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Malaska returns with a different
approach
Tired bullpen can use the help
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By Marc Carig, Globe Correspondent | July 22, 2004
During his time with Triple A Pawtucket, Mark
Malaska said he changed the way he prepares for
games.
"A lot of it is little stupid things, really," he
said. "I just want to create a comfort zone and stay
within it."
The 26-year-old lefthander yesterday rejoined the
Red Sox for the third time this season. The move
bolsters a bullpen corps beleaguered from extensive
action on the team's West Coast trip.
"Malaska is back to help our bullpen, give us a
fresh arm," manager Terry Francona said. "He's ready
to go. That's the first thing he said when he got
here. He knows what's going on, too." Francona hopes
the third time is the charm for Malaska.He got off
to a good start last night, pitching a scoreless
eighth inning, leaving him with a 4.32 ERA in 17
appearances and a 1-1 record with the Red Sox. He
was sent down June 22 after the Sox signed reliever
Curtis Leskanic. Malaska came on last night after
Ramiro Mendoza allowed the first two batters to
reach in the eighth, and escaped without allowing a
run. He walked a batter and struck out one.
"I'm just trying to contribute and do whatever I am
able to do, whether it's three innings or a third of
an inning," Malaska said.
After his most recent demotion, Malaska said he
looked into how to improve his preparation.
"I worked a lot on the side and got some things
together," he said. "I'm always paranoid about my
mechanics and getting ready to pitch."
The biggest change is how much Malaska throws on the
side. His routine calls for him to throw in the
bullpen every other day.
"It's abnormal," he said. "It's a lot more than
normal. But I like to [throw] off the mound."
The results showed almost immediately.
Since June 22, Malaska has allowed just two runs in
13 1/3 innings in 12 relief appearances for a 1.35
ERA. Malaska is 1-1 in Triple A overall, with a 2.24
ERA in 21 appearances.
"Down there, I've been on a bit of a roll," Malaska
said. "I want to keep the same routine and keep it
going."
Malaska takes the roster spot of righthanded
reliever Joe Nelson, who was optioned to Pawtucket.
Nelson compiled a 16.88 ERA in three relief
appearances.
© Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company. |
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