PECCOLE PARK – Post-season play is competitive and filled with emotion as teams have earned the opportunity to chase the dream of winning a state title.  8-team events can be long and challenging especially when you lose in the first round, stressing pitching staff. Any team attempting to fight their way back through the loser’s bracket will need player’s to “step up” and deliver performances that often have not been realized over the course of the regular season.  Friday evening, the Bishop Manogue Miners received such a performance from senior, TJ Czyz. Czyz has had his control issues this season but on in relief of starter ’20 Jack Weise, he gave the Miners just what they needed.  More on Czyz below.

’19 TJ Czyz, RHP (Bishop Manogue)

Uncommitted, 6-foot 165, Czyz is athletic with room for weight and strength gains.  He pitches from a mostly ¾ slot with a quick arm that he floats a bit between his fastball and breaking ball. He threw his fastball 85-88 with occasional arm side life. The breaking ball displayed solid spin from a few different arm angles, 68-72.  Czyz would lower the arm angle at times providing more of sweeping break. He raised the angle at times, providing more depth.  He showed a feel for a changeup in limited looks, up to 77. He was athletic off the mound and at the plate as well. The delivery is a work in progress with significant leg swing and flat foot strike and occasional heel land which may lend to some of his command inconsistencies.  Adjustments and development accompanied by present arm strength provide Czyz a higher ceiling and “a bit of find” this late in the season.