Anibal Sanchez Interview

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RSN: Can you describe for us your experiences playing ball while you were growing up in Venezuela?

 

AS: My experience, first of all, is that is where I got started. I played with triple-A guys, and some big leaguers as well. Players more experienced than I was surrounded me all the time. They told me what I needed to do to play in America. What I needed to do to make the big leagues. It was a great opportunity for me, growing up with so many people that could help me. All that I was taught I was able to bring to Lowell last year, and that, along with what I have learned since coming to America, has really helped me as a pitcher.

 

RSN: What are some of the things taught to you that have had a great influence?

 

AS: They taught me about body language, common situations in the game, and the tempo of pitching. They told me I had good stuff -- a good fastball, curve, and change-up -- but I must be able to use them at the right moment in the game. I have trained with Roger Clemens' catcher, and he has talked with me and helped me a lot.

 

RSN: I understand that you've had Tommy John surgery. Are you 100% recovered from that?

 

AS: That s a misunderstanding. It wasn't Tommy John surgery. I had a problem with a nerve in my arm, near a ligament, but I didn't have my ligament replaced and I feel very strong now.

 

RSN: Who are some of the players you played with in Venezuela?

 

AS: Luis Rivas, Raul Chavez, Hector Jiminez and Edgardo Alphonso were some of the players I played with growing up.

 

RSN: Do you still play winter ball?

 

AS: I don't like to rest too much, only a month. I think I need to pitch there.

 

RSN: Besides learning English, what were some of major problems you faced when you got to the United States?

 

AS: The other major problem, besides the language, is the food. If you can't speak English, you can't order good food. You need to eat what the others order, because you can't explain yourself. The food was definitely the other biggest problem.

 

RSN: How big of a thrill was it to pitch in this year's Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown against the Tigers?

 

AS: That was a nice experience, because I was with the big league team. When I threw there, I wasn't too nervous because it was an exhibition game -- but it was a very good experience. The big leaguers talked to me and told me that maybe I would be there next year. So that was great.

 

RSN: What was it like to pitch in the Futures Game, in Detroit, at the All-Star break?

 

AS: Awesome! So far this year, that's my best experience because I never thought I would represent my country and to make the World Team. You know, that was very special. I know I did a good job in Wilmington. I know I did a good job and worked hard, but I never dreamed I would make the World Team. I was with my best friend and a couple of Venezuelan players. My family got to see me. That was great.

 

RSN: Have you had to make any adjustments, coming from A-ball to double-A?

 

AS: I have had to make adjustments with my command. The last couple of starts in Wilmington, I didn't have good command and gave up several balls. I really worked on that when I arrived in Portland, because I didn't want to throw too many pitches. I want to be able to go deeper into games, and throw more innings per start.

 

RSN: Have you added any new pitches this year?

 

AS: No. I haven't added anything.

 

RSN: Do you plan to add anything in the future, maybe a split-finger fastball?

 

AS: I don't want to work on anything like that right now. I'm being careful with my arm, and I also want to make sure I have great command with my other three pitches.

 

RSN: What kind of fastball do you throw?

 

AS: I throw a 2-seamer and a 4-seamer.

 

RSN: What about your change-up?

 

AS: My change-up, I think, is my best pitch. That pitch has helped me in every one of my starts. If I didn't have great command of my fastball, my change-up has helped me. If my curve wasn't great one night, my curve helped me. I think the change-up has been my best pitch.

 

RSN: I've read that you've wanted to work on your curveball this year. Are you happy with how that pitch has improved for you?

 

AS: When I came into double-A, I worked on my curveball. When I play catch, I work on my curveball. Now I am happy with it, because it is working good and I have good command of it. But I still need to keep working on it, keep throwing it for strikes and control. I want to keep improving it.

 

RSN: When you're warming up in the pen before a game, can you tell if you're going to be "on" that night or not?

 

AS: Yeah, before the game I work on all my pitches, and I know if my curveball is working. Sometimes when I get in the game, the hitters have something to say as well. Especially if I don't throw the right pitch for the right situation. Generally though, if my command is good in the bullpen, I am confident about having a good game. Not always does it work out the way you hope, though.

 

RSN: A short while back, a New Hampshire base runner spiked you as you went to make the tag on a slow roller to first base. Are you alright now?

 

AS: He stepped right on top of my toenail. It hurt for awhile, but after a time it was alright and didn't bother me anymore.

 

RSN: Last one: Going into the trade deadline, your name was brought up in many rumors. Was that nerve-wracking for you?

 

AS: No. That is just baseball. That happens every year, and if I have a good year or do a good job, my name is probably going to be in trade rumors. So, I'm not nervous. It may happen, but I can't let myself be nervous about it. I will work hard, try my best, and hope I make it to the majors.