[His fosh is one of the pitches Suppan throws in the bullpen when warming up for a start because of its importance. He holds the ball with splayed fingers, and it's crucial that his arm action on the change duplicates his delivery on his fastball. Otherwise, the ruse is ineffective.] If you have a dominant fastball, it takes people off that fastball if you're able to locate the changeup, ... If you can throw a fastball changeup, and it looks the same each time, that's a pretty tough combination. |
A lot was different. I was able to make some pitches that I wasn't the previous game. But basically, my plan was to leave what was in the past in past and really focus on what I had to do today to help the team win. |
As a starter you have to be able to adapt to what is put in front of you. Obviously, you don't like to wait that long but sometimes you have to. |
Basically, I was in shock. I just couldn't believe it. Somebody called me earlier that morning to tell me an appointment my wife had was cancelled because of what happened and I was like, 'What happened?' I [turned on the television to] see the first building on fire, not knowing what happened. I was sitting there in shock. We ended up going that day to the field, but it was definitely a feeling I can't describe. |
He came over in a trade, new locker room, and he was probably nervous and trying to figure his way around. Now, having two full seasons, getting a chance to come up last year, I think he looks really good. |
I called Rip Rowan, who is our clubhouse manager, and he got us a jersey and I was very excited and nervous. More importantly, just to meet the pope was phenomenal, and then to be able to offer him what I thought was a creative gift. And then my bags didn't make it. So I didn't have anything to offer him. |
I don't feel like I'm laboring, ... I'm just concentrating on that one pitch and letting things happen. I'm trying to use the defense. I haven't really thought about (start to start). I'm just focusing on the now. |
I finally had a good cutter, which really helped. I still have one more start, a minor league start. I'm still building. The main thing is getting mentally and physically ready for the season, and I'm close. |
I had a tough time with my slider; it was off the plate a lot. I work on staying focused and keeping my concentration at the level it needs to be. Sometimes, it may take five pitches to get that one out. |
I screwed up, ... I thought I was moving. I'm not a fast runner. I don't know what else to say. |
I want to keep my mind in the same frame of mind every start. So, when I got out there, what I've done in the past against these guys doesn't matter. What I've done in the past this year doesn't matter. What matters is that particular pitch I'm throwing. |
It was a phenomenal experience. I got to shake his hand. I kissed his ring. ... You're jelly-legged. I was nervous, but I was nervous in a different way. I couldn't really describe it. My heart was super pounding. I knew what I was being a part of. To actually be there, in Rome, and to get an opportunity like that, I felt very blessed. It was great. |
It was definitely a big inning for them, |
It's funny because, when I hit it, I just tried to run as hard as I could, and I don't really remember much. |
It's funny, because when I hit it I just tried to run as hard as I could and I don't really remember too much. |