Tigers in Titan territory
Detroit pitchers Robertson, Galarraga get in shape for spring training at UDM
Michael Martinez
Issue date: 2/11/09 Section: News
| |
| |
| |
|
These are just a few names of professional athletes who have graced the floor of Calihan Hall throughout the school's storied past.
Add Detroit Tiger's pitchers Nate Robertson and Armando Galarraga to that list.
While Robertson may have never donned the red, white, and blue - he has spent considerable time in the Larry Bleach Fitness Center in Calihan Hall during Major League Baseball's offseason, and has invited Galarraga to work out with him on a few occasions. Under the watchful eye of Titan strength and conditioning coach Nick Wilson, Robertson has spent the majority of his winter trying to regain the flexibility that was lacking in last year's disappointing season.
The Tiger's began 2008 with high expectations after offering big contracts to big-name stars. They failed to meet those expectations, ending with a 74-88 record and finishing last in the American League's Central Division. Although the entire team underachieved and often failed to perform as expected, perhaps no one suffered more that Robertson.
Only two years removed from pitching in the World Series, Robertson posted a 7-11 record with an ERA of 6.35, his highest as a Tiger. He went through the "lowest point" in his career when he was taken out of the starting rotation and moved to the bullpen, where he continued to struggle.
Robertson believes that his biggest problem was his inability to be consistent.
"It's just inconsistency," he said. "You're either consistent or you're not, and there are games that I obviously went out and pitched well enough to win. But there weren't enough of them and that's what it comes down to. You have to perform consistently. I've done that before and I need to get back to doing that again."
Robertson hopes that his UDM workout routine, developed by the Tigers' head strength and conditioning coach, Javair Gillett, will help him get back to where he wants to be.
"I think it's going to take part in kind of reforming my flexibility and the core strength that I need," he said.
For Galarraga, a rookie in 2008 and arguably the Tigers' best pitcher, this offseason was all about building on his recent success.
"I watch a lot of videos," he said. "Also, I've been running a lot and working my legs; I want to rest my arm and just get strong and healthy."
This offseason marked Robertson's first experience at UDM, and he described Calihan Hall as a "perfect" facility for him. "This is all I need," he said. "I like the way it is set up, especially when I can come here when it's empty and just work out one-on-one. It has been a really good fit for me."
Galarraga also enjoyed his time at UDM, praising the work of Wilson and calling the Larry Bleach Fitness Center "excellent."
After going through many struggles in the past season, Robertson had a few words of advice for Titan student-athletes, who might not be experiencing the success that they want. His message was simple: persevere and remain consistent.
"You can tell everybody to 'work hard' or whatever, but there are a lot of people that work hard," he said. "Really, it's the perseverance under trial. Perform at the highest level that you can, and the only way you can do that is to mentally get past those trials and get through those tough times. That's how you either become consistent or inconsistent."
With its close proximity to the ballpark, UDM boasts a number of Tiger fans, and Robertson believes that they are in for a treat this season.
"Expect a heck of a lot better," he said.
Both Robertson and Galarraga are expecting big things this season; when asked who would win the 2009 World Series, both responded quickly, "The Detroit Tigers."
If they do make it to the Fall Classic, you might be able thank Nick Wilson and his staff at Calihan for adding a little Titan toughness to the Tigers.
Be the first to comment on this story