Preparing for the Royals

Kansas City has some good young talent this year. They're definitely putting the pieces together. Dejesus, their leadoff man, is a really good player. I always keep an eye on Jeff Weaver and they beat him up pretty good yesterday. There's no question I'm going to have to pitch well for us to win tomorrow night. Tonight, I'll just spend some time in my room going over the Royals lineup in my head, visualizing what they look like in the box and how my pitches look against those guys. I do that the night before all of my starts. This helps me get mentally prepared for the scouting meeting tomorrow at the park. When I first get to the stadium, I'm actually pretty laid back. I like to take it easy, but as the game gets closer I start to get more and more focused. I get really locked in about 30 minutes before the game. I grab a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a couple of Red Bulls and I'm ready to rock. That's a big part of my routine. I actually stole the peanut butter and jelly thing from Darin Erstad. He used to have two of them before every game. I can't do two of those, just one. The Red Bulls, that's all me. After the sandwiches and Red Bulls I get stretched out by the trainers, take a couple of advils and I'm ready go.

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• Angels4Life said April 30, 2007

  Your pre-game meal sounds like a good hangover remedy :)
  
  A road sweep in KC will really put you guys in a good position as Oakland has 10 of their next 15 against teams with losing records. I know it's early in the season but every game does count and psychologically if you can get up 6 - 8 games on the A's early you'll be looking good the rest of the year. The Angels starting staff is just too strong to let the Angels go on any major losing streaks. I think Oakland is really your only competition in the West. Seattle just isn't strong enough and we all know Texas will fade come the late summer months if they have any momentum built in the standings.
  
  Blog by blog you're getting more solid in your takes! Keep up the good work!

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  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    It gets me ready to pitch, that's for sure. I'm always in the house ready to go.
    
    It is too early to tell how the division will shake out but all four teams have their strengths. It will come down to the end.
• DueNorth said May 01, 2007

  Advil for headaches or for easing any pains? Do you listen to any music when getting ready?
  
  Thank you for your blog... it is very facinating.

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  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    Right before I go out I ride the bike for 10 minutes just to get a sweat and loosen up some more. When I do that I pop on a little classic rock. Whatever is laying around in the clubhouse.
• BrianC6234 said May 01, 2007

  Great job working out of the 6th inning Lackey. That's what is great about you. You almost always find a way to make that big final pitch. I hope your foot is okay.

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  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    Thanks. I take pride in being able to make big pitches in tough spots.
• halosheaven27 said May 01, 2007

  great job tonight johnny you are fantastic in the clutch...GO HALOS!

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  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    Thanks
• halosheaven27 said May 01, 2007

  hey john i dont know if you remember me but i was the guy in chicago on friday night when you were talking to mike butcher i believe in the dugout before the game who yelled "hey johnnny!" to you...i was the only one in the viscinity im sure wearing anything angels since we were in chicago and i was standin right behind the angels dugout and you turned around and said "hey, what's up dude?" do you remember that? anyways i think you are awesome and you have one of the best 12 to 6 biting curveballs ive ever seen...GO HALOS!

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  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    Oh yeah. It was great seeing some Angels fans in the stands
• bthayer said May 01, 2007

  Great game tonight John. What's it like to have Figgins back in the clubhouse?

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  • thumbsdown replied May 01, 2007

    8 hits over 6+ innings and you were able to keep the Royals to one run. Way to keep your composure out there Mr. Lackey.
  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    It's really good having him back. He's been bummed out wanting to play. He brings a lot of energy to the team. When he gets on base he can really wreak some havoc.
• mdguy2415 said May 01, 2007

  John, this is the first I have seen your blog. Good work.
  
  I do have one question for you: In the game today, who would you consider the hardest batter to pitch and get out?
  
  Take care,
  Anthony - http://oriolepost.blogspot.com

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  • John_Lackey replied May 04, 2007

    Manny is probably the toughest for me. He's just tough to figure out.
• Chuckr said May 02, 2007

  4 wins in a row, Go Angels!!
  
  Nice job on Monday, John!

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• ralfo08 said May 03, 2007

  Hey John, great game two nights ago. You should write a blog about the gatorade commercial you did with Jeter.

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