Building strength is very important, but there are many ways to do that.
That's why I got into Pilates: because I can reduce the stress and impact in my joints while still being able to increase strength and flexibility, and it's going to pay dividends.
Regardless of how long it took or what I had to go through to get there, I had visualizations of throwing no-hitters or throwing shutouts.
It's going to come down to executing, trying to keep guys off balance and disrupting timing. That's something you can do regardless of how many times you face a lineup or face certain hitters.
I let previous instances creep up in my thought process sometimes. I think that's where things go awry, and that's where the walks come in. I'm not giving up many hits, just putting them on base for free.
It's about just staying in the moment.
As far as my mental approach, I really think it's just knowing that the past is really irrelevant.
There are still things I can do better.
The initial desire to train at an elite level started when I was probably 12.
My flexibility is probably my No. 1 asset. Obviously we need to have a strong shoulder, strong scapula, strong lats, and a durable elbow to have longevity as a pitcher, but being mobile in the hips and flexible in the hamstrings takes so much pressure and stress off of my arm.
When I do train heavy, it's typically one to two days a week, but the training I do just about on a daily basis is Pilates-based.
The timeline is kind of coming to an end as far as leading up to free agency.
Just having two kids now, regardless of what happens in the field, they're there to receive you with open arms every night after every game.
It's something that is very comforting. Just the process of them moving throughout their stages of early childhood. Learning to walk, learning to talk. Reaching out for you for the first hug, telling you they love you.
Just so many special moments that make you feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to be able to have healthy, beautiful kids. And I'm sure the emotions will continue to change over time, and as I get older, I'll probably want to yell and scream at them.
Just know, especially when they were infants and toddlers, the thought these two children depend on us for everything in their lives 24/7. That's a pretty incredible responsibility.
I'm never trying to hurt or hit anybody.
I've got some good movement on my sinking fastball, and I rely on that.
Unfortunately, the business side of the game shows its head every once in a while. But I still think there's opportunity and chances that we can have good conversations as far as an extension's concerned.
