Dark Horse Candidate

Many seem to have forgotten about Ryan Wagner. When you haven't pitched a Major League Game in 18 months, that tends to happen. Yet this former First Round Pick out of The University Of Houston says he's ready to go again. In fact, he has not been this excited about baseball for a while. You could see it in his face, in his expressions and in his ability shown on the mound. Whether throwing his fastball, sinker or slider--Ryan says he's got his command and control back. Fully recovered from a labrum tear in his right shoulder, Ryan Wagner wants everyone to know that he looking to be an integral part of Our Washington Nationals 2009 Bullpen.

I know your recovery has been long and there have been some ups and down. How is everything going these days? (SBF)

“Absolutely outstanding. I am 100% ready to go!”

Really? Last year, when you first came back, you seemed to have lost your velocity? SBF

“Yes, that’s true but that’s pretty normal. I was trying to build back arm strength. My velocity is back. All my pitches are back; even the movements on all those pitches are back. I am feeling really confident.”

How tough was it for you sitting on the side for the last two years? (SBF)

“Extremely tough, sometimes you wonder whether you should keep trying when the recovery is not going as fast as you would like. You want to get out there, and not only just earn a paycheck, but help the team. I was unable to help the team and that became frustrating.”

Did you get to the point where you thought maybe you would never comeback? (SBF)

“Yes, of course. Anytime you go through a major surgery, especially shoulder surgery, there is always that chance, even if it’s in the back of your mind, not only just getting back to your old self, but pitching again.”

I remember reading that your operation was fairly long—a couple of hours because the damage was so bad? (SBF)

“Yeah, it was. It was longer then we (Ryan & his Doctor) expected. But that was the start of recovery and this is now—the finish and I feel good. I am 100% ready to throw in games. In fact, I am ready for the season right now. I can’t wait to go (to the mound).”

When we first met two years ago—I mentioned to you that you appear to deliver your pitches with increased pressure on your elbow and you told me that’s the way you have always pitched. Then a short time later you were injured and I felt I sort of jinxed you? (SBF)

“No, my injury was some time coming. I really had not felt good the last couple of years. It had got to the point where I really could not do my job anymore and perform the way I wanted to. When we had it checked out, we knew surgery was needed and I just went ahead and got it done so I could move forward again. God Willing, everything turned out great.”

You seem really confident that you are not only ready, but can be a solid contributor to this Major League Team—this year? (SBF)

“I have no doubt that I am 100% recovered.”

This team does need bullpen help. (SBF)

“Yes, we do. Getting me back to the old me is the key. I still trust my stuff--what I can do and what I have done in the past.”

Did you change your delivery at all in your recovery? (SBF)

“No. Absolutely not. If you start changing who you are, you start changing your pitches or start changing what you use to be and how you got to where you were in The Big Leagues—then you will never be that same person again. If I had to change who I was—then I would have never comeback. That would not be worth all the time and effort.

That’s really encouraging to hear—especially since you are sort of flying under the radar right now? (SBF)

“Well, I have been out for the last year and a half. Sometimes people forget who you are and what you could do before. I am flying under the radar, but I think I like that.”

Dark Horse Candidate. (SBF)

“Yeah. I like that too.” (Smiling Broadly)

Ryan Wagner--officially now--Dark Horse Candidate, confidently looking to be an integral part of Our Washington Nationals 2009 Bullpen. He is a very good developing story--worth following.