I remember if I could make my pitches, I could get [Sandberg] out in an area. But if I didn't, he made you pay every single time -- it wasn't like a couple times. He had a sweet spot that made him who he was. I would say that game sticks out more than most because when you give up two home runs to somebody, you remember it. |
I respect him as a player that I've played against about as much as anybody. That's a high regard when you talk about the likes of who I've played against. He plays the game right, plays with his head and you never hear anything about him bad. I think he's going to wear our uniform about as well as most have. |
I said at the start of this road trip, if we can take two out of three and kill the momentum of the teams we're playing with, that's going to help. Certainly, we didn't want to draw it up this way, but it had a happy ending. |
I take the mound with the focus that is we cannot lose. I've had that feeling for a long time. That's the feeling you want to have as a pitcher. Find a way, any way, battle. |
I think it's because my mechanics are so much better. My arm and hand are in a position where I couldn't get them consistently before. I still break down. ... But more times than not, it's right where it needs to be and the hitter isn't recognizing it yet. It's going to be a weapon. |
I think it's going to be even better, because mechanically it should allow me to throw with a lot less stress and a lot more accuracy. |
I tried a little too hard early. I pitched like it was a playoff game. We needed to win. The guys came through. I knew if I could keep it close, we would have a chance. |
I tried a little too hard early. I tried to pitch like it was a playoff game. |
I was forced to get out of a lot of jams, but ultimately I'd take 25 or 27 more of these games. I'd like to think I'm going to come out on top more often than not. |
I was looking forward. It was brutal. I was tested to the max. |
I was trying to mess with their heads a little bit. I felt like if I could get through the first inning doing that, that the next few innings could give me some room for fastballs -- even right down the middle. |
I'll be smart and say I can use that extra day of rest. I'm not going to approach one game as being more important than another. |
I'm an effort guy, a max-out guy. But I'm not a guy to go out there grunting, ... There's just no balance to closing. |
I'm certainly proud. For tonight it sure feels good. I had some rough pitches but some good pitches. |
I'm fighting some incredible ambition, but I need to be smart. If I had until February to make this decision, then it would be a no-brainer. I'd know exactly where I stood at that point. But right now, this is the best decision. |