San Diego Padres: Getting to know Jacob Scavuzzo

On Wednesday afternoon, we were fortunate enough to spend some time chatting with San Diego Padres minor league outfielder Jacob Scavuzzo about the game and his career.

It would be easy to overlook the San Diego Padres decision to sign Jacob Scavuzzo this offseason. A minor league free agent, Scavuzzo had spent seven years in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization after being taken in the 21st round of the 2012 Draft out of Villa Park High School in Villa Park California.

However, Scavuzzo has had a strong year in AAA for San Diego. The 25 year old has produced a .273/.328/.855 batting line in his 61 plate appearances, belting ten homers before landing on the Injured List on May 4. That power surge is certainly notable and worthy of attention.

This comes on the heels of what was a breakout campaign in 2018. He produced a .258/.310/.523 batting line between AA and AAA, belting 26 homers and 26 doubles, while stealing 12 bases. Scavuzzo was named the Texas League Player of the Month for July.

On Wednesday afternoon, we were able to chat with him and get his thoughts on his career and what life is like in the minors.

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CttP – What was it like being out of high school in 2012? Was there any temptation to head to college instead of signing?

JS – I was playing football, baseball, basketball, and running track in high school. I didn’t have many college offers, but I played on a scout team for the Mariners, and had tried out for a couple of other teams. I really didn’t expect to be drafted, and planned on heading to junior college.
The Dodgers were actually the last team to talk to me. When I was drafted, I couldn’t pass that up – I didn’t want that opportunity to go to waste.

CttP – What has been the biggest adjustment in being promoted through each level of the minors?

JS – It’s been a matter of making little adjustments – refining my approach, and being aware of my body. Limiting weaknesses as I progress. At each level, everyone is a little more talented, sp being aware of myself and being able to control my body to make adjustments to my approach.

CttP – What changed in 2015 to lead to an increase in power – swing mechanics or just natural growth?

JS – It was a little of both. I learned how my body and swing work going through the minors, while focusing on driving the ball more and hitting it into the air. Earlier, I worked more at getting on base and stealing bases, but I was able to tap into my power more as I grew into my body. Just driving the ball, being more aggressive and committed to a specific pitch, and repeating my swings from practice to the game.

CttP – AA is considered a proving ground for prospects – what is the biggest difference between AA and AAA?

JS – AA has talent through the roof and the top prospects in the game. But you can get there on talent – it’s raw talent against raw talent there.

In AAA, the game is more about approach. It’s more skillful, more of a mental game. It’s about learning yourself, remembering adjustments, staying ahead of the curve, and knowing the pitchers tendencies and plan of attack. It’s a more mental game than people give it credit for.

CttP – What was free agency like, and leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers organization to head to the San Diego Padres?

JS – Free agency was different, especially having to say goodbye to an organization I’d been part of for so long. The Padres called early on in the process, and checked in almost daily. I knew some of the players, the coaches, and members of the front office. It was an easy transition, although it felt strange to drive to Spring Training and go past Camelback Ranch to get to Peoria.

CttP – Have there been any players that took you under their wing?

JS – Johnny Washington, the Padres hitting coach, was with the Dodgers before getting his job in San Diego. We had worked together over the previous two offseasons on my swing mechanics. And Morgan Burkhart, the AAA hitting coach. Being able to bounce ideas off of both, and establish a game plan with Morgan, has been a great help.

CttP – Heading into Wednesday, 11 of your 15 hits have gone for extra bases (10 homers and a triple) – have there been any changes that led to this power surge?

JS – There hasn’t really been any change – just taking advantage of hitter’s counts, being aggressive, and getting good swings on the ball. The home runs are nice, but it’s a matter of staying aggressive and getting that good swing.

CttP – Do you have any specific goals for 2019, outside of reaching the majors?

JS – Not really any specific goals. Getting to the majors would be great, but in terms of a timeline or a specific goal, I don’t put a lot of stress on it. I just look to stay consistent, and let it take care of itself.

Our thanks to Jacob Scavuzzo for taking the time to chat with us. Give him a follow on Twitter at  @jacobscavuzzo as well!