Sidearmer Pugliese making his mark in Kernels’ bullpen

CEDAR RAPIDS - Becoming a sidearmer was the worst thing that ever happened to Nick Pugliese. And the best thing.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels relief pitcher is in professional baseball - and having a good season - because he quit throwing over the top and went to a more unconventional style. Yet it was that style that screwed up his elbow enough to prevent him from getting drafted his senior year at Stetson University in Florida.

Pugliese was in the process of heading to Italy to play ball when the parent Los Angeles Angels, specifically super scout Tom Kotchman, gave him a call. The Italian lessons are off, he hopes permanently.

“I was doing all the paperwork to get my citizenship,” said Pugliese, whose father has Italian heritage. “I had it all set up. Then my coach at Stetson called me and said Kotchman liked me, and if I was ready to go, he would sign me.”

Pugliese was ready to go and signed with the Angels as a non-drafted free agent. After beginning this season poorly at high-Class A Rancho Cucamonga, the right-hander has settled in and become a key bullpen member for the Kernels, who host Clinton tonight at 6:35.

Pugliese has a 1.45 earned run average and has struck out 43 in 31 innings. He has allowed only 26 base runners: 22 hits and four walks.

“He has just been so valuable,” said Kernels Manager Bill Mosiello. “You don't strike out that many guys unless you've got some stuff, too. Throwing strikes give you a chance. He's got deception and all that, too, but he has become very good.”

Pugliese and his coaches at Stetson came to an agreement last year that he needed to change something because he wasn't getting enough regular outs. That's how the sidearm thing evolved.

It was a great idea that started to fall apart late in the season, however, when Pugliese was asked to become a starting pitcher because of several injuries to teammates. The increased workload took its toll on his elbow, and he was shut down from throwing the final month of the college season.

“I went down kind of at the wrong time of the year,” said Pugliese, 23. “There was about three weeks left in the season, and that's when all the scouts were kind of talking to me and wanting to see me pitch. I couldn't do anything about it. Kind of a sad little story. But it worked out.”

Pugliese got healthy and moved back to the bullpen.

“The main thing was getting a relief spot, where I was throwing three innings at the most. It's easier on my arm, and I can give max effort. I wasn't extending my innings. I think it's a good role for me.”