19 Quotes by Bud Black

We want to make sure when we send him out, that he's in condition to pitch again. With the resiliency of his arm, his athleticism and his youth, it doesn't take long for a young guy to get in shape. Essentially, he's not really behind arm-wise because he pitched roughly 2 1/2 to three weeks ago in the Caribbean finals. He got game innings. I suspect his arm is fine.

So many good things happened this year that you have to be proud of these guys.

No one pitches that alike unless they're brothers. They pitch so much alike you'd have to split them up in the rotation just so hitters didn't get the same look.

He had the most impact on a pitcher that anyone in the lineup could. He had the power, he had the ability to get on base, he could draw a walk and he had great speed. But don't forget that Rickey was a very good hitter.

He has to continue to get over the little hurdles that are going to make him a big-league pitcher. In his case, it is realizing the importance of location and trusting his sinker in the strike zone.

He had a big year for Washington. He's a much different pitcher now than early in his career. He's pitching now instead of throwing. He made five starts for the Nationals. He could start.

He was in the training room drinking Gatorade while everyone else was drinking champagne in the clubhouse.

He knew it was just one pitch; he didn't worry about the early runs. He kept his composure.

Lackey is experienced, although he is only 27. And his best years are ahead of him.