Roller Coaster Year For Steven White

We caught up with Steven White to get his thoughts on his up and down 2005 season. White talks about what the biggest positive was from his injury this past year, if he thinks he did enough at the end of the year to open up 2006 in Columbus, what was the reason he struggled so bad after the injury healed, when does he think he's pitching at his best, and much more.

(FREE PREVIEW OF PREMIUM CONTENT)

Steven White on getting hot at the end of the year and having that carry into the Arizona Fall League: "Because of the injury, I got my mechanics all screwed up. After I got back, Dave Eiland helped me get them back, which is a big reason why I had those two good starts at the end of the year and it just continued out here in the AFL [Arizona Fall League]. I think pitching here helps you focus too. You don't have anybody you can throw a strike to, right down the middle. You're facing guys that you know are going to be big league hitters someday and it made me throw my changeup and my breaking balls more. If you groove a 2-0 fastball to somebody down here, they'd hit it 500 feet."

On whether or not 2005 was a lost season due to the injury: "It was kind of a learning experience. After the great year I had last year [in 2004], this past season showed me that I still needed to learn some stuff. I came here to the AFL because I had to prove to myself that I could get out big league hitters. Hopefully, with the performance I had out here, I've given myself a chance to break with Columbus next year."

On whether or not he did enough at the end of the year to warrant a spot at AAA in 2006: "Obviously I hope so, but I have no control over that. Even if I had pitched really well this past season, it would still depend on what I do in Spring Training next year. If I can pitch there [Spring Training] like I did here, I am pretty sure I'll be going to Columbus."

On why it took longer than expected to turn things around: "With the abdominal strain I had, at some point, I had changed my mechanics because of it. Whatever the reason, I just wasn't comfortable and with each bad outing it shattered my confidence. But like I said, Dave Eiland helped me get my old mechanics back and that lead to better command of my fastball."

On the biggest positive of getting hurt: "Because I wasn't able to locate my fastball consistently, I was using my changeup a lot more. I have no idea why, but when my mechanics were failing me, it really helped me improve my changeup. It is really a pitch that I can go to now. And now, even my breaking ball is better after the injury."

On what he learned the most from his injury: "This was my first year to miss a start in like five years or so. I didn't really know how to handle that because I never really had an injury before. This season helped me to learn how to come back from an injury, which should help me down the road. But, because of the injury, now my arm slot is a lot better with my changeup."

On why people seem to be overlooking his value as a prospect: "A lot of people have a 'what have you done for me lately' thought process. I know in my mind now, especially after the Arizona Fall League, I know I can handle the higher levels. I had a couple of bad starts towards the end there, but there wasn't too many pitchers that had good starts down the stretch."

On whether or not he thinks he's underrated: "I know I'm a good pitcher, even though it was what many would consider a down year for me. I mean, it is not like Team USA would have many pitchers with a 6.50 ERA if they didn't think I was any good."

On when he is at his best: "If I'm relaxed, I'm not overthrowing. When I first came back from the injury, I was getting pissed off. I've never really been a guy that goes into the dugout and throws stuff when I'm mad, but I did do that one time this year. It was after that I realized that I need to get back into my game. If I'm not having fun, I'm out of my game. I just needed to settle back down and now, I feel like I've redeemed myself."

On what he thinks he needs to be successful at the Major League level: "I think the two biggest things I'll need to be a successful pitcher in the Major Leagues is consistency and knowing myself. And I think I really learned a lot about myself this past season."

_____________________________________________________

Subscribe to PinstripesPlus.com today! Only $79.95 brings you one full year of Total Access Pass and all premium content on PinstripesPlus.com, Scout™ Player and Roster Database (including the 'Hot News' at the top of the site), Breaking News and Information, Total Access to all Scout.com Websites, and Player Pages, detailing the progress and careers of players from high school, the minors, and the pro ranks.

Sample the PinstripesPlus.com Total Access Pass™ at no risk for 7 days, then pay only $7.95 or $21.95. If you want to save 2 months off the monthly subscription price, simply choose the annual PinstripesPlus.com Total Access Pass™ at $79.95.