Ohlendorf feels “really prepared” for spring training

The 2010 season was a rough year for Ross Ohlendorf. He finished 1-11 with a 4.07 ERA and pitched only 108.1 innings (down from 176.2 innings in 2009). Ohlendorf also battled the disabled list twice –first with a back injury, then later in the season with a right shoulder strain. He also missed a start due to being hit by a line drive in the head.

“To Ross’ credit, he just kept grinding,” general manager Neal Huntington said. “Ross did a nice job of managing damage during the year and not panicking. The velocity will get better as he gets healthy. As he gets stronger, the slider will continue to develop and get better. The changeup really came on this year. Despite his won-loss record, Ross actually threw very well for us.”

“I wish that it had gone better, particularly the injuries,” Ohlendorf said. “But I felt like I had a two-month stretch where I was really pitching well. I was happy with how that went, and I felt like I had made some good adjustments to get there.”

Five months later, Ohlendorf says, “My arm feels really good.”

Ohlendorf started throwing in late November, a week earlier than usual. He also has been keeping track of his pitch counts of every session. This Friday will mark his fifth mound session supervised by pitching coach Ray Searage.

Sticking to a stricter schedule than in the past, Ohlendorf believes his off-season tweaks will have him better prepared for spring training.

“I’ve done some things differently and it feels really good,” Ohlendorf said. “I was not happy with where my arm was at the beginning of Spring Training last year. I felt like I needed to make an adjustment.”

“I feel really prepared,” Ohlendorf said. “I’m really looking forward to continuing that for the next couple weeks until Spring Training.”