Opening Day Thoughts

It was good to watch the opening days of the 2008 Major League Baseball season on TV. I enjoy the commentary and interviews as much as watching the games. All young pitchers should try and watch, at least, a few innings of a game each day. If you are a SportsCenter fanatic, watch and LISTEN to the commentators as much as the highlights. There is a lot to be learned hearing their perspective. If you see a pitcher interviewed take the time to listen to what he has to say. You will find they have many of the same thoughts, fears, and concerns you do. Really!

Some of the things I picked up from watching the first few games:

Dice-K was VERY nervous pitching in front of friends, family, and countrymen when the Red Sox and Athletics tangled in Japan. So don't feel so badly when you have a few extra nerves pitching a big game with your friends and family cheering extra hard for you. You're human, just like Dice-K....

Brad Penny of the Dodgers pitched 6 shutout innings. This is so impressive because he is a power guy who, at least for the time being, has lost a bit off of the fast ball. He was successful because he knew how to CHANGE SPEEDS in order to keep the Giants off balance. Changing speeds is a skill you must understand and master if you want to be the best you can be.

Johann Santana is such a dominant pitcher. He has the complete package of power and control (of all pitches) along with the ability to keep his composure in tight situations. Met fans are going to have fun watching and rooting of him. Not a bad guy to emulate if you want to be a great pitcher.

I heard Steve Phillips, ESPN color commentator, talking about Barry Zito and how he needs to keep the ball down because he does not have an overpowering fastball. He got a few pitches up on opening day and paid for it with a bunch of base hits. Even the top big leaguers can have trouble with their control. They need to keep the ball down and sometimes struggle with it, but they will be working at it for their next start.

Mark Buehrle of the White Sox didn't get out of the 2nd inning - 7 earned runs! He is one of the best pitchers in baseball. And he will be back working at it today trying to get the White Sox, as well as himself, back on the winning track. It happens to the best, so don't quit on yourselves out there, just maintain your focus and work habits. It's your approach to the tough times that makes you stand out in the eyes of coaches, teammates, and scouts.

Jared Weaver pitched well last night for the Angels but was not able to come up with the win. His deceptive motion and command of his pitches make him a very tough guy to hit off of. It's not necessarily the "perfect windup" that makes the perfect pitcher. It's the guy who takes what he naturally has and uses it to the best of his ability and without adding risk of injury to himself. Keep an eye on him and watch how he mixes his pitches.

Talk about deception and being tough to hit, I like watching Pat Neshek of the Twins. He comes at a hitter with a side arm whip delivery that is nasty! Plus he's in the low to mid 90"s with the fastball. I'm going to watch him often, he's kind of entertaining, and effective....

There are many different ways to get the job done out there on the mound. Watch and listen this year, it could be the best coaching you will receive all year!