Kevin Gunderson aims to be 'lefty specialist'

'I need to get people out,' former OSU star says upon his return to Class AA

By Grady Garrett

The Portland Tribune, Aug 5, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Kevin Gunderson, from Central Catholic High and Oregon State, made a brief appearance in Triple-A ball before returning to the AA Mississippi Braves, where he has had success as a setup man and occasional closer.

ED GARDNER / MISSISSIPPI BRAVES

For 2 1/2 weeks, pitcher Kevin Gunderson got a taste of what it felt like to be just a step below the major leagues. On July 3, Gunderson got promoted from Class AA to AAA.

But after a stint in Gwinnett, Georgia, the 24-year-old southpaw was sent back to Pearl, Miss., home of the Atlanta Braves’ Double-A affiliate.

The move didn't come as a surprise to the former Oregon State and Central Catholic High star. It didn't come as a big disappointment to him, either.

"I could see it coming," Gunderson says. "There were just too many guys on the (Triple-A) roster, and I knew I was the low guy on the totem poll."

With a logjam of pitchers, the one with the least experience often gets the fewest opportunities.

"In reality, [moving back down] is better for my career," Gunderson says. "I'll get more opportunities to pitch in pressure situations."

Last year, Gunderson went 2-2 with a 4.74 ERA in 74 games with AA Mississippi. This year, his ERA there has improved to 2.87, with 32 strikeouts and 16 walks in 37 2/3 innings. He's one of Mississippi's primary setup men and occasionally gets the chance to close. He sees his future role as a "lefty specialist."

With AAA Gwinnett, Gunderson didn't have a role. He appeared in just four games, racking up a 13.50 ERA on four runs allowed in 2 2/3 innings, with three walks and two strikeouts.

Despite his struggles during the brief time in AAA ball, Gunderson feels the competition in Mississippi is the same as it was in Georgia.

"The two levels are very similar," he says. "The caliber of play is just as high."

Gunderson knows he still has a lot to learn, regardless of the level.

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