Move to Bullpen Lands Haley on Big League Radar

During Spring Training the DTTWLN staff will profile and examine the coaches and players that make up and are vying to be part of the 2013 Cleveland Indians—A Team With A New Direction. Today, we examine one of the young players on the 40-man roster that is a part of the Indians’ minor league system.

By Mike Brandyberry

Sometimes a major adjustment lends major results. For Indians’ relief pitcher, Trey Haley, it may have saved his professional career.

Haley was a second round selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, but continued control issues and a lack of progression through the Tribe’s minor league system forced him to the bullpen. However, once transitioning to the bullpen, Haley has thrived and regained his place as a top prospect in the Tribe’s system.

“I think it was just a combination of growing up as a player,” Haley said. “Out of high school I was working on so many things. I think that work has helped me get to where I am now.”

In 2012, the 22-year old, hard-throwing, right-hander had his best season as a professional. Haley split his season between High-A Carolina, where he had a 1.04 ERA in 17.1 innings, and Double-A Akron where he was 3-1, with a 1.76 ERA in 15.1 innings.

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