Friday, February 24, 2006
McDowell gets closer look at arms
02/10/2006
ATLANTA -- Roger McDowell has been in town for a little more than a week, and it appears the initiation into his new role as the Braves' pitching coach has gone smoothly.
After a few infuriating attempts to find the best route to Turner Field from his Buckhead hotel, McDowell introduced himself to Peachtree St. and found that with the help of a small compass he recently purchased, he can always find his destination.
As for the job itself, everything seems to be going just peachy. Of course, such is to be expected when your first big-league coaching job is with an organization that seemingly produces successful pitchers at the same rate that MIT produces engineers.
"There are a lot a great arms here," McDowell said. "It's very impressive."
During the club's 10-day early throwing program, which will conclude on Saturday, McDowell has been able to formally introduce himself to all of his new pitchers and at the same time get a better understanding of what to expect when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Thursday.
"Everybody seems to be progressing right where they need to be," McDowell said. "It's been a tremendous help, because I've been able to get advance knowledge of knowing personalities and how to gauge their needs. This just gives us a head start so that it doesn't have to happen in Spring Training."
A total of 19 pitchers have participated in the program, which used to be called Camp Leo, for former pitching coach Leo Mazzone. Shortly after Mazzone left to become the Orioles' pitching coach in October, McDowell was hired to be his successor.
During the past week, McDowell has been able to acquaint himself with veterans like John Smoltz and at the same time realize the southern twang he'd heard on the phone this winter actually belongs to a baby-faced left-handed reliever named Macay McBride.
Along the way, McDowell has been able to both evaluate and instruct. He's helped Horacio Ramirez work toward regaining his four-seam fastball, and he's also seen that Brad Baker has a top-notch changeup.
"They've pretty much all stood out," said McDowell in reference to the cast of participating pitchers, which has also included Tim Hudson, John Thomson and Mike Remlinger.
While Baker, who is considered a darkhorse candidate for the closer job, has taken advantage of the opportunity to make an early impression, Remlinger has used the past few days to simply prove to himself and the Braves that his shoulder truly is feeling better.
Remlinger, who had shoulder surgery in October 2003, feels like a new man back in his old stomping grounds. The left-handed reliever was a tremendous asset for Atlanta from 1999-2002, and he's starting to believe there's something left in his arm.
Throughout the next few weeks, Remlinger -- who will turn 40 on March 23 -- simply wants to remain patient and fight against the temptations of trying to overthrow in an attempt to prove he's not the same reliever that the Red Sox released in August last year.
"The way I felt [Thursday], I don't need to try to do too much," Remlinger said. "The stuff I have is great, and I still have a month and a half to get my arm stronger. I'm really excited."
After getting to town on Tuesday, Remlinger went to lunch with McDowell and found why the Braves are really excited about the chance to work with their new pitching coach.
"I like him a ton," Remlinger said. "He's real easy to talk to. I feel like I've known him forever and I've only been here three days."
Over the course of the week, Braves pitchers have raved about the patience and knowledge displayed by McDowell, who spent 12 seasons in the big leagues as a reliever. It seems they're very comfortable with him serving as a leader -- with or without his compass.
"He's real approachable," Ramirez said. "With him, no question is a dumb question."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
ATLANTA -- Roger McDowell has been in town for a little more than a week, and it appears the initiation into his new role as the Braves' pitching coach has gone smoothly.
After a few infuriating attempts to find the best route to Turner Field from his Buckhead hotel, McDowell introduced himself to Peachtree St. and found that with the help of a small compass he recently purchased, he can always find his destination.
As for the job itself, everything seems to be going just peachy. Of course, such is to be expected when your first big-league coaching job is with an organization that seemingly produces successful pitchers at the same rate that MIT produces engineers.
"There are a lot a great arms here," McDowell said. "It's very impressive."
During the club's 10-day early throwing program, which will conclude on Saturday, McDowell has been able to formally introduce himself to all of his new pitchers and at the same time get a better understanding of what to expect when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Thursday.
"Everybody seems to be progressing right where they need to be," McDowell said. "It's been a tremendous help, because I've been able to get advance knowledge of knowing personalities and how to gauge their needs. This just gives us a head start so that it doesn't have to happen in Spring Training."
A total of 19 pitchers have participated in the program, which used to be called Camp Leo, for former pitching coach Leo Mazzone. Shortly after Mazzone left to become the Orioles' pitching coach in October, McDowell was hired to be his successor.
During the past week, McDowell has been able to acquaint himself with veterans like John Smoltz and at the same time realize the southern twang he'd heard on the phone this winter actually belongs to a baby-faced left-handed reliever named Macay McBride.
Along the way, McDowell has been able to both evaluate and instruct. He's helped Horacio Ramirez work toward regaining his four-seam fastball, and he's also seen that Brad Baker has a top-notch changeup.
"They've pretty much all stood out," said McDowell in reference to the cast of participating pitchers, which has also included Tim Hudson, John Thomson and Mike Remlinger.
While Baker, who is considered a darkhorse candidate for the closer job, has taken advantage of the opportunity to make an early impression, Remlinger has used the past few days to simply prove to himself and the Braves that his shoulder truly is feeling better.
Remlinger, who had shoulder surgery in October 2003, feels like a new man back in his old stomping grounds. The left-handed reliever was a tremendous asset for Atlanta from 1999-2002, and he's starting to believe there's something left in his arm.
Throughout the next few weeks, Remlinger -- who will turn 40 on March 23 -- simply wants to remain patient and fight against the temptations of trying to overthrow in an attempt to prove he's not the same reliever that the Red Sox released in August last year.
"The way I felt [Thursday], I don't need to try to do too much," Remlinger said. "The stuff I have is great, and I still have a month and a half to get my arm stronger. I'm really excited."
After getting to town on Tuesday, Remlinger went to lunch with McDowell and found why the Braves are really excited about the chance to work with their new pitching coach.
"I like him a ton," Remlinger said. "He's real easy to talk to. I feel like I've known him forever and I've only been here three days."
Over the course of the week, Braves pitchers have raved about the patience and knowledge displayed by McDowell, who spent 12 seasons in the big leagues as a reliever. It seems they're very comfortable with him serving as a leader -- with or without his compass.
"He's real approachable," Ramirez said. "With him, no question is a dumb question."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
