About 100 things were going through my mind. |
Andrews told me I had a 20 percent chance to come back and compete at the major-league level. The only reason it was that high is that he did my elbow surgery and knew me. |
Coming back from shoulder surgery you don't want to change the type of pitcher you are but I definitely don't get away with as many mistakes as I used to when I was able to throw the ball 95-96 miles an hour. I have to be more precise with my location and keep the ball down and let my fielders work. |
He told me he'd probably do a minor cleanup and that I'd be back pitching in 2 ½ months, so I figured I'd take my chances. It didn't exactly work out that way. Four hours later, I woke up. |
He's a very smart man, especially when it comes to pitchers. Back then, he helped me get to the point where I thought I was at my best. |
I came back here for several reasons. I wanted to go to a team that can win, and this team can win. But a big reason is Luis Isaac. He knows me better than I know myself and if anybody can help me get back, it's him. |
I got a fair shake. I could have pitched better. Absolutely. |
I was pitching all of 2002 with a torn rotator cuff. In spring training of 2003, I actually felt my shoulder rip. From that day until about a month ago, it's been a living nightmare. I wouldn't wish it on anybody. |
I was pitching with a torn rotator cuff and capsule. I think my velocity probably was down a little, but I had a solid year. |
In spring training of 2003, I actually felt my shoulder rip. But I didn't get the full effect of that until the next day. From that point until now, it's been a living nightmare. I wouldn't wish it on anybody. |
It was a fastball up. The big thing is I threw without pain. I'll go out there again in two days and see what I can do. |
It wasn't the best spring I've ever had, but it wasn't the worst. I was right in the middle. But I progressed in the right direction as the spring went on. |
Last season, I was probably 70 percent. It was a very humbling experience. |