SanDiego.Padres.MLB.com

Q: How do you get ready for a game? - From V. Mullis, Semmes, AL
A: I start getting ready for my next start the day after I make my previous start. I find out what team I'm going to pitch against and I start studying tape and throwing the bullpen. I work out and run in-between my starts. Then on the day I'm pitching, I lay low and then go in for treatments on my arm about an hour before the game starts and get it feeling good and get after it!

Q:If you could do it again, would you still join the Padres right out of high school or would you have attended college? - From E. Mosca, Novato, CA
A: There is no doubt about it that there is some regret there. At times I do wish I had the college experience listening to my buddies talk about it and everything else. But there is no doubt in my mind that I made the right decision for me and my family and fortunately, I was able to progress quickly through the system and get to the major leagues at a young age. But there is no doubt about it that getting here and getting on with my career was the best thing for me, and who knows, maybe when it's all said and done, I'll go to college.

Q: Lots of kids have dreams of pitching in the bigs and very few ever make it. When did it first dawn on you that you had a chance to make it? - From J. Richardson
A: The first time was in high school when I started having pro scouts coming out and checking me out, then it just kind of took off from there.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do when you are back in Semmes, AL? - From N. Bohannon
A: I enjoy hanging out at Rowells Sporting Goods with the boys. I like to hunt and fish alot in Alabama. Just being back home in Alabama and hanging out with family is great for me.