Prolebrity: Beyond the Game

Here’s the problem with your statement there, and I know you can’t really say much without getting into trouble but the problem is that with this baseball team here it rains every single day. There are very few sun-breaks in there. Yourself along with Brandon and Felix this year have really been the only bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign. And now we’ve sent down one of our bright spots to stretch out for the rotation? BS. 75 pitches in your last outing. 83 in your last start. We’ve got guys up here getting paid millions to throw 50 pitches and give up 8 runs. I know they’re just as frustrated if not more so than the fans, but to send down one of our best options to get ready for something that he is already ready for is bologna. What they should really be doing is stretching out Morrow, but that’s another subject. Just my two cents.

It’s awesome to see athletes like you embracing blogging and giving us fans insights into what you go through.

We’re rooting for ya RRS…hope to see you back in Seattle soon!!!

Ryan,

This recent move by the Mariners organization has been a bit of a polarizing topic amongst the fan base. While it is universally agreed that turning you into a starter is a good thing, it’s the way it’s being done that seems to perplex folks. I’m not going to mention the whos or whats of the debates, since that would be unproductive, I’m just here to say that we’re all behind you.

Intangibles are lauded about by those in the game so much that it has reached the point of nauseatingly cliche, but you wouldn’t feel the way you do if you weren’t a competitor. The confusion and frustration you feel can be powerful motivators if you let them. Turn that energy into your resolve and you should be fine.

When I heard about this move all I could think of was, wow the M’s management did something smart for a change! I understand that you are gonna be mad about it, but it is awesome the way you handled it. It’s awesome the FO can finally see that you will be a much better option then the bums currently starting (minus Felix). Have fun mowing down assorted Beavers, 51’s, Sidewinders, Rivercats and that sort for a while. Hopefully Morrow is next in line for starting.

You’re the man Ryan. I know it’s tough but I’m glad that the organization for once made the smart move and looked to the future (now if they’d only do the same thing with Morrow…). We all know you’ll tear it up in AAA and be back kickin’ tail in no time. *Re-posted because the original comment failed at all attempts at grammar*

That was some awesome writing there, Ryan. Just like in baseball, being demoted in any job stinks, and all you have left to do is prove to them that you truly do belong in the majors. I am probably not alone when I say that the Mariners tends to make more bad decisions than good, but like you said, the only thing you can control at this point is how well you pitch down in Tacoma.

Hopefully Washburn is traded soon so that you can come back up. One question I have been wondering, is which of the players do you like to hang out with the most on the Mariners? What do you guys like to do for fun on your off days to temporarily take your mind off of baseball? (Sorry that was actually two questions).

Hey, at least the team seem serious about making you a full time starter now. As a starter you will be far more valuable a player to the team [even as a league-average number five starter, which is something we have been without pretty much all year] and dare I say it, earn more $$$ over your career than as a reliever!

Why not check out Brian Bannister, the Royals pitcher? He has tried to improve his game by analysing his game by utilising the latest technology Pitch F/X. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-springbannister030808&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
Over at LL we have been analysing your latest starts and we have noted that your fastball velocity is starting to approach your average speed from last years relief appearances, even after you have pitched 50+ pitches. This is a great sign. They are going to do a full analysis of your starts soon - you might want to check it out!

hey ryan - it’s really cool that you’re blogging.
i’m a mariners fan in london.
i agree with the poster above in that becoming a starter is much more lucrative financially. and also agree that you’ve been one of the bright spots in a dreary year. here’s to hoping you’re up soon and as a starter.

So not wanting to go on a tirade about you being better than at least 2/5ths of the rotation and how Morrow is the one needing to get stretched out…

Good luck in Tacoma and know there are a bunch of Mariners’ fans hoping you come back up soon.

Hey Ryan,

As EnglishMariner says, the upside here is that you could come back to the big club with loads more value - value that will certainly influence an arbitrator and, down the road, what you can command on the market.

I’m curious as to what the pitching coaches in Tacoma do or advise with you - are there any mechanical differences between starting and relieving, or is it just a matter of pacing? You’re pretty familiar with Dwight Bernard, right? He was the pitching coach when you were in IE and San Antonio… good relationship with him?

I’ll see you in Tacoma - the Coopers is on me.

Ryan —

Having followed George Sherrill’s career very closely, and even having been allowed a bit of a peek behind the scenes with that situation, I think I have a glimpse into how frustrated you might feel. After all, they do say that it’s tougher to stick in the majors than it is to get there, and I’m sure you’re probably feeling the sting of that.

But don’t be discouraged!

If you can (and haven’t already), give George a call. That’s one dude that can probably relate more than any of us visitors can. Take some encouragement from his journey.

I still remember May 16, 2005 — the date George Sherrill was undeservedly sent down to Tacoma, when it was very clear he deserved to be in the majors. It was one of those paper moves that needed to happen according to the ways the M’s do business, not necessarily because George wasn’t good enough for the majors. That was the day I began the “Free George Sherrill!” campaign.

What’s happened here in your situation is very similar — it certainly sucks in the short-term, but in the long run it’s better for you and for the ball club (whatever ball club that may be - hopefully, for us, it’s the M’s). I’d take it as a vote of confidence, actually, that the M’s are confident in your ability to help them in the future. In a role that’s better for you.

Certainly you’ve got some things you can improve, and they’ve probably got a plan for helping you. But you’ve definitely got the talent and the drive to make it happen.

Go kick ass and take names!

Ryan,
I really enjoy watching you pitch. I know that this bump in the road will be over real soon. I know that it is hard to be sent down to tacoma, but the upside is working your tail off to become a starter. You only need a few more # of pitches (which I think you already have) and you will be back up to the majors. This is a smart move the M’s did in a year of ?????????? moves. Keep your head up and embrace this path, as this will be over soon and we can all watch you pitch in the #3-5 starter position. Take Care and see you in Tacoma

Argh. Sorry to see this happen to you Ryan. Why do they need to stretch you out when you’ve BEEN stretched out in previous starts?

It’s not right that you go down while some others are trotted out there game after game to start only to go 5 innings and giving up 8 runs.

It makes no sense but you still have fans and we all know you will be a stellar SP in the majors. Keep your head high!

Good Luck Ryan!
I know you’ll do awesome in Tacoma and be back in Seattle in no time. You’re a great pitcher and I’m sure you’ll have a long and successful career. I’m going to try to come down to Tacoma to see you pitch and root for you in person!
Knock em dead Ryan!

Ryan,
You have done a hell of a job for the M’s this year in the variety of roles they put you in. It has been impressive to watch you in both your starts and when you come in from the pen to contain the mess that the various starters have left for the team. I know how difficult this must be especially after the winter where they sent you down to get stretched out to come in and be the long guy. Again, you have done a great job given the circumstances, and we look forward to seeing you in the rotation in the show.

Ryan:

Good attitude. i only disagree with one thing. That is that you don’t really control your destiny. The suits in the Mariners do. You can help them decide with that great attitude of yours. I was hoping that with all the pitching injuries you would be able to stay with the Ms and be brought on and developed into a starter by stretching out each game like Chamberlain of the Yankees has. Its not as though our other starters are going deep into games. Good luck and I’ll catch you in Tacoma. I’ll be the guy with the loud mouth in the expensive seats yellin,”ga-day-mate!”

Ryan,

Talking to Brandon the other day, I sensed the same frustration. I sincerely hope the management comes to their senses and has you both starting as soon as possible.

You’ll be back in no time, Ryan. Regardless of where management plays you always remember that as a starter, you are one of the five best pitchers with the parent club and without a doubt well within the best 25 men in the organization. I think I speak for everyone when I say your play has inspired even your optimistic fans to believe you can become even better than what we previously thought of your potential. You didn’t lose a single digit of velocity on your fastball when you went from reliever to starter! That’s incredible and quite a feather you can stick in your cap.

No matter where you’re being stretched out, the point is you’re going to become an anchor in a Major League rotation in the very near future. That’s way better for you and the team compared to simply being a damn good setup man and maybe future closer. You are for sure a STARTER now! Now that’s where it’s at.

Let the countdown begin, my friend. We’ll all be watching. We’re rooting for you so stay strong.

don’t be discouraged, ryan, although going down to aaa can’t be much fun. you’ll be back up and kicking butt for us by september and will have a long future as a starter.

Ryan,

I was very sorry to hear about your demotion to AAA, but I love your attitude. I’m also glad that they’re planning on getting you into the rotation. You deserve your shot and your spot with the big club. For whatever it’s worth, the fans believe in you and are pulling for you (and are confident you’ll be back up soon!).

Ryan,
Rather than looking at it as getting sent down, how about looking at the very clear path the organization has just placed before you. Rather than being juggled around in what sometimes felt like “name out of a hat” pitching situations, you’ll come back up and have a clearly defined job.

Hey, a whole bunch of those guys up in Seattle are sitting around waiting for the proverbial hammer to drop. You got yours and it’s actually pretty good news.

A lot of us don’t understand why you got sent down either. Count me among the people who think you’re ready to be starting now, and would learn a hell of a lot more pitching against ML batters (in some cases, teams with playoff considerations) than going back down to AAA to “stretch out”.

Here’s hoping you do well enough, and the front office is smart enough, to make this be the last time. You should be in the rotation, man.

I’d go further but I’m sure you don’t want to hear laundry lists of which people should have been moved instead of you… you can go to half a dozen websites to find that every day…

I think your numbers are unreal! And you have performed all season, unlike some of the injured vets !!! You have an amazing future as a started ahead of you and even though this wasn’t a fair or SMART decision by the front office, it will benefit you in the long run. I know when you get on that mound at Safeco , you will dominate like you have been. Go aussie!!!

Ryan,

I just wated to let you know that what you’ve done this year has been great. I have always loved watching you take the mound, and I hope and pray that you will be back to Seattle very soon. Honestly, this year you have become one of my favorite players and just the fact that you ake the time to do this blog and communicate with your fans makes me respect you ad what you’re doing so much more.

I believe that when you come back to Seattle, you will be great in the starting rotation. You have the pitches and control to dominate and I know that you can.

I wish the best of luck to you in Tacoma and Seattle, with hopes that you will be up in the majors very soon.

Sincerely,
Joey

RRS-
Do not despair! You are a good lefty who has grit and fire, you will not be in AAA long.
The only reason is you have options, and this team is a mess. You have proven you can pitch, so don’t worry.
Not much more time on buses/motel 6’s in “Old Musky Bottle, Ark.” for you. Just keep pitching lights out like you have been and you will land somewhere, hopefully, with a ring somewhere.

You do Oz proud!

Ryan,

You’ll be back up here sooner than you think. Work out the long game in some parks that aren’t the popcorn machines of the majors, and that’ll be you sorted.

They have Cooper’s in Tacoma? Where? I’m off..

Ryan,

As you can see from the above outpouring…you are a fan favorite and will be for many years to come. Personally, I happen to think you have a tremendous upside and the one thing that separates you from the other guys is your teriffic attitude. It’s OK to be angry….feed off that and it will make you stronger!

Napolian Hill once wrote” out of every failure comes the seed of greater benefit”.

You by no means have failed but are taking a short detour. You’ll be a great starting pitcher for many years to come and will be back up shortly to begin that path on a permanent basis.

There are many of us rooting for your continued success so don’t take this so hard….we’re all pulling for you!

Ryan:

You have been awesome all season, and I know you will come back to Seattle better than ever! Good luck in Tacoma. Come home to Safeco soon!

Hey Ryan,

Keep your head high, your chin up, and the tequila bottle close by. Frustrating yes, permanent no. We’ll be waiting for you back in Seattle. You have plenty of people behind you waiting for the obvious to happen.

Ryan,
I just want you to know that even though this must be a tough time for you, it will hopefully help your career in the long run.

I can’t wait to see you back up in the M’s rotation, and until then I wish you the best of luck in Tacoma…

I agree with the George Sherill and Brian Bannister comment. Use others for inspiration,not wallowing-The fighters and adapters in the game.
See you in Seattle soon!

Hey Ryan-

First off, my wife has dubbed you “Clark Kent”.

Second. I’m a season ticket holder for the Rainiers and we’ll be happy to have you down in Tacoma as our “Superman”, even if it’s a brief stay before you are called back up again to be a true blue starter for the M’s.

Best of luck!

Ryan,

Don’t despair, brother. You’re gonna be down there for maybe 2 starts. In the long run, this should be GREAT for you. Odds are Washburn gets traded and you come up and have a regular turn in the rotation for the rest of the season, and a good shot to make the rotation next yeah. You, Felix, Dickey, Morrow and Silva should be the 5 man next year.

And - look at it this way - because you don’t throw 96, you’ll never be a closer. And, closers are generally the only relievers who make REALLY crazy $$. But, if you put together a couple of strong seasons as a starter you could be in line for Washburn money. Or, even HoRam money… Still way better than middle relief money.

So, chin up, my man. Hit your spots, keep it down, and make us all proud.

RRS,

You’re the man. I had you starting in my rotation on Major League Baseball 2k8 since May. You will smoke them down in AAA because you are a Major League pitcher!!! Can’t wait to see you in the rotation. I will now get to Tacoma and watch you cruise through the line-up! You got a great career ahead of you man!!

Ryan, Look what happened when Balf got DFA by the Rays after the spring training even after he proved he belonged. He tore it up in AAA and was back in the bigs in no time. I have no doubt that you’ll do the same.

Ryan,

It’s tough for any athlete at any level to be playing below their talent level. I think we are all disappointed that the Ms didn’t put you in the rotation permanently before the All-Star break.

Of course the front office can’t come right out and say that they are making sure you get your starts while they audition some trade bait for the next two weeks, but that’s what I’m reading between the lines. And since you’ve already thrown 75+ pitches in an outing, I suspect they are more concerned that you don’t lose that. Yes, it would be more rewarding to continue starting at the ML level, but I can’t imagine it will be more than 2 weeks.

Good luck, and keep up the resilient attitude–that’s a big part of what makes you an effective pitcher

Hey Ryan,

It’s easy for us fans to sit back and say things. I really have no idea what it feels like to be sent down to the minors. But as a fan (and I speak for many who feel the same way), we are dissapointed and excited for you. I’d love to see you succeed as a starter. You’ve got great stuff and I think we’ll be seeing you again in Seattle very soon. You have a great attitude, and we fans look forward to watching you progress and hopefully help turn the ship around next season! Good luck!

I kind of think of it like you’ve been promoted from assistant manager of a big store to manager of a smaller store. And you will be back in Seattle in a few weeks.

Ryan:

Can’t wait to see you back up in Seattle as a starter!! Should have happened this year, ugh …

-Dustin

Ryan,

I’m from New Zealand, so insert obligatory New Zealand doesn’t like Australia content here (including the 1st Bledisloe Cup rugby test this weekend - Go All Blacks!!).

However, I’ve really enjoyed following your progress with the M’s - especially via your new blog. Good luck in Tacoma, I’m sure you’ll be back in the bigs in no time.

Ryan, I am so sorry that they sent you to Tacoma. However, we all know that you will be back soon and as one of our starters! I am so excited for you. Whether in Tacoma (temporarily) or in Seattle, you have what it takes. You have been one of the bright stars in our very bleak season. You have a terrific attitude, and seem like a terrific guy. Thanks for your blog. I am rooting for you Ryan!

A lot of us have 100% confidence in your abilities to start for this team. I’m sure it’s totally frustrating and just has to be a downer to be sent back after doing so well in the Bigs. But just know that there are so many of us out there who are really pulling for you to come back, and be better than ever. You’re one of the bright spots for the Ms this year, and I personally can hardly wait for your return! Pitch good, kick ass, see you soon!

And just as an aside, your earlier post has inspired me to try out Kangaroo and Kiwi. I was just in Australia and miss Cooper’s Red something fierce.

Ryan,
I was shocked to hear you got sent down to Tacoma but am excited that the Org is converting you into a full-time starter. I know you’ll breeze through AAA and be back with the big club soon.

Your attitude is inspiring… I hope they start mainstreaming your jersey, or at least your jersey-shirt, because I’d be proud to wear the hyphen on my back.

Let us know how it goes on Friday. We’re all behind you. Kick some ass.

Seattle’s rooting for you, Ryan. Go M’s.

Its a great attitude you have Ryan. Look at this as an opportunity, and keep working hard. You will be back up again before the seasons end I’m sure.

Ryan,

As a fan, when I first heard the news I was very upset. I was like, how and WHY and why you? It was a very frustrating day when your favorite Mariner is “taken” from you like that. Though, I cannot imagine how it truly feels to be sent down, us fans are confused/upset/angry/sad in our own little way. Kinda like how it is sad everytime a favorite player gets traded…or worse-just dumped like Bret Boone or Ben Broussard. Choruses of “it’s not fair” ring through the fan base.
Then the media released the “whys”. Still a little mad, at least there is hope that they actually do know what they are doing. This sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Go kick-ass in Tacoma and show everyone that you belong in Seattle…as a STARTER!! I expect to see you back in no time.
You have a great attitude which will help you go far. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this little bump in the road. It is nice to get true non-edited insight.
You have embarked on quite the journey. You have loads of support because we know you will succeed. Good luck; when you return to Seattle, your fans will be ready but your opponents may not be!

Tough break mate. Real tough. Like most of the others here I reckon its a bit harsh, not much of a reward for your obvious hard work this year. But it is an opportunity in a way I spose, and your thoughts as expressed in your post are quite inspiring.
good onya and all the best for AAA

Ryan,

That’s tough but this will give you a chance to really show them what you’re made of. Thank you so much for signing my shirt in Seattle back on the 19th. It was above and beyond what most players I’ve been exposed to would do, the guys on the team her in Arlington, TX, (ha ha) never would have done that. My son and I are huge fans, keep giving it all you’ve got.

While I can’t understand how difficult a move like this could be, let me say as a Tacoma Rainiers season ticket holder, I’m thrilled to be able to see you pitch more frequently than I was able to when you are in Seattle! Best wishes, and we’ll see you at the ballpark.

Thanks for your hard work- as many have already pointed out, we need more M’s with your attitude.

Hey Ryan, really impressed with your attitude. Keep the inner fire burning. The only way to prove people wrong is in your performance. Your actions will speak louder than words. As you face each batter look on that person as one more step back to Seattle and unload on him! Remember, “EVERY MOTHER….., WEARING A DIFFERENT UNIFORM WILL FACE THE VERY BEST OF ME. EVERY PITCH, EVERY PLAY, EACH AND EVERY MOTHER……. DAY.”

Too bad that you were sent down, but I’m sure you’ll be back soon, and I would imagine as a starter. Good luck!

GO RYAN!!!

Ryan,
Great start against Nashville!!! Not too shabby, 91 pitches, 5 & 2/3 innings of 3-hit ball! I really hope to see you back up with the M’s before too long!!

Ryan, both you and Morrow should be getting starts with the M’s for the rest of the year. I think 25 games below .500 qualifies as a done deal for this season. For that matter, Reed, Clement, and Wlad should be regular players too.

Hang in there! Maybe Chris Larson will buy a majority interest and dispose of the knuckleheads currently running this mess of a team.

great job in Nashville! a success! you don’t need to be stretched out! you already got the right stuff :)aussie

Awesome job in Nashville. You will be with the M’s again soon.

hey RYAAAN, think last i saw you was new years eve on the foreshore watching the fireworks! its jesse legaspi from your old highschool (newy high) noticed your MACKING it over there in the major league! good stuff! i remember when you showed me a college business card in year 10 saying hopefully from this college they’ll set you up for a future in the majors, well looks like you were true to your word! i have a friend who plays in the major league soccer for houston dynamo (james jorgeoff)i keep asking him to go studds up on becks when they play his LA galaxy team even though hes a hero of mine from manchester united it would be a claim to fame that you took becks out. i’m prolly heading there in december hes hooking me up at his pad if your season is still running i might jet over to seattle and check out a game. keep in touch bro thats my facebook link in that URL. cheers

Ryan: Sorry to hear about your frustration w/ being sent down to the Rainiers. (At least you got to stay in the Puget Sound, eh?!) As an avid Ms fan, I’m disappointed in the decisions that are being made here lately (and ESPECIALLY w/ the trade rumours just days away from the deadline. ARGH!!). Our pitching staff REALLY needs better arms than some who are currently out there. I am confused, however, w/ the reasoning as to your being sent down: are you getting “trained” as a starter or is/was it actually something else (and the head haunchos are just being…well, you know)? In any case, maintain your optimism and positiveness; you’ll be back before too long (I hope)!! Fingers crossed you stay w/ the Mariners, eh? I’d love to go down to a game (Ms or Rs) one of these days and see you pitch in person before the season’s over. [sidenote: most of your "fans" from your facebook group are from Australia. You need more from WA! PROMOTE PROMOTE PROMOTE!! lol] A little belated, but congratulations on your Olympic medal!! I just read about it this evening (7/28) on your father’s website(?). That’s something so FEW people can claim, so if nothing else, you should DEFINITELY be proud of that!! In any case, Bueno Suerte, RYAN! Come back up north soon!!!

Sucks all around, but one thing that keeps nagging me…where does a guy live when he has to keep going between Seattle and Tacoma? Just get yourself a nice little apartment in Federal Way and call it good? Can’t imagine you’ve got a place in Seattle AND Tacoma.

Take Care.
JB

I don’t usually write on the same post twice…but what the hey! Saw you pitch in Tacoma tonight…and you were awesome. Quite capable of being a starter. You’d BETTER be back in Seattle soon!! Thanks for a GREAT end to my 21st birthday
KIRSTEN (Kiri)

great start last night . great 7 innings . 90 pitches. you are a legend! M’s need you big time!

Nice start last night, keep up the good work! It must be nice to finally have some run support too, lol…can’t wait to see you get back to Safeco.

Awesome job again last night. The Ms really needed you here down in Texas this week.

Hey,Ryan I just wanted to say congrats on yeterdays game u did awesome!!!!!:D

Heard about the start; great job! Can hardly wait to get you back up here in Seattle where you belong.

Sorry about sticking my camera in your face during the pre-game warmup. Just wanted to get a good shot or two… Thanks for sayin’ “Hey!” to my kid

I noticed you wore #52 down there. Did you pick that or did they pick that for you? Or did you take my advice and call George — and did he recommend wearing his lucky number?

Another question — I’m still trying to figure out pitching nuances so I can better capture them in my photography (I shoot for ProspectInsider.com, although I put most of my photos also on my photography web site)

Whoops — I hit enter too soon, and submitted my post too early.

Can you tell me what kind of pitch you’re throwing in this photo:

(link in case photos aren’t allowed here)

I was guessing that you were throwing a sort of circle change, but I’m not sure.

Thanks!

Another quality start tonight… attaboy! How’s the arm holding up now that it’s being stretched over 100 pitches? Seattle needs you, Ryan!

Hey Ryan,

It’s your old neighbor from Chinchen Street. So sorry to hear about being sent to Tacoma. But as you say, it’s a chance to strengthen your position in the organisation. Your Mum was always a wise sort of lady, so she has given you good advice. If it’s any comfort my sister (who is a mad Mariners fan!) really loved watching you pitch, as do many others no doubt.

Keep your chin up and I’m sure you’ll be back in Seattle soon. Lord knows the other players at the club have not given their best this year! They need you!

Give my best to your Mum and Bruce (don’t see them these days).

Cheers,

Barbara

As you always say to me when I hit a bump in the road: The sweet just isn’t sweet without the bitter! You know what you need to do and this will only make you stronger both in your career and as an individual. Mum said you kicked ass the other night so you are obviously on the right track. I look forward to seeing you in few months. Stef x

Good to see you the other day. Sorry if I embarrassed you. Well I can only imagine what you are going through. You are spoken very highly of as a pitcher, hope to see you play on saturday.
From all the girls at the office.
Remember……..look at the camera!!

Well now they sent down Morrow to go through the same program as you. It looks like they’re pretty serious about you two joining the Seattle rotation. Rumors have it that you will be called up soon, probably to replace Batista as he moves to the bullpen.

I’m a Mariner season ticket holder, and I hope to see you at Safeco soon. Cheers!

Does the “sand hill warrior” have a mother?Hope you don’t know this “redneck”.

you have dominated every start !!! yeeooow

Welcome back to Seattle!
Both the Seattle Times and Seattle P-I newspapers are reporting that “unofficially” Miguel Batista is moving to the bullpen and Ryan Rowland-Smith will be pitching tomorrow at Safeco Field. It should be official soon. Congratulation RRS! You deserve it. Go get them Rays!

Hey buddy - good to see you’ll be starting tonight. Best wishes, God bless.

Hope you get to see this before your start today - you have a lot of people in the Ms blogs pulling for you! Good luck today! This should be the last time you see Tacoma for a long time. Go get ‘em!

Hey Ryan,
just finished reading your statement, and , without a doubt you have your mind set on a target.
you’ve already achieved a lot and want more, just how every player should think.
i know that my son needs your enthusiasm right now, and hope it follows through to him.
just keep doing what you’re doing.