Video summary
The interview begins with reflections on the intense pressure faced by relief pitchers during critical moments, such as waiting for a ball to be called foul or executing the next pitch in a high-stakes situation. The speaker emphasizes that regardless of the outcome, their primary focus remains on staying mentally locked in and performing their job to the best of their ability. This mindset is crucial because uncertainty about how a play will break down means players must always prepare for any scenario, relying on their training and composure to handle the unpredictability of the game.
As the conversation shifts to physical condition and workload, the player notes that despite being used heavily throughout the season, they feel physically great and ready for each new day. They attribute this resilience to a well-structured plan designed to maintain health and consistency, supported by a dedicated staff that makes their job easier. The speaker highlights that every single day presents a fresh challenge, requiring them to approach it with renewed energy and a commitment to doing their part effectively within the team's broader strategy.
The core of the discussion revolves around the mentality within the bullpen, where the group has consistently stepped up when needed most. The players describe their attitude as simple yet powerful: they aim to support those before and after them while competing with maximum effort whenever their name is called. There is a shared desire among all pitchers to perform just as well as anyone else in the rotation, fostering an environment where everyone strives to be a top-tier competitor regardless of the specific situation or the number of innings thrown.
Ultimately, the speaker concludes that their ability to handle such a significant workload without expectation beforehand is a testament to the hard work put in by the entire group and the expertise of the surrounding staff. By sticking to their plan and maintaining a competitive spirit, the bullpen has managed to execute their roles successfully throughout the season. This collective effort and unwavering commitment to competition have allowed them to thrive under pressure, proving that a strong team culture and individual dedication can overcome even the most demanding schedules.
Read the full video transcript
minute or two like when you're just
waiting for a verdict?
>> Yeah, I mean you're just trying to stay
locked in cuz you don't know what it's
going to be either way.
Um and regardless it's my job to go out
and execute the next pitch.
>> Sorry, what did you see off the bat? Did
you think right away it was foul?
>> Yeah, when I went towards the line, um I
thought it was foul, but you never know
in that situation the way the ball's
hooking what what's going to be called,
so
um
obviously we're glad to see it was foul,
so we'll we'll take it.
>> Just how have you felt uh physically as
this season continues to progress?
They've used you a ton this year.
>> Yeah, I mean I I felt I feel good. I
felt good. Um so for me it's just
day-to-day. Every single day it's a new
day and you know, I'll go out and do
your job the best you can and
I think we got a good plan in place as
far as staying healthy and staying the
course, so I think we all work together
and do a good job of, you know, doing
that.
>> What's been the mentality in that
bullpen? It seems like you guys have
been used heavily, but come up when when
you need it. You guys come up big when
they need to.
>> I think our it's it's simple, you know,
we just want to pick up our guys, you
know, before and after us and we go out
there and we just try to compete as best
we can. Um no matter what situation when
our name's called we we want it just as
bad as the next guy, so we're going to
go out there and keep doing our thing no
matter what and you know, I think that's
what we are, just competitors.
>> Did you have a plan for this
workload? Did you ever expect to be
throwing this many games coming into the
season?
>> No, not honestly no, but um the way I'm
I I I feel great and I'm I think it's
just testament to the work we've put in
and the plan we have and you know, the
staff around me is doing a great job, so
they're making my job easy and I think
it's just, you know, just going out
there and doing our thing.