Making The Switch From A Starter To A Closing Pitcher

I was a starting pitcher in college and a closer in the Chicago Cubs organization. For some, this transition is easier than for others. There's the physical difference - starting pitching is like running a long race, closing is like sprinting. But there's also a mental difference, which in my opinion is most important. Look, the physical ability is already there. You already have the skills or you wouldn't be there in the first place, right? It's the mental part that needs the work. And you've got to take the time to work on it.

I like a closer to be a real son of a bitch. I like the attitude. There's a little macho-ism.  Great closers like Rob Dibble, one of my favorites growing up, had smoke blowing out of his nose. There's got to be attitude there.  When you go from starting to closing, you'll gain velocity because of the adrenaline. It's a rush. A quick rush. You have to be able to control it ... c'mon, let's go, get in the box, I'm going to get you out. 

As a closer, you've got to have command of 2 pitches and you've got to know how to get ready in the bullpen without over doing it. You can do that by throwing a pitch for every pitch that's thrown on the mound ... or every other pitch.

But closing pitching is mostly just coming in and you have to pound the strike zone. Because those early pitches when you're coming into the game are really important.  If you blow a game, you've got to be ready to go the next night. A short memory is best. But above all, you've got to trust yourself. Let's f-ing go, let's see what's going to happen!