Armando Benitez
Armando Benitez
Armando Benítezis a retired relief pitcher. Benítez debuted with the Baltimore Orioles in 1994 and within a few years became their closer. He was a reliever for several other organizations after Baltimore in 1999 and last played in Major League Baseball in 2008. His 289 saves rank 25th all time. After 2008, he played in minor league and independent league baseball...
ProfessionBaseball Player
Date of Birth3 November 1972
relaxed
I was probably as relaxed as I've ever been,
behind chance good guys seven showing
Right now, we're behind seven games. We have a good chance to get it done. The young guys are showing what they can do.
I've been around for 12 years in this kind of situation.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. There's nothing I can do.
good players talking veteran
See? That's what I'm talking about. How many times have I pitched in the playoffs? I've been there. (Edgardo) Alfonzo has been there. Mo Alou has been there. We have good players here, veteran players.
again closing effective escaped fastball job mid possesses scrutiny twice
Having twice escaped from New York's scrutiny and with a closing job again, Benitez, who still possesses a fastball in the mid to upper 90's, will again be an effective closer.
course mind regular
Of course I can now do most of my regular stuff. Right now I have everything on my mind (for the season).
bit felt happy worry
I felt good. I was really happy to be out there. I was a little bit nervous, but not too nervous. I didn't worry about velocity. I was concentrating on location.
care delivery last time
I feel good. I don't care what happened. I wanted to see my fastball, my delivery and my knee. Hey, this is not going to be the first time or the last time. ... Play ball, this is nothing.
confident
I feel really comfortable and confident that I can do my job.
care coming ready surgery
I told the guys, I have to take care of myself. They have to understand, I'm coming back from surgery and I have to be ready for the season. I can't do it right now.
felt
It's more complicated with hitters, but I felt fine.
baseball coming gone good grateful latin means players
It's good those players are recognized, because it means a lot for all of them, and for the Latin players in the Negro Leagues. We are grateful for them. Baseball has gone through cycles, and times change, and this has been coming for a long time.
great guys perfect saw showing throw
It was real important for us to come from behind, ... The young guys are showing us what they can do. Matheny had a great throw -- a perfect throw. I saw the out and said, 'Thank you!'