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When given a choice, Jonathan Watson opted for the road less traveled. During his stay at Miami-Dade Junior College in 2009, Watson could’ve been a starting pitcher or come out of the bullpen in relief. This isn’t 1947. The bullpen isn’t just for failed starters anymore. However, if you polled 100 pitchers, you’d expect most to pick a role as a starting pitcher. Starting allows for a set throwing schedule and frankly, is often more prestigious. But it’s not for Watson. “I had a choice in Miami, but I liked throwing out of the bullpen,” Watson, a junior right hander, said. “I like throwing every day. I like coming into the game when the pressure is on. I started a few games at Longwood [in 2008] and I just didn’t like it.” There was no debate this season at VCU, where Watson made a team-high 31 appearances – all in relief - and forged a 4-2 record and team-best 2.51 ERA. The Richmond native and L.C. Bird High School graduate threw 61.0 innings this year, the second-most for a Ram pitcher. Watson’s durability this year was as much impressive as it was critical to VCU’s success. His 31 appearances ranked second in the Colonial Athletic Association and are tied for sixth-most in school history for a single season. Of those 31, nearly half (15) were for two innings or longer. Watson pitched on consecutive days eight times. During one eight-day stretch in mid-May, he logged six appearances, covering 11 1/3 innings and allowed just two runs. It’s safe to say that when the Rams needed relief, Watson would answer the call. He may not be a flamethrower, normally ranging in the mid to upper 80s with his fastball, but Watson’s rubber arm is nothing short of extraordinary. “My arm never really gets sore,” Watson said. “I could throw every day. My buddy down in Miami that I went to high school with up here called me ‘Everyday Watson.’”
Although his numbers were solid, 2-2, 3.16 ERA in 37.1 innings, Watson wasn’t happy at Longwood and decided to look elsewhere. “Elsewhere” ended up being about the farthest place, geographically - as well as culturally - from Farmville, Miami-Dade in Miami, Fla. Miami, a city awash in sunshine and culture, was a titanic shift from the small town feel of Farmville or even the mid-sized metropolis of Richmond, but Watson soaked it up. Watson went 3-0 with a 5.21 ERA in 16 appearances with the Sharks, who won their conference and finished ranked sixth nationally. As much as he enjoyed Miami, Watson wanted to play closer to home, where his father, Larry, could see him play. Rams’ Pitching Coach Shawn Stiffler was familiar with Watson and signed the pitcher after an impressive bullpen session. Like many players on the 2010 VCU Baseball team, Watson was somewhat of an unknown quantity at the beginning of the season. However, after the righty allowed just three runs in his first 22 1/3 innings, it was obvious the Rams had found a diamond in the rough. By the end of the season, Watson was controlling the middle part of the baseball game. In the CAA Tournament, Watson threw a total of seven innings over two days, including four scoreless frames against UNC Wilmington. In the NCAA Tournament against fifth-ranked Virginia and Big East Champ St. John’s, Watson did not allow an earned run in six innings. “I think he really thrives on the big games,” said VCU Head Coach Paul Keyes. “He’s one of those guys that will keep chugging and keep throwing if he needs to. He usually never asks to come out of a ballgame.” Questions or comments? E-mail us at aroundthehorns@yahoo.com or look us up on Facebook. |
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“EVERYDAY” WATSON PROVIDES STEADY HAND
Watson’s emergence as VCU’s bullpen traffic cop has been about as unexpected as his unmatched durability. The 20-year-old Watson began his college career as a two-way player at Longwood University in Farmville, Va., appearing on the mound and at third base for the Lancers. All rights reserved.
