Steve Webb
In a recent episode of the Bleed Los Podcast, Dodgers’ relief pitcher Alex Vesia offered a detailed look into his journey and mindset. “Thank you guys for having me on. This is pretty cool. We got an off day today, so I’ve been relaxing and whatnot,” Vesia started, enjoying his day off in San Diego.
Reflecting on his fourth season with the Dodgers, Vesia shared how he’s evolved, particularly through learning from failures. “For me, the failure was so important because there was so much growth. I can’t just throw the fastball at the top of the zone and expect to be successful,” he explained. This realization led him to increase the usage of his slider and changeup. “Evan and I had sat down right before the All-Star break last year… I knew in the offseason that I needed to work on throwing the slider for a strike,” Vesia added, highlighting his offseason adjustments.
Vesia also touched on the importance of strategic planning within the bullpen, especially with the contributions of coaches Mark Prior, Josh Bard, and Connor McGinnis. “They are a little bit more clear with where our lanes are, who we’re going to be facing in the lineup,” he noted. This clarity helps the bullpen adapt to changing game situations and manage workloads effectively. Vesia praised manager Dave Roberts, saying, “Doc does a great job managing it, making sure that guys aren’t being overused.”
When asked about his mental approach to being called into various situations, Vesia emphasized the need for confidence and preparation. “I give myself the positive affirmations that I’m prepared, that I’m ready,” he said. Vesia believes in maintaining a strong, confident mindset: “I’m the baddest mfer on the planet. You have to believe that when you’re a reliever.” He also shared how he thrives on the energy from the crowd at Dodger Stadium, describing it as an essential part of his performance.
Looking back at his development, Vesia recognized the importance of routine and consistency. “For me, there’s never really one specific moment… it’s more of my routine,” he explained, detailing his pre-game preparations. His dedication to improving his mechanics and adapting his pitches has paid off, as evidenced by his successful performances this season.
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