Rich Harden Quotes (22 Quotes)

You did see a little bit of everything. That's why I just need to get in more games, because simulated games are completely different.

It felt good to get back out there finally, ... Overall I was a little stronger than I expected. I did a lot of strengthening work on my shoulder with the trainers.

I think that was big. I'd been struggling getting through the last inning. Usually I get tired and get wild.

He's so much fun to watch. He's so dominant. Everybody is in a little bit of awe watching him.

I was falling off the mound a little bit. I was inconsistent. One hitter, I'd hit my spots. Then, suddenly, I'd walk a guy. As a staff, we've got to work on shutting down the other team after the offense puts up some runs.

I don't like going that short. It's funny. A couple years ago, I would have been happy to go that far. It was always five innings, no more. Now, I don't feel like I did my job unless I go six, seven innings.

There's no possible way I'd be ready to pitch (in the World Baseball Classic). Trust me, I'd love to have the chance to represent my country, that's everyone's dream to hold the flag. But I would have had to start throwing by mid-December to be in game shape by then and I've just started to throw lightly now.

It's tough to know that you could be pitching somewhere else. Even with the depth we have in the bullpen and among the starters, those guys still have to work hard because eventually the opportunities present themselves. Those guys can help us if we need it.

I feel pretty good today, ... It all depends how everything feels tomorrow. That would be something I'd like to do, but I just don't know.

Every time I gave up a run, we came back and got a run. That was huge. I didn't have my best stuff. I was making pitches with my fastball. I was having a little trouble with my off speed pitches. Either they weren't good enough to swing at or they were too good, and I left them up.

I left it right over the plate. Other than that, I felt pretty good about my night.

That was interesting. I didn't like losing that at-bat, but I had to keep going and keep making my pitches. ... It's a pretty good feeling, coming out and playing like that against one of the best teams in baseball.

That's why it was so frustrating. I felt good through the first two outs (of the sixth) and then, bam. That happened a few times in the game where all of a sudden things went bad.

I'm down to 191 pounds. I'd like to get to 196-198 by the time the season starts. I was 197 before I got sick. It sure stayed with me awhile. To me getting back to around 197 pounds is a big deal.

Everything that could possibly go wrong did. Things are going well for us, so something like that was bound to happen. Everything I was trying to do, they were right on it.

The thought never crossed my mind about not starting the season until a few reporters started asking me about it. In my mind, I'll be there. I'll be ready.

It's always a different intensity. I try to make it as close as possible. ... Overall it went pretty well. It's a matter of getting my pitches in, just getting comfortable on the mound again.

The first game every year, I'm a little excited. It has been awhile since I pitched. It feels like a long time. It was pretty much what I expected after being sick. In the second inning, I was tired, and the third inning I felt it.

It's a time to establish a good feeling. I'm pretty happy with the way it's gone. I didn't know how it would feel after the surgery and whether I'd be behind or not, and I was kind of worried about that. I'm ready.

You did see a little of everything. That's why I need more games. I still have to iron out some mechanics. That's the big thing.

It's going to be great. A lot of guys are looking forward to seeing him in action. We're all excited.

I treated it like a regular game. I expect a lot out of myself. I was getting frustrated when I would miss a pitch and then I'd get angry at myself. ... I feel good, it's just a matter of getting my endurance back.