Interview With Clay Rapada

333: Hey Clay. First off, I want to say thank you so much for doing this. Appreciate that you're willing to take time out of your schedule. Ok, first question:
333: You've floated around from team to team so far in you career. Is it fun traveling from club to club, meeting new fans, etc. or would you rather stay put and establish yourself with a club?

Rapada: When you first start with an organization you always have your connections with them, coaches, and players.  I have enjoyed playing for all of the teams.  It's still just baseball.

333: You play for the Tides, the Orioles AAA affiliate. Give us a little clubhouse insider. Are there any unique pregame rituals that you guys do?

Rapada: The most common clubhouse would be playing cards... everyday there is a new game... we even try to invent some games...

333: What's it like to say you've been in the big leagues for 5 years and made 68 appearances, but never suffered a loss?

Rapada: I would hope that it means that they could trust me... but it's obviously an odd number...

333: As a pitcher who's appearances usually consist of 2 or 3 outs, do stats really matter to you?

Rapada: No.. I look at success rate as far as keeping the game close and getting the ball to the next reliever with a chance to win.

333: Your pitching motion is the not the most common one used, but you're very effective with it. What made you decide to use the side-arm motion?

Rapada: I would say that I rely on a ton of deception... I was never highly scouted because of lack of arm strength and movement.. But I have found success in deception and mixing speeds and times to the plate...

333: What do you think are the biggest benefits and biggest disadvantages to being a sidearm lefty?

Rapada: Benefits are just different angle... disadvantage is that some times my ball doesn't have depth like throwing overhand.

333: Should we expect to see Clay Rapada on the expanded roster in September?

Rapada: I would hope so... but I'm not upper management.

333: How does your experience with the Orioles differ from your experience with the Cubs, Tigers, and Rangers?

Rapada: It was fine because this is the place I choose over 13 other organizations.

333: Throughout your career in the bigs, the appearances you've made have typically been very clutch situations. Does it give you confidence on the mound knowing that your manager trusts you enough to rely on you in those situations? Or do you not tend to think about that on the mound?
Rapada: Well I think the Cubs did a great job of training me for my role up in the bigs... I was a closer for the last 3 years ... so it was normal for me to face tough situations.

333: Last year you were added to Texas' expanded roster to be a specialist against Robinson Cano. Take us back to that: what's it like coming on to face one batter; especially when it's one of the best hitters in baseball? Is there more pressure because you know he's the only guy you're gonna face? Or does that not really effect you.

Rapada: It always seems to be a critical point... facing a dangerous hitter... I've had success against Cano... but when it's for a situation and kinda gives me the feeling of a place kicker for a football team... all eyes or on that play... it doesn't really affect me .. because i knew it was my job...