SCRAPPERS Knox takes new path as pitcher

He spent three years as an infielder before making the switch.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NILES -- Those who dwell in the depths of minor league baseball are thrown sharp curves from time to time.
Count Matt Knox among them.
After spending three years as an infielder in the Cleveland Indians organization, Knox received word of a career-changing plan this spring: He would become a pitcher.
"They decided to make the change this spring and I've just been running with it, trying my best and learning as much as I possibly can from as many people as I can," Knox said. "We'll see how it all works out this season."
Former Scrapper
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Knox, of Lebanon, Pa., isn't new to Mahoning Valley.
As a third baseman for the Scrappers in 2002, he played 14 games while building a .319 batting average in 47 at-bats.
But the Indians signed their third-base draft prospect, Pat Osborn, that year and assigned him to Mahoning Valley, bumping Knox to then Class-A full-season Columbus.
Knox, 24, played consistently last year with Class-A full-season clubs Lake County and Kinston, earning all-star status in the South Atlantic League.
Then something funny happened. In a game last season, Kinston exhausted its bullpen, and Knox was called upon to pitch an inning of relief.
The Indians apparently liked what they saw from the right-hander -- "I guess that opened some eyes," Knox said -- before making their intentions official this spring.
"I ended up getting hurt [knee injury] in spring training," said Knox, a 13th-round draft pick in 2001.
"Toward the end of spring training, they decided to make the switch."
And that's why Knox finds himself at Mahoning Valley -- to begin a new path in the game, as a reliever.
"He's doing well," Scrappers manager Mike Sarbaugh said. "He has his ups and downs, but it's still real new to him."
Pitching experience
Knox pitched some in Little League and high school baseball and held a small role as a closer at Millersville University.
But now, Knox is preparing for the role full-time.
The process began with him throwing long-toss to build his arm strength.
"It's kind of like riding a bike; I just threw a couple times and it came back," Knox said of his pitching mindset.
"I had a real simple delivery, nothing complicated."
Knox doesn't seem fazed by the change. He welcomes any chance to stay on the field.
"I just wanted to play," he said. "If this is what they want me to do, then I'll do my best and pitch like I played -- by giving 110 percent."
richesson@vindy.com