导出博客文章OAKLAND, Calif. -- Oakland As right-hander Kendall Graveman was 12 starts into
the season and was searching for answers. He was 2-6 with a 5.28 ERA, and
opposing hitters were batting .309 with 11 home runs against him.Thats when
pitching coach Curt Young made a suggestion that helped turn Gravemans season
around.Curt came up to me and said, You got to find what works for you, what
makes you have a chip on your shoulder, whats going to lock you in, Graveman
said.Graveman said he remembered how locked in he was in 2014, when he
visualized his pitches before every game and rocketed through the Toronto Blue
Jays system, earning five promotions and finishing the season in the major
leagues.It was something that I just had to get back to, visualize throwing
every pitch to both sides of the plate to lefties and righties, Graveman said.
Its almost like youre visualizing a pitch that you want to make in a big
situation to try to get someone out, but also just visualizing quality pitches.I
think for me it sets up nicely because I get to see the movement when I
visualize it. Youve seen it so much after you throw it and watching video that I
think that just reinforces it. The minds a powerful thing. I think we know that
now in the game of baseball. You start really thinking positively before a
start, I think positive outcomes will happen.In his past six starts, Graveman
has gone 4-0 with a 2.68 ERA, and opposing hitters are batting .232 with two
home runs.Graveman will take a career-high five-game winning streak into his
start Saturday against the Tampa Bay Rays and left-hander Drew Smyly.Smyly has
lost a career-high seven straight games and is trying to escape the worst slump
of his career. Hes 2-11 with a 5.64 ERA. Smyly, who missed 105 last year because
of a left shoulder injury, entered this season with a career record of 24-15
with a 3.24 ERA.Its just been a slump, man, Smyly said. I wish I had an answer
but I dont. You just got to keep grinding, keep searching. Im healthy. I feel
fine. Every chance I get Im competing my hardest, so hopefully I can get it
turned around. It is what it is.Despite Smylys struggles, the Rays have no plans
to take him out of the rotation, manager Kevin Cash said.Were very confident he
is going to pitch his way out of this, Cash said before the Rays 1-0, 13-inning
loss to Oakland. Were looking forward to getting him on the mound (Saturday). I
sat down and talked to him casually with him after his start in Colorado. Hes
doing all the right things. The results just arent coming. Sometimes youve got
to let it kind of work its course and one start, one, two good innings of
something clicking can be really beneficial for him.Smyly gave up five runs and
needed 100 pitches to get through five innings in a 7-4 loss to the Rockies on
Monday at Coors Field.First of all, I believe hes healthy, too, Cash said. Weve
talked to Drew. I think its just inconsistencies in his off-speed pitches. He
has not gone into a start here recently where hes really had his wipeout cutter
or wipeout breaking ball and it becomes difficult. Youre facing some good
hitters, good lineups and to go out there with just a fastball -- he tries to
get really picky with the fastball knowing that he doesnt have that. I know
thats kind of been the focal point for him, to try to get one if not two of
those off-sped pitches going for him.Graveman, who relies heavily on a nasty
sinker, is 1-1 with a 2.04 ERA in three career starts against Tampa Bay. He took
the loss on May 14 at Tropicana Field, allowing four runs over 5 2/3 innings in
a 6-0 defeat.Smyly is 1-2 with a 6.87 ERA in six appearances against the As,
including three starts.
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. "Hes going to have hip surgery on Jan. 7, and hell be expected to rehabilitate
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Alexander Steen scored the winning goal in Saturdays 4-2 win over the Carolina
Hurricanes. Xander Cage returns!Well, sort of. Actor Vin Diesel posted a trailer
teaser to his Facebook page hinting at a true sequel for his 2002 action film,
xXx. There are no plot details, but who needs a plot with Diesel as an
action-sports athlete turned secret agent?We are counting down, literally! ' ' '
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