D-backs’ Patrick Corbin’s time is now
May 3, 2012, 1:34 AM | Updated: 2:59 am
“It’s your time now,” Patrick Corbin’s father told his son before the 22-year-old southpaw toed the rubber for his major league debut Monday against the Miami Marlins.
Those words indeed proved prophetic as Corbin showed incredible poise and maturity en route to his first big league victory. The left-hander tossed 5 2/3 innings, struck out six, and allowed three runs against the Marlins.
“He was very cool, calm and collected and I think that’s how he pitched his first outing,” D-backs General Manager Kevin Towers told Arizona Sports 620 Wednesday.
Understandably, Corbin had nerves in the first inning and it showed when the youngster loaded the bases. But Corbin’s ability to settle down and regain his control and focus spoke volumes about his makeup and character.
“Maybe the numbers didn’t look the best but I feel like I was pretty pleased with myself,” Corbin told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf said Wednesday. “I was able to go out there and keep the team in the ballgame.”
Corbin credited his team’s ability to put up runs early for helping him to be able to relax and find his groove.
“I was still out there fighting, throwing strikes and I mean we got the win, and at the end of the day that’s what we want,” Corbin said. “If I can do anything to help the team win, that’s what I am trying to do.”
For Corbin, his major league debut served as an invaluable learning experience going forward. The Diamondbacks’ southpaw has a better understanding of the tools he’ll need to master on the mound if he wants to have longevity in his career.
“I feel like just mixing up speeds and throwing your fastball in and out and keeping the ball down is definitely a big thing,” Corbin stated. “Just go out there and don’t be afraid of these guys, just go out there and throw at them and see what happens.”
So far Towers has liked what he’s seen and heard regarding Corbin’s performance.
“Very excited,” Towers said. “I thought he did a great job although I didn’t get to see it in person. [Manager Kirk Gibson] said he did a very nice job.”
Corbin has started what figures to be a profitable career strong and like many expected he would. This is his time, after all.
