Wednesday, February 23, 2000
Villone starting over
First spring in rotation
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SARASOTA, Fla. — Just think what Ron Villone might be able to accomplish as a starting pitcher with a chance to prepare for the role.
Villone's emergence might have been the most surprising aspect of the Reds' 96-victory finish last year. After making 284 consecutive professional appearances as a reliever, including 162 in the major leagues through five seasons, Villone joined the rotation in June and stabilized it by posting an 8-7 record as a starter.
“I can't believe he did it,” said catcher Jason LaRue with a bewildered chuckle. “If you stay with a positive attitude, it can get you a long ways.”
Villone has progressed after beginning last season in the minors. General Manager Jim Bowden said Tuesday that Villone has the potential to develop into a 12- to 14-game winner this year. “But there's a difference between potential and doing it,” Bowden said.
Villone sounded intent on fulfilling all expectations.
“I know I'm going to be in a (starter's) routine and I know they're giving me the work I need,” the left-hander said. “It can't do anything but benefit me because of all the work, time and preparation. I really wasn't physically ready for it last year — to excel or do what I needed to be above average.”
At times, Villone was far above average after injuries to other starters forced him into the rotation. He threw three near-complete one-hitters (two eight innings, another seven). Pitchers he defeated included Arizona's Randy Johnson and Houston's Mike Hampton, who finished 1-2 in the National League's Cy Young Award voting.
Villone was 9-7 with a 4.23 ERA overall, becoming another of pitching coach Don Gullett's success stories. Gullett made a minor adjustment in Villone's delivery, showing him how he could improve his effectiveness just by landing differently on his front leg.
Villone still endured the control problems that dogged him through most of his career. Thus, gaining consistency is among his top spring priorities.
“When I threw strikes, it was a whole new world for me,” Villone said.
Villone doesn't throw overwhelmingly hard, but the natural movement on his fastball makes it effective enough. Knowing this, Gullett has advised Villone to do what pitchers usually try to avoid — throw the ball down the middle of home plate.
“Gully's said that to me a hundred times already,” Villone said. “It's easier said than done. For me, that means the ball's going to one side or the other.”
Gullett also wants Villone to refine his mental approach and think more like a starter in terms of setting up hitters and selecting pitches.
“He just needs to learn a little bit more about himself and pitching in general,” Gullett said.
Villone is among the Reds' hardest-working pitchers.
“Nothing's ever been set in ink for me ever,” Villone said. “I never take it that way, and I probably never will. I can't ever take anything for granted.”
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