Kaz walked 6 guys in total, and then was shelled to start the 5th inning, a HR by Carlos Quentin and a HR by Paul Konerko and ended up getting pulled with a total of 4 IP.  His final stat line, 4.0 IP, 6BB, 6ER, 2HR.  I have been adamant in one thing over the past two years, and its that Scott Kazmir and his control issues do not seem to be going away.  He has as good as stuff as anyone else in the league has, especially when his changeup is working, but his overall propensity to walk guys, lead to inconsistency that hurts a still very young club such as ours.  

If we truly have no intentions of using David Price to augment our seemingly vulnerable bullpen (hate to say I told you so on this one) then we have to find a place for Price to pitch when he does finally come up.  Scott Kazmir’s rotation spot seems like the perfect spot for me.  With a 6 million dollar salary, and with the need to sign Matt Garza (our real ace, I hate to say I told you so on this one as well!) and BJ Upton to long term deals, someone with a salary is going to have to be moved.  With our plethora of pitching, Kazmir is the perfect trade bait.  He is a 25 year old, left handed pitcher with nasty stuff, and will have uber value throughout the league.  

It is apparent to me, even after just 12 games that the Rays are still one full time RF, a power bat, and a dominating bullpen arm away from being true threats to repeat.   Kazmir has the potential to bring in all three pieces.  Chris Ray, Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott???  I think the O’s would listen to a deal that would bring them a much needed SP.  

I’m not overeacting to one bad start by Kazmir, because this is an issue that I promise will continue to rear its ugly head throughout the year.

Without further ado….

1. FIRST AND FOREMOST, HOW IS THE ARM FEELING AFTER THE TOMMY JOHN SURGERY?

Arm is feeling good.  My elbow hasn’t felt this good since I was in little league.

2. HOW EXTENSIVE WAS THE REHAB PROCESS FOR THE TOMMY JOHN, AND CAN YOU GIVE  THE READERS A LITTLE EXAMPLE OF WHAT A DAILY REHAB ROUTINE MAY HAVE ENTAILED?

For the first four months post-op, it was nothing but physical therapy.  I would go 5 days a week for about 2 and a half hours. At first, it was primarily “forcing” my elbow back and forth in order to regain the flexibility.  Once full range of motion was regained, strengthening the elbow and shoulder followed.  

3. DID YOU DEVELOP ANY NEW PITCHES THAT YOU WILL BE USING DURING THE SEASON DURING YOUR REHAB PROCESS?

I haven’t developed any new pitches, but I have improved on my off-speed pitches.  They seem to be sharper and more consistent in the strike zone.

4. ARE YOU COMFORTABLE IN A SETUP ROLE WITH A CHANCE AT SOME SPOT SAVES?

First off, I’m in the big leagues.  If I’m pitching, I’m happy.  I just like being in the bullpen with a chance to pitch every night.  If George needs a day, I’ll be ready to fill in for him.

5. DURING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAREER, YOU WERE NOT NECCESARILY KNOWN AS A HARD THROWER. AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOUR ARM HAD EITHER GOTTEN STRONGER OR YOU HAD CHANGED SOME MECHANICS THAT ALLOWED YOU TO THROW IN THE MID TO HIGH 90′S?

I think it first became apparent the summer after my senior year in high school.  I was playing for the Tampa Catholic team and began to start throwing the ball by people.  I’m not sure what prompted the increase in velocity.  The following summer in the Valley League, I was topping out at 95mph.  I did run a lot more once I got to college, by more I mean more than not at all!  That could have had something to do with it.

6. WHO IS/ARE YOUR LEAST FAVORITE PLAYER(S) TO HAVE TO FACE?

I don’t enjoy throwing to guess hitters.  Those guys who take the first two fastballs balls that get a good portion of the plate, and then waffle the best slider I have because they had been sitting on it since the beginning of the at-bat. 

7. WHAT PITCHER DO YOU THINK HAS THE NASTIEST STUFF IN THE LEAGUE?

 Johan Santana.  Anyone who can throw a change-up 15mph under the fastball with no change in arm angles or speed is a freak.

8. WHY DID WE GET CRUSHED BY SO MANY LITTLE KIDS WHILE PLAYING EA SPORTS NHL 09 A COUPLE WEEKS AGO?!

My back was already sore from the extra running in spring training to take on the load you were asking of me.