Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Biscuits lose to Mudcats 6-5
Wiley gets roughed up in loss

This really wasn't the first impression that Brayden Wiley wanted to give to Rays' fans.

Wiley started last night's game for the Biscuits and struggled all throughout the game. The lefty pitched five innings and gave up six hits, five runs, surrendered six walks and only struck out three. He received a no-decision.

"I was horrible out there today," said Wiley. "My command hasn't been that bad all year, but tonight it was horrendous. Not only was I not hitting my spots, but I was leaving the ball up in the zone. Consider it a learning experience for me."

Manager Billy Gardner took the blame after the loss.

"Realistically, I shouldn't have started him this soon," said Gardner. "He pitched in two all-star games in back-to-back days. He only pitched three innings total, but I should have given him at least a couple days rest. This one is on me, not him."

Wiley quickly brushed that to the side.

"My arm felt fine, rest wasn't the issue," said Wiley. "I appreciate his thoughts on it, but I pitched like crap. There's no way around that."

The Biscuits had a chance to break the game open in the seventh when it was tied at seven. With one out in the inning, the Biscuits had the bases loaded but after two consecutive strikeouts by Tim Beckham and Luke Bailey, the inning was over.

Heath Rollins came in to pitch in the eighth, and quickly gave up the lead after walking a batter and giving up a two-run home run to Mudcats' catcher Devin Mecoraco.

Pedro Viola pitched the final two innings to record the save.

For the Biscuits, Fernando Perez went 3-5 with two stolen bases. Luke Bailey was 1-3 with a home run, Drew Anderson finished 2-5 and Tim Beckham was 1-4 with his sixth home run of the season.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Biscuits blank the Smokies 6-0
Wiley throws complete game shutout

The Montgomery Biscuits' bullpen received a much needed rest last night against the Tennessee Smokies as starting pitcher Brayden Wiley showed everyone why Tampa Bay traded for him.

Wiley (7-3) was dominant in his second start for the Biscuits, pitching a complete game shutout. He gave up seven hits and did not surrender any walks. He struck out nine and lowered his season ERA to 2.12.

Smokies' shortstop Starlin Castro was at a loss for words after the game. When asked about the performance by the Biscuits' lefty, Castro could only shake his head.

"No bueno, no bueno," said Castro, with a grin.

Castro was obviously talking about his performance at the plate.

Wiley struck him out three times.

"I had it tonight," said Wiley after the game. "After my last start, I knew I had to go out there and pitch better. I need to be more consistent, but I'm heading in the right direction."

"It feels good to get the win."

Tim Beckham finished the game 1-3 with two RBIs.

"It's easy to play shortstop when your starter is fanning so many guys," said Beckham. "I was starting to get bored out there."

Shawn Riggans, who is with the Biscuits on a rehab assignment, had much praise for the young south paw.

"I've caught big league arms," said Riggans, "and he's as good as anyone I've caught. That's downright scary."

Riggans hit two home runs for the Biscuits and isn't expected to be with the team much longer.

"I'll be seeing him in Tampa Bay soon, hopefully."

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

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Wiley dominant again as Biscuits beat Mudcats 5-0

Brayden Wiley pitched his second consecutive complete game shutout last night, as the lefty had his first home start of the season in front of a sellout crowd last night in Montgomery.

It was Wiley's eighth win of the season.

Wiley only allowed three hits and struck out 11, and for the second consecutive game, he did not walk a batter. After the game, Wiley was understandably upbeat.

"I'm on a roll," said Wiley, with a grin. "My dad once told me that you can feel it when you're going to have a good night. Tonight, I knew that after the first batter. It may sound arrogant, but I feel like I can't be hit right now."

Arrogant or not, no one can argue with him. Wiley was flat out dominant and touched 95 on the radar gun with his fastball, and his curve ball was a thing of beauty.

The Mudcats didn't have a chance.

"It was like watching Randy Johnson out there," said Biscuits' Manager Billy Gardner. "I'll say what everyone else is already thinking - this kid has an elite arm."

Wiley is now 8-3 on the season with a 1.98 ERA.

"He is the best pitcher in the league. Maybe even the best pitcher in the whole Minor League system," said shortstop Tim Beckham. "Watching him from my vantage point is turning out to be a real treat. We're lucky to have him."

Beckham had a season-high five hits in the game and scored four of the team's runs. Luke Bailey hit his ninth home run of the season.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

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Biscuits beat BayBears 4-1
Montgomery tied for first in SL South

Man on fire.

That's what Montgomery Biscuits' Manager Billy Gardner called Brayden Wiley, who got his fourth start with his new team last night at home against Mobile.

The Biscuits won, 4-3.

Wiley was one out from a complete game, but was pulled after walking two consecutive batters.

"I would have let him finish it and get his third complete game in a row, but he was at that 100 pitch threshold," said Gardner. "This kid has been throwing a lot of innings."

Wiley only gave up to the BayBears. He allowed one run, a home run by Joe Borchering in the fifth.

He walked two and stuck out 10.

"I'm on a hot streak," said Wiley. "I wish I could have settled down and not walked those two hitters because complete games are nice, but I understand my manager's decision to pull me."

Luke Bailey led the offensive charge for the Biscuits by hitting his 10th home run of the season, a three-run shot in the third.

"I got a good pitch, and when I was was rounding the bases, all I could really think was that the game was over," said Bailey. "Look who we had on the hill, Mr. Dominant."

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

---

Biscuits outlast Smokes, win 5-4 in 15 innings

It wasn't a complete game, but it was another strong outing for Brayden Wiley, the Biscuits' prized left handed pitcher.

Wiley pitched six and two thirds innings and allowed six hits. He gave up two runs and did not walk a batter for the third time in his last four starts. He had six strikeouts.

"I made some good pitches and then I made some bad ones," said Wiley, after the game. "I think my biggest problem is I tend to leave the ball up in the zone a bit too much, especially with my fastball."

Wiley got a no-decision, but the Biscuits battled back behind strong offensive performances as Drew Anderson, Shawn O'Malley and Matt Sweeney each had three hits.

Fernando Perez hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 15th to send the Biscuits to their sixth straight win. Perez finished 2-7.

Andrew Cashner took the loss for the Smokies.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Wiley pitches well again, Biscuits beat Jaxx 5-1

The Montgomery Biscuits beat the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx 5-1 last night behind another strong pitching performance from Brayden Wiley.

Wiley got the no-decision but was strong in his seven innings of his work. He scattered six hits, allowed one run (unearned), walked one and struck out four. He left in the eighth inning with the game tied 1-1.

"It's been such a great month for this team," said Wiley. "I have great teammates. I'm pitching well. I just want to finish the season out strong and help us reach the playoffs."

Tim Beckham finished the night 3-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Beckham made a costly error in the fifth when he sailed a throw over first baseman Chris Richard's head that allowed a run to score.

"That was my bad," said Beckham after the game. "It was a horrible defensive blunder by me."

Richard finished the game 1-3 with a two-run home run in the eighth inning.

Diamond Jaxx' pitcher Michael Pineda pitched well enough to win, going seven innings and striking out 11.

It was the Jaxx' bullpen that imploded and allowed the Biscuits to win the series. Clay Rohrbaugh got touched up for three runs in an inning of work.

Wiley will get his next start on the road against his former team, the Mississippi Braves on Monday.

"I'd be lying if I said that game won't be a bit personal," said Wiley.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Biscuits crush Braves 8-1, Wiley wins 10th game

He said it was going to be personal, and it was.

The Montgomery Biscuits beat the Mississippi Braves in Pearl last night 8-1, behind another stellar pitching performance by Brayden Wiley.

Wiley only pitched five innings but kept the Braves' hitters in check by only allowing three hits. He did not give up a run nor did he walk anyone. He had four strikeouts and lowered his season ERA to 1.81, which is tops in the Southern League. He earned his 10th win of the season.

"It felt good to beat those guys," said Wiley after the win. "I know [Manager] Gardner is trying to limit my innings a bit. It would have been nice to go deeper in the game, but I realize why I was pulled."

"He had great stuff again today," said Gardner. "But we're not trying to throw the kid for 200 plus innings this year."

Asked after the game on what he felt about Wiley's performance, Braves' Manager Rocket Wheeler sighed.

"He's good. We all know that now," said Wheeler, who was rumored to have been upset with the trade that sent Wiley to the Biscuits.

Third baseman Luke Bailey hit his 11th home run of the season, a three-run shot off of Braves' starter Tyler Stovall in the sixth inning.

Chris Richard finished 2-5 with a double and two RBIs.

The Biscuits now lead the South Division by two games.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Wiley gets shelled, Biscuits lose 15-5 to Lookouts
Manager Billy Gardner questions if work load is affecting lefty

The Chattanooga Lookouts had Brayden Wiley's number last night at Riverwalk Stadium as they crushed the Biscuits, 15-5.

Brayden Wiley took the loss, his fourth of the season. He did not make it out of the second inning. He allowed six hits and walked five while giving up eight runs.

"Worst start of my life," said a dejected Wiley after the game. "I guess these games happen, but that doesn't make it any easier."

When asked if he felt overworked, Wiley just shrugged.

"No, not really," replied Wiley. "I've thrown a lot of innings lately, so maybe. I don't know, my arm feels fine. The results just weren't there today."

"I think yeah, maybe we need to tone his work load down a bit," said Manager Billy Gardner, who was clearly upset after the humiliating loss. "I'll get second guessed on why I left him in for as long as I did and for good reason. Our pen needed a rest and I was hoping he'd battle through it, and he tried. He just didn't have his best stuff today."

Understatement of the year?

Gardner said that he will skip Wiley's next start to give the young lefty some much needed rest.

"It's what's best for him and perhaps the team as well," said Gardner. "We're in a playoff race. We need him rested."

Tim Beckham broke out of his slump by going 3-5 with his seventh home run of the season. He also had four RBIs to run his season total to 60.

The rest of the offense only managed three hits.

The Biscuits still lead the South Division by a game over the Mobile BayBears.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Wiley gets fourth complete game of the season
Biscuits win, 2-0

You would think that might be a bit of rust on the golden left arm of Biscuits' starting pitcher Brayden Wiley considering he hasn't pitched in nine days.

That wasn't the case.

Wiley, who was skipped in the rotation last week in order to get some rest, was as sharp as ever against the Huntsville Stars today as the Braves won a close game, 2-0.

Wiley carried a no-hitter into the top of the seventh inning, but gave up a lead off single to Stars' designated hitter Norris Hopper.

"A no-hitter would have been cool," said Wiley. "I don't think I've done that since Little League."

Wiley made the Stars' hitters look like Little Leaguers on this day as the hitters struggled against the lefty.

"He's the best we've faced all year," said Hopper after the game. "It's not even close."

Wiley got his fourth complete game of the season and his third shutout with his dominant performance. Wiley only allowed two hits, while striking out eight. He lowered his season ERA to 2.14 and is now 11-4 on the season.

The Biscuits only managed three hits of their own, but two of those hits came on solo home runs by Luke Bailey and Chris Richard in the top of the ninth inning.

"We didn't give him much to work with but he came through in a big way," said shortstop Tim Beckham, who had several web gems in the game. "We have to basically win every game from here on out. We have four left, so we can do it."

The Biscuits begin a four game road series with the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx on Friday. The Biscuits are 39-27 on the season and lead the Mobile BayBears by two games in the South Division.

"Huge series coming up," said Biscuits' Manager Billy Gardner. "We won't have Brayden starting in that series, so we need some of our other starters to step up."

Wiley finished the regular season with an 11-4 record. He lead the league in strikeouts (185), ERA (2.14), shutouts (3), complete games (4), innings pitched (180.2) and WHIP (1.04). He finished fourth in the league in wins.

It has been one of the most dominating seasons in the Southern League in the past decade.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Despite losing three of four in the series to Jaxx, Biscuits win division with 40-30 record

The Montgomery Biscuits are heading to the playoffs.

With the Mobile BayBears loss last night, the Biscuits have secured their spot in the playoffs and will face the Mississippi Braves beginning Thursday, September 9th in Pearl, Mississippi.

Brayden Wiley will get the game one start. Wiley has faced the Braves once this year and beat them.

"I like our game one chances," said Manager Billy Gardner. "He has a chip on his shoulder when he faced these guys the first time, and that's a good mindset for him to be in."

When asked if the series with the Braves held more meaning, Wiley was flabbergasted.

"What do you think?" asked Wiley. "I'm not trying to be rude, but of course it will be. I am extremely happy to be a member of the Tampa Bay Rays' organization, but yeah, it holds more meaning."

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Could you write a script any better than this?

Eric Williamson had watched every start of Brayden Wiley's since the kid was traded by the Braves. He was enamored with the kid's ability and had to write up a scouting report on him after the season for one of Baseball America's Hot Stove Prospect Features.

Williamson had watched his last start against Huntsville and came away feeling like Brayden Wiley would be the best pitching prospect in baseball next season. His numbers spoke for themselves. When he pitched though, there was a quiet confidence that the kid displayed that couldn't be ignored.

He KNEW no one could hit him.

Williamson wanted to set up an interview with the kid, just to see what his character was like. He had attempted to make that happen but the Biscuits' Public Relations department had told him he had to wait until the season was over.

Wiley and the Biscuits would be playing the Mississippi Braves in the playoffs. Wiley would start in game one and Williamson would have bet his house on Wiley beating the Braves again. When he pitched against them before, he only pitched five innings, but they were five dominant innings.

Williamson had heard rumblings that Braves' General Manager Frank Wren was catching an immense amount of heat for dealing the young lefty. Braves' fans had called for him to be fired after trading away such a talented prospect. What was worse for Wren was that Dan Wheeler got hurt in August and didn't pitch again for the rest of the season. Wren's ego was massive because the guy would not admit that he made a grave mistake in trading away Wiley.

"He's a good kid but he's not a sure thing," said Wren in an interview.

BS. Wiley was more than a good kid. Nobody dominates Double-A at 19 like Wiley did this season. Especially pitchers. He dominated in the Futures Game and he dominated all season long.

Williamson had asked Southern League hitters what it was like to face Wiley.

Pure hell, most of them said.

One player said, "He throws hard... 93, 94 miles per hour, but it comes in looking like it's 100. He has a curve ball that buckles your knees and his command is filthy. No thanks on facing him again."

This was said by one of the top prospects in the game.

Williamson couldn't drive to Pearl fast enough to see this game.

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

Scott Boras had gotten Brayden Wiley's number some how.

Boras got word that there was a kid, all of 19-years-old, who pitched in the Southern League for the Montgomery Biscuits. He didn't have an agent.

There's blood in the water, thought Boras.

He had finally gotten through to the kid. Boras had been calling him for two days, but did not leave a message. When he finally answered, Boras began his spiel.

"Hey Brayden, this is Scott Boras. I'm an agent."

"Yeah, I know who you are," said Brayden.

"Oh yeah? That's great. I heard you don't have an agent," Boras said bluntly.

"Not yet I don't, but soon enough I will," replied Brayden.

"How about now, Brayden? Look, I'm not going to beat around the bush, I'm the best agent in the world. That's cocky but it's damn true. I get my clients the most money. I'm promising you the world."

"I'm not interested in making a ton of money, Mr. Boras," said Brayden flatly. "How did you get my number? Any way, I've read stories about you. I am not your type of 'client.' I play because I love the game. Money is great and all, but I'm not going to hire you."

"Why make that mistake?" replied Boras.

"My dad said you're ruining baseball," replied Brayden. "He's right. Let me tell you a little story, okay?"

"But--" Boras was cut off.

"When I was eight, my favorite player was Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod... See, I grew up as a Mariners fan..."

Oh damn, thought Boras.

"Well, we all know what happened. He left Seattle and got a fat contract. Maybe it's naive of me, but I don't like you."

"Wait a minute kid, my job is to--"

"Your job is to NOT be my agent," said Brayden. "I have a better chance of winning 25 games in the Show next year than you do in being my agent. Don't call me again."

With that, he hung up.

"Stupid damn kid!" yelled Boras, to no one in particular.

[Devastant1971]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

To quote a late, but great comedy genius....

HOLY SCHNIKEES!

So much for my pristine monitor on my laptop! Scott Boras DISSED!!!!

Brayden, the man, the myth, the upyoursyourapingownerswalletsbugger hot prospect!

Apostle, dude, I've had a REALLY bad day IRL, and I'm wiping away tears. I so needed that!!! You rock!!!!!

MORE! PWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!!

(P.S. If Brayden does sign with Boras, while I think too he's just slightly one step above a rat on the food chain, he would be YOUR rat, and that might not be a bad thing... course as milestone number four zero on my personal road to a dirtnap approaches in 2 weeks, having lots of money seems... well, as cool, if not better, as it did when I was 19, about 21 years ago... that hot girlfriend I always wanted.... PRICELESS > )

[12]

Re: Road to the Show: Brayden Wiley, LHP

This is personal, thought Brayden Wiley.

The Biscuits were opening their playoff series against the Mississippi Braves tomorrow in Pearl and he was getting the start. He had already beaten the Braves earlier in the year, but he was licking his chops in anticipation of facing them again.

His mom and dad were flying to Pearl to watch him pitch. His dad had told him last night that they were making the cross country flight and would return after the game. He always loved when his parents saw him pitch, because he knew they were proud of him. It just gave him more fuel.

He didn’t necessarily like the new buzz that was surrounding him. Baseball America had a couple of writers who wanted to write features on him, but he had told the Public Relations Department that he wanted to wait until after the season. Hopefully, that didn't send the wrong message to the writers, but he really wanted to focus on the playoffs.

There would be plenty of time to deal with that stuff once the season was over.

He sat in his apartment, reflecting on his season. He was so thankful for all of the blessings in his life. At this time last year, he didn’t know where he’d be and the Braves had been pretty quiet about it. He found his mind wandering to the trade and for a split second, he let doubt creep in.

Why did the Braves trade me?

He wasn’t an arrogant guy, but he couldn’t understand the logic behind the deal and it would seem that no one else did, either. Perhaps he was still disappointed. He loved the idea of being a member of the Braves’ organization. They had a lot of good, young talent—Jason Heyward, Freddie Freeman, Mike Minor, Julio Teheran, just to name a few—and he was disappointed that he wouldn’t join that young nucleus. He loved the idea of getting the chance to hit in the National League. It probably wasn’t that important to other pitchers, but he loved to hit.

It was time to put the trade behind him, though. It had been two months since it happened and he was with a great organization now. He loved how they had treated him, how they made him feel wanted—and he was close with most all of his teammates in Montgomery. The Rays had perhaps one of the best minor league systems in baseball and he was already considered to be one of the best in the bunch.

How he wanted so badly to beat the Braves. He had an axe to grind and no one would blame for that. Being traded can mess with young players. Brayden finally put that out of his mind, knowing that he had done nothing wrong to get traded. He was not mad the Braves, but he knew that they would realize their mistake even more in a couple of days.