Rehab Starts and Twitter
Hello all.
So I guess the Specs won the vote on my last blog!
Got some great comments. Thank you to those who reassured me they don’t look lame, even though my mum thinks they look lame, well check it out mum. They don’t look so bad after all. The fog isn’t that bad only sometimes. Oakley actually sent me out the anti fog spray which makes a difference.
To all those glasses wearers out there who commented, I’ve got your back! Nothin beats a slick pair of specs! Ha ha
A lot of great information about Lasik the pros and cons if I ever decide to go under the Laser. As for contacts, call me soft but I really struggle getting those slimy things in there. I have Rob one of our trainers to put them in for me, I even have a little station set up for me in the corner of the training room with a mirror to practice in my down time. Not going so well.
Regardless the Oakley Flak Jackets it is. Sticking with those dorky things for now.
My second topic of the blog is TWITTER. I really didn’t understand the whole concept or appeal but I finally signed up and learned all about it and slowly getting the hang of it. Would be an easy way for me to answer your questions if you have any or to just give quick updates. I am searching out all my favorite people to follow and what they have to say on it. One of my fav’s is Tom Morello, Lead guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, they guy is a legend and answers question from his fans, which I find really cool of him to take the time and answer even the craziest questions.
Another is Matt Hasselbeck, who I have been able to talk to a few times and have a lot of respect for. He gives some good updates on what he is up to. So for you who have Twitter check me out at hyphen18, and say hi, and I’ll say hi back!
So now that the off the field topics have been taken care of, now some #18 news!
SO, as some of you are aware I had a really tough rehab start a week or so ago. As grim as it looked I took a lot away from that outing, and moving on from it reinstalled some of the fight I usually pitch with. So my last outing in Sacramento was ME. I had that fight running through me again, was aggressive, attacked the hitters and competed my ass off. When that happens it makes pitching fun. Brought back what makes me ME, No matter what my stuff is like that night, or any night I understand I don’t need to be perfect, all I need to do is attack hitters and back myself and trust the adjustments I’m able to make.
Pitching is a blast when you’re competing. I guess that goes for anything. I think we truly find out our true character when we are challenged and tested in life. So if you ever get the opportunity to be challenged, you should embrace it compete and see what you find out about yourself, and if that opportunity doesn’t come knockin, build a door! (One of my favorite quotes!)
I get my next opportunity in Portland on Wednesday where I am writing this blog. So if you come out to watch the Rainiers take on the Beavers come say hi. C’mon you Rainier fans, its only a 2 hour drive from Tacoma! Ha
That’s all from me for now, I really enjoy answering your questions and keeping in touch. Come check out twitter, I’ll try and keep it somewhat interesting I promise! Probably won’t tweet what I’m eating for breakfast.
Here are some replies to the comments-
PositivePaul- Who is the Brim Reaper?????
Brett- I’ve never heard of the Hydrophobic lenses, they keep the fog and sweat off??
Cheryl Ann- Yes I remember your daughter lovely comment, thank you, about the Mexican Wave, I think its great when the crowd starts it. It’s cool to see it develop and get huge and loud. I must admit it can be distracting sometimes. There was a time in Detroit I was about to throw a pitch and stepped off cause the wave was going crazy right behind the catcher, but yes I love the WAVE!!!
Kiri- what do we do in the dugout? Try to pay attention to hitters but I’m guilty of scanning the stands with teammates looking for anything amusing I’m a big people watcher and there are so many random faces behind you.
After the game sometimes I will go hang out with my friends at the K n K, such a good spot if you’re an Aussie. Nothing changes driving to Tacoma just the drive itself after the game, just have to have a good play list on the IPOD!
BobbiK
Auty and Thorne? I have no idea what they’re up to, to the best of my knowledge I think Thorne stayed in AUS and Tim played INDY ball somewhere. I Will fid out for you and get back to ya! I get stoked when any Aussie has success, there will be plenty more!
Peter- Any EX-Pats coming to Safeco is great, it might sound cheesy but I love it when Aussies come up and say hi or if I see the f lag in the stands, its great. Will be back soon so come out and introduce yourself!
JayR- getting stuff signed in the bullpen is not easy but I always try and do it if I get the opportunity, or if it’s for a special reason. If you have something positive to say up there, chances are I’ll react! ha
David in Burien-Slap shot is a great flick, how funny are the brothers in the classic specs; we actually had little action figures of those two in the kitchen area in spring training. Might have to pull that out ad watch it again.
Scotty- funny you ask me if playing in Tacoma is like reserve grade in the NRL, it is kind of similar but different set up, On an average night, depends on the city but Tacoma can pull in around 5000 fans, AAA ball attendance varies from 1000 people to 10000 in some places. So yes people show up but it can’t match the intensity of a major league crowd or that in the NRL.
Morgan- you want some solid aussie movies? Here you go , forget Crocodile Dundee! Ha here is a list of some of my favorites I will beg my teammates to watch
1. ‘Two hands’ (heath Ledger, great great movie)
2. ‘Chopper’ (Eric Bana, true story about underground crime in Australia)
3. ‘The Castle’ (Comedy, typical Aussie humor but I think you would love it)
4. TV show ‘Underbelly’ Came out last year based on true events in the underworld of Melbourne crime scene!
There is a good start for you, let me know what you think!
Mark SV/Daniel -We need to make a petition for the #18 jerseys on First Ave! Lets do it!
Carla- Never had to wear my glasses in a yoga session couldn’t imagine them in Hot yoga I just struggle with the contacts. I’m hearing some scary facts about Lasik!
Chandra- Thanks for the comment. The Hyphen I hear ya, its really not a big deal, I think people bring it up cause I’m the only guy in baseball with it! I am the 26th Aussie to play in the big leagues, there are a handful playing right now, including Peter Moylan (Braves) Grant Balfour (Rays) Rich Thompson (Angels) all pitchers, all doing pretty well. Nice to meet you too!
Craig D- wow thanks for the shaving cream idea; I’m going to try that before my next bullpen. I’ll let you know if you gave me a break through!
Jon- I hear ya mate, my favorite pitchers are guys I watch beyond the theatrics! Champion comments!
Steveo- thanks for the support mate; I’ll be back in Safeco soon. Was spewing of the origin! Ha-ha, nah honestly It’s to hard to follow over here but was fun to watch at the K n K!
That’s It!
Catch you guys on Twitter. Introduce yourselves and keep in touch!
RRS
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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I didn’t comment on “that” start at Tacoma as I knew the Aussie fighting spirit would come through, you would kick yourself in the arse more than we would, and come back. As to the movies – one I saw recently, a US mate made me watch it, was Kenny. Which I think will become an Aussie classic.
I bought tickets to a matinee game in July so I could take the boys, so make sure you are back on track for that one. As to the K n K. Dangerous place for me sometimes. Went out with a group of them on the weekend – and the end result was I have sworn off alcohol for 30 days. So will watch the next Origin there drinking water. Did you also notice Comcast channel 15 for some reason is showing the NRL on Tuesday nights and on the weekend. No idea why – just started – but got to watch Melbourne smash Brisbane, the Doggies beat the Knights and Cowboys V Souths over the last 3 weeks. Was funny hearing Sterling and Rabbits while sitting in the lounge room over here.
At last Ryan,
Love the fighting spirit!
Your not just a “bobblehead”
What bad outing? No different to any other pitcher in their career span.
Like I said we’ll be with you all the way—–all the way, when all the doubters have been left behind the “door”
Go do it Ryan
As you always have said in the past – the sweet just aint sweet without the bitter. So you will come back bigger and better from this experience.
G’Day Ryan,
Sad to hear about the setback – hopefully it will make you stronger. I am in Seattle for the home series against Texas so fingers crossed you make a good fist of things in Tacoma and get called up in the coming weeks.
And for those fans in Australia who have oneHD – the Mariners vs San Diego will be on live at 6:30am on Friday the 26th June (and replayed 3:15am Saturday morning)
Mr. Hyphen – the Brim Reaper is none other than this guy right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Sherrill
So Tacoma’s home again. I may try to head to Cheney for this upcoming homestand.
Ryan glad you are back to your aggressive ways on the mound! You are so much fun to watch pitch. You have better stuff to offer than any of the Mariner pitches this season. Keep pitching for YOU and everything will fall into place . Te iubesc
Hi Ryan!
I was excited to meet you after the Beavs game in Portland earlier this week. I was the one who said I liked your blogs but never comment…until now! Thanks for being so cool about everything; definitely great to meet such a down to earth player.
After your outting on Friday, I kept thinking ‘if all goes well, he should be pitching on Wednesday,’ and you sure did! I was super excited to see you pitch near my hometown, as opposed to traveling up to Seattle, which I still do quite often anyway. I really admire your aggressiveness, and as sweet as it was seeing you in Portland, it will be very nice to see you back, strong as ever, in Seattle! I sure wish you the best of luck with everything! You deserve it!
And I almost forgot…what size board do you surf with?
If the shaving cream does work long enough to keep the glasses from fogging up……
There is a Product made by the same company that Makes “RAIN-X”
Its Anti-Fog wipes, as well as spray It use to be called FOG-X.
http://www.rainx.com/Products/Windshield_Treatment/Anti-Fog.aspx
Lots of Auto parts stores stock it, just call around…or you can order it online as well from various retailers.
Its like $5-$10 and last quite a while
Hi Ryan, Just found out that you will be staying in tacoma for a few more starts. Build your arm strength up and before you know it, you will be back in the bigs again. I am and have been rooting you on in your baseball career. I always will. I really enjoy watching you pitch. Keep your chin up and play for the day of the next call up. Take care and I’ll see you on the autograph line in tacoma. Have a great season.
Hey Ryan,
The only way from here is up. Watched you in Tacoma last night. You sure are exciting to watch.
As if you needed to be out of the game. 2 out/2 strikes on the guy and you are there to pitch and work back up to the majors.You are just not the sort of guy who works like that! Looking forward to watching you play where you derserve to be. Love watching you anywhere. You are dynamic.
Ryanie you are pitching so well . keep up the great work and your luck will catch up with your great talent . I love youuuuuuu !
G’day, Ryan
I said last time I hope you go with Lasic if that makes you more comfortable, and I still stand by that, heck I just like watching you pitch no matter what you’re wearin’…but if you stay with the Specs I’d be pretty happy about that too. That was an amazingly run-on sentence. I kinda splurged today…bought me some Oakleys! Custon half jackets-pretty stoked.
Do you wear hard or soft lenses (contacts)? I have soft and really have trouble with contacts…thinking of trying hard. But most likely will continue trying to avoid them altogether!
Been enjoying your twitter updates. It took me a long while to jump on that bandwagon but I like being able to write a quick update and from my phone without having to log in to myspace or facebook. You would be surprised (or maybe not) how many people do tweet what they are eating for breakfast.
It seems like you had a great start in Sacramento. Tuesday’s start…would love to hear how you felt about that. It looked like you had pretty good stuff until the ejection. Was really good to hear you feeling good and aggressive again about Sacramento in this blog. Can’t wait to see you competing again in Seattle.
If you ever have a chance to go to Vancouver, BC, Canada, I found an awesome Aussie bar and grill called “Moose’s Down Under” http://www.moosesdownunder.com/
Random question-do you like that soft Australian licorice?
Thanks for the tweet about Angels and Airwaves…got that on my iPOD now and great to hike to! Is there any one song or artist you listen to before you pitch to get pumped up?
I know every baseball player’s goal and “happy place” is in the major leagues but is there anything about the minor leagues you miss or reminisce about when you go up to the majors?
See you in Seattle soon. Good luck on your next outing! And I agree-we need to petition for #18 jerseys! (I special ordered a T-shirt but it came with no hyphen)
Kiri
Hey Ryan,
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t do very well in your rehab start… I hope you’re feeling better… I don’t live in the Washington area (I live in So Cali) so I don’t get to see you play unless you’re pitching for the Mariners… *fingers crossed* …
I love that quote you mentioned..”if opportunity doesn’t come knockin, build a door!” Great quote! Have fun in Tacoma.. and Good Luck!
Hi Ryan, long time reader, 1st time poster. Love your BLOG. Just wondering, where DID you get that amazing quote about opportunity that everyone seems to love? I’ve heard it somewhere, just can’t put my finger on it…
Hope you’re well big guy.
“If opportunity doesn’t come knockin, build a door!” is a famous Milton Berle quote…I had forgotten that one-Thanks!
However, I love how you have modified/added to it: “So if you ever get the opportunity to be challenged, you should embrace it compete and see what you find out about yourself, and if that opportunity doesn’t come knockin, build a door!”
(Sorry about the double post but decided to anyway since a lot of people were askin’ about that quote!)
Hey Ryan!! Congratulations on a great start tonight in Tacoma! I can’t wait to see you back in Seattle. What are your plans for the all-star break?
Hi Ryan…Finally, seen you on the sports clip…5ins, 1earned run…Congrats…When, do you anticipate coming back up to the Mariners….Miss watching you on the mound…. And your not hard on the eyes either…Yes, even this 47yr old enjoys…Have a super Day…
Hi, Ryan
Notice not so many posts these days.Hopefully your fans are a bit shy and are sensitive to your position, Everyone loves a winner!so they will all be back.Love watching you no matter where you play!
ARE YOU BACK OR WHAT? Great AAA game tonight Ryan. Into the 8th too.Mariners need you now!
Ryan,
You have great fans on Geoff Baker’s Seattle Times blog. The overwhelming majority of us are huge believers in you and we’re quite convinced that you could be helping out the M’s right now. At the same time, the M’s seem to be serious about you being a big part of the club’s future. Baker and others have suggested that the M’s may be trying to “showcase” a few pitchers for a possible trade deal (to improve the sometimes anemic offense), and we’re glad you’re not on the block.
It must be frustrating to pitch in Tacoma when you know you’re ready to return, but things will sort themselves out soon. July 31 is only 3 weeks away now, and you’ll be back before then–so keep working hard!
Congratulations Ryan! Fantastic start Tuesday. You’re definitely showing them that you belong in the bigs. Keep working hard. We’re all pulling for you!
Good article on Ryan’s lastest start and progress made, Ryan Divish in the Tacoma Trib:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/rainiers/story/808973.html
Ryan,
I took the Lasik plunge many years ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. I had great corrected vision with contacts, but 1 month later I was at 20/15 in my left eye and 20/17 in my right eye. I went into a batting cage and the difference was amazing – more contact and better of it. I’m sure it would help you as well.
I think I had it done in about 2003. Back then, the only definitive research I could find was that there is a huge difference between doctors with less than 500 surgeries and more than 500 surgeries. My doc was a research fellow on the team that invented Lasik in the early 1980’s. He used to work for the University of Washington but moved to the Cleveland Clinic shortly after my surgery.
My doctor was Steven E. Wilson, M.D., and like I said, he’s at the Cleveland Clinic right now. At the time of my operation he had more than 20,000 surgeries. I really do believe he’s the best out there because I probably did 100 hours of research before I trusted my vision to someone!
If you have any questions email me. Hope to see you in an M’s uni in the next week or so.
Smokin’ big fella!!
76 strikes in 101 pitches. That’s pitching.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/rainiers/story/814584.html
Time for another entry Ryan.
You sure are dealing now. Give the big leftie a challenge and he’ll eat it up.
You are not going away. Keep pitching it in there!
Welcome back to the show Ryan! Great to have you back with the big club. Been fun watching you turn it around in Tacoma and you’ve certainly earned your return.
YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome back, Ryan! As much as I’ve enjoyed hearing about your great games with Tacoma, I’m thrilled to hear you are coming back to Seattle where you belong. I wish it hadn’t taken the team so long to bring you back. You’ve shown a lot of fire in particular these last few starts. Ryan, you are more than able to handle your own and the team clearly needs your help. I’m looking forward to your start on Friday. Getting my tickets now. Can’t wait to see you sock it to Cleveland Indians!
Excellent News!! Once again, you’ve worked hard, pitched well, and made it impossible for the M’s to leave you in Tacoma. Just keep up the hard work–we all want to see you with the M’s for the next 10 years!
Hey Ryan, I’m a high school pitcher (a lefty like you) and it is awesome to see that you are making a come back in a time when the Mariners are doing so well. I throw two seam fastballs, a circle change, and a curve ball. I was wondering how you throw that devastating change up of yours. Is it like a palm ball, or a circle change. Also, how do you recommend building arm strength? Working out, yoga, long toss, all of those things? And do you ice your arm when it’s not sore (cause I don’t and yet I am constantly pitching into at least the 6th inning every start in our 7 inning games)? Also, unrelated to baseball, I play guitar and have a Fender Telecaster. My favorite band is actually Radiohead, but I also like Weezer, Audioslave, and your favorite Rage Against the Machine. I really like Bombtrack, and Killing in the Name. Check out Radiohead if you haven’t, a couple songs you might like are “Bodysnatchers, Paranoid Android, Just,” but if you want something more mellow, try “Karma Police, There There, or 15 Step.” I actually made a cover video of 15 Step under the youtube account name “Snarf15″ if you want to see. I do play guitar right handed though, but do you play an instrument? That would be cool. Anyway thanks a lot and good luck Friday against the Indians. I will be in Right Field watching you pitch that night. If you did read this, thanks a lot, that is so cool, and comment on my youtube video if you have time. Good luck making the post season.
Sweet!!!! I am going to the game on Friday, and I’ll Be rocking my #18 jersey
Good luck tomorrow. Breathe deep, rock steady.
Hey good luck tomorrow we need you back in the rotation!! You pitched a great game against the Indians last year I know you can do it again!!
Good Luck with the call up mate. I tried to twitter to you but i have no idea how to use it. Keep it up all that hard worker over the summer is paying off!
Welcome back Ryan! Good luck tonight! Get out there and show them you deserve to be there!!
Good luck today sport!
Good luck today Ryan!! Can’t tell you how happy I am to see you back in the rotation. Here is you you staying there for a long long long time!!
Solid outing, a couple of balls left up, no run support–one of those days for the entire team. Go get the next one.
Good work! Nice to see you back in an Ms uniform. It’s about time.
I remember you saying to the media on numerous occasions that you thought – hands down – Halladay was the best pitcher currently in baseball. Enjoy your tussle with him tomorrow (unless he gets traded).
Thats why you play the game right – to challenge yourself against the best.
Uh huh!!!!
Who da man!
Awesome outing.
My post on the Seattle Times Mariners blog:
Ryan was my favorite player last year because of his passion and quest to be best. When everyone else was down, he stayed up, and he stayed above the negativity all season.
He’s had to battle back this season, and has come back with the odds against him. Today’s effort is his reward for sticking with it and working hard to make a come back after injury and some pitching difficulties. Our reward is a big W today. That, and getting to watch his excellence.
Way to go RRS. Continue to show us what you’ve got. He described himself as not that great a pitcher…not talented like Felix or Bedard. I argue that he is more talented due to his true gift…internal fortitude.
Wow, Ryan. That was amazing. Absolutely amazing. You were one of a few bright spots in the season last year and here you’re showing again you are where you belong. In the starting rotation in the major leagues. Great job last night!
Thanks!
Hi Ryan,
Not sure if you remember me from the old Morisset High school days. Just wanted to let you know that I am over here in the states and some friends caught a seattle storm game a few weeks back and they said that there was this cute Aussie baseball player. THey couldn’t remember your name but when I said it they recalled. Small world. Would be nice to see you pitch a game but seeing as though I am in St Louis and the Cards don”t play in the AL it may be tough.
Kim
Hey Ryan, just wanted to say that was some damn good work yesterday. Great to see you back on top!
If Halliday is best,where do you fit?Don’t think too hard
WOW.You outpitched Halliday.Best pitcher of this series.No stopping you now!
Brilliant on task pitching.
Congratulations last week Ryan! Great job.. And so close to a no-hitter!!!
Hey Ryan,
Great to see you back with the big club. I just now stumbled upon your blog, so I guess I’ve missed out! I don’t do Twitter (so far), but I’ll be checking back here from time to time.
BTW, with all the wheeling and dealing last week, I’m damn glad you didn’t get traded. I want to see you in the Mariner rotation for years to come! I didn’t think Jack Z was going to move any pitching other than Wash, but you never know what can go down when blockbusters are discussed.
When you get time Ryan, please get back to us with a new entry.Dont care about what media and other bloggers say about you and /or your performance. Just like to hear from YOU. Dont do twitter.
To tweet or not to tweet, that is the question.
Well, why not? It’s immediate, and, once in a while, informative.
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind, I’m not sure.
Great pitching tonight against the Yanks Ryan – it is a shame the last two innings didn’t give you the result you deserved.
Hey man great pitching, I didn’t get to watch the whole game but that strikeout you got on Swisher was ridiculous. I loved his reaction when he had to start heading back to the dug out. Keep up the great work and write a freaking blog!!!
Yo Rozza (fking rooooozzzzzaaaaaa) How are you doing dude? Good to see you are healthy and back in the bigs. I saw your game against the Yankees on MLB.com and you caned, unlucky not to get the win indeed. Anyways just wanted to say hey and keep up the great work dude, hopefully you can shore up a rotation spot for 2010. ps. Good luck with the playoff race too, a couple of hot streaks and you dudes are a show. Dave Dixon
Great start the other night Ryan! Way to battle. Quick question, I’ve never seen your brand of glove before? Where is it from?
Zack Greinke tomorrow–what a challenge! Have at it, and stay within yourself.
Hi Ryan, Saw the game sunday…You looked grrrrrrrreat…Coming down on the 19th Mariners vs Yankees…Hope to get a autograph from you…One of my nephews with me plays rugby and got to go to australia to play, he loved it…See you then…Good Day,Ryan…
Hi Mate! It is Dawn, you host mom from Everett. Love watching you. You look great. Hi to your family.
WHAT A GAME MAN! way to go out there tonight, you were awesome, next season is going to be epic!
Fun game to be at the other night. My non-baseball-loving friends had a great time, and your stuff is looking better than ever. Cheers!
Hi Ryan, Great Game!!! Yes, Batista was great…Good to see Mariners ending on a positivenote..Looking forward to 2010 Season…Good Luck today!!!
Hey Ryan! You should follow me on twitter! http://www.twitter.com/taylor__93
Your updates are so funny!
Hey Ryan, You are what a Mariner is, TOUGH. You didn’t quit, when you were sent down to tacoma, to work on additional pitches and bring your pitch count up. You finished the season, a future ACE in this organization. You are definally ready to be a 3 or 4 starter next year. I really like your attitude and toughness, not only on yourself but VERY TOUGH on the visiting team. I will be down to Spring Training to watch my favorite guys get ready for the next year. PLAYOFFS 2010
Good luck on your travels home, see ya in Feb. 2010.
Hey Ryan!!!!!
I was finally smart enough to check out your blog and I love it!!!!
I live in Northern California and I’m a HUGE Red Sox fan, so I rarely get to see a Mariners game unless they’re playing the A’s. I’ve only seen you pitch ONCE and you were awesome!!!!!! Now I know why I need to watch more Mariners games.