Lincoln “next year is going to be a big year for me”

Brad Lincoln ended the 2010 season with arguably one of his best innings pitched in his major league career. In the seventh inning on September 30th against the Marlins he pitched a perfect inning, striking out the side and needed just 15 pitches to do so.

“I went out there with the mindset that I’m just going to throw as hard as I can and see what they can do with it. Coming out of the bullpen is a different style for me. I haven’t really done it in my career and I was a little amped up. My first outing out of the bullpen and I was a little bit over amped for that. I kind of got out of control. I just controlled it this time but used it to my advantage as well and was able to have success.”

Lincoln was dominant.

“It was just one of those nights. I felt good in the bullpen before I got out on the mound. It was just one of those things where everything was clicking and I was able to locate my pitches and put them all away with my breaking ball.”

Did things just click for Lincoln to the point where he thought, ‘now I can trust my stuff, and now I can relax?

“Absolutely. It was one of those things where when I got done with that inning it was kind of refreshment for me and it did make me realize that this is the way it needs to be, this is the way I should go about my business.”

Lincoln started the 2010 season in Triple-A Indy and on June 15th he made his anticipated major league debut. But things didn’t work out so well for Brad. After eight starts with the Bucs’ he was demoted to the Indians to get back to where he was before he was called up. But despite the rough time he had in the majors, he was thankful it happened.

“To clear my head, to learn from the experience. It was a big help for me. To get with Dean [Treanor] and to get my mind back to where it needed to be successful. I think it was a big help. Being able to work with Ray and our side sessions and getting some stuff done. Next year is going to be a big year for me. I’m looking forward to it.”

What does Lincoln plan on working on in the offseason and into spring training?

“First and foremost I’m going to get my body in top shape. Coming into spring I’m going to be battling for a job in that starting rotation. I’m going to get my body in top physical form and then come into spring early and get things going with Ray [Searage], or whoever it may be that’s here. Get that train rolling and be as prepared possible for this upcoming year.”

The Pirates’ have discussed getting some pitching help from the free agent market in the offseason. Lincoln will be battling with Paul Maholm, James McDonald, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton, Daniel McCutchen, Jeff Karstens, Brian Burres, and perhaps others for a spot in that five-man rotation. He remains confident and believes he can be one of those guys.  

“If I put my mind to it, I believe I can do anything.”