[• When Ryan Franklin worked a full count on Adam Kennedy with runners on first and third in the sixth inning on Saturday, it was a situation in which he usually would challenge with a fastball. Instead, he threw a change, and got Kennedy to roll over it for an easy ground-ball out.] I've decided I'm not going to be too proud to go soft when there are men on, ... When there's no one on base, I'll go right after them as I usually do. |
Every guy loves to have someone back there who knows what he's doing and has total confidence in his game-calling. That's what he have with Sal. There's a reason he's stuck around so long. |
He impresses me every time he goes out there. Obviously, I didn't get to see him much in Seattle, but every day of spring I've been impressed. |
He's probably their best hitter right now. I figured it was the right thing to do. He did a good job of getting ready to hit the ball. It was surprising. |
His hands are unbelievable, ... The first ball he hit was inside black. Great hands. |
I can say I challenged him, ... and he got me. |
I could tell I wasn't as sharp as I had been. I don't think I realized how my body works. |
I don't like this place, ... I got my first major league win here, and that's the most success I've had. (Texas has) probably the best-hitting infield in the game and it's a tough ballpark to pitch in. |
I don't like this place. I got my first major league win here, and that's the most success I've had. (Texas has) probably the best-hitting infield in the game and it's a tough ballpark to pitch in. |
I don't want to say I wore out my welcome in Seattle, but I was ready to move on. I heard changes are good. |
I felt great out there. My pitches did what I wanted them to do. My slider and changeup were about as good as they have been. I didn't feel like I was pitching on short rest. |
I haven't heard anything about that. |
I know I have a job. I'm a starter. That's what they signed me here to be. |
I learned you can't argue a balk call in the National League. That's why I told [manager Charlie Manuel] to sit down. I have a couple of different set positions, but most of the time, my leg is a little stiff. I've only had one balk called on me in my [major-league career]. I thought I picked him off, that's why I was mad. |
I looked at it like the regular season, just trying to get guys out. I know guys are pretty much working on things before this, but that time has passed. Now, it's time to get ready for the regular season. |