KNBR Post-game show, "In the Clubhouse," 5/6/00
Dennis Higgins: Shawn, congratulations, complete game shutout. I guess if there was any doubt as to whether you're back or not, it's all been erased.
Shawn: Well, you know, I mean, it's a good start, you know. But, I felt good today. I actually had some energy today, which was nice. And I think that last start helped me learn how to pitch a little bit, and I was able to do that a little bit today, and I got some unbelievable defense behind me. I can't say enough about Billy over at third and Armando with the throw. Everyone pitched in today, and it was a great team win, and I was just happy to be a part of it.
Dennis: Let me ask you, very early on today in the third inning, an in field single by the leadoff batter, and then you walked Mike Lansing on 4 consecutive pitches, your catcher Doug Mirabelli went out to the mound to talk with you; what did you guys talk about?
Shawn: Well, you know, just a bit of mechanical stuff. Sometimes he knows me better, well, not better than anybody, but when I'm out there, he knows when my mechanics are off, and he just got me back in sync again. I was overthrowing a bit, a little amped up today, had a very high energy level today. The first few innings I couldn't slow myself down, but I got a good ground ball with the bases loaded, and Ramon [Martinez] made and unbelievable play, and man, it was a team effort today, and I'm happy to get this one out of the way, this first complete game out of the way.
Dennis: How important was it for you to get the complete game?
Shawn: Well, it's always important, I mean, it saves the bullpen, for one. And you get the team like this, scoring some runs, you always like to do that. But on a personal level, I like to be able to go out there and throw a hundred, hundred and ten pitches a game and know that my arm can handle it. I think today I proved that I could do that. I didn't have all my gas in the last couple innings, but I was able to get enough on it and get some guys out, and getting some great plays behind me once again.
Dennis: Shawn, it's amazing, you look at this Rockies ballclub-- they scored 72 runs in the previous 6 games before the last two shutouts, it's been incredible the way you've been able to shut them out.
Shawn: Well, you know where they scored that 72-- at Coors Field, so a little bit inflated numbers, but they've got some guys who can swing the bat, and Helton's on fire this year, as well as most of the guys. You look at their numbers and it's incredible. But we're running on a pretty good run rights now, and the pitching's been doing very well, so we're just going to try to keep it going.
Dennis: Listen, congratulations on the complete game shut out, great job, and thanks for the visit.
Shawn: Thanks Dennis.