With big decision looming, Griffin tries to stay present
While there are a number of decisions looming with the regular season set to begin in less than a week, one certainly stands out: Will the Pirates have Konnor Griffin on their opening day roster, or will they have him start the year in the minor leagues?
Griffin admits it's a thought that exists in his head, but he's trying his best to stay present and enjoy what's in front of him rather than be caught up in a decision that is ultimately out of his control.
"Really working on my mental game, learning how to start my day in the morning, then be able to close it out when I leave the field and be a normal person when I’m home," Griffin said regarding how he's been able to remain focused with all the buzz surrounding him. "Being able to leave the baseball stuff here and not worry about tomorrow. Just worry about what I’m doing today. That’s the biggest key."
Griffin, one of two non-roster position players remaining in major-league camp, has certainly given the Pirates plenty to think about before finalizing the roster that will head to Flushing, N.Y. for the opening series against the Mets. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, as he's struck out 11 times in 38 at-bats over 15 spring games. But he's hit a team-high four homers and has driven in nine runs, showing the type of offensive production he's capable of providing the major-league squad.
Regardless of the decision that's made, Griffin said he's most proud of the way in which he's handled everything. The buzz has been real, the caliber of pitchers he's faced have been high quality and he's managed to learn from it all.
"It kind of shows me that I feel prepared," Griffin said. "I don’t feel overmatched. I don’t feel sped up. I feel prepared. That’s what I’ve been training for over the last year. It’s led to this moment. I’m ready. I’m taking each game one game at a time. Just letting my skills take over."
THE ASYLUM
With big decision looming, Griffin tries to stay present
While there are a number of decisions looming with the regular season set to begin in less than a week, one certainly stands out: Will the Pirates have Konnor Griffin on their opening day roster, or will they have him start the year in the minor leagues?
Griffin admits it's a thought that exists in his head, but he's trying his best to stay present and enjoy what's in front of him rather than be caught up in a decision that is ultimately out of his control.
"Really working on my mental game, learning how to start my day in the morning, then be able to close it out when I leave the field and be a normal person when I’m home," Griffin said regarding how he's been able to remain focused with all the buzz surrounding him. "Being able to leave the baseball stuff here and not worry about tomorrow. Just worry about what I’m doing today. That’s the biggest key."
Griffin, one of two non-roster position players remaining in major-league camp, has certainly given the Pirates plenty to think about before finalizing the roster that will head to Flushing, N.Y. for the opening series against the Mets. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, as he's struck out 11 times in 38 at-bats over 15 spring games. But he's hit a team-high four homers and has driven in nine runs, showing the type of offensive production he's capable of providing the major-league squad.
Regardless of the decision that's made, Griffin said he's most proud of the way in which he's handled everything. The buzz has been real, the caliber of pitchers he's faced have been high quality and he's managed to learn from it all.
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