Mike Butcher Quotations

When he pitches inside, he can dominate a game with the stuff he has. He's starting to believe in how good he can be. ... He keeps throwing like that, it's exciting to see that kind of stuff.

He was working hard. I just wanted to give him a breather. He looked good. I was real happy with what he did today.

He's got the kind of stuff where his potential is unlimited. He has a chance to do some good things in this game.

He feels good, that's the biggest thing. We'll just have to see how it is when he has a hitter in the box. A lot of guys really don't have their best stuff until we have a hitter in there.

It enables you to create balance and direction over the rubber. It freed him to where all his energy was going to home plate. His command today was outstanding. He just nailed a spot over and over and over again.

We haven't even started throwing breaking balls yet and there's a tremendous amount of potential there. To see the aptitude out of him right away is very promising.

We're looking for a guy that can step it up.

The window is obviously getting smaller for him. The positive on it is that he's a bullpen guy and he doesn't need to be stretched out. He doesn't need to go out there and get 15 innings during spring training. We're getting close, though.

The window is obviously getting smaller on him. The positive is he's a bullpen guy. He doesn't need to be stretched out.

You can not be afraid when you get to this level to teach. I don't care what level you're at, if you don't teach, you're worthless.

You give them recommendations. You throw different angles at them where, hopefully, they can get something out of it.

Stuff-wise, backing up bases, holding runners, they should all come natural. They should be ready when they arrive here, ready to step in right away.

A lot of guys don't get their best stuff until they have a hitter up there, and they get the adrenaline going. Some guys don't like to air it out in the bullpen.

Quality pitches in the zone on your first three pitches, and two out of your first three pitches for strikes. We'd like for a pitcher to throw 12 to 15 pitches an inning.

Power arm. Power stuff. This guy has a plus-plus fastball, 92 to 98 (mph). This guy can really bring it.

I know what he's doing and I know he feels good. I know he's ready. He has the intangibles. He has a good head on his shoulders. He's athletic. He was brought up the right way. He has a lot of things going for him. You can see that from shaking his hand.

I'm happy with what he's doing. Obviously the results aren't what we all wanted. But he'll continue to improve and that's what we're looking for.

I just watch guys. It's like, when the student is ready, the teacher will come. That's it.

I haven't changed anything. Change is a word I can't stand.

I'm looking forward to having a good season with these guys and developing some quality Major League pitchers. I know we have some really good arms here. I am excited to work with them. They seem very excited.

Stick with what works. Kenny did a tremendous job with him.

The ball comes nice out of Shinji's hand, a nice smooth delivery. He looked good.

It's pretty exciting to watch how it's helped. It's has some later life on the ball. When you have a sink like that, you just want him to throw it in there and hope they dig into the ground.

Suggestions. That's the best word. I suggest things to them. If they want to run with it, fine.

He's starting to believe in how good he can be. He keeps throwing like that, it's exciting to see that kind of stuff. He's very excited. It's exciting when you see results happen right away. It's positive reinforcement, and he got to see some results happen. Pitched (Monday). Pitched again (Tuesday). It's nice.

I don't really believe in a guy having to get his feet wet in the bullpen. If he's mature and he can handle situations, he's mastered the level he's at, by all means, he's earned the right to come up here and join the rotation.

He's an exciting kid to watch. He has the arm and the gift to do whatever he wants.

As far as the ball coming out of his hand, it was pretty special. It's that easy coming out of his hands. As relaxed as he was just throwing fastballs and change-ups, his delivery, the fluidness, the ball jumping out of his hand and the life he had, it's going to be nice to see when he lets loose.

For him, it's really about getting the feel of the ball coming off his fingertips. Once that happens, everything else will take its place.

We saw that he was out there. I think as a group we thought that he would be a good pickup for us.