A's Looking For Repeat Performance From Gonzalez
PHOENIX (AP) - Gio Gonzalez works the room in the Oakland Athletics clubhouse as well as he works the plate.
Before the team takes the field, he stops at just about every dressing cubicle, telling a joke, imparting wisdom, swinging a fungo. He takes the pulse and increases it if he senses the need.
"I'm not necessarily trying to be a leader, but you've got to know your teammates. You've got to break the ice," he said. "A lot of these guys played here before. Some didn't. They're fresh faces. You want to make them feel loose, not feel so smothered. After all, you're with these guys for eight, nine months."
The left-hander developed into one of the most reliable starters on the team last season, posting a 15-9 record with a 3.23 ERA. He did not miss a start -- 33 games.
He and the team are looking for a repeat performance, or an even better one, and he has the confidence that he can do it. The reason, he said, is that he has matured into a better overall pitcher, physically and mentally.
"I'm learning to make adjustments, not spiral out of control mentally if something goes wrong," he said. "I'm learning to let my defense work for me. Strikeouts are good if you can get them, but they are not the only reason for success."
He recalls conversations with former Oakland pitcher Justin Duchscherer, now with Baltimore.
"He said, 'Would you rather have 15 strikeouts in five innings or have eight strong innings with only two strikeouts,"' said Gonzalez, who had 171 last season.
"It's easy to say "strikeouts,' but then you start to think the other way. It took awhile for me to understand that, but a lot of it makes sense."
The learning process continues by analyzing opposing hitters. Many do that by watching video, but Gonzalez said he seems to get more out of seeing the hitters in person.
Growing along with some of the other starters in what is one of the American League's best young rotations involves talking with his colleagues.
"We build that friendship and we are there for each other," he said. "We talk about certain hitters. We have a friendly competition. They are fun to watch and be around."
It is a rotation that, according to Oakland manager Bob Geren, "not too many managers wouldn't trade for. There's not just quality, but youth."
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