krushcuts
04-12-2005, 02:08 PM
Guillen's psych job inspires Takatsu
April 12, 2005
CLEVELAND -- There was no language barrier when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen gave Shingo Takatsu some words of inspiration in the ninth inning Monday.
Takatsu had given up three home runs in the ninth Thursday to the Cleveland Indians, blowing a major-league save attempt for just the second time, and was facing the Indians again Monday with the game on the line. With Aaron Boone at the plate and one out needed for the victory, Guillen gave Takatsu another chance.
''I didn't really think about it too much, but of course it was in my mind that Cleveland hit me last time,'' Takatsu said through his interpreter. ''When Ozzie came up to me on the mound, he told me, 'Go and get your revenge.' It psyched me up, and that was all I was thinking about, saving the game.''
Guillen was miffed about an erroneous report last week that he would not use Takatsu against the Indians because the right-hander has had limited success against them. Takatsu's only blown save last season was against the Indians.
Guillen always was prepared to use Takatsu, though left-hander Damaso Marte started the ninth with two left-handers and a switch hitter due up.
''If I take the ball away from this kid, I'm going to lose him [mentally],'' Guillen said.
Takatsu appreciated the opportunity. Perhaps a little psychology, as well as some inspiration, can go a long way.
''Honestly, of course I would like to pitch the ninth inning, but if Ozzie tells me to pitch in any different role, I would do the best at that role, whatever he tells me to do,'' Takatsu said. "I don't really have to be the closer, but if it was up to me, I would like to pitch the ninth inning.'' Doug Padilla
April 12, 2005
CLEVELAND -- There was no language barrier when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen gave Shingo Takatsu some words of inspiration in the ninth inning Monday.
Takatsu had given up three home runs in the ninth Thursday to the Cleveland Indians, blowing a major-league save attempt for just the second time, and was facing the Indians again Monday with the game on the line. With Aaron Boone at the plate and one out needed for the victory, Guillen gave Takatsu another chance.
''I didn't really think about it too much, but of course it was in my mind that Cleveland hit me last time,'' Takatsu said through his interpreter. ''When Ozzie came up to me on the mound, he told me, 'Go and get your revenge.' It psyched me up, and that was all I was thinking about, saving the game.''
Guillen was miffed about an erroneous report last week that he would not use Takatsu against the Indians because the right-hander has had limited success against them. Takatsu's only blown save last season was against the Indians.
Guillen always was prepared to use Takatsu, though left-hander Damaso Marte started the ninth with two left-handers and a switch hitter due up.
''If I take the ball away from this kid, I'm going to lose him [mentally],'' Guillen said.
Takatsu appreciated the opportunity. Perhaps a little psychology, as well as some inspiration, can go a long way.
''Honestly, of course I would like to pitch the ninth inning, but if Ozzie tells me to pitch in any different role, I would do the best at that role, whatever he tells me to do,'' Takatsu said. "I don't really have to be the closer, but if it was up to me, I would like to pitch the ninth inning.'' Doug Padilla