Roger McDowell joined us for a few minutes last week to discuss his new role as pitching coach of the Braves. We'd like to thank Roger for taking time out of his busy schedule to update us on the happenings around the Braves mini-camp.
Joe Hamrahi (JH): Thank you for joining us today Roger and congratulations on being named pitching coach of the Braves. I'm up in New York so we followed your playing career closely for quite some time. We're excited to see what you can do as pitching coach of the Braves.
Roger McDowell (RM): I am too!
JH: Can you tell us a little about the challenges you face as a coach as opposed to those you faced as a player?
RM: Yeah, I don't play anymore! The thing is that's the way I try to approach it. I had a career, and it's done and over with. Now, I've obviously started a new career from a coaching standpoint. I go through more of a thought process as to what the pitching staff needs. They'll tell me how to be a pitching coach. I think I have an idea of the direction the team wants to go. But from a standpoint of what their needs are during the course of a long season, I try to approach each pitcher as an individual. What John Smoltz needs is going to be different from what Joey Devine or Kyle Davies or Horacio Ramirez needs.
JH: It's interesting because I was going to ask about your approach. You're going to have a real diverse group of pitchers ranging in talent and age from John Smoltz all the way down to Joey Devine and Chuck James. Do you take a different approach based upon a player's experience?
RM: I think I have to take each person on an individual basis. One of the biggest jobs of the pitching coach is to gain an understanding of the pitching staff and the types of adjustments that need to be made during the course of the game and competition. That way, the players aren't lost, and they have some sort of internal sound board to talk to when they're not happy with their results or they need to make adjustments. Whether it's the last pitch, the last batter, the last game, or last year, I'm here to work with them on their thought process of how to approach the next pitch. I'm the person who is there to reinforce that thought process.
JH: I know you've been asked this question a million times now, but you obviously have some big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of Leo Mazzone. With that in mind, have you put any extra pressure on yourself?
RM: Yeah, I think I've likened it to having two fifty pound anvils on my shoulders. I mean when I first got into coaching in the minor leagues, I was, and still am, a huge admirer of Leo Mazzone. What his staffs have been able to accomplish over the last 14 or 15 years is unprecedented. Having said that, this is a huge challenge. The game itself is a huge challenge. That's the fun part of it. Meeting those challenges and clearing those hurdles is what makes it exciting. I have read Leo's books, but not just since I've been a coach. I'm always learning. Whether you're a coach or a player, you're always going to be learning in this game.
JH: Touching now on a couple of specifics about pitchers...you've just completed your mini-camp for pitchers and catchers, something only a handful of teams conduct prior to Spring Training. We have read about Smoltz pulling out of the WBC. How is John's arm and do you expect him to be 100% come the start of the season?
RM: I expect all our pitchers to be healthy and 100%. Of the 24 or so pitchers expected to be in camp, 20 were here for the mini-camp. It's been a great turnout, and I'm very appreciative of everyone coming in. It's a real good opportunity for me to get to know these guys better and understand their personalities so I can communicate better with them. The better I know them and their backgrounds, the easier it's going to be for me to work with them.
JH: There's been a lot of talk about who will be the closer of this team. Is Chris Reitsma the favorite to start the season as the team's closer?
RM: Well Chris is the obvious choice because he's done it before. He's a little older guy with experience. He went 15 for15 (in saves) I think last year before he had an injury. But I'm with Bobby (Cox) and John (Schuerholz) on this one. My job is to get the guys ready and make sure they're healthy. I'll let Bobby make the decision (as to who will be the team's closer).
JH: You had a big turnout in camp, and obviously this is just the start of a long road, but has there been anyone you've seen in the past few weeks that has just wowed you?
RM: Every one of them! And I'm not being facetious either. They all seem very excited to start the year. They're coming in healthy. Every one of them has been a blessing.
JH: And they have had nothing but good things to say about you either! Nothing against Leo, but it appears that your whole attitude is somewhat refreshing to the team. Looking back on your days with the Mets, we can see how you could bring that energy to the team.
RM: That's the thing. That was a time in my life, a time when I played the game. I had a lot of idle time...I enjoyed the game.
I still enjoy the game. I'm more mature now, but I still love going to the ballpark and getting onto the field. It's the best office in the world because it's not the same thing everyday. Things you've never seen can happen on a baseball field. I still enjoy it just as much. It's just in a different context.
JH: That's great. Well John (Schuerholz) promised me you weren't going to give anyone a hot foot! (laughs)
RM: (laughs)
JH: Your bullpen is obviously wide open this year with a bunch of guys vying for a few spots. One of the newer acquisitions we've been keeping an eye on is Oscar Villarreal. Was Oscar at mini-camp last week? And is he healthy?
RM: He has not been in. He has been pitching all winter in the Mexican League. As of now, I believe he'll be pitching in the World Baseball Classic. From all reports we have, he is healthy, yes.
JH: Are there any pitchers on this staff that remind you of a young Roger McDowell? In pitching style or mentality?
RM: No, not right now anyway. I'm sure once Spring Training starts I'll learn more about them. But right now, thank God they are nothing like me!
JH: (Laughs!)
JH: Do you still keep in touch with your former Mets teammates?
RM: Yeah. The guy I probably stay in closest contact with is Bobby (Ojeda). I've spoken with numerous guys over the years. I've seen Gary Carter down in the instructional league last year. I talk to Keith (Hernandez) on occasion. Despite so many different personalities, what's interesting about that club is how many of the players have found their way back into the game...Howard Johnson, Tim Teufel, Keith, Ron (Darling), and Gary. I saw Eddie Lynch a lot last year when I was in Las Vegas. He was doing some scouting in the PCL. I have a lot of friends who I've remained in touch with over the years.
JH: Jeff Blauser told us a few weeks ago how the hunger to remain in the game never really leaves a ballplayer. Would you agree with that?
RW: The word to describe it is passion. I think in order to be successful and have a career, you have to have that passion and love for the game. I agree with Blauser on that.
JH: Well thanks again Roger for taking time out of your busy schedule for us. We look forward to seeing you during Spring Training, and good luck getting the staff ready.
RM: OK, thanks Joe.