Alaska Sports Hall of Fame

Anchorage’s Corey Madden inched closer than ever to the big leagues this season with a promotion to Triple-A New Orleans, a move that left the 27-year-old pitcher hungrier than ever going into the offseason.

“Nothing changes,” he told me. “I just have to make sure I keep myself and my arm in shape and come in spring training ready to compete for a job.”

Madden, of East High fame, made 17 appearances with the Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League and posted a 1-2 record and 4.03 ERA in 22.1 innings. His numbers were a little misleading because he had only a couple bad outings.

“There was a stretch when my slider just wasn’t as good as it has been in the past,” he said.

He even messed around with a new pitch.

“I did toy with a spiked curveball, which I learned from Sandy Rosario,” Madden said.

Overall, though, he was pleased with his progression. He eventually developed command of his slider – producing most of his 30 strikeouts – and he tweaked his approach on the mound.

“I definitely feel like I learned more about how to pitch to veteran hitters,” he said. “And I learned more about myself and making adjustments.”

At Double-A Jacksonville, he posted a 2-1 record and 2.72 ERA in 25 appearances. He also struck out 42 batters in 43 innings.

Now he’s back in Alaska chilling with family, friends and his new fiancé.