Announcement
Aaron Daab profiled in Houston Chronicle 4-17-07
Aggies recruit still has job for Katy: lead way in playoffs—Katy's Aaron Daab says he tries to pick up a few pointers by watching Billy Wagner in the majors. The lefthanded starter says Wagner's focus is the thing he tries to emulate most as the Tigers make a run at a state title.
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High School Sports |
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April 17, 2007, 3:26AM
For confidence, a little Daab will do you
After final last spring, Katy and its top pitcher are aiming for another long playoff run
By SAM KHAN
Things have changed drastically for Aaron Daab.
At this time a year ago, the Katy lefthander was a solid second option in the Tigers' pitching rotation behind Will Weidig. After a stellar 2006 postseason and some significant improvement, Daab is now Katy's ace and one of the top pitchers in the area.
Next stop: College Station
The 6-3, 220-pound Texas A&M signee has improved along with his team. A year ago, the Tigers were one of many solid area teams, finishing second in district before going on a wild playoff run that landed in them in the Class 5A state final.
Now, the Tigers are the hunted rather than the hunter.
They are ranked No. 1 in the area, No. 2 in the state and No. 3 in the nation by Baseball America.
While the pressure can be tough for some, Daab welcomes it.
"I like pressure," he said. "All the teams want to face our best. Everyone is gunning for us."
Daab showed how well he can handle pressure when he pitched a three-hit shutout against Corpus Christi Moody in the state semifinals. This year he is 6-1 with a 0.40 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 45 innings.
Wagner's an influence
He attributes his ability to handle pressure to the "bulldog mentality" he takes to the mound, a trait that he picked up by watching a current major league pitcher.
"(New York Mets reliever) Billy Wagner has that bulldog mentality," Daab said. "Granted, he throws 100 miles per hour, which I don't do, but he's just a good, strong lefty. I wanted be to like him when I was little. I try to be focused every pitch."
He may not throw high heat (his fastball registers in the high 80s), but Daab also has a solid curveball and changeup, both of which he can throw consistently for strikes. And he has another talent that helps immensely: the ability to pick off runners. This season, he has 19 pickoffs, two more than last season.
As the regular season winds down and the Tigers prepare for what they hope is another long playoff run, Daab is ready to take the ball for every big game.
"I go out there with a lot of confidence," he said. "If I can hit my spots and throw strikes, I know I can get the job done."
