Rich Harden Texas Rangers (6-28-2003)
What is your pitching philosophy?
I like to be really aggressive, go right at the hitters, not try to pitch around them, and make them hit my pitch.
What are your strengths right now?
Definitely my fastball, but it is kind of my weakness now too. It throws off my command a little bit. I’m fighting that, but when that’s there everything else comes around.
What do you call your out pitch?
My out pitch is likely my splitter or my fastball. Either way with two strikes I’ll drop a splitter in there and get some to swing.
You’re noted for your fastball. What is the speed on your average fastball?
I’m averaging between 87 and 98 mph. I throw a two seam fastball, like a batting practice fastball to gets some grounds balls. It’s what I have been working on this past season. Then when I need it I have a little extra. It all depends on how the game is going.
I thought you were throwing in the high 90’s?
I could every pitch but I rather throw at a lower speed and change speeds. I find I’m being more effective with the hitters.
Do you pitch to your strengths or a batter’s weakness?
I guess a little of both but I like to pitch to my strengths. It is something I like to take out there everyday and just be aggressive. It doesn’t matter who the hitter is, I just go right at him.
Do you approach them individually or with one basic style?
I would say one basic style. Just go right at them. It changes with some hitters’ game in and game out, but I’ll still go right at guys.
Do you think the high draft picks get more chances?
Yeah I’d say they do. The first rounders, the guys that get a little more money, they’ll get a lot more opportunities in baseball. They have the raw skills so they are going to stick with them.
Were you a first round pick?
No, I was drafted in the 17th round.
How do you approach spring training when there are a lot of pitchers with equal ability competing for a roster spot?
I really don’t let that effect me at all. I am out there pitching my game and doing my own thing. That really doesn’t change anything. I just go out there and do what I’ve done the whole time.
Do you read the sport pages or scouting reports about you?
No. I don’t really count on that stuff.
How do you handle the umpires when they make a call you thought was bad?
Hey it happens. They are human beings. They aren’t perfect. They call their strike zone and I don’t let it effect me. It’s not going to get me anywhere. I have to take it and try and make a pitch the next time.
What do you think of brush backs, knockdowns and retaliation?
It’s all part of the game. It happens everywhere and it’s going to happen. It’s just part of the game.
Do players come up to you and tell you that someone hit them on purpose and expect you to take care of it?
No really. It won’t be from one player coming up and saying this guy did this, this guy did that, it has to be something that we believe. I haven’t really been in that situation yet.
What would you tell someone in high school about professional baseball?
If it’s your dream, set some goals, go out there and work your butt off. I didn’t really know too much about the opportunities that were out there. When I played I was on the radar gun throwing pretty hard so I got drafted. I wish it was that easy for a lot of kids, but they should stick with it and work hard. They are a lot of opportunities out there.