Checking in with Jake Arrieta
7/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
July 30, 2006
FORT WORTH, Texas - A month into his busy schedule as a starter for Team USA, TCU baseball standout, Jake Arrieta has carried the success from his 2006 campaign with TCU into his role with the National Team. The junior is 3-0 this summer with a 0.00 ERA in four starts spanning 24 innings. Team USA is 18-2-1 on the summer and will head to Havanna, Cuba on Aug. 5 for the FISU World Championships. Arrieta took time out to answer some questions about his experience.Q: Now that you have played a few international teams, have you noticed a difference in the style of play than what you are used to?
A: The styles of the Asian teams are much different. Taiwan and Korea both had several submarine pitchers that had great command and accuracy. Japan had very disciplined hitters and their approaches were much different than collegiate teams in the United States; they had very high leg kicks that they used as part of their timing.
Q: You have had the opportunity to play at some very historical stadiums, which one has been your favorite thus far and why?
A: My favorite stadium would have to be the Red Sox Triple-A stadium in Pawtucket, RI. It was our first game against international competition and it was in front of twelve thousand fans.
Q: In the little amount of free time that you have, what kinds of things have you done and who have you spent the most time with?
A: On our off days, in between travel or games, we usually go to a bowling alley if we can. All of the guys are really competitive and even on off days we still like to beat each other. If bowling isn't an option, we go to a close by mall or to a movie theatre. I've been spending a lot of time with my roommate Daniel Moskos, Preston Clark, and several others guys.
Q: It's been a couple of weeks since we did a diary entry, are there any new experiences that stand out in your mind?
A: Interacting with the Japan team was a lot of fun. They are very interested in our culture, just as we are theirs. I'm looking forward to seeing them again in Cuba next week.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about your trip to Cuba?
A: Meeting all of the teams that will be there, experiencing new cultures, and pitching in front of thirty thousand fans.
