Sale thinks Groome’s raw stuff is better than his own.
"“Obviously we have similarities, being pitchers and being left-handed,” Sale said. “But he’s got me by a pretty good amount. Like I said, he’s young and it’s great just being able to show him on this platform what it takes and the work that goes in. You can’t just roll out of bed and expect to go out and be effective. Just being able to talk to him, tell him what to expect and what to be ready for. He’s been getting after it. He’s a good kid.”"
Considering Sale’s immense talent, that’s about as strong an endorsement as you will find about a prospect.
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The stuff is obviously there, so what needs to improve if Jay Groome is to climb back up the top 100 rankings? Primarily, it comes down to the walk rate. With a repeatable delivery that doesn’t have any quirks or unnecessary moving parts, improving his control seems well within reach. More importantly, it’s likely a milestone that the Red Sox will look for before moving him to AA Portland.
And while neither of his injuries in 2017 was severe, having a healthy season is also essential for the 119-year-old lefty. Part of eventually ascending to the majors is building up his pitch count. Groome threw 55 and ⅓ innings last year so he has a lot of work to do before he can be expected to throw 150-170.
Jay Groome has all the talent in the world. The character issues that shadowed him entering and following the 2016 draft appear to have played out and mostly behind him. All that sits before him is focusing on baseball and putting in the work to try and reach his potential.
With Chris Sale taking the phenom under his wing, you have to think he is motivated to get after it.