Whoa, slow down Sparky! Try to add a breather in your sentences (i.e. periods, capital letters :lol: ).
Anyway, loisburgrebels, it sounds to me that you have the stuff. You have won before. You were able to get out of relief situations safely multiple times. You have proven to your coach that you are a winner. I think your problem is that you haven't proven it to yourself.
Sure, relief pitching may not be your cup-o'-tea, but it's not all that bad. Some of the best pitchers out there are relievers. Look at Smoltzie! He went from starter to reliever to starter and back to reliever again. About 6 or so years ago, no one thought about him being a Hall of Famer, but now after his incredible years as a reliever, he's considered first ballot to many.
I look at it this way, as long as you're out there you're helping the team do what it needs to do to win. And that's the most important thing. Not winning, but being the best teammate you can be. Another note to consider is what Steve was talking about. That is, relief pitching may help you get to the big leagues. There is a pitching epidemic (well acording to MLB and their affiliates). So many times the starter has made it to the 6th or 7th giving up 2 or so runs and have it all blow up once a reliever comes in. This may be one of the best times to become a MLB player. Sure, you'll may never become a MLB starter, but you'll have a great chance of making a MLB team. That can't be that bad, can it?
What I'm trying to say is to think about what you have and have accomplished when you are asked to step on the mound. Be that guy. The one who takes the ball when asked and shuts down the opponent.
You'll find that once you begin to realize that and enjoy yourself out there that the possibilities are endless. And, you'll have a better opportunity at getting asked to start. Even if you don't, enjoy yourself out there anyway.
You're playing baseball, the greatest sport in the world! Have fun out there!
