And I thought we had it bad. |
Any time you have a chance to sort of regroup, take a step back, then go at it again, it helps. Last year, everything happened so quickly. Every game was vitally important. Now we get a chance to exhale. |
For a guy that doesn't crack 90 (mph), to give up as few hits per innings pitched as he does, it's really solid stuff. |
He had a big year for Washington. He's a much different pitcher now than early in his career. He's pitching now instead of throwing. He made five starts for the Nationals. He could start. |
He had the most impact on a pitcher that anyone in the lineup could. He had the power, he had the ability to get on base, he could draw a walk and he had great speed. But don't forget that Rickey was a very good hitter. |
He has to continue to get over the little hurdles that are going to make him a big-league pitcher. In his case, it is realizing the importance of location and trusting his sinker in the strike zone. |
He knew it was just one pitch; he didn't worry about the early runs. He kept his composure. |
He was in the training room drinking Gatorade while everyone else was drinking champagne in the clubhouse. |
I don't think these guys lose confidence. You'll find very few major league players lose confidence. That's one of the reasons they got here, because they're very confident men. |
I think he's a confident guy. He just needs that mind-set that, 'I am capable of doing something special,' just that sheer determination. He's a great worker, a great teammate, has a great aptitude to take instruction. |
If he makes all his starts, with his stuff, there's no reason why he can't win upwards of 15-to-20 games. |
In the dugout you see some of the facial expressions up close and you see that intensity. Don't be confused by their laid-back, California personality. These guys compete. |
It was great to see him step up and make pitches. |
Lackey is experienced, although he is only 27. And his best years are ahead of him. |
No one pitches that alike unless they're brothers. They pitch so much alike you'd have to split them up in the rotation just so hitters didn't get the same look. |