GLENDALE, Ariz. — Michael Kopech says he’s at peace, and maybe that’s every bit as important as him still possessing a right arm that’s finally ready to go to war after two seasons on the sidelines.
Kopech hasn’t pitched in two years because of Tommy John surgery after the 2019 season and then opting out for personal reasons in 2020, and he’s going to work his way back in the bullpen, which is unfamiliar territory. Manager Tony La Russa has brought starters along in the pen before, such as Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn with the Cardinals, and the Sox successfully broke in Chris Sale by using him in the pen.
It’s a plan that makes sense, and it’s another wrinkle for the 24-year old acquired in a trade for Sale whom Sox fans have on waiting patiently for him to unleash his electric stuff on a regular basis.
He arrives after his layoff just in time to contribute to a team with World Series goals.
It sounds like a plan for a pitcher who hasn’t pitched in two seasons because of Tommy John surgery and then opting out for personal reasons last season. La Russa said Kopech could be a multi-innings option in relief, and he didn’t rule out the possibility of starter duty later in the season.
“As far as the creative role, I’m looking forward to that, if for no other reason than just to be on this team,” Kopech said. “It’s a special team. I think we all know that we have the ability to win. I don’t need to speak to the talent or the depth that we have, but with a Hall of Fame manager and a Cy Young (Dallas Keuchel) in our rotation and a no-hitter (Lucas Giolito) in our rotation and some of the best hitters in the league, you can’t really find a hole on this team. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of whether it’s a small role or a major one.”
It’s good to hear Kopech saying he is having fun. The Tommy John surgery was anything but, and he has been open about dealing with anxiety issues in the past. He became a first-time father before spring training, welcoming a baby with actress Vanessa Morgan. That relationship — with all its ups and downs — has been well covered wherever you click for your celebrity news.
So Kopech, as thoughtful and transparent as they come, has plenty on his plate. Those who care about him are comforted to know he’s doing well.
“I think peace, just like any emotion or feeling, is kind of fleeting,” he said. “So yeah, I am at peace with what I can control. Which is all you can do because there are so many unforeseen or uncontrollable circumstances that I’m not going to have anything to do with. So, I think for the most part I am at peace, I appreciate [you asking].”
There is nothing peaceful about the way Kopech throws the ball, and the idea of him and left-hander Garret Crochet, a couple of power arms who know the realm of triple-digit velocity, contributing for a full season is intriguing.
They have been paired up as catch partners, leading to Kopech to speak of gloves being damaged and Crochet calling it a “lose, lose situation for anyone involve.
“Michael is a guy I knew about in college,” Crochet said. “I saw a young guy throwing hard and he was jacked. I wanted to go to college, throw hard and be jacked. I’m thankful now I’m able to play catch with him and take advice from him day after day. The guy is an incredibly hard worker.”
The relief thing is uncharted territory, and Kopech, like Crochet clinging to designs on being a starter, is learning on the job.
“I’m trying to realize that short time recovery is going to be a lot more important,” Kopech said. “I’ve gotten used to having four days in between starts, doing everything I needed to in those four days and having plenty of time to recover.
“It’s going to be an adjustment for me.”
The Link LonkMarch 08, 2021 at 01:38AM
https://ift.tt/3qn6R6H
Michael Kopech at peace with life — and different role - Chicago Sun-Times
https://ift.tt/3d5QSDO
No comments:
Post a Comment