Round 47: - RHP - Sean O'Connor

4-13-10 from:  -  http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/04/13/2111902/pitchers-improved-play-a-powerful.html - In high school sports, an athlete's introduction to varsity competition is often a learning process. More likely than not, sophomores and juniors that make the team are viewed as diamonds in the rough.

So was the case for Carroll pitcher Sean O'Connor when he joined the Dragons varsity baseball team as a junior last year. The promise was there, but there were still plenty of things needing polishing.

O'Connor and the rest of the pitching staff struggled for most of the season, and the junior finished with a 4.08 ERA and almost as many walks as innings pitched (22 base on balls in 24 innings pitched). But what a difference a year makes.

O'Connor has developed into the Dragons' staff ace, posting a 4-0 record and a 1.56 ERA. He's also become a strong strikeout pitcher and has lowered his walks significantly (45 Ks, 16 BB in 36 innings pitched).

"He's been our most consistent pitcher," said Larry Hughes, Carroll baseball coach. "He started the year as our ace, our No. 1 starter. He's been pretty solid for us.

"He's been better than he's ever been [with his control]," Hughes said. "He's made progress every year at Carroll and this is his best year. He's throwing about 60 percent strikes, and that's good for him with a 90-plus fastball."

O'Connor's heat can actually reach up to 93 mph, as the senior is viewed as a power pitcher. However, with the level of talented teams he faces on a regular basis, O'Connor is constantly reminded that throwing fast in itself doesn't guarantee success.

"It can help [to throw fast], but it can sometimes hurts because of the metal bats and how hard and fast the ball comes off the bat when they make contact," O'Connor said. "So you have to control your power pitches as well, especially in this district."

That's why O'Connor has developed some effective out-pitches to add to his repertoire this season. O'Connor has also thrown a consistent change-up and curve ball to throw off opposing batters from time to time.