The language barrier does not seem to affect Julio Teheran’s play on the mound. After signing with the Braves as non-drafted free agent in July 2007 out of Cartagena, Colombia, he has performed superbly. Throughout his career in the Braves organization, Teheran has amassed a 2.81 ERA, and this season he is 9-1 with a 1.79 ERA for Gwinnett.
During his young career, Teheran has already been named International League (IL) pitcher of the week twice. Plus, Major League Baseball (MLB) has named him to the XM All-Star Futures Game for the second consecutive season, and the IL awarded him a spot on the team for the Triple-A All-Star game. After making two spot starts for Atlanta this season, Teheran gave Score Atlanta a few moments to answer a few questions. Now is a chance for Atlanta to get to know the MLB’s number one pitching prospect.
Teheran on receiving MLB experience: I picked up a lot of experience from playing Major League hitters and learning how to pitch them.
On adjusting to a predominantly English-speaking league: I have had to adjust a little bit. That is why when I do interviews. I try to have other people understand what I am saying. I do not speak much English right now, but I will try to get better at it.
On American pop-culture: I pretty much like everything. I am just trying to get use it. It is a different country, but I get use to where every I am around. I like being at the ballpark and the people just cheering us on.
On types of pitches: I throw a fastball, a changeup, and a curveball.
On what he is what he is working on most this season: Personally, I am just trying to study pregame of each batter individually so I know their tendencies and I am trying to keep my pitch count down. This is the most important strategy, so I can go longer into games.
On playing an hour from the MLB club: It really excites me. It motivates me to work harder so I can just get up there as soon as possible.
On striving to be a prolific hitting pitcher: I don’t really think about. I strive to be the best pitcher that I can be. That is not really my job, but when I go up there, I try to do the best possible job that I can cause I can help the team out as well
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