Pineda an All Star
Jul 10, 2011, 1:19 PM
Felix Hernandez and Brandon League will be taking a buddy when they get on a private jet after today’s game bound for Phoenix. Michael Pineda was told about an hour before the game that he had been selected to take Justin Verlander’s place in the All Star Game.
Pineda had been alerted to the possibility earlier in the week. I talked to him about the chance to go two days ago and in typical Pineda understated fashion he shrugged and basically said that if he goes he goes.
“The important thing is I have pitched well and I am learning,” he said. “All Star Game? Maybe. But the second half is going to be even more important.”
He then betrayed a bit of excitement saying,
“Maybe I will have to call my mom Sunday night.”
Well that phone call will have to be made if it hasn’t already.
Pineda spoke more about wanting to have a good second half.
“What I do now is one thing,” he said. “But I have to be ready. They know me now.”
To that end he has been working on his change up and has started to incorporate a backdoor slider into his repertoire. He has worked hard in the weight room with leg work being a particular focus. From everything I have seen he hasn’t let up at all despite the fact that he has had the success he has had. He seems to be working harder. He strikes me as someone who wants to do big things and he is well on his way.
