Claudio credits maturity for rise through ranks

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Alex Claudio seems quiet and shy among his Rangers teammates, almost unnoticeable among the bigger personalities and voices echoing through the clubhouse.
It's almost hard to believe Claudio was a loud "troublemaker" growing up in Juncos, Puerto Rico.
"I was always annoying my older brothers and sisters," Claudio said. "My mom was always coming after me."
There are a few other things that are hard to believe in Claudio's amazing rise from obscure Minor League pitcher to pitching for the Rangers in the postseason last October and Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
It's hard to believe that Claudio once had an attitude problem and was almost released. That's why he had to spend three frustrating seasons with the Arizona Rookie League team, the lowest level in the system.
"I was a little rebellious," Claudio said. "I didn't have the motivation. I didn't have the desire to get to the next level. I didn't compete."
It's also hard to believe he almost quit.
"There was a time in 2011, I was in extended spring training and I couldn't get anybody out to save my life," Claudio said. "Yeah, I wanted to walk away. But the coaches talked to me, they said, don't walk away from the game, you'll regret it. You walk away and you'll never get it back."
At the time, Claudio was an unimpressive left-hander who threw over the top at 87-88 mph. He was a 27th-round pick in 2010 out of Isabel Flores High in Junco, discovered by Rangers scout Frankie Thon. Claudio expressed surprise he was even drafted.
"I didn't even know how that whole scouting thing worked," Claudio said.
Minor League pitching coaches Oscar Marin and Ryan O'Malley were the ones who took care of Claudio and kept him from quitting. O'Malley also suggested in 2013 Claudio drop his arm angle and adopt a sidearm delivery. It was a game-changer.
"It wasn't very difficult," Claudio said. "I got it down in two weeks and everything kind of fell into place."
The kid who didn't care turned into a young man with a dream.
"I used to be the last one in the clubhouse and the first one to leave," Claudio said. "Now I was the first one there and the last to leave. I just grew up."
Claudio began rising quickly through the system. In 2013, he was 4-6 but with a 1.83 ERA in 45 appearances with Class A Hickory and Double-A Frisco. He struck out 91 and walked 18 over 78 2/3 innings.
His fastball was 85 miles per hour with a slider and changeup, but his funky delivery and deception baffled hitters. He was the Rangers Minor League Reliever of the Year in 2013.
By 2014, the troublemaker who almost quit was a Major League reliever. Last year he was 4-1 with a 2.79 ERA pitching in middle and long relief. When the season was over, Puerto Rico wanted him on their World Baseball Classic team.
"It was unbelievable," Claudio said. "It was something I always dreamed about, but I never felt I would be able to do. But I still have to compete. I have to keep getting outs. I don't think I am established yet. I still have to work hard."
That part is not hard to believe.