinions. I’ve learned a lot from him on the mound though and in the bullpen this season. He’s a great guy.

DBB: What do you think of the team’s playoff chances?

Kaplan: We have to concentrate on what we do and win games. We can’t worry about what the other teams do. If we make it ,great, if not, then we don’t. But it won’t be because we didn’t work hard enough out there.

Link:

Box Score to last night’s 5-1 Cyclones Loss.

Photos by Ron Hatcher.