It's pretty amazing the type of players he's compared to. Names you've heard your whole life, he's putting up those kind of numbers. |
It's pretty amazing, the type of players that he's compared to. Names that you've heard your whole life, and he's putting up those types of numbers. ... He's the type of guy who has that ability, and has a good work ethic and it shows out on the field. |
Last year I faced them a lot, so I think that prepares me for this year, |
Location has always been No. 1 for me. My location has improved with each start. ... For me, each of my pitches complements another pitch. I've improved on pitches, pitch location, pitch selection and my rhythm. |
Mentally, I think is the key, staying mentally prepared in a number of ways, |
Mentally, I think is the key, staying mentally prepared in a number of ways. One, just visualizing that you're out there. When you're watching the game, seeing the pitch that you would throw and just trying to put yourself in the situation because it has been a while since I've thrown. That's basically what I've been doing. |
My cutter was much better, and my cutter is usually my last pitch to come along. I feel good about where things are headed. |
My stamina was good, I thought. Obviously my pitch location wasn't as good as I wanted it to be. I'm still predominantly focusing on the fastball. It didn't go everywhere I wanted it to go, but better than last time. |
Now I'll have something to shoot for, |
Obviously, if you get the opportunity that's great, |
Overall, I thought Esteban threw the ball well and I think I didn't throw the ball as well. Walking five guys, pitching out of the stretch, pitching out of a lot of jams, it's hard to win that way. |
Really I'm just getting ready to pitch, whenever that is. |
Some of these games, it's hard to come up with an explanation. They were able to capitalize on my mistakes and put together some good at-bats, and I didn't make pitches. |
That's how it goes. You can't control it. |
The more times you're in those situations, that experience is going to benefit you. It helps you focus. |