[Pirates GM] Dave [Littlefield] does a real nice job of getting these kids some experience so that when they get called to the big leagues, it's not their first time. That's a good plan. |
Burnett threw well. For us to see the velocity come back is real good. |
Certainly, the coaches deserve a lot of the credit because they've kept these guys going. In addition, the rest of the team has maintained the level of play that's necessary to be successful. |
Competition creates better products, alliances create better companies. |
Competition creates better products, alliances create better companies. |
Eldred has a much better plan this year. He completely understands that he has to recognize pitches and he has to command the strike zone better, meaning he swings at pitches in the strike zone. |
He felt he was comfortable from a developmental standpoint and had gotten enough innings in. I think that's his best role. |
He has exceptional stuff. And he knows how to use it. |
He is very mature in terms of his poise, his composure and the way he goes about his business. Any time a young player can get this kind of experience to kind of expedite his development, it's a great spot for him. |
He was throwing the ball well with command of four pitches. He wasn't throwing with the velocity that we saw in college, but from a performance standpoint, he definitely was on the track we expected. |
He's a bullpen guy. I don't think there is any doubt that's the role he's best cut out for. |
His fastball is above average in terms of life and velocity, he has a hard breaking ball and the changeup has become a solid third pitch. And when his command gets better and he's able to throw his pitches where he wants, he can be a really good all-around pitcher. |
I like the fact that the players are here mentally prepared to work hard and make the team. This is the most focused camp I've seen in four years. |
I think they stepped it up, and we didn't. They were putting high pressure on us, and we were just falling back. |
If you push a player to a level above his ability, he goes into survival mode and he doesn't get better. All he does is try to play to survive regardless of how talented he is. |