Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Braves crush the Smokies 9-4
Offense comes alive in a big way

By Luke Johnson

There is three things you can guarantee in life - death, taxes, and the Mississippi Braves never losing a game.

Okay, maybe the last part isn't true. But you wouldn't know it when looking at how the Braves have played so far this season.

The Braves crushed the Smokies on a pleasantly warm evening in Pearl last night, 9-4.

In the first three games, pitching was the team's calling card. Tonight, the Braves' offense caught fire and never looked back.

Jordan Schafer took home the player of the game, after finishing 3-3 with a home run, a double, three RBIs and two walks. Mycal Jones again showed why he's going to be a force to be reckoned with this season, after finishing 3-5 with a pair of stolen bases.

Tyler Stovall went six strong innings and allowed two earned runs. He scattered five hits, walked three and struck out four.

The rest of the bullpen was dominant as usual. The only hiccup was when when Brayden Wiley came into the game in the top of the eighth inning. The Braves were leading 9-3 but Wiley surrendered a run on four hits in his two innings of work. He walked one and struck out one, but the defense bailed him out in both the eighth and ninth with rally killing double plays.

The Braves look for five in a row tomorrow against the Smokies.

Scott Diamond will get the start for the Braves while Thomas Diamond will take the hill for the Smokies.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Braves don't sweep, fall to Smokies 5-4
Wiley lets winning run score

By Luke Johnson

Close, but no cigar.

The Mississippi Braves dropped their first game of the season last night to the Tennessee Smokies, 5-4.

The game was nodded at 4-4 in the ninth inning when Manager Rocket Wheeler called upon Brayden Wiley to face the Smokies' heart of the order with a runner on first and second.

Bad move, Rocket.

Wiley immediately gave up a single and the game. He continued to pitch the ninth, and finished the game. One inning, no earned runs, one hit.

Jordan Schafer continued his hot streak by driving in all four runs for the Braves. He finished the series 9-17 with a home run and eight RBIs.

The Braves head to Jackson tonight to begin a five-game set with the Diamond Jaxx on Wednesday.

Julio Teheran will get the start for the Braves, and will be opposed by Jaxx' starter Michael Pineda.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

2010 Season Stats Stats - Pitching
NAME	W	L	SV	QS	HLD	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	ERA
Brayden Wiley	0	0	0	0	2	6.2	6	1	0	0	0	1.20	1.35

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

The Funny Papers

This was beyond ridiculous.

Maybe I shouldn't read the damn paper, thought Wiley.

The writer who covered the Braves, Luke Johnson, seemed to have a pretty big problem with him, and he couldn't understand why.

Wiley was pissed. The backhanded comments were getting old. First, Johnson wrote a piece on how the Braves made a huge mistake in drafting him. Then, the season starts and it doesn't stop. He was mad that Johnson blamed him for the loss last night.

"It's tough to come in to a game with no outs and two runners on, and not give up something," was Wiley's answer to Johnson's stupid question.

Off the record, Johnson said, "Kid, that's why they pay you the big bucks."

Enough of that. He'll eat crow soon enough.

Wiley had a good first series. Surprisingly to him, he pitched in every game. Five appearances, 6.2 innings, 6 hits, and he had only allowed one run. He didn't have his best stuff at all, but he got the job done. He was also pleased because in a bullpen throwing session on the off day yesterday, Wiley hit 90 on the gun for the first time in nearly a year. He was getting stronger. For as much as he appreciated Tom Watts' help in the off season, Wiley quickly remembered why nothing can replace game repetition.

The Braves' locker room was a happy place. They won four out of their first five games, and it really looked like they'd be the team to beat in the Southern League this year. Their pitching staff was strong and their offense could end up being pretty stout.

Wiley wasn't feeling the love, though. He'd been in Pearl for more than two months now, and no one really reached out to him. He had heard grumblings from the clubhouse guy (Ben Miller) that none of his teammates thought he deserved to be in Double-A.

"You're 18, you're rich, and this is your first assignment. You've never pitched before professionally. Imagine the frustration, or outright jealousy from guys who are 22 and are barely getting here," said Ben.

Wiley could understand that. He didn't ask to be here, though. He agreed with Watts in that he thought he'd be better served to report to Rome and play Single-A ball. He never understood why the Braves put him here. Word was, the pitching coach here has a great reputation for dealing with young pitchers, especially southpaws. Wiley dismissed that theory because he'd never really talked to him, either.

Wiley had decided that he would ask Rocky Wheeler for a start in the series with West Tennessee. He felt he pitched great out of the pen, Luke Johnson be damned. He brought this idea up with Watts in one of their weekly phone conversations.

"Kid, be careful. The season is barely a week old. It could go two ways if you ask him. If everything goes well, your standing with Rocky will be fine. If not, you'll definitely lose favor with him," said Watts.

"I want to start, Tom," replied Wiley. "I might be shooting myself in the foot. But, I want to show him that I have what it takes. I'm going to ask him tomorrow."

"At least sleep on it. With the way that first series went, you'll be starting soon anyway."

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

"Coach, could I have a minute of your time..."

Despite what Watts had told him, Brayden Wiley decided that he wanted to ask Rocket Wheeler for a start.

It was a risky move, sure. He stood to lose even more favor in the locker room if word got out that he was begging for more playing time already. Even walking into his office might raise suspicions on what he was doing.

Wiley decided that the benefit outweighed the cost. The worst thing Rocket could do would be to say no. It was a reasonable request. He had pitched well in the series with the Smokies. He wasn't dominant, but his fastball was gaining some velocity back. According to the game tracker, his fastball went up from 86.6 to 88.2 miles per hour. He was feeling stronger.

Game time with the Jaxx was at 7:30. Wiley left his hotel room and went to the stadium early. He wanted to lift, though that was typically looked down upon on game days. Mainly, he wanted to get a chance to talk to Rocket.

When he arrived in the locker room, Rocket was on his cell phone.

Wiley slowly went to his locker, but the manager had seen him. He hung up the phone and asked him why he was at the park so early.

"Uh, I wanted to get some lifting in, Skip," answered Wiley.

"We don't lift on game days. You know that," replied Rocket.

"Yeah, uh... I thought maybe I wouldn't pitch tonight. I pitched in every game in the series with the Smokies, so I thought I'd be safe."

"You're really not hearing me Wiley," retorted Rocket. "Besides, you're not here to lift. You knew I'd be here. What's on your mind, lefty?"

"You got me. Coach, I wanted to ask you for a start. I realize I am probably overstepping some bounds here, some unwritten code. But I really feel like I need a start. Pitching out of the pen is great and all, but..."

"You pitching out of the pen is by design," interrupted Rocket. "One, we need the pen help. Two, damn it kid, you haven't pitched in a long time. You're a baby. What happens to babies? They get babied. No starts for you. Not now. We'll revisit this again, depending on your performance. But Wiley, color me unimpressed so far. I can see the talent, but it's almost like you're aloof out there. You're not a starter right now. You're not a starter."

Damn. His face is red, thought Wiley.

"Got it, coach. I'm just here to help the team--"

"Cut that crap out. I like the fire. I like that you want the ball more... Be patient, kid. Your time will come."

"Thanks, coach."

"Now get out of here before the other guys get here and think you're complaining. You have to win these guys over."

"I know. I've gathered that. I'm not liked too much yet."

Well, that could have went worse.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Getting better all the time

The next series was up and down for the Braves, as they dropped three out of the five games to the Diamond Jaxx, a team that will battle them hard for the league title this year.

With yesterday's loss to the BayBears, the Braves stood at 6-5 on the season, but have dropped four out of their past six games.

Wiley continued his great performance on the mound in the West Tennessee series and carried it over to another solid outing against the BayBears.

On 4/16/10, Wiley pitched two innings, allowing just one hit and striking out two. The next night, he followed that up with an inning of work. He didn't give up a hit. He walked one, but also struck out one, while getting his third hold of the season. In last night's series opening loss to the BayBears, Wiley threw an inning, allowing one hit and striking out one.

Brayden Wiley Stats - Pitching
NAME	W	L	SV	QS	HLD	IP	H	ER	HR	BB	SO	WHIP	ERA
2010 Season	0	0	0	0	3	10.2	8	1	0	3	6	1.03	0.84

It was a small sample size, but Wiley was feeling good. At this point, no one could say that he didn't belong here. He knew that could all change with one bad outing, but he was working hard. He was sleeping well and taking care of his body. His fastball was getting clocked in the low-90s again. His other pitches were developing nicely, and the pitching coach, Mike Alvarez, had asked him if he would like to try and develop a fourth pitch. He was training hard.

Wiley liked to go out from time to time, but it was usually alone, to a movie or dinner. He still hadn't gained any acceptance from his teammates, despite his solid play. He didn't complain. He tried talking to a couple guys, but they seemed disinterested. He thought it was a hazing thing, but he maybe he gave them a reason to not like him. If they did, he was at a loss as to what that reason might be.

Surely things would change. He would have never really guessed that baseball would be the least of his problems right now.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Braves continue skid, drop 6th in a row
Now 6-9 on the season

By Luke Johnson

The Mississippi Braves have now lost six games in a row after dropping a 7-3 game last night to the Mobile BayBears.

"Schafer hit the three-run dinger and that's the only positive we can take away from this game on the field," said a deflated Rocket Wheeler after the game.

Added Schafer, "We're not a good team right now. Our chemistry feels off. Six in a row. Man, that's tough."

Scott Diamond (0-2) took the loss. He went 5.1 innings and gave up 4 runs. His ERA on the season rose to 8.56.

Brayden Wiley, who has had a very good year so far, came in and got lit up for three runs in two-thirds of an inning. He gave up two hits, one a bases clearing triple. His ERA rose from 0.84 to 3.21.

"Crap game from me," said Wiley after the contest. "What more can I say? I didn't make a single good pitch out there. I sucked."

The Braves will look to stop the bleeding tomorrow against the Biscuits in Montgomery.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

My first professional loss. It seems like my stuff was working, too. My command was there. We were tied 4-4 and Rocket was counting on me to keep it that way. We took the series from Montgomery and I finished with two holds. Not bad, but I still have to get better.

Brayden Wiley's fastball had finally arrived. During last night's game in Montgomery, his fastball had hit 93 on the gun. He wondered if the gun was broken, because he'd never thrown that hard before. He had been training hard, but he just didn't know if he could trust the gun.

The Braves' catcher, Benji Johnson, had told Wiley during a mound visit that his fastball definitely had more life.

"Dude, you're popping my glove. The only other guy who does that is Julio. You're bringing it," said Benji during their last game.

Still, while his numbers were decent, Wiley felt... Lost. He was 0-1 with a 2.87 ERA, with 11 strikeouts and four walks in 19 innings. He had pitched in 18 games. He had six holds, but opponents were hitting .297 off of him.

He wanted to start. May was just about over. The upcoming series with West Tennessee would take them into the beginning of May and he still hadn't gotten a start.

Wiley didn't feel he impressed the coaches with his numbers, but he came into a lot of tough situations and maintained his team's lead - except once. He wasn't a reliever. He didn't like coming out of the bullpen. He wanted to know when he'd pitch. That's just how he was.

Maybe May would be the lucky month. The Braves were 9-12 and had finished the month horribly. By the numbers, their pitching staff was getting shelled. Julio Teheran was the only starter who had an ERA under 3.75. He hoped for a chance, but he knew he'd have to patient.

He wasn't going to ask Rocket again. Not now, anyway. He was grumpy and the team's play had been terrible.

Wiley still felt alienated by the team. He was pitching well and kept his mouth shut. He didn't see why everyone treated him as an outsider.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Frank Wren was not happy.

The Executive Vice President and General Manager had closed his laptop was disgust.

Our Double-A team is horrible, thought Wren. Why hadn't that Wiley kid started a game yet? What's Rocket doing?

Wren printed out the statistics. The kid was pitching well, especially considering he was an 18-year-old in Double-A and didn't turn 19 until the end of May. Also factor in that he didn't pitch at all after being drafted last year, due to Kurt Kemp's recommendation to have him not report and rather have Tom Watts watch him under a microscope in Wiley's hometown.

18 games, 19 innings, an 0-1 record. 11 strikeouts and only four walks. He seemed to be giving up a lot of hits, but he had six holds. Two blown saves, but the Braves lost neither of those games and Wiley didn't allow a run to score in either game. His ERA was 2.87 and Watts had said how Wiley's velocity had returned and was now consistently hitting 91, 92 on the gun.

Mississippi's rotation was in shambles. Julio Teheran was the only guy who had even respectable numbers. The Braves were 9-12. While Wren had more pressing issues than their Double-A affiliate's record, he just couldn't shake the idea of wanting to find out Wiley hadn't gotten a start yet.

So he'd find out.

Now.

Wren called Rocket Wheeler's office number.

Surprisingly to him, he answered on the second ring.

"Hey Rocket, Frank Wren here."

"Hey Frank. How can I help you?"

"So formal," said Wren. "That's okay, as this is a business call."

"What's on your mind? With all due respect, I'm kind of busy here, sir."

"I'll be quick then," replied Wren. "I was on Mississippi's website killing some time. I was curious about some guys, so I was checking stats. By the way, that's a great site. A lot of information..."

Get on with it, thought Rocket.

"Never been on it," replied Rocket.

"You should. You might learn something. Like how we have an 18-year-old lefty by the name of Wiley, who has been dominating hitters down there. Some kids his age are still in high school. Or playing in short season Single-A. Apparently he's your set-up guy?" asked Wren. 21 games, and he's pitched in 18 of them. Rarely pitches more than an inning."

"Is there a question here?" asked Wheeler.

He really did have nuts of steel.

"Of course there is. Do I need to spell it out for you?" asked Wren, rather harshly. "Why hasn't he started a game all year? We drafted this kid in the second round. He's kind of an unknown at this point. Most fans have no idea who he is. Minor's the one they always talk about, and for good reason. But maybe this kid's good, too. He needs to start."

"This is my team," said Wheeler. "I was hired to manage this team as I saw fit. For your information Mr. Wren, I was told by Mr. Kemp to take it slow with him. He had a bum shoulder last year. He'll start when I think he's ready. I mean no disrespect, either."

"Kemp's not in charge - I am," said Wren. "A bum shoulder? It was a minor strain. We drafted Wiley as a starter. I can understand limiting his innings. But he will start on Sunday. That's May 2, against the Jacksonville Suns. He's to be on an 85 pitch count. Heck Rocket, you talk about bringing him along slow, yet you have pitched him in 18 games already? Your team has only played 21! At this rate, he'll pitch in nearly 80 games this year. We like the idea of bringing him along slowly. As a starter. With a maximum pitch count limit set in place."

"He's pitched in so many games because--"

"I don't care to hear why! The relief appearances end now. He starts on Sunday. Let him know. End of discussion."

Wren hung up. He didn't mean to come down on Rocket like that, but he was the one who wanted to puff out his chest.

This Wiley kid was a gamble. He knew Rocket had a point with the shoulder argument. He just didn't want to split hairs over it. His mind was made up.

Sink or swim kid, thought Wren. The organization has already questioned selecting you as early as we did. The injury was an oversight. We gave you a lot of money.

It's time to prove your worth.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

"Wiley... Step in to my office."

Rocket Wheeler had no choice.

Hours ago, Frank Wren had called and made his demand. Rocket despised Wren backing him into a corner, but he loved managing. He liked the kids on this team, too. Especially Wiley. There was something about this kid. He wasn't cocky, like most kids his age. When Rocket first met him, Wiley had explained how he was shocked that he would be playing for him during the upcoming year.

He was a high round pick. He did get a lot of money. Yet, underneath all of that, there was no sense of entitlement. If anything, he felt that Wiley was not confident enough. That was one of the big reasons that Wheeler didn't put him in the rotation. A starting pitcher has to have 'it.' Wiley hadn't developed that yet.

Kurt Kemp did tell him to be careful with him. That was the truth. The Braves had a lot money invested in him. What Kemp didn't tell Rocket was to not start him. That was his decision, and now Wren had handcuffed him by managing the team from Atlanta in his fancy GM chair.

Had Wren even met the kid? Had he ever seen him pitch?

Rocket thought Wiley was special. His scouting report was full of bad grades at this point in his career:

Overall: D
Velocity: B
Stamina: C
Control: D
Fielding: F

Not exactly grades that are going to get you into an Ivy League school, thought Rocket.

Then there was the last grade.

Potential: A

That was the grade that Rocket agreed with the most. The kid had a lively fastball. He never questioned his velocity. Earlier in the season, he was sitting at 87-89 with his fastball, but after only a month, Wiley was sitting between 91-93. The kid had the frame to throw 95, and he probably would. He was so young.

His sweeping curve ball could be downright filthy at times. Rocket had watched bullpen sessions when it was.

The slider needed work, but Rocket knew within time it would be legit. He only threw it about 10 percent of the time now, but it was getting better.

He had to add a fourth pitch. Probably a change up.

His command was shaky at this point. He only had walked four batters so far this year, but that was misleading, too - he had hit seven batters as well, and had pitched in a full-count to 34.8 percent of the hitters he'd faced. That was way too high.

The kid was legit, though. Rocket believed that. What pissed him off about Wren's phone call and demand was that he was planning on starting Wiley on May 5 against Birmingham.

Rocket shut his mind off for the time being and called Wiley into his office.

"Shut the door, kid," said Rocket.

Wiley did as he was told. He stood at attention and didn't sit down until he was told to.

"How you feel Wiley?" asked Rocket.

"Great Skip," replied Wiley. "Arm feels good."

"You've looked really good of late. So here's the deal--"

"I'm sorry I lost that game for us sir," blurted Wiley. "I had an off night..."

"Don't be sorry. You didn't pitch bad. You're leaving the damn ball up, though. Bring it down. You're getting behind in too many counts. That's why you're throwing fastballs down the pipe and they are sitting on them. That's why you've given up more hits than innings pitched. This league can't hit you, kid. You have to find some command. The 3:1 K/BB ratio you've got going now isn't fooling me."

"Yeah," said Wiley, looking dejected.

"Don't pout."

"I'm not. It's just, well... You're right."

"You're starting on Sunday. On the road against Jacksonville."

"What?" said Wiley, jumping from the chair.

"Sit down. 85 pitches. Max. They have a great lineup. You heard of the Stanton kid? He's a monster. 11 home runs already. They are good. You need to bring your 'A' game," said Rocket.

"I will, coach. You won't regret this decision!"

It wasn't my decision, Rocket wanted to say.

"Good. Personally kid, I would have liked to kept you in the pen just a little longer. Working out of the pen builds confidence. It gives you resolve. But hey, this is your shot. Go get 'em."

With that, Rocket told Wiley "to get the hell out of his office."

Wiley was happy to. He had to go watch some film of the Jacksonville hitters, and that Stanton kid.

He also had to call his parents and Peyton. He wouldn't blame them if they didn't want to make the flight to Jacksonville.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Braves beat the Suns 4-3
Wiley gets first career start, causes benches to clear

By Luke Johnson

The Mississippi Braves are looking to start a new winning streak after last night's win over the Jacksonville Suns in Jacksonville. The team looked fired up after a controversial sixth inning.

The Braves won 4-3 and are only one game out of first place. The Braves improved to 11-13, gaining a game on the first place Suns (12-12).

Brayden Wiley, who previously worked out of the bullpen, got his first professional start. Wiley cruised through the first three innings, striking out four while walking one. He struck out heralded prospect Mike Stanton on four pitches in the second inning.

The Braves struck first when Jordan Schafer hit a 2-run home run off of Suns' starter Chad James in the fourth inning. It was Schafer's fourth home run of the season and it gave the Braves a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fourth, after getting the first out of the inning, Wiley walked Matt Dominguez. Wiley then answered back by striking out Stanton again. He then gave up a towering two-run home run to Suns' first baseman Mark Saccomanno, his third of the season.

At the end of four, the score was nodded at 2-2.

Schafer came up again in the fifth, and on the first pitch, he was hit with a Chad James' fastball. A warning was issued to James and the Suns' bench. James then sat the Braves down in order.

The sixth inning was when the fireworks began.

Wiley was cruising at this point. He had given up two runs and five hits in the first four innings, but had retired seven batters in a row. The first two Suns' players to come up in the inning were retired in order.

Chad James came to the plate with no one on and two outs in the inning. On the very first pitch, Wiley threw a 93 MPH fastball that hit the Suns' pitcher in the right leg. James threw his bat in disgust and began to charge the mound. Braves' catcher Benji Johnson tried holding James back.

Both benches cleared.

"It was madness," said Braves' Manager Rocket Wheeler.

Wiley and James were both ejected.

Wiley finished the game with a line of 5.2 innings pitched, five hits, two earned runs, two walks and seven strikeouts. He threw 74 pitches. He lowered his season ERA to 2.91. He got a no-decision.

When the situation was diffused, Braves' pitcher Randall Delgado entered the game and struck out the Suns' lead off hitter.

The Suns' would take the lead, 3-2, in the bottom of the seventh inning.

In the top of the ninth, Jordan Schafer struck again, hitting a towering 2-out, 2-run home run off of Suns' closer Taylor Tankersley.

In the bottom of the ninth, Braves' closer Stephen Marek sat the Suns down in order to secure the win. It was his sixth save of the season.

Schafer finished the night 2-3 with two home runs and four runs-batted-in. Mycal Jones finished 2-3 and a stolen base.

After the game, Wiley was asked if hitting James was intentional.

"If you knew the game, you'd know better than to ask that question," replied Wiley. "I don't like cheap shots. If a guy takes you deep, you don't hit him in his next at-bat. I think it's complete chicken [expletive]. I understand that's baseball sometimes, but you'll never catch me doing that. I'd rather get the guy out next time. If I'm on the mound and you take cheap shots at one of my teammates, it will come back on you. That's the way I operate."

When asked if he was the one who told Wiley to retaliate, Manager Rocket Wheeler took the defensive.

"No. No. Luke, that's a stupid question," said Wheeler.

Jordan Schafer had a different take.

"Wiley showed us a lot out there today," said Schafer. "He was pretty filthy. He has great stuff. His fastball was lively and his curve had some real bite. He's going to be good, but if you're opposing him, I probably wouldn't piss him off," laughed Schafer.

"I could hear that ball hitting James' flesh from left field," joked Schafer.

The Braves and Suns will finish their series up tomorrow at 1:05.

Scott Diamond (0-2, 8.15 ERA) will take the hill for the Braves and will be opposed by Brad Stone (2-0, 0.92 ERA).

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Just one of the guys...

Brayden sat at his locker after the game, flipping through ESPN the Magazine. He had just talked to Luke Johnson, that hack who covered the team. The question was a stupid one, and Brayden thought he should choose his words carefully. He decided to give Luke a straight forward and honest answer. He didn't deserve it, but Brayden wasn't going to let this guy get to him. He never had anything good to say about him in his articles, so why did it matter now?

He felt like he pitched a good game, but there were mistakes. His control was better, but he was still leaving the ball up in the strike zone. His parents couldn't make his start, but had watched it on the television back home. He was sure Peyton was at his house. He had talked to his parents briefly after the game, but told them he'd call them later. He had wondered what they thought about the bench clearing brawl - his mom wouldn't understand, but his dad and Peyton undoubtedly did.

Jordan Schafer had a locker right next to Brayden's. He had heard what he said to the reporter, and he was impressed. Usually, the team would give a pitcher a certain look after they were plunked with a pitch, especially when the beaning was clearly done in retaliation. The look said, "Our turn." This time, however, the players didn't do or say anything to him.

They wanted to see how he would respond, and he passed. With flying colors.

Schafer was impressed with the kid's answer. Pretty ballsy, he thought. I actually think I like this kid. He threw a good game out there today.

"Hey Brayden," said Schafer. "You pitched a great game out there today. I appreciate the back up, too. I'm surprised how you answered the reporter's question, though."

"Hey, thanks," replied Brayden. "I was nervous out there. I made some mistakes, but it was a good day. About that writer, it seems he has kind of had it in for me since the beginning of the season. I guess I'm just too honest."

"Good deal. Anyway, some of the guys are going out to dinner tonight. You should come. What do you do on the road?" asked Schafer.

"I'd love to. I don't do much of anything," said Brayden.

"Look, I know no one has really talked to you yet," said Schafer. "It's not that we don't like you. We don't know you. Some of us were a bit peeved that the Braves brought you up this soon. Don't take that personal. We had just never heard of you. You're pretty quiet. You proved yourself today."

Brayden smiled, and for only the second or third time, a teammate had patted him on the back.

"Welcome to the club rook," said Schafer.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Brayden's second start wasn't as good as his first, though he didn't pitch that horribly.

The Braves were at home against the Birmingham Barons.

Like the Braves, the Barons were struggling. Both teams were 13-15 heading into the game, but both teams were only two games out of first.

Brayden started strong, limited the Barons to just two hits over the first three innings. He had struck out six, but walked three. His command wasn't sharp, but his fastball was getting him out of a lot of jams. The Braves' offense wasn't doing much, so he knew he would have to limit the damage.

He finished his night with one out in the sixth. He had given up two runs to that point, but he had walked another hitter and given up two hits. The previous inning, he had given up three hits but struck out the side with the bases loaded and no outs.

His line:

5.1 innings, 9 hits, 4 runs (all earned), 4 walks and 9 strikeouts.

The Braves lost the game, 6-4.

He was now 0-2 with a 3.60 ERA.

He tried not to get down on himself. He pitched well for the most part. He had a two-inning stretch of giving up 5 hits. Jared Mitchell, the Barons' center fielder and lead off hitter, had gotten 3 of those hits. He was an absolute monster on the bath paths, too.

What was up with all the hits? He had given up 36 hits in 30 innings. He had struck out 27 hitters and walked 10, and his WHIP was at 1.53. To him, the numbers were ugly. His command wasn't there for the most part. He was getting a lot of bullpen sessions and he was in the starting rotation. He'd get it going.

Tom Watts, the scout who had trained him the previous summer, had watched every single pitch that Brayden had thrown this year.

Watts thought that his fastball was great. It had come a long way since last summer, when Brayden was topping out at 88 miles per hour. Now, his average fastball was 91.6 miles per hour and he had hit 94 on the gun on more than one occasion over his first two starts. The movement was decent, but Watts knew his fastball would continue to get better.

His sweeping curve ball could be ridiculously filthy - when it was on. When it wasn't, he hung it way too much and he was getting killed because of it. It could be his best pitch, but it was often his worst. It just depended on the day.

His slider was his worst pitch, but Watts felt that he could end up being his best.

The kid just needed time. He needed a dominant performance. His next scheduled start was on the road, against the Chattanooga Lookouts on May 13. Watts had decided that he'd fly to Tennessee to see the kid in person.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Wiley gets first career win as Braves beat Lookouts, 3-1
Braves pull within a game of first

By Luke Johnson

The Braves won their second game in a row last night in Chattanooga, as the pitching performance of Brayden Wiley was a thing of beauty.

Wiley (1-2) won his first professional start for the Braves, who are now 16-18 on the season and find themselves only a game out of first place in the South Division.

Wiley was in control throughout the game, and did not give up a run in his 6 innings of work. He only surrendered three hits, while walking 2 and striking out 8.

For the season, Wiley is now 1-2 with a 2.81 ERA. He has 36 strikeouts in 35.2 innings pitched.

"I felt good out there," said Wiley after the game. "My fastball had life and my curve had bite. It's nights like these when I feel I belong."

When asked about how it felt to get his first professional win, Wiley chuckled.

"It feels great. I have great teammates. I love this team, this organization. They took a chance on me and it's my job to make sure it pays off. I will continue to work, continue to get better," said Wiley.

Wiley was also big with the stick, as he finished 2-3 with 2 singles and an RBI.

"It was cool to sort of help my own cause out there."

Mitch Jones led the hitting attack for the Braves, finishing 3-4 with a home run and 2 RBI's.

Wiley will get his next start on Saturday against West Tennessee. The Diamond Jaxx are currently in first place in the North Division with a 28-8 record.

Michael Pineda (5-0, 3.30 ERA) will get the start for West Tennessee.

Game time is 1:05 PM.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Diamond Jaxx improve to a league best 30-8, beat Braves, 3-2
Wiley pitches well, but Jaxx prevail

By Luke Johnson

Another start is in the books for Braves' starting pitcher Brayden Wiley.

Wiley, who had just come off his first professional win against the Lookouts, was saddled with the tall order of shutting down the Diamond Jaxx' big bats in Jackson yesterday.

For the most part, he succeeded. It was a familiar tale as Wiley got little run support, despite a solid outing.

Wiley went 5.2 innings, allowing 5 hits and one run. He walked 3 and tallied 1 K. He left the game with a 1-1 tie.

"I didn't have my best stuff out there today," said a deflated Wiley after the game. "The numbers don't look bad, but they often don't tell the story. I felt my command was pretty bad. It's something I need to continue to work on."

Wiley got a no-decision.

Michael Pineda lived up his billing as one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball. He got a no-decision as well, but pitched a gem. He finished with a line of 7 innings, 2 hits, 1 run (unearned), walked 1 and struck out 8.

Dustin Ackley, the Diamond Jaxx' second baseman, went 3-4 in the game and raised his league leading batting average to .382. He had two doubles, a single and stole 2 bases.

Offensively, Mycal Jones led the Braves with a 1-4 line. It was truly a horrid day for the Braves' at the dish.

The Diamond Jaxx won the game in the bottom of the ninth on a single by Alex Liddi that scored Ackley.

Stephen Marek took the loss.

The Braves (17-19, two games back) will have four games remaining in the series with the Jaxx before heading to Huntsville.