“B” Game in Fort Myers?
Mar 9th, 2007 by Curt Schilling
Any game Joe Mauer plays in can’t be labeled a “B” game on any planet.
Today was start #3 of the spring and start #3 against the Twins. Needless to say the feedback their lineup would give me was going to be useful.
Perk #1 was feeling even better than I did before the last game here, 4 days ago. My legs and arm seem to be catching up to one another as Dave Page (our strength coach) and Paul Lessard and Mike Reinholt (our head and assistant trainers) have devised a revamped program to fix some things that will hopefully allow me to stay strong the entire year.
One of the main goals for me in spring training outside of actually pitching, is getting back into the groove of my game day routine. Every game day for me, from start one in spring training, to game 7 of the World Series, is planned to go off the same way. That starts with leaving for the ballpark at the same exact time on game day, 5 hours before the first pitch, through walking out to the mound. Everything I do on game day is done at the same time for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is keeping that comfort level that a routine gives me.
One of the major changes this year has been the need to change some things I do in warming up. My pre-game warm up begins 2:20 minutes before first pitch. That’s a drastic change from years past and it’s mainly due to some of the physical changes I’d always heard happen at 34-40, but never knew until this year.
So one of my goals has been to get this new routine down and get comfortable with it, and the last two starts have done just that. I think that’s a major factor in how much better I’ve felt each time out.
I felt much better warming up today, in the pen. My fastball felt like it had a lot more life and my command was sharper.
Santana does his thing in the first, punching out two. He looks like he’s primed for another great season. What’s not to love about this kid? Dominating fastball, hard breaking slider to go with the games best power change. He’s a joy to watch, unless it happens to be a game your team is playing.
First inning and I start Castillo off ball one, 1-0 change up and he pops out to shallow right. One change up in and I have an out, holy crap! Bartlett gets behind in the count and we go to an unconventional pitch choice which I hang in the middle of the plate, kick save and we have out #2. I can tell my fastball has more life but in every one I threw in the first inning was more guided than thrown and the bats are spelling it out for me. Mauer gets a curve ball for strike one, then I throw a split, plate wise it’s in a great spot, height wise it isn’t. He proves, once again, why he’s so damn good. The ball’s too high, coming in around his thighs, and instead of making the mistake most big league hitters make and trying to pull that pitch, he stays back and punches it into left center, just missing a double. I get Tori down 0-1 by horribly hanging a first pitch slider that he fouls off, then I go fastball away 0-2. Tori can hit fastballs poorly located. He crushes a high fastball on the outer half to deep right center and it’s a 1-0 game. The next kid, playing 1st base, big left handed hitter, hits an 0-0 fastball in to deep right center. This pitch alone tells me I am not getting ‘after it’ when throwing my fastball. Starting someone off on the inner half with a good fastball is a pitch that rarely, if ever, gets hit well if there’s something on it. I know as I am walking off the mound that I need to start throwing my fastball and stop aiming it.
The second through fourth innings I start throwing my fastball with some effort. The two seamer is starting to be another great pitch for me as I am confident in getting it in on RHH and with movement there is less need to be as precise with it. I break two bats with it and get a called strike three on a full count 2 seamer in to Lecroy. I get two more outs on the change up, one a pop up and the other is a hard hit GB by Mauer in his second at bat.
Overall I felt great physically. The change up got results but I felt like crap throwing it. I threw 14 of them today, out of 60 pitches. Right now My split is in between horrific and terrible, so that’s something else to work on. Next start is Tuesday and it looks like it will be a night game against minor leaguers as some of us will be attending John Vukovichs service in Philadelphia on Tuesday morning.
79 Responses to ““B” Game in Fort Myers?”
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Don’t know if you take questions at all, but I have coached a variety of high school sports over the past decade and I was wondering:
Although I understand the importance of a pre-game routine, what happens when that routine gets thrown out of wack? Does that have a negative effect on your game that night?
ummm will you tell me how you get more things on my blog?
Curt,
I am aware of the 2005 tendon injury that you bravely played through, my question is: What process is involved in healing from the surgeries and recovering to the point where you can exert the pressure you accomplished on that tendon prior to the injury?
One of the major changes this year has been the need to change some things I do in warming up. My pre-game warm up begins 2:20 minutes before first pitch. That’s a drastic change from years past and it’s mainly due to some of the physical changes I’d always heard happen at 34-40, but never knew until this year.
Curt,
Understanding and excepting the fact that at age 40+ the body cannot and will not respond as it did in in our younger years is key to being able to adjust and adapt. Its all about adjusting and adapting. Mr. Clemens is not competing at his level by accident. Anyhow, if things don’t work out for you, we would have a spot for you on the Manchester Eagles in the NHBL 40+ league here in NH. The only drawback for you would be is that we all have to pay to play, and our fan base consists of players wifes and kids. But a cold beer and rehash of the game afterwards is always in order. In my opinion playing the game at any level at our age is ….PRICELESS. Good luck!!!
curt,
is warming up 2:20 before game time giving you more or less warm-up time? does it take more pitches for you to get loose ( than in years past)? i’ve wondered if “mature” pitchers threw fewer warm up tosses to save more for the game, or required more of them as a rule to loosen up.
btw, very nice work here for the fans. you posess several admirable qualities which compliment each other. it’s uncommon today for a man to hold uncompromising beliefs, much less be articulate in their expression. thanks.
Curt, when are you going to learn to throw the gyroball? lol
Curt, Great idea to communicate directly with RSN. As usual, at this time of the year I am lost in the sweet anticipation of another season where all things look possible. It’s great to see you pitching without concern for any nagging physical injury. If the pitching staff stays healthy, a big if, the skies the limit for this team.
24 days and 47 minutes till first pitch!
Hey Curt,
Though I think it’s great to get this insight into your pitching, is there any chance your opponents could use this information against you at the plate? I’m guessing the answer is most likely not, but it was something that came to mind. Just wondering…
Hey, this is no fair. I don’t get to pitch for the Red Sox, so why do you get to write. AND MORE PEOPLE ARE READING YOUR STUFF THAN MINE!
That’s it. I’m writing a new column, and the cheap shots will fly!
Curt
You really can’t imagine the joy you give to fans by creating this blog. I recall when you posted on the Red Sox Fan Forum and how it created much excitement. Reading your insights on your pitching and games really lets the readers know what your feeling without having to read the crap CHB and others put out there. I want to ask the same question that poster here “skinnyman2007″ asked as I’ve noticed it too.
“Curt during games why do you step over the chalk lines when you are going to the mound.”
I was at this past Sunday’s game at Hammond Stadium as well and it was such an awesome game watching such talented players as Santana, Mauer, Cuddyer, and Morneau against our boys.
Good Luck this year and I’m sorry for your loss in the passing of Vukovich. The “hanging curveball” story made me smile. And that is what we like to do when we remember those who pass on….is smile about the memories.
From your first pitch in Little League to now…..how many pitches do you think you have thrown? What do you think the long term damage may end up being from pitching?? My 6 year old is deciding which position he wants to play in his first T-ball league……he’s inclined to pitch. Now, I don’t imagine he’ll go on to play in the “bigs”………..but I wonder about the strain on his arm if he does go on to pitch for several years.
Mel
Hi Curt,
Love the continued blogging effort! It’s awesome to read about the thought that goes into each pitch selection and the interplay between you and Tek. As a former catcher, that sort of thing is a wonderful read.
Thanks for taking the time for us!
Scott
Ok, so on the silly side, has anyone taken a look at surviving grady lately. This proves once again Curt has all the brains in the organization. Take this blog with a big grain of salt.
http://www.survivinggrady.com/2007/03/big-man-on-paper.html
Hey Curt,Great Post.I still think you should run for Senate and kick John Kerrys $#@.Check out Schilling4senate.myeweb.net
Hello Curt congats on new blog,sorry for your loss of Vucovich.I have so much respect for you as a person you don’t even know.The time and money you donate makes you the great human being you are even more than what you accomplish on the diamond.I truely hope you kick butt this year and pray for health above all (then theo and sox will have to step up to keep you here where you belong).You mentioned that your pre-game warm up starts 2:20 before first pitch i’m curious does that mean you start earlier to get more warmed up because of the 34-40 year old thing than before or start later to keep energy in reserve for game.Also it must be extremely hard for you as a popular public figure in certain times of your life I say that because I witnessed it first hand with you and you didn’t look comfortable and I felt awful.My son Cam has downsyndrome and have spent countless trips to B.C.H. and he was having his ears worked on the same day as your son and by the same doctor by the way(that was comforting). We were in the next stall from you and I saw you walk by with glasses,hat and steelers coat(what’s up with that)in full cognito and the first thing in my mind was,here he is concerned for his sons health and trying to care for him and you have to sneak around so nobody recognizes you because people wouldn’t take the time to think of where they are and I’m sure you had to be nice and hand out autographs or something,Im not sure I could handle that if I were in you shoes. Thanks for the time,thanks for the True Curt Commentary not Curt media spin crap this will be awesome. CURT GET ANOTHER RING AND COME BACK NEXT YEAR FOR 250 AND H.O.F. IN SOX UNIFORM.
allardgckw@hotmail.com
Curt,
Was at your 200th win last season - what a great Fenway memory to hear everyone chant for you to come out and tip your hat.
Looking foward to getting the ticket stub autographed and adding it to the wall in the “man room”!
Good luck in 2007!
My 2nd son was born in April of 2005. My wife (ex now) told me she was pregnant with him during inning 4 of game 4 of the 2004 WS - Red Sox vs Cardinals. I’m a lifelong and diehard Red Sox fan. After seeing Curt’s dedication during the 2004 playoffs/WS, I realized that what he did is what I want my children to embody during their lives. Dedication, team before self, compassion for others, high morals and values. I named my son Liam Schilling Cherry - and I hope that Curt is able to read this and know what an impact his behavior has had on the fans of the sport - well, this fan in particular. My son will hopefully be able to meet Curt one day - but maybe if Curt reads these responses, he will at least know what a huge impact his actions have had on some of us fans.
Thank you Curt! And in particular, thank you for what you did for all of Red Sox nation in 2004 - it will NEVER be forgotten.
I do love this blog. I also enjoy reading the comments. It is so amazing that the comments are open and read by Curt!
Also: Thank you Curt for reporting that Santana is looking good. I was able to grab him in my Baseball Fantasy league.
Hey Curt! I love the blog. It’s always an exciting point in our lives when you find yet another outlet to hear yourself talk. Please keep it up because we are all extremely interested in what you have to say. Sometimes late at night I sit at home and hit refresh over and over again on your blog. I thought you threw 15 change ups, I’m just glad you were here to set me straight on that. What would I do without you Curt.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Curt,
You take this game very seriously and thank you for being on my favorite team and caring about yourself. You take your job seriously unlike some players and wonder the same on how the Red Sox think of this? I am sure they see a player that is working hard and sees so much effort into their “job”. I realized back in Philly you did player stats, but see more and more how much studying you do. I am also wondering if you will pass anything that you do onto Dice K for his experience in the Majors will progress and his preparation of the game.
Thank you
Great job Curt! You can celebrate by having a few extra milk shakes post workout, and don’t forget the obligatory calls to WEEI.
Curt, When you get a chance, please tell us your thoughts about the evil deal between MLB and Direct TV. Do the players know about it? Any of you talking about it? If you guys could make a stink, well, I don’t know if it would do anything, but the fans could use all the help they can get on this. This is a BIG BIG DEAL, a huge problem for thousands of Red Sox fans, if not hundreds of thousands.
Love the blog Curt. First timer here…but you can be assured I’ll be checking daily going forward. I am a “born in to it” Sox fan from coastal Maine, where the Sox are more than just a sports team…more like the very fabric of our lives. From my perspective 07 promises to be a very special season indeed. I am looking forward to watching the games in HD this season as I finally upgraded to a new HDTV. The “old” 36″ RCA sits about 5 feet in front of my desk in my office…so it’s wall to wall Sox this summer.
If you have never been to Maine, let me suggest you bring your family for a visit at some point. I believe you would like the people, love the landscape and beauty, and enjoy the Maine traditions. Food aint bad either.
Once again, the blog is great….nice to have such a personal glimpse in the daily life of one of our sports heroes.
Hey Curt,
I don’t know how you find time with 4 beautiful children and a beautiful wife to be able to write and read in this blog. We are truly blessed.
Later
Curt, very interesting and informative post on your performance. But your seemingly very forthcoming posts have left me wondering: What does the Red Sox organization think? Do they have any reservations about your seemingly revealing posts? Have they cautioned you at all? Do you care what they think, anyway? And do you think that opposing teams, players and/or management, may be able to glean too much specific information from your posts? Of course, as an interested baseball fan and observer, I relish your seeming openness. But would I feel the same way if I were Theo or Tito? Just wondering … Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this more general topic, Curt.
Hi Curt,
I have been trying to find a way to personally thank you for blasting the curse to kingdom come and bringing home the world series! It was a tremendous event. My friends and I thank you.
We share a mutual “old friend.” Walter Mconnell. Do you remember playing D&D with his rambunctious younger neighbor that lived across the street on Shangi- La Rd? We also played ball many times in his front yard. I was the worst baseball player ever! I remember the both of us arguing about my “non” talent at the game. Now that I think about it I am ashamed, what was I fighting about? I STUNK… Aw sweet youth.
I can’t wait to see the games that your company releases in the future. You have some great talent with you in that department. Games have come a long way from the antiquated TEXT version of ADVENTURE that we used to play in Walters back room on the Apple Two!
I have lived in Framingahm, Mass for since 1982 and my aunt would always give me updates from the Mconnels about your career from the start.
Sincerly
Michael Gonzalez
look4me92@hotmail.com
In case you ever have time to get a beer.
Props to you for opening the mind of an ace MLB pitcher up to baseball fans. I’m really enjoying your performance self-assessments, particularly your willingness to see things that are less than perfect. I feel like I’ve been given the opportunity to begin to ‘know’ a professional baseball player as a person. It’s exciting and insightful.
My question is, at what age did you first notice that you stand-out baseball talent, and what did that knowledge feel like?
The best to you, Curt. Have a tremendous season!
Hi Curt — LOVE the blog. If you can keep this up all season, it will be an absolutely fascinating insider’s guide to pitching in the major leagues. Just to have the chance to see the game through a pitcher’s eyes is fantastic… When you have a chance, could you maybe comment on the impact that changes in pitching coaches has on a staff. Last year there were mid-season changes in pitching coaches, and this year Farrell is new. What sorts of impacts do those changes have on veterans like yourself, guys transitioning teams (like Beckett last year), and kids coming up (like Lester last season)? The role of the pitching coach, in its specific impact on the pitchers, is something of a mystery… Have a great season, thanks for the blog, and thanks for 2004 (you have no idea). See you in KC on opening day!
Curt-
Excellent and informative entry. Is the new change-up going to mean less reliance on the splitter this year (especially if it’s not working as it is now)?